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28 October 2010

Fish and Vegetable Porridge

Recipe by Amy Beh

Ingredients


1/2 cup rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
2½ cups water
75g fish fillet, diced
40g shredded potato
40g broccoli, coarsely chopped
40g carrot, shredded


Method
Put rice in a saucepan, add in water and simmer until rice grains are soft and mixture is fairly dry.  Steam fish, potato, carrot and broccoli until cooked and soft.  Pour steamed ingredients into the soft cooked porridge. Remove porridge out and puree according to your desired consistency then serve.

Note
This porridge is ideal for babies 6–10 months old. For babies 12 months onwards, the porridge need not be pureed.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Cinnamon Raisin Pretzels

Recipe by Amy Beh

Ingredients
150ml lukewarm milk
1 1/2 tsp instant dried yeast
1/4 tsp sugar
A little plain flour
100g butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp salt
325g high protein flour
50g raisins


Glaze (beat together):
1 egg yolk
A pinch of salt
1 tsp milk


Sugar syrup:
275g sugar
1 1/2 cups water


Cinnamon sugar (mix well):
125g fine castor sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon powder


Method


Pour half the lukewarm milk in a small bowl and stir in instant dried yeast and sprinkle with sugar and flour. Leave aside for 10 minutes to froth. Combine melted butter, egg and salt in a small bowl.


Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in yeast mixture, combined butter egg mixture, raisins and remaining milk.


Mix to form a soft dough then turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes or until texture is springy and smooth. (Wweight of the dough should be 600g.)
Put dough into a lightly floured bowl and cover with a clean, damp tea-towel and leave aside for 1 hour or until it grows double in size.


Turn dough onto a floured surface and knock out the air, then knead for two minutes.


Cut out a piece of dough for shaping, keeping the rest covered to prevent it from drying out.


To shape the pretzel, roll the dough under your palms into a sausage shape then keep rolling into a long strip of about 65cm long. Bring the ends round; give a twist in the centre and cross over and then take them up to the top of the circle. Give a spacing of about 4cm apart, then press it in position.


Place on a piece of clean tea towel. Shape the rest of the dough into pretzels similarly. Hold the pretzels with both hands and dip right into a basin of water. (It is done to moisten the pretzels.) Take out immediately and place on a tea towel.


Place the damp pretzels on greased trays. Brush with egg glaze and bake in a preheated oven at 230°C for four to five minutes or until golden in colour.


Finish up baking the rest of the pretzels. Turn pretzels out onto a wire rack immediately after baking and dip into sugar syrup, then coat with cinnamon sugar. Pretzels are ready for serving.
To make sugar syrup: Bring ingredients to a boil until sugar is dissolved, then leave aside to cool completely before using.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Apple Cinnamon Roll

Recipe by Amy Beh

Ingredients

Filling

1 Granny Smith apple
15g castor sugar
1/4 tsp salt
15g butter


Dough
240g high protein flour
40g plain flour
2 tbsp milk powder
1/2 tsp bread improver
9g instant dried yeast
50g castor sugar
20g butter
85g lukewarm water
85g lukewarm fresh milk
20g melted butter for brushing
Cinnamon powder and icing sugar combined
Glaze (beaten)
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp water


Method


For the filling: Skin, core and dice apple. Melt butter in a non-stick pan. Add the apple, sugar and salt. Cook for 4–5 minutes until apple turns slightly soft. Puree the cooked apple in a food processor.


For the dough: Sift flour into a large mixing bowl. Stir in milk powder, bread improver, sugar and yeast. Make a well in the centre and pour in combined milk mixture and butter. Mix to form a soft dough.


Knead the dough for about 10–12 minutes until no longer sticky to the touch. Place dough in a covered bowl to rise until double in bulk. This takes about 30–40 minutes.


Punch down the dough. Roll out on a floured surface into a flat rectangular sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter. Sprinkle with combined cinnamon powder and icing sugar. Apply a light layer of apple puree. Sprinkle with a little more of the cinnamon powder mixture. Roll up tightly.


Cut into 6 equal portions. Place each portion into an aluminium tart casing. Leave aside to prove until double in size.


Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C for about 15 minutes. Immediately after baking, brush the rolls with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle lightly with icing sugar.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Choc-chip Hazelnut Cookies

Recipe by Amy Beh


Ingredients
135g butter
125g soft brown suga
3/4 tsp vanilla essenc
1 egg yolk
Sifted
175g plain flour
1 tbsp rice flour
1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
40g sultanas
50g chocolate chips
40g hazelnuts, chopped

 

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease baking trays lightly with corn oil.  Cream butter, sugar, essence and egg yolk until light and creamy. Fold in sifted flours, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder and add in hazelnuts, sultanas and chocolate chips. Mix well to combine. Shape teaspoons of the mixture into small limesized balls. Place balls on prepared trays and gently flatten the tops with the back of a spoon. Bake for 16–18 minutes or until golden brown. Leave the cookies in the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Oatmeal with Sweet Potato & Cinnamon

Recipe by Stacy Dong
www.zainelicious.blogspot.com

This is one of the easiest and fastest meals that I have made so far.

Yield: 1 serving


Ingredients:
1 tbsp of organic rolled oats
1 tbsp of cubed organic sweet potato, steamed
1 dash of organic ground cinnamon
1/4 cup of water or as much as needed


I freshly grind the organic rolled oats (for faster cooking and softer texture) and cook it with 1/4 cup of water under medium to low heat until the oats are soft and the desired thickness is achieved.
All this would only take 10-15 minutes. I usually let it simmer at low heat for a longer period just because I like it softer and mushier for Z.


When it's cooked, I add the sweet potato cubes (which I have steamed the day before) and finish the meal off with a dash of cinnamon.


The nuttiness from the freshly cooked oats, the sweetness of the sweet potato and the aromatic smell of the cinnamon make this meal a great start to Z's busy day.


Tip:
I like to use rolled oats because they are purest in form. The less processed they are, the more nutrients they would retain.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Egg Soup Combo

 

Serves 1-2

  • 1 medium organic egg

  • 1 clove of organic garlic, finely slivered

  • 1 tbsp of finely chopped organic onions

  • 1 tbsp of organic wakame

  • 1 cup of organic cauliflower or any other vegetables, chopped & blanched

  • 1 tsp of organic virgin coconut oil

  • 1 -1.5 cups of hot water

Heat up a pot/pan under medium-low heat and add the virgin coconut oil, garlic and onions. Fry for 3-5 minutes until the onions have turned translucent. Add in the blanced cauliflower and stir fry for a minute. Add in the hot water & wakame and let boil. At the meantime, beat the egg and slowly pour it into the soup while stirring it in a circle (in order to achieve a thin & silky egg texture). Let the whole mixture boil under medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. Serve over warm rice.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Cheesy Summer Broccoli Risini

Serves 2-4

  • 1/2 cup of organic broccoli florets

  • 1/2 cup of organic risini pasta; which means little seed is rice-like, similar to orzo

  • 1 cup of homemade broth/water

  • 1 tbsp of shredded organic cheddar or any hard cheese*

Place the risini, broccoli and homemade broth/water in a pot and bring to boil before turning down the heat to a medium-low heat and simmer. Cook for approximately 6-10 minutes or until the risini has fully absorbed the broth/water and the broccoli is soft and tender. Transfer everything to a bowl and top it off with the cheese.

* It is usually recommended that cheese is to be introduced to babies with no known/suspected dairy allergy between 8-10 months of age. If your baby has known/suspected dairy allergies, you may want to wait till s/he is a little older & always consult your pediatrician.

The "safest" types of cheeses are Cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, and hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan. Buy organic cheese to make sure that the cows were not given antibiotics, hormones or pesticide-treated feed. And buy always full fat as they need fat & fatty acids for brain development amongst other things. I personally would avoid processed cheese, e.g American cheese as they contain addictives and preservatives.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Mango, Apple & Oatmeal

The mangoes are in season and they are beautifully sweet and plum.


Serves 1-2

  • 1/4 cup of organic rolled oats
  • 1 medium size organic apple
  • 3-4 tbsp of ripe organic mango, mashed
  • A dash of cinnamon
  1. Wash, core and cut the apple into 4s. Place the bowl of apple in a pot of water and bring to boil. Steam under medium high heat for 10-15 minutes or until the apple is fork tender. Make sure the pot is tightly covered to ensure no loss of nutrients during steaming.
  2. Place the rolled oats with 1/2- 3/4 cups of water in a pot and bring to boil. Turn the heat down to medium low heat and let it simmer until it reaches the thickness that is desired.
  3. When the apple is done, separate the skin and the apple. Mash the apple with a fork.
  4. Place the oatmeal, apple and mango in a bowl and mix. Top the dish off with a dash of cinnamon.
Tip: This is a great dish for some self spoon-feeding practice. The oatmeal is thick enough to stay on the spoon even when it's turned upside down and side-to-side.
-->> Baca Seterusnya

Start school at 6 vs 4 years old

Posted by: Brigitte Rozario @ parenthot.com

Should your children start going to kindergarten at the age of six or four? When we were children, most of us started going to kindergarten only at six, one year before entering primary school.

These days, however, children have been known to start at age four or even three. What age is too young, and should children start school so early? Should we be worried about the consequences of them starting so early?


Yasmin Emi

Yasmin Emi, mother of four

:

I went to kindergarten at age six. However, my kids started kindergarten at 4. I had my reasons. My eldest started school at six. My second and third I sent at four years old because we didn't have a maid so I put them there to pass the time. Actually at my company, we have a nursery for children. I could have put them there the whole day - it's not a problem. It's for children from babies till 12 years old. But I felt my children were a bit bored. So, we decided to put them in the nursery for half a day and the other half a day they went to the kindergarten. The kindergarten accepts children from age four but of course they don't teach that early. It's only when the children reach six years old that they really start teaching them more.

I think it's up to the individual if they want to send their children to school from age four or six. But for me, I think they should start at age five. Four is too early actually and I feel the syllabus is almost the same for the four and five-year-olds. There's not much difference. It's just singing, painting and teaching them to mix with the other kids.

Our youngest son is a special child. He is hyperactive. He is classified as an OKU (disabled person) and the government has a special preschool for children like him. He went to that preschool as well as a kindergarten. At the special preschool he learnt more about painting as well as how to be more independent and do things on his own. At the kindergarten he learnt about writing, singing and art. In his first year there was no impact. In his second year, at age five, he became the example child at the kindergarten because he made such progress. My son was there from age four until he turned seven. Am I being harsh as a mother to send my child to kindergarten for four years? I don't think so because that kindergarten motivated him to go to school and learn.

My son improved so much. I'm happy because now he can read and write.

There are two categories of children. Those who are not slow and those who are slow. If they start at six years old, those who are not slow can catch up. For those who are slow like my son, it's better to start at four years old.

I think, on average most parents in the city send their children to school early because they don't want to be left out because the other parents are sending their children early now.


Mazniha Mohd Ali Noh

Mazniha Mohd Ali Noh, mother of four:

My mum was a primary english teacher, so I did not go to kindergarten. Instead I followed my mum to her school where I sat at the back of the class from age five. She said I did well and got number 10 in the class considering I was only five. Basically, I was in Standard 1 at age five!

For my own children - Jasmin, Dahlia and Lily started kindy at three years old. I think it's okay as children nowadays are more advanced than we were due to the exposure to the TV, computer etc.

I think three years old is the the right age to start sending children to school. It's not too early and it is scientifically proven too. It teaches the children not so much of academic but also social skills, friendship, sharing and that the world does evolve around us there are others too.

Children today are starting school earlier because they are more advanced. Parents have no choice really. As parents we try to provide for them so they can cope well along with others. Especially now that the environment is changing and becoming more competitive, with global challenges, it's going to be tougher. We have to brace ourselves and get our children ready for the future.

I am more worried about the consequences of not sending them to school early and the consequences of them not studying enough!

I am not a studious person, so for me I think the solution is to work hard and play harder. You have to strike a balance. Life is short. Yes one must study to get good grades. That's the beginning of life. Yes, getting a good job means getting a good salary but one must be happy. Money is not everything because money is never enough.

I agree that children nowadays lose a lot on not being able to have fun ... good, innocent fun that we used to have those days. Why? Because of the rat race. So, we parents make them study so they can get good grades, good university, good job. We do it with good intentions but sometimes we get carried away!

Children should be allowed to have time to be children, fun time as children because that is the only time a person can have for him/herself, because once they grow up and have their own family, then their time is not their own anymore. They will not be able to regain the lost childhood so don't make them grow up too fast and have no childhood at all.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Spank vs no spanking?

Posted by: Brigitte Rozario  @ parenthot.com

Is it okay to spank or cane your child? It's an age-old question. Some people believe that if you spare the cane, you will spoil the child. Others advocate there is never a good enough reason to resort to hitting, spanking or caning the child.

Let's see what two people say about this issue.

Audrey Lee (not her real name), mother of three girls aged seven to 13:

I do spank my children but it's extremely rare. It's only on occasions when they simply do not listen and it could endanger them. In such situations, I would spank them there and then. It's a good way to discipline them so they learn to respect the laws and rules.

I would usually spank them on the bum and hands - not hard enough to leave any scars yet painful enough that they will think twice before being naughty or disobedient again in future.

Naturally I feel bad about spanking them - they are my babies, after all!

In general, I don't think that girls should be spanked less than boys just because they are girls. But, I think girls do get spanked less simply because they are usually less robust and more well behaved than boys.

I myself was occasionally spanked as a child and I think it should be done when they really do not listen and if the consequences could be detrimental to them.

Spanking is always a last resort. It is always better to explain to them why they shouldn't do something.

I don't spank them anymore because they're now big enough to understand when I explain to them why they should not misbehave.


Ruth Liew

Child developmentalist, parenting author and Star columnist Ruth Liew:

I would never tell parents that it's okay to spank if they can't help it or if they feel they have to, because I know there are people out there who can't control themselves and they go overboard.

You have to ask yourself, does caning or spanking ever work in the long run? After so many years in this field, I want parents to start thinking for themselves and ask themselves 'Is it really that bad that I have to punish my child or cane him? Are there any other solutions or anywhere else I can turn?'

For example, if you're stuck in the house with a child who is very active and you try to discipline the child and you get very upset with the child and with yourself. Sometimes, you don't want people to keep telling you that you're not doing a good job, or your husband to tell you that you're not being firm. So, you have all of these other things coming into play. Then you say, 'Okay, I'm going to just do it. Once and for all spank my child just to make sure he knows what he's doing is wrong.'

Is that going to help him? Are you spanking for his own good or is it for you?

I want parents to think about it - is your child a criminal that you should lock him in the bathroom or spank him?

Think about it - this little tiny toddler can really create big problems. But he is small enough that you can lift him up, take him elsewhere and tell someone 'I really can't handle him. Can you take him for a few days? I'm sorry, I just can't do it. I need a break.' Come back later and look at the situation again.

Or you can remove your child from that situation, make sure he's safe and tell him 'I'm not going to deal with you now. I'm going to walk away and have a cup of tea and I'll come back to deal with you later.'

When you remove yourself from that anger and that hot situation, you come back and say 'Hey, you know, I'm sure he'll never do it again and to ensure that, I'm removing that item from the house.'

We have choices - we can inflict pain or we can talk; we can punish or we can talk.

I used to talk to my daughter and explain to her why a particular behaviour is not acceptable rather than spank her. And, because she grew up that way, she now doesn't understand why parents hit their children when they have other choices.

You have to see the bigger picture. It's not just about hitting. It's easy to talk about hitting - you hit the child, he stops doing whatever he was doing and that's it. In our parents' time, they had no choice. They didn't know any better then. Now, we know better.

Don't you have any other ideas than using the cane?

The anti-spanking group will say there is research to back them up while the spanking group says there are studies to show that not everybody turns out bad because of spanking.

Whether you say it's the right thing to do or not, you need to consider whether the person spanking the child is doing it for the right reasons or if they're doing it to release tension.

If you really don't agree with spanking, then walk away. Although the urge to spank or hit is there, you can walk away just like you can walk away from any temptation.

I used to tell parents that instead of moving towards their child - because they have to move forward to hit the child - take one step backwards and take five minutes before doing anything. Then ask yourself, do I want to do it? If you take time to ask yourself this question, then your anger will subside a little bit, you'll feel more in control, you'll feel more reasonable, then the chances of you hurting the child will be less.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Bottle or breast?

Posted by: Brigitte Rozario @ Parenthot.com

Both the bottle and breast offer conveniences and drawbacks for breastfeeding mums. Feeding straight from the breast means you don't have to deal with bottles or sterilisers; all you need is you and your baby. However, that also means you can't go far from your baby.

The bottle, on the other hand, offers freedom for the mum who can express her milk and store it for someone else to feed baby later.

Which is better?

Heidi Shamsuddin

Mum of three Heidi Shamsuddin says:

“All three of my children were breastfed for the first six months or so. When my eldest daughter was six months old, I had to go back to work so I expressed the milk and filled it in the bottle for her. But she refused to take it. She would actually wait until I came back from work. So she would not feed from 8am till about 7pm. Thankfully, this didn't go on for long because shortly after that she went to the child minder who introduced her to formula milk. She liked the formula from the bottle but she just didn't like my milk from the bottle. It was the same with my second child – he too wouldn't take my expressed milk from the bottle.

For the third child, I found it difficult to continue breastfeeding because I had started a business. It was very difficult to stay home and continue breastfeeding him. By about three months I had to go back to work so I would breastfeed him when I was home but supplement that with formula from the bottle.

I did try giving him my milk from the bottle but it didn't work. For some reason, all my children preferred my milk at the source.

I prefer breastfeeding to bottle feeding because it's easy – you don't have to sterilise anything; if you go out you don't have to carry any bottles. The down side is you are very much tied to your baby especially when your baby is very young and is feeding every two to three hours. That means, if you need to go out you only have the two or three hours to go out and then you have to come back home for the next feed. It's quite a strain and that's why it's difficult for working mothers.

It's a bit difficult when you're breastfeeding in public the first time. You're very conscious but by the third child you won't care anymore. Whether you get looks from those around you depends on where you are. If you're in a family-friendly cafe, then you wouldn't. You would choose where you breastfeed, after all - find more private places. For example, if you walk into a cafe, you would head to a corner to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding works better for the mother for the early stage when you have to have baby near you anyway and you have to be there. But, eventually when the baby is bigger I think the bottle is more convenient because then other people can feed the baby, too. The onus is not just on the mother.”


Juliana Benedict with daughter Ellie

Juliana Benedict, mother of an infant, says:

“Due to a difficult delivery, the hospital started my baby off on formula without consulting me in advance. When I returned home, she was already on 3 ounces of milk per feed which was what she was getting at the hospital nursery. Although I tried to breastfeed for 40 minutes each time, she was still crying for more. I then decided to top up each feed with formula milk.

A total switch was only done when Ellie was 2 months plus. I had gone back to work and way before that I had not been producing much. She used to fuss and cry at my breast when I tried to breastfeed her when I came home from work.

I would have preferred to breastfeed her exclusively if it was possible. It gave us the opportunity to bond and be close. In addition, breastfeeding is definitely more convenient - no bottles, formula, hot water, boiled water, etc.

My mum had encouraged me to breastfeed, and so did most people I knew.

I even bought a breast pump three days after I returned from the hospital. If I could have produced more milk, I would have continued to breastfeed regardless if I was going back to work or not.

In my opinion, breastfeeding is better for both the mother and baby. Unfortunately, we didn't have much of an option. However, we're still doing fine with the bottle. Ellie is healthy and thriving well.”

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Safety for tots

      There’s no escaping the truth. If your baby is going to travel by car, you’re going to need a car seat – even for a short drive.


      There are two basic options: An infant carrier (which has a handle and can be lifted in and out of the car with your baby in it – great when your baby’s asleep) or a combination seat (which stays permanently fixed in the car and is used rear-facing at first, then turned to face front as your child grows).
You may find an infant carrier you like as part of your pushchair plus, or fall in love with a particular style. Whichever you end up choosing, don’t buy a unit without asking the assistant to check if it works and fits in your car.


Here are some common questions that parents face when buying a child car seat:


What are the different types of car seats for infants and children?
Car seats are divided into different groups. It’s the weight of your child that is important, not necessarily the age. If your baby is below or above the recommended weight range for the seat, it may not offer the full protection. (See graphic below for types of car seats.)

How do I choose the right car seat for my child?
If you want to be able to carry your sleeping baby from car to house or supermarket trolley, go for an infant carrier (Group 0+). These have a handle and are usually lightweight, so they can be removed from the car and carried around, and used indoors as a rocker. You can buy it as part of a travel system with the bonus that it snaps into your pushchair chassis.
These are good until your baby weighs 13kg (usually about 12 months old) but you'll find the baby carrier difficult to lift and manoeuvre after about six months.
If you want a fixed car seat, you'll want a combination car seat (also called Group 0+/1). These are larger and costlier, but can be used from birth until your child is around four years old.


Like a toddler car seat, these stay strapped (or fixed) in the car, initially rear-facing, then swivelled to face the front when your child weighs 9kg or can sit unaided.


If a childminder or grandparent will be taking your baby out and about, you need to check if the car seat will fit in their car too, and they need to practise fitting it in. The portable (Group 0+) seats will fit most cars, but Group +/1 may prove more tricky.


What sort of certification should I look for?
All car seats must be produced in accordance with the new European Safety Standard ensuring maximum safety and comfort. They are approved to the United Nations Regulations ECE R44 standard.


Can my child be in her or his car seat but in the front passenger side?
If your car has an airbag (as most cars do these days), your baby must go in the back seat - inflated airbags can be lethal to babies. Some airbags can be disabled, but you need to check this with the manufacturer of your car. Side airbags are no problem.


Why can't I just strap my child in without a child car seat?
A car seat is a must-have to transport your baby. It's the safest way to travel with your precious little cargo.


Children are more vulnerable to injury in the event of an accident. A baby's skull is thinner than an adult's. As such, head injuries to babies are frequently more serious.


A child's neck and pelvis are also vulnerable parts of the body when an accident happens. If your child is not in a child car seat, the seat belt can slip up and damage his or her internal organs.


Child seats are very expensive, is there a way I can minimise the cost involved?
You can go for the combination car seat. This may be costlier, but they are larger and have a longer life, lasting from birth until your child is around four years old.


You may then change to a highback booster without harness or booster seats. These are suitable from 15kg to 36kg (from approximately four to 11 years). Toddler/child and seat are secured in the car by the adult seat belt. The seat raises the child to enable the adult seat belt to fit more securely, safely and comfortably. The extra height also gives a better view, helping to relieve boredom/travel sickness.


What is the law in Malaysia regarding children in car seats?
There is no enforcement law in Malaysia yet. However, keeping your little one safe and comfy in transit is vital.


Car safety checklist
1. Always buy the right car seat for your child's weight.


2. Replace the car seat as soon as your child grows out  of it.


3. Install the seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.


4. Never use a car seat where an airbag is fitted.


5. Use the car seat for every car journey, however short.


6. Check that the car seat is firmly in position every time you use it.


7. Check that the harness is firm. You should be able to get only two fingers between the straps and your child's chest.


8. If anyone else is driving your child around, make sure they know how to fit and use the car seat correctly.


9. Never leave your baby in the car unattended.
Answers provided by Mothercare.

Mothercare and ParenThots are currently running a safety contest at parenthots.com/contests/mothercare. Five lucky readers will win a Mothercare Sevile Star child car seat worth RM699. The prizes are sponsored by Mothercare.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

What to eat during pregnancy?

Watch what you eat during pregnancy. There should be balance, moderation and variety.

By BRIGITTE ROZARIO


If you are pregnant and decide to do a search on the Web on what to eat and what not to eat, you will find a lot of articles. Some of these articles may even contradict each other. Who should you listen to and what can you eat?


For starters, when in doubt, ask your gynaecologist. He or she would be the best person to answer all your questions. Don't be afraid to ask even if you think it's a silly question. If your gynae is reluctant to answer properly, find another gynae who is.
If you can't wait for the next visit to ask all your questions, then read on.

 

Medical & Scientific Affairs Manager at Danone Dumex Malaysia, Tan Ee Ping, a nutritionist by training, helps answer some questions on the matter.

Tan: 'Start leading a healthy life three months before you're actually pregnant.'

 

 

Is it okay to only start watching what you eat when you find out you are pregnant?
There is a common thought that once the doctor says 'Congratulations! You're pregnant', you start changing everything – your lifestyle, eating and sleeping habits. The truth is once you and your partner decide to start a family you have to start changing your lifestyle and eating habits because you wouldn't know when you would get pregnant.
A general rule is to start leading a healthy life and eating healthily three months before you're actually pregnant. Three months is how long it takes to store up the nutrients in your body.


What can you eat when pregnant?
Basically a lot of people are very worried if they can eat this or that. The general rule is that you can eat almost anything that you have been eating but of course you need to eliminate alcohol and stop smoking.


You just have to keep in mind these three things: Balance, moderation and variety.


So, you can eat all the healthy food in balance, in moderation (that means don't eat only fruits and vegetables if your doctor asks you to eat more of these) and have a variety (this means don't eat oranges and no other fruit just because it is high in Vitamin C).


Eat different types of food because different foods will give you different nutrients. There is no one food or fruit that can give you everything. So you should have a variety in your diet.
You should look at a picture of the food pyramid – at the base there's the carbohydrates and on top of that are the fruits and vegetables, then the protein, followed by milk and dairy, and finally the fats and oils. You should follow the food pyramid and as long as there is balance you are fine.


We also encourage people not to take food that is very white in colour. Instead of white bread, take wholemeal bread. Instead of white rice, take brown rice.


Go towards the natural foods which are not so polished and not so processed.


We have heard that mothers should have quality food in the first half of the pregnancy and quantity in the second half. Is this true?
You should have quality and quantity in your diet throughout the pregnancy. The point is not to eat more but to eat the nutrients that you need.


It is not about how many plates of rice you should eat but how many nutrients you should consume and whether there is a balance and whether you are getting everything.


So, quality and quantity should go hand in hand throughout the pregnancy.


How important is folic acid?
Usually, folic acid is something that the doctors will prescribe. You can also get it from milk and vegetables but if your doctor gives you the folic acid supplement you should really take that.
Deficiency in folic acid can cause severe damage to the baby's central nervous system. That's when they can get spina bifida or neural tube defects. In severe cases the baby can be paralysed and suffer from incontinence when they are born.


Folic acid is very important. It helps you make new cells for your body and your baby's body. It also helps you to make red blood cells. You lose a lot of blood during delivery so it's very important to take folic acid.


If you are planning to get pregnant, you should already start taking folic acid.


There is the initial and critical stage during pregnancy where the baby's internal organs are developing. From Week 2 to Week 8, the heart and central nervous system are actively developing. If during that time you do not get enough of the nutrients that you need, you can never reverse it later by taking a lot of the nutrients after that period has passed. It's too late. They call it a critical window of development.


That's why we encourage people to start taking folic acid even before they are pregnant.


If you have not been taking folic acid, then you should immediately see the doctor once you suspect you are pregnant and if the doctor detects that you are indeed pregnant, he or she will prescribe the supplements needed.


How about calcium and iron?
Calcium and iron can be obtained from milk and green leafy vegetables like spinach. Iron is important to make blood. Calcium is also important but it's especially important during the second and third trimesters. The first trimester is when the baby's body is being formed. The second trimester is the building period – whatever is formed is now built. The third trimester is the storage period.


So, if the baby is born premature hopefully he or she would have enough nutrients by then. Especially during this storage period, the baby consumes a lot of calcium to make their bones and teeth. If the mother is not consuming enough calcium then the baby will get the calcium from the mother's bones. This might affect the mother later in life when she's old as it might be one of the reasons why she develops osteoporosis.


Should you have small and frequent meals?
Small and frequent meals are recommended for pregnant women as well as everyone else, too. We should all be taking small but frequent meals. Pregnant women should have three meals and two healthy snacks in between.


For pregnant women who experience a lot of morning sickness, it is even more important for them to eat. They shouldn't think that they cannot eat because they are throwing up so much. If they don't eat their body isn't getting additional nutrients.
Even if you throw up, continue taking small meals. It's good to snack in between meals otherwise you won't get all the nutrients you need if you're throwing up a lot.


Is there a cut-off time when you should stop eating to allow time for the food to digest? Is it okay to snack after dinner?
We encourage people to end their last meal for the day at least four hours before they go to bed. So, if you go to bed at 11pm, you should stop eating at 7pm.


For pregnant women, if after dinner they feel uneasy and they are vomiting, then it's good to take something, a healthy snack, before they go to bed.


Should you give in to cravings?
A lot of times your diet can change quite a bit. You could begin craving food that you have not been enjoying or even food that you used to hate.


So, a lot of times pregnant women are advised to go easy. You can take these foods but take them in moderation.
If you realise that you suddenly like durian, don't go all out to eat a lot of durian. You can take durian but in moderation.


How much should you eat if you're having twins or triplets?
Usually if you're carrying twins, triplets or more, the babies are born earlier and they are smaller. In these cases, we suggest you follow the doctor's advice because the doctor will scan and check and detect any abnormalities. So, you really have to follow the doctor's advice on how much to eat.


How much of weight should you gain? Should you be worried if you've gained too much weight?
Don't be overwhelmed if you were a normal weight mother before pregnancy and now at Month 8 you have already gained 16kg; don't diet from Month 8 to Month 9. You can still continue to eat as you have been doing. As long as the doctor tells you that everything is normal, you shouldn't worry.


Any time during your pregnancy is not a good time for you to go on a diet, even if you are obese. Some people are very worried that they won't be able to lose the excess weight after delivery. You should not go on a diet. You should be more worried if the food you eat is nutritious or not.


Some books say one glass of red wine and one cup of coffee a day is okay. Is this correct?
Alcohol is a strict no-no. Caffeine is fine up to 200mg – that is about two cups a day. That covers all caffeine, not just coffee. So, if you've taken two cups of coffee don't go and have a glass of teh tarik (tea) and a carbonated drink, as well. Green tea also has caffeine so watch how many cups you take.


Caffeine may retard the growth of the baby and in some cases it may lead to an early delivery. So, don't try to go beyond two cups of caffeinated drinks. If you can go without caffeine, then good.
It's also better to make your own coffee than to take the 3-in-1 coffee which is high in sugar. When you make your own coffee, you can control how much sugar you add.


How about herbal teas and remedies?
A lot of gynaecologists advise pregnant women to be very cautious with herbal teas and remedies. If you're not careful, some of these herbal remedies may lead to heavy bleeding. Especially avoid dong quai as it has been known to cause bleeding.


Chinese herbal remedies are not encouraged because the data on them is still not proven at this stage.


What can you take if you're not taking coffee, tea and carbonated drinks?
Fruit juices, plain water and milk. These are more healthy alternatives to the caffeinated drinks.


In fact, with regards to fruit juices we don't encourage pregnant women to take the carton drinks that can be bought in the supermarket. We encourage them to make fresh juices because of the high sugar content.


But even these you have to take in moderation because of the sugar content. You can't just decide to have three glasses of watermelon juice today. It is a very unhealthy way of consuming a healthy drink.


Is it okay to take artificial sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners are not encouraged for anybody, actually. You can take normal sugar, blackstrap molasses or brown sugar. These are healthier choices; just remember to limit your intake.
Artificial sweeteners contain chemicals that may sometimes lead to headaches. So it is not encouraged unless the person is diabetic and has to take an alternative to sugar.


What should you not eat?
You have to stop eating raw food – sushi, sashimi and others – as it may contain some bacteria and can cause food poisoning. If you really are craving Japanese food, go for smoked salmon or grilled fish.


No raw fish, shell fish (oysters, raw prawns, raw crabs) – these are some of the foods we say you really cannot eat! Cooked shellfish is okay but again don't take too much as it could be high in cholesterol or certain proteins.

 

Unpasteurised milk or dairy products is another real no-no. This includes blue cheese. Do not eat unwashed fruits and vegetables. No raw eggs or half-boiled eggs either. Better to have fried or hard-boiled eggs.


The risk for all of these is food poisoning because there could be some bacteria in these foods when they are not cooked or half cooked or not washed properly.


Are there any fish to avoid?
We encourage pregnant women to eat deep sea fishes that are high in Omega 3 and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) like tuna, mackerel, herring and sardine. If you're taking tuna and sardine, it's better to go for the fresh fish rather than the canned version. You are encouraged to take three servings a week.


There isn't any fish that we say they really cannot eat.
There has been some controversy about deep sea fishes which are said to be high in mercury content. However, until now this is not conclusive. Doctors still encourage everyone to take deep sea fishes.


Is it okay to take preserved fruits for nausea?
Don't have preserved fruits as they are high in sodium and sugar.

Is it okay to take spicy food?
There is some data to suggest that spicy food can induce delivery but this is still not conclusive.


There is also data that suggests certain ingredients in spicy food helps digestion. So, spicy food is okay to take but what are you cooking it with? If you're adding a lot of coconut milk then it's not healthy. So, watch what you have it with or how it is prepared, as well.


Any additional advice for pregnant women?
If they are worried about anything, they should consult the doctor and find out what they can and cannot do. After delivery you should continue eating healthy food because this is when you are healing your wounds. It's a time when you have to heal after losing a lot of blood. If you are breastfeeding you should continue living a healthy lifestyle and eating well. Nutrients from what you eat gets transferred to the breastmilk. So, do be very careful of what you eat when you're breastfeeding.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

::Resipi:: Barley Millet Porridge with Sultanas

Serve 1-2

  • 1/4 cup of organic barley flakes

  • 1/4 cup of organic hulled millet

  • A handful of organic sultanas/raisins

  • A dash of organic cinnamon

Rinse the barley and millet in a mesh collander under running water. Add 1-1.5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to medium-low heat and let simmer, partially covered for 15-20 minutes or until both ingredients are cooked and have fully absorbed the water. Stir occasionally. Meanwhile, cut the sultanas into tinier pieces (in order to prevent them from being a choking hazard)*. When cooked, add the sultanas, a dash of cinnamon and serve!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sultanas or any other similar dried fruits are usually not recommended for younger babies as they may pose as a choking hazzard. Also, they are believe to cause cavities in children as they are high in natural sugars. This, however has no concluding evidence.

Con list aside, sultanas is packed full of nutrients. They are low in both fat & cholestrol and high in potassium & iron. They also contain calcium and fiber.

So, to serve or not to serve is a really a judgement call. If you are uncomfortable with serving sultanas to your child (which is totally understandable), just omit it from the recipe above.

*Alternatively, you could soak the sultanas in warm water and mashing them with a fork

-->> Baca Seterusnya

EWG's Cancer Prevention Tips

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

While genetics might have role in determining our risk for cancer, the way we live our lives and the environment we live in might now have an even bigger role. 

And the best news is there are WAYS that we could take to help us prevent cancer. 

After all, prevention is definitely better than cure. 

So take some time and read this great article by EWG on Cancer Prevention Tips:

Tip 13: EWG's Cancer Prevention Tips

According to a new report from the President's Cancer Panel, environmental toxins play a significant and under-recognized role in cancer, causing "grievous harm" to untold numbers of people. Our groundbreaking research into umbilical cord blood has found that children are being born pre-polluted with nearly 300 industrial chemicals, pesticides and contaminants, many of which have been found to cause cancer in lab studies or in people.

Four of every 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and two of every 10 will die from it. Beyond talking to your doctor about lifestyle changes that are known to make a difference -- stopping smoking, reducing drinking, losing weight, exercising and eating right -- there are things you can do to reduce your risk.

Here are some simple ways you can reduce your exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals:

1. Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. If your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help.Learn about your tap water and home water filters at EWG's National Tap Water Database.

2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. Learn more from EWG.

3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals. "Fluorochemicals" related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellants on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. To avoid them, avoid greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home. Download EWG's Guide to PFCs.

4. Stay safe in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun's cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen from EWG's sunscreen database.

5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat.

6. Eat EWG's Clean 15. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from EWG's Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. (And for EWG's Dirty Dozen, buy organic.) Learn more at EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.

7. Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and canned foods. Some of these chemicals cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA. Get EWG's tips to avoid it.

8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Use EWG's Skin Deep cosmetic database to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you're shopping, don't buy products that list ingredients with "PEG" or "-eth" in their name (chemicals often tainted with contaminants linked to cancer).

9. Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risks -- read the label before you buy. Californians will see a "Proposition 65" warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as cancer-causing.

Source: www.ewg.org

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Building self-esteem in children

CHILDWISE
By RUTH LIEW


We often hear parents scolding their children and calling them names in public. Many passers-by would just walk away while some would watch the commotion from a distance. No one would go to the child’s rescue.


We don’t realise that children, especially very young children, are suffering when their parents or guardians repeatedly yell and hurl abusive words at them.


In many households, parents continue to believe that children will get over this emotional hurt when they grow up, and learn something out of this discipline.
The truth is far from this. Today, we live among adults who are emotionally scarred by the threats, name-calling and neglect they experienced as children. The vicious cycle continues when they become parents as they may adopt the same parenting style with their own children.


Unfortunately, we live in a “culture of silence” and choose not to interfere when we see children get yelled at or thrown out of the house as punishment.
Once I witnessed two young children squatting outside their house. They were sobbing uncontrollably. I found out that they were locked out as punishment for disobeying their mother. I voiced out my concern for their safety and well-being. Their mother relented and let them in.


As a young child, I lived next to an elderly neighbour who was raising her six-year-old granddaughter. Living in a terrace-house, I heard her cries and screams when her grandmother was beating her. I felt helpless.


There was a mother in my children’s toddler playgroup who slapped her two-year-old daughter’s hand to stop her from reaching out for things. This was her way of telling her child that she should behave appropriately. She told me that she wanted her daughter to learn to wait for her permission.
Infants and toddlers who live in homes with domestic violence tend to be under emotional stress that affects their cognitive and sensory development. Joy Osofsky and her colleagues concurred with this in their study, published in 1999.


A new UNICEF report on Child Disciplinary Practices At Home this month reveals that three out of four of children surveyed have experienced violence in the home. Half of them suffered some form of physical punishment while three out of four were subjected to psychological aggression.


There is an urgent need to come up with a national strategy on getting data to curb the increasing violence against children. We must join forces to protect them by making every home one that is free of violence.


We need to help parents and caregivers understand that they can use positive discipline instead of physical force or verbal threats. Children do break and can get damaged when they are hurt. Even minimal physical or emotional hurt can cause the child to suffer harm.
It takes time and patience to get children to behave correctly. They need to observe and learn from the people around them. They make mistakes along the way. This is how they learn what is right and wrong. They need someone to show them how to get things right.


If we want a better and safer future, we need to make sure we know how to help our children learn the best possible way. They need to be empowered not put down. They need to be accepted not rejected.


More can be achieved if we treat our children with more compassion. It is their right to feel safe and live in a secure environment. They learn to cooperate when they have the right skills to do it.
Every parent wants his or her child to be well-mannered and capable. Hitting or scolding will not achieve this. When it gets too difficult to cope, stressed-out parents need to seek help.


When a child’s challenging behaviour provokes parents, the child is rejected by his parents. In turn, the child who feels rejected will behave worse, causing parents to react more negatively toward him.
Use positive words with your children. This way, they will behave positively and thrive. Children who feel loved tend to have high self-esteem. They cooperate with others to achieve success.  Seize every opportunity to spend time with your children without getting angry or frustrated with them. A word of encouragement can make a difference in how they view themselves.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

::Resipi:: Jazzed Up Yoghurt

Recipe by Stacy Dong

Here’s an easy way to jazz up some organic whole milk plain yoghurt for your little one.

Ingredients:
1 jar of organic whole milk plain yoghurt
1 organic apple, steamed & cooled (or any other organic fruits)
1 dash of organic cinnamon


Method:
Simply add all the ingredients together for a nutritious dessert or snack.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

::Resipi:: Tofu Rice Porridge with Vegetables

Recipe by Stacy Dong

A very “light” yet hearty breakfast for Z.

Yields: 1-2 servings


Ingredients:
1 cup of overnight cooked brown rice
1-2 tbsp of organic silken tofu, cut into medium bite-size pieces
1 tbsp of organic frozen vegetables
1-2 cups of water


Method:
Place the rice, frozen vegetables and water into a small pot and bring to boil.

Then, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer, partially covered for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches the porridge consistency.

Add in the tofu and stir gently and let simmer for another minute or two before serving.

Here, I scrambled some eggs with parsley to go with the porridge. Alternatively, you could add an egg into the porridge directly.

Just make sure the egg is fully cooked before giving it to the little one.


Note: Add a little organic salt/liquid amino acid/nutritional yeast flakes if your little one is used to having seasoning in his/her food.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

26 October 2010

Mama oh Mama ~ Role Model anak

“Waktu bermain bagi anak-anak kecil

adalah suatu proses pembelajaran.

Daya kreativiti anda sekaligus menjadi

‘role model’ bagi anak-anak.”

~ Dahlia Mohd Shariff, Fakulti Senibina Perancangan dan Ukur, UiTM

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Mama Oh Mama ~ Bayi susu ibu seorang Penyayang!

“Bayi yang menyusu badan akan

membesar menjadi individu yang sangat

berdikari, pandai menyesuaikan diri,

prihatin dan penyayang.”

~ Rita Rahayu Omar, Kaunselor Laktasi

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Anatomi Tubuh Bayi Baru Lahir

Jangan kecewa jika bayi baru lahir kelihatan agak berbeza dari apa yang anda jangkakan. Dia mungkin kelihatan lebih kecil dan amat mudah tercedera. Saiz kepalanya yang kecil mungkin dilitupi bahan berminyak putih (verniks). Ikuti anatomi lengkap tubuh bayi baru dilahirkan serta fungsinya.

 

1) Bahagian Kepala

~ Berbentuk ganjil: Ia disebabkan oleh tekanan semasa proses kelahiran. Kepalanya akan kelihatan kembali normal dalam masa dua minggu.

 

~ Fontanel: Terletak di atas bahagian kepalanya dan merupakan bahagian tompok yang lembut. Ini kerana tulang tengkoraknya masih belum bersambung. Pada usia bayi anda mencecah 18 bulan, tulang tengkorak di bahagian ini sepatutnya bersambung.

 

2) Kelopak Mata

~ Kelihatan membengkok kerana disebabkan tekanan semasa kelahiran, Seeloknya minta doktor atau bidan memeriksa mata bayi anda kerana ada kalanya bayi mungkin terkena jagnkitan.

 

3) Tangan dan Kaki

~ Berwarna Kebiruan: Ia berlaku kerana peredaran darah bayi anda yang masih belum mampu berfungsi dengan sempurna. Jika anda mengalihkan bayi anda pada kedudukan lain, warna kebiruan ini mungkin akan bertukar menjadi merah jambu.

 

4) Rambut

~ Bayi anda mungkin berambut lebat atau juga mungkin dilahirkan botak.

 

5) Mata

~ Bayi anda dapat melihat pada waktu lahir jika anda memegangnya dalam jarak 20cm (18inci) dari wajah anda.

 

6) Buah Dada

~ Buah dada bayi anda mungkin kelihatan membengkak melahan mengeluarkan sedikit susu. Ini merupakan perkara biasa bagi kedua-dua jantina. Bengkak ini sepatutnya susut dalam jangka masa dua hari. Ingat! Jangan picit keluar susu itu!

 

7) Tunggal Tali Pusat

~ Akan gugur dalam masa 7 hari.

 

8) Tangan

~ Hanya boleh menggenggam erat jari anda jika disuakan didalam genggamannya.

 

9) Kemaluan

~ Bagi bayi yang baru dilahirkan, bahagian kemaluannya akan kelihatan besar (bayi lelaki dan perempuan). Mungkin juga terdapat lelehan dari faraj bayi perempuan kerana disebabkan oleh hormon ibunya. Bagaimanapun ia akan hilang tidak lama kemudian. Bagi bayi lelaki pula, zakarnya akan ertarik ke atas groinnyam jika anda bimbang berjumpalah dengan doktor.

 

10) Najis

~ Ketika dilahirkan, usus bayi mengandungi bahan gelap dan melekit. Ia dipanggil mekonium. Najs bayi akan berubah warna sebai sahaja bayi mula makan.

 

11) Kaki

~ Biasanya kelihatan agak pengkar kerana bayi anda mengerekot sepanjang masa ketika di dalam rahim anda.

 

12) Kulit

~ Kulit mengelupas : Selain bintik dan ruam yang menjadi perkara biasa pada bayi, dia juga mengalami kulit mengelupas terutama pada bahagian kaki dan tangan. Ia sepatutnya hilang dengan sendiri dalam masa beberapa hari.

 

~ Lanugo : Bulu roma halus ini mungkin kelihatan agak ketara terutama pada bayi yang dilahirkan awal. Bagaimanapun lanugo akan tanggal dalam masa 2 minggu.

 

~ Verniks : Berwarna putih dan berminyak. Ia merupakan bahan yang melindungi kulit bayi semasa di dalam rahim. Ia mungkin juga meliputi seluruh badan bayi, boleh dibersihkan (dilap) dengan mudah.

 

13) Tanda Lahir

~ Tanda Merah : Dikenali juga sebagai gigitan burung bangau. Biasanya terdapat pada kelopak mata, dahi dan belakang leher. Tanda ini mengambil masa setahun untuk hilang.

 

~ Tanda Lahir Strawberi : Tanda yang agak membimbangkan ibu bapa kerana saiznya perlahan-lahan menjadi semakin besar. Tanda ini hilang apabila anak anda mencapai usia 5 tahun.

 

~ Tompok Biru : Dikenali sebagai tompok biru Mongolia. Biasanya ditemui di sekitar punggung bayi yang berkulit gelap.

 

 

Sumber: Pa&Ma

-->> Baca Seterusnya

Kenali Perwatakan Anak

 

Bayi anda yang semakin aktif ke sana sini menampilkan pelbagai perangai pelik. Kadang-kadang dia amat manja tetapi kadang-kadang tidak mahu dekat dengan anda seolah-olah anda sangat asing baginya. Mengapa hal ini terjadi?

Seharian bekerjaa di pejabat membuatkan anda rindu pada si kecil tetapi bila pulang, dia menolak anda pula. Dia yang sedang asyik bermain marah bila anda cuba bermain dengannya. Anda tentu rasa sedih bila tidak diendahkan oleh bayi kesayangan anda. Jangan bimbang, sebenarnya bayi yang sedang asyik bermain memang tidak suka diganggu, itu adalah antara senario atau lumrah tabiat dan perwatakan anak sewaktu belajar atau meneroka persekitarannya.

Oleh itu, anda perlu belajar bagaimana hendak memahami perwatakan anak terlebih dahulu sebelum mebuat kesimpulan yang anak anda sudah membenci anda. Lama-kelamaan anda akan tahu dengan sendiri bila dan bagaimana hendak berinteraksi atau bertindak balas dengan anak.

 

Bermain Sendiri

Biarkan dia duduk sendiri, merangkak ke sana sini dengan gembira, menghiburkan diri dengan alat permainan baru. Asyikkan dia dengan barang permainan kegemarannya dengan membuatkan dia bergerak ke hadapan untuk mencapai objek itu. Anda harus memerhatikan sahaja dari jauh kerana pada waktu ini dia tidak mahu diganggu.

Tanda Sayang

Ciuman, pelukan, tepukan dan senyuman amat bermakna kepada bayi. Ia merupakan galakan kepada bayi untuk mencuba lebih gigih lagi. Hal ini dapat membuat dirinya berasa penting dan dikasihi demi memenuhi keperluan dalam dirinya yang mempunyai perasaan takut, seronok dan bosan.

 

Menangis

Bayi yang menangis tidak bermakna dia lapar atau basah. Mungkin dia hanya bosan atau pun kecewa dengan sesuatu. Misalnya dia gagal membunyikan muzik di dalam bola. Segeralah pujuk dan bantu dia melakukan sesuatu aktiviti  agar bayi kembali tenang. Bayi anda memerlukan masa untuk belajar. Anda perlu sentiasa bersikap tenang dan konsisten serta kesabaran untuk menguruskan perangai bayi.

 

Merangkak

Apabila si kecil sudah mula boleh merangkak, dia akan mula ke sana sini. Ketika ini dunia penerokaannya semakin meningkat. Biarkan dia bebas bergerak. Jangan hadkan pergerakkan si kecil. Namun hati-hati, si kecil mungkin boleh mencapai objek tajam atau kaca. Mulailah menyimpan objek yang berbahaya di tempat yang selamat.

 

Bebaskan diri

Sekali sekala, biarkan si kecil tidak memakai baju. Biarkan dia bermain, dia akan berasa seakan ‘bebas’ seketika. Sesuai sekali dilakukan waktu selepas si kecil mandi. Jangan lupa lakukan urutan ringkas pada anggota badannya.

 

Masa untuk tidur

Bayi mungkin menunjukkan tanda penat. Selepas seronok bermain, si kecil akan merehatkan dirinya seketika. Biarkan dia terlelap tanpa sebarang gangguan daripada sesiapa. Sebaik sahaja dia bangun tidur, berilah dia susu dan ucapkan tahniah kerana berjaya menjadi anak yang aktif dan bijak pada hari itu.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

::Info Mama:: Fakta Tentang Air Ketuban

 


    Air Ketuban berasal daripada cecair rembesan kulit bayi dan produk air kencing bayi dan ia mencerminkan sistem kumbahan dan fungsi buah pinggang dan gastrausus bayi sendiri. Cecair tersebut yang mengelilingi bayi dalam kandungan ibu.


    Air kencing yang dihasilkan pleh bayi menunjukkan fungsi buah pinggang kerana bayi menelan semula air kencingnya, jadi ia bermakna fungsi buah pinggang dan gastrausu adalah normal.

    
    Jika air ketuban kurang, ia menunjukkan bayi tidak menghasilkan air kencing yang cukup, bermakna fungsi buah pinggannya terjejas dan sekiranya tidak berfungsi dengan betul, ia membawa maksud berlaku congenital abnormalities.


    Sekiranya air ketuban kurang, saiz perut ibu pun lebih kecil kerana ia kering. Perut ibu yang kecil juga disebabkan air ketuban pecah awal atau bersalin pra-matang walaupun saiz bayi adalah normal. Dalam kes ini, doktor akan menyuruh ibu melahirkan bayi sebab ia membawa risiko pada bayi sama ada kematian, kecacatan atau dijangkiti kuman.

-->> Baca Seterusnya

25 October 2010

Saya Bloger Baru!

hari ni blogwalk kat blog otai blogger. nak cari n share ilmu gitu. tapi ada satu entry kat dalam blog abg BEN ASHAARI ni yang menarik minat saya. LAgipula ianya pasal blogger baru macam saya. terdetik pula di fikiran ni nak join. siapa tahu ia mungkin boleh membantu memperkenalkan lagi blog ini. Terima kasih kepada abg BEN ASHAARI.


Hai readers,

Saya blogger baru yang mengendalikan blog ini untuk berkongsi pelbagai artikel serta maklumat mengenai parenting and child education. blog ini khas untuk parent and parent-to-be. good to share a good things. Jom follow my blog dan do support me, marilah kita sama-sama berkongsi maklumat dan pendapat utk kesejahteraan anak-anak kita. bukankah anak itu anugerah tuhan. jadi kita kena tahu cara untuk menjaga anugerah itu, jadi takda la kita terkebil-kebil nak menjawap kepada-Nya bila disoal nnt, ye tak..  tQ..
-->> Baca Seterusnya

Top 10 Fitness Tips and Tricks

 Sumber daripada thenest.com

 
Get in shape (and stay that way) with these fitness tricks and tips for losing weight from our experts.
 
Tip 1: Set exercise goals you can meet -- otherwise, you'll stop working out all together. Try to work out on two weekdays and one weekend day for 30 minutes to start -- if you can only do 20, that's okay too. The point is to get moving and keep moving.
top 10 fitness tips 
Tip 2: Get on the same page when it comes to how and when your workouts will happen. Men need to realize women can't always keep up with their intensity levels -- a guy shouldn't push his wife beyond her ability. What feels like a good workout to one of you might be too much or too little for the other. The same goes for healthy eating. The identical meal may not be acceptable to both of you.
 
Tip 3: Men lose weight faster then women due to the fact that they have more muscle mass and can burn 30 to 40 percent more calories during the same workout. It's not realistic to see the same results in the same time period. Know that going into it.
 
Tip 4: Want some bonus bites? Try a handful of homemade snack mix: almonds, chocolate-covered soy nuts, dried cranberries, and yogurt chips.
 
Tip 5: Experiment with fresh herbs: rosemary, sage, thyme, mint, dill. Not only do they add flavor to your meals, they also add many nutrients.
 
Tip 6: . Head outside. Going to the gym day after day can start to feel routine, and the last thing you want is to dread your workouts. Instead, get some fresh air with a walk, run or bike ride.
 
Tip 7: Set your screen saver to go on every half hour and use that as your cue to stretch or do some light moves in the office (desk triceps dips, wall push-ups). Or just to get up and walk around the room.
 
Tip 8: The world is your gym. Rake leaves, prune bushes, and pick up trash in the yard. Another trick: Stand up while on the phone -- you can even try doing squats or leg lifts.
 
Tip 9: Not a morning person? We hear ya. The best time to exercise is when your energy is highest. People give up when they try to force themselves to work out at a time their body refuses to accommodate. Don't sign up for a 6 a.m. Pilates class if you know you'll never make it. Morning, noon, and night are all great times to exercise.
 
Tip 10: Grocery shop together at least once a week. On each trip, pick one or two new healthful foods to try. This way, you can spend time together and plan meals as a duo.

Check out our Activity Calculator and see how many calories you're burning
Get more tips for losing weight from the experts at The Nest


[Nestperts] Tom Holland, a triathlete, a trainer, and the creator of Tom Holland's Fitness Video Series; Cynthia Sass, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, a personal trainer, and coauthor of Your Diet is Driving Me Crazy: When Food Conflicts Get in the Way of Your Love Life; Lisa Sasson, a registered dietitian and clinical assistant professor at New York University; Joan Salge Blake, a nutrition professor at Boston University; Lona Sandon, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; and Hope Warshaw, author of What to Eat When You're Eating Out
-->> Baca Seterusnya
 
 "Families brought you here, and you brought them here. Please keep them close and remember: they are what really matters in life."- Larry Page
p/s: so, what say u all?.. Give me a comment.
-->> Baca Seterusnya

Amaran pd Kaum Hawa

Copy and paste for our reminder.
 

Subject:Amaran pada Kaum Wanita dan kepada sumer kaum perempuan yang memandu, Kes ni betul2 menakutkan.

Kesah ini  betul2 terjadi kat Penang
Ingat lagi tak dgn kes Ms Canny Ong yang dirogol dan dibunuh??
Kisah nya..ada seorang perempuan ni berhenti dekat stesen gas "pay-at-the-pump" untuk isi minyak..sebaik saja dia siap isi minyak tu dan nak beredar,seorang pekerja kat situ buat pngumuman yang kad kredit perempuan ni ada problem sikit..pekerja tu suruh perempuan ni masuk ke dalam untuk bayar..tapi perempuan ni confused la sebab transaksi menunjukkan yang pembayaran kad kredit dia diluluskan dan tak ada masaalah apa2 pun.. so perempuan tu bagitau la pekerja tu dan dia pun bersedia nak beredar ke kereta dia balik..tapi pekerja tu tetap bertegas dan suruh dia masuk dalam..perempuan tu pun decided untuk masuk ke dalam...sebaik aje dia masuk kat dalam..dia mula marah kat pekerja tu..
lalu pekerja tu suruh dia bertenang dan bagitau hal sebenarnya.. .nak tau apa?
sebenarnya masa perempuan tu dok isi minyak,pekerja tu nampak ada laki menyelinap kat belakang kereta perempuan tu dan pekerja tu dah pun telepon polis..
perempuan tu pun apalagi, takut la..dia pun try intai dan dia nampak pintu kereta dia terbuka dan lelaki tu keluar dari kereta dia..
Sekarang ni..ada laporan yg mengatakan yg sekang ni ada gang yang amik body part orang pompuan..salah satu cara diorang adalah dgn menyelinap masuk kereta ornag perempuan masa perempuan tu tengah pump gas atau beli barang kat kedai TGH2 MLAM!!
kemudian,dia orang akan potong kaki perempuan tu untuk memudahkan diorang culik dan bunuh perempuan tu..
satu cara lagi pulak,dia orang akan masuk kedalam kereta yg tak ada orang dan tak berkunci  kemudian culik perempuan tu dan bunuh dia orang.</span>
<span>Semalam pun ada Crime Investigation di Astro menceritakan kes yg sama di Hong Kong . Tapi perlakunya adalah pemandu teksi yang mengambil penumpang perempuan selepas lepas tengan malam. Memang ngeri.
Sila panjangkan email ini pada sesiapa yg anda kenali.
Bagi kaum perempuan elakkan keluar bersaorangan diwaktu malam.


p/s: Adoiyai! Dunia zaman sekarang ni memang dah tak selamat ker?.. apa pemdapat korang? komen sket pasal isu nih..
-->> Baca Seterusnya

24 October 2010

Induce Lactation (Mencetuskan Penyusuan Ibu)

Thanks to duniasusuibu.com untuk artikel di blog.

Sumber: Hanizah Samad (2009). Induce Lactation (Mencetuskan Penyusuan Ibu).  Mom’s Choice. 29 November.

Artikel ini ditujukan khusus kepada ibu-ibu yang mengambil anak angkat dan berusaha untuk menjadi ibu susuan kepada anak angkat.

Mencetuskan penyusuan ibu atau induce lactation bagi ibu angkat yang hendak menyusukan anak angkat bukanlah perkara mudah kerana biasanya ibu-ibu ini tidak pernah hamil atau tidak pernah melahirkan anak sebelum itu. Jadi proses pembentukan dan kematangan kelenjar mamari seperti yang dialami semasa proses kehamilan tidak pernah berlaku kepada ibu-ibu ini. Namun begitu ini tidak boleh menjadi penghalang untuk ibu-ibu angkat berusaha untuk menghasilkan susu ibu untuk diberikan kepada anak angkat mereka.

Memberikan susu ibu kepada anak angkat bukanlah semata-mata untuk tujuan menjadikan anak itu muhrim kepada ibu bapa angkat tetapi lebih kepada memberikan makanan terbaik untuk bayi. Susu ibu tetap yang terbaik berbanding susu formula. Seperti yang dinyatakan oleh Dr Jack Newman di dalam bukunya, “The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers”, susu formula bukanlah pilihan kedua terbaik selepas susu ibu. Susu formula adalah pilihan keempat selepas susu perahan ibu dan susu ibu dari ibu susuan.

Semasa kehamilan badan wanita akan meningkatkan penghasilan hormon progesteron dan estrogen (dirembeskan oleh ovari) dan hormon prolaktin (dirembeskan oleh kelenjar pituitari) untuk menyediakan payudara untuk penyusuan ibu. Di akhir kehamilan, aras progesteron dan estrogen akan menurun manakala aras prolaktin akan bertambah untuk memulakan penghasilan dan pengeluaran susu ibu di payudara. Prosedur inilah yang cuba ditiru untuk membolehkan ibu-ibu yang tidak pernah hamil mengalami proses mencetuskan susu ibu di payudara mereka. Apabila susu ibu sudah berjaya dihasilkan maka langkah seterusnya menjadi lebih mudah iaitu meningkatkan dan mengekalkan penghasilan susu ibu.

Bilakah induce lactation harus bermula?

Sebaik-baiknya lebih awal bermula lebih baik hasil yang akan diperoleh dalam usaha untuk mencetuskan susu ibu. Sebagai contoh, ibu boleh bermula 6 bulan atau lebih awal sebaik sahaja mengambil keputusan menerima bayi angkat untuk menyediakan susu ibu kepada bakal bayinya.

Persediaan bagi ibu yang mempunyai masa 6 bulan:

  1. 6 bulan sebelum jangkaan bayi lahir; makan pil perancang (Yasmin atau Microgestin) setiap hari bersama 10 mg Domperidone 4 kali sehari selama 1 minggu. Penggunaan pil perancang pada peringkat awal ini adalah bertujuan merencat penghasilan susu ibu sebagaimana proses yang berlaku di awal kehamilan.
  2. Selepas seminggu, tingkatkan dos Domperidone kepada 20 mg 4 kali sehari. Payudara akan mengalami sedikit perubahan saiz dan ini adalah normal.
  3. Teruskan kekalkan dos yang sama sehingga 6 minggu sebelum tarikh jangkaan bayi lahir.
  4. 6 minggu sebelum bayi lahir; hentikan pengambilan pil perancang tetapi teruskan dos 20 mg Domperidone 4 kali sehari. Menghentikan pil perancang pada peringkat ini akan mengurangkan aras progesteron dan meningkatkan penghasilan prolaktin pula untuk persediaan mencetuskan susu ibu.
  5. 2 minggu kemudian, ibu boleh mula mengepam setiap 3 jam. Sebaiknya gunakan pam elektrik (double pumping hospital grade brastpump )untuk mendapatkan hasil yang baik. Apabila ibu mula mengepam ibu-ibu boleh menambah makanan penggalak susu ibu dalam nutrisi mereka seperti Fenugreek (halba) dan oat. Ibu juga harus minum banyak air tetapi kurangkan pengambilan kopi (minuman berkafein) kerana kafein boleh mengurangkan kandungan air dalam badan.
  6. Pada peringkat ini susu ibu sepatutnya sudah hadir tetapi dalam kuantiti yang sedikit dan warna putih yang jernih sebelum mendapat susu sebenar selepas beberapa hari/minggu.
  7. Sebaik bayi lahir (jika boleh) ibu boleh terus cuba menyusukan bayi pada payudara ibu. Alternatif lain yang lebih baik, ibu sebenar boleh menyusukan bayinya kerana kolostrum daripada ibu adalah makanan paling baik untuk bayi baru lahir.

Persediaan bagi ibu yang mempunyai masa kurang daripada 6 bulan:

  1. Makan pil perancang (Yasmin atau Microgestin) setiap hari selama 30-60 hari bersama 20 mg Domperidone 4 kali sehari. Penggunaan pil perancang pada peringkat awal ini adalah bertujuan merencat penghasilan susu ibu sebagaimana proses yang berlaku di awal kehamilan.
  2. Selepas 30 hari, jika berlaku perubahan pada payudara (saiz bertambah, rasa tegang dan penuh) hentikan pengambilan pil perancang tetapi kekalkan dos Domperidone 20 mg 4 kali sehari.
  3. Ibu juga boleh mula mengepam. Sebaiknya gunakan pam elektrik (double pumping hospital grade brastpump )untuk mendapatkan hasil yang baik. Makan makanan penggalak susu ibu seperti Fenugreek (halba) dan oat, minum banyak air.
  4. Sama seperti saranan di atas, ibu angkat boleh terus cuba menyusukan bayi sebaik bayi lahir.

Kes yang pernah terjadi kepada rakan saya yang mengambil anak angkat dan melakukan proses induce lactation sebulan sebelum kelahiran bayi angkatnya. Pada hari bayi dilahirkan ibu sebenar tidak mahu menyusukan bayinya (sedih sekali!) dan terus menyerahkan bayi kepada ibu angkat pada hari kedua bayi lahir… Ibu angkat berusaha menyusukan anak angkatnya walaupun kuantiti susu masih belum mencukupi! Namun beliau berjaya mencetuskan susu ibu untuk diberikan kepada bayi angkatnya.

Ringkasnya, mencetuskan susu ibu ada 4 fasa:

Fasa 1: makan pil perancang dan Domperidone untuk membolehkan badan “meniru” proses pembentukan kelenjar mamari sebagaimana yang berlaku semasa proses kehamilan.

Fasa 2: hentikan pil perancang tetapi teruskan Domperidone untuk mencetuskan penghasilan susu ibu.

Fasa 3: memerah susu untuk menggalakkan penghasilan dan pengeluaran susu ibu.

Fasa 4: beri bayi menyusu terus daripada payudara ibu untuk meningkatkan rangsangan ke atas payudara untuk menggalakkan penghasilan lebih banyak susu.

Nasihat saya kepada ibu (ibu angkat):

  1. Susu ibu tetap makanan terbaik bagi bayi baru lahir. Sebaiknya susukannya sekurang-kurang selama 6 bulan pertama hayatnya.
  2. Ibu harus berfikiran positif, cekal, sabar dan mempunyai keyakinan yang tinggi untuk berjaya mencetuskan susu ibu. Penghasilan susu ibu bergantung kepada tindak balas hormon dan rembesan hormon bergantung kepada “arahan” daripada otak. Jadi “didik”lah otak supaya ia mahu bekerjasama dengan kita utk menghasilkan susu ibu yang mencukupi untuk bayi kita.
  3. Latih bayi menyusu terus dari payudara ibu untuk meningkatkan rangsang ke atas payudara untuk menghasilkan lebih banyak susu. Jika perlu alat SNS (rujuk rajah di bawah) boleh digunakan.
  4. Jangan perkenalkan puting tiruan kepada bayi. Walaupun ketika susu ibu masih belum mencukupi dan ibu terpaksa memberi susu formula kepada bayi, sebaiknya beri menggunakan sudu atau cawan kecil bagi mengelak bayi keliru puting.
  5. Jika masalah keliru puting berlaku lebih sukar memujuk bayi menyusu daripada payudara ibu. Kesannya payudara kurang dirangsang maka penghasilan susu akan berkurangan.
  6. Dapatkan nasihat doktor dan pakar laktasi untuk membincangkan penggunaan pil dan ubat-ubatan di atas. Kenalpasti juga kesan sampingan yang mungkin berlaku dengan penggunaan ubat-ubatan tersebut. Namun begitu ibu harus kuat, tabah dan yakin bahawa “susu ibu makanan terbaik bagi bayi”.

-->> Baca Seterusnya
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