My First Leg Cramps

Hi Guys!

As I am writing this, I really should be at work but I am still in bed nursing my painful leg cramps! For the first time today I had to perform my Subuh prayer sitting on a chair. 

I have had a relatively easy pregnancy so far. I did not have morning sickness at all and other than the tiny episode of internal bleeding and my occasional backache, I've had it quite easy so far, Alhamdulillah. I always tell myself to count my blessings when I hear stories about placenta previa, pre-eclampsia, morning sickness so bad to a point of dehydration and many other "wonderful" stories from friends. But last night as I tried to turn around to change my sleep position my left leg started to cramp real badly and I started to scream perhaps too loud there's a chance that I might have woken up my neighbours at 3 am! I couldn't bring myself back to sleep since then. So today, not only that I am sleep deprived, I think I am gonna be walking funny for the rest of the day. 

Ahhh... The joys of pregnancy. But as long as my growing unborn baby is happy and healthy, I guess I welcome

all the future leg cramps and other third trimester discomforts coming my way.  Anything for you, my dear little one!

Till Then, Wish me Luck!
Liv

What You Need During the First and Second Trimester of Pregnancy - Part2

Hi Guys,

So this post is a continuation of my What You Need During the First and Second Trimester of Pregnancy - Part1 post. Basically in that post I have listed down main essential things you need during your first trimester, if you haven't checked that out, click on the link above. In this post, I'll focus on the Second Trimester of pregnancy.

Second Trimester of pregnancy is basically the time you will enjoy most. Your morning sickness will start to wear off, you will feel less lethargic all the time, and you will feel your baby kick for the first time in the second trimester. I felt my baby kick (actually, the first time wasn't a kick, it was more like a nudge) for the first time when I was around 18 weeks as I was laying in bed quietly before I go to bed that one night, and it felt AMAZING and the baby has been kicking joyfully ever since.

Since you're most energetic during the second trimester, it is the best time for you to do a lot of research on pregnancy, birthing, things to buy and parenting. Based on my personal experience, here are some of the things you may need during your second trimester:

• Body Pillow

Most expectant mothers begin to feel backache in their third trimester. Unfortunately for me, my lower back started aching when I was only around 15 weeks pregnant! My bump wasn't even showing yet but boy, my lower back hurt when I woke up every morning as if I was just hit by a lorry in my sleep. I remember waking up one morning feeling so sore and I thought to myself, "That's it. I need to sort this problem out, pronto!" So, that day I texted my boss asking for a half-day off - I went around Midvalley looking for a body pillow. I wanted one which will support the whole body including giving ample back support. Ideally, I wanted a U-shaped pillow for complete support coverage. The ones they have at the stores in Midvalley were either too small or too expensive (above RM350!) I didn't want to spend too much money on the pillow as I was actually kind of skeptical of its effectiveness. I resorted to search for the pillows online and found Geboo Pregnancy Pillow. They offer C-shaped body pillow with Grade A fiberfill for only RM240. Texted them, made payment online and called my husband to pick-up the pillow from the seller in Shah Alam, and from that point onwards, the pillow has been my sleeping companion ever since!

Picture from Geboo Pregnancy Pillow website

• Register for Birthing Class

I really am  a nerd an advocate that "Knowledge is Power" so I would highly recommend for first-time-moms to attend birthing class. There are many birthing classes available in the market these days, your hospital may also offer birthing class for free. The one that I was drawn the most to is AMANI Birthing Class. AMANI is short for Assisting Mothers for Active, Natural and Instinctive birth. For me, the major plus point of AMANI class is that it is an Islamic-based childbirth education. Their primary goal is to teach utmost trust in Allah throughout the process of childbirth. I registered for AMANI class with Nadine Ghows, you can check her website at http://www.mygentlebeginnings.com/. The AMANI class runs for 5 consecutive Saturdays from 2.30 p.m. - 5.30 p.m (please check with Nadine for exact schedules). She also holds other classes and doula services. So far, I have been to 3 out of 5 classes. InsyaAllah, I will write another blogpost to review the AMANI birthclass I attended after I give birth. If you have any questions or need any information prior to that, please feel free to drop a comment or contact me at the email address stated in the "About Me" section of this blog.

• Register for Pregnancy Yoga

Personally, I have not attended any yoga classes prior to my pregnancy but I am quite sure that Pregnancy yoga is not as "extreme" as the normal yoga. Pregnancy yoga is pretty much focused on simpler physical exercises or postures (asanas) to alleviate pains during pregnancy as well as to encourage better posture to ease labour, breathing and relaxation techniques. Pregnancy yoga promotes physical, mental and emotional wellbeing amongst expectant mothers. The best time to start pregnancy yoga is during your second trimester. I am lucky enough to know a friend who has a friend who is a prenatal yoga instructor, Deepa. Deepa comes to my house once a week for a one-hour private prenatal yoga session. During a prenatal yoga session, all you need is basically a yoga mat and comfortable workout clothes. I strongly recommend pregnancy yoga as I feel absolutely refreshed at the end of every one hour session. Fitfor2 at Bangsar Village II offers prenatal yoga classes or alternatively, just go on youtube - there are plenty of guided prenatal yoga videos available, for free!

• Read the Quran, Recite Prayers, Du'a and Zikir Frequently

If you are a Muslim, it is recommended to read the Quran, recite prayers and make du'a for yourself, your husband and your unborn baby. There are many Surahs in the Quran that are beneficial during pregnancy -Surah Maryam, Luqman, Yusuf, Yaseen, At-Taubah and Hujurat to name a few. Du'a and Zikir will help you ease the constant worry you have about your unborn baby. Listening to Quran recitals will also help the baby to get used to the Kalaam of Allah (words of Allah) and hopefully when the baby is born, he/she will be an obedient servant to Allah and uphold righteousness, insyaAllah.

• Belly Support

Belly Support is an amazing, multipurpose product. Not only it provides support to your growing belly, it also functions as "wardrobe extender" and helps avoid fashion faux pas moments. If you can still fit into your jeans but can't button 'em due to your growing tummy, the belly support will provide coverage to the crotch area. It is also very useful when your tops are a bit too short and you don't want to be exposing your tummy to the world. Expectant mothers around the world swore to its effectiveness in making them feel more comfortable, alleviate backaches and pains around the pelvic area.

• Make a Shopping Checklist and Start Crossing them Out

The most exciting part about being pregnant is shopping for your baby! Some mothers prefer to start shopping after the 7th month, however, it is good to be prepared. Make a checklist of the items you need for newborn and start doing your research. There are just too many products available in the market so you need to read reviews or go to the store to test them out in order to decide the products that satisfy your needs and requirements as well as your budget! And, speaking of budget it is also good to space-out your shopping through the months so that you don't feel like you have to spend a fortune at one go. Below is a checklist that I have developed based on my research and my own personal needs.

NEWBORN SHOPPING CHECKLIST

Clothing	Swaddle
	Receiving blanket
	Mittens and booties
	Hooded Towels
	Button-front clothes (rompers, pjs, short /long sleeves pants and short/ long sleeves shirts)
	Hats
	Baby tummy binders
	Baby soft shoes
Feeding	Nursing bras
	Breastfeeding pillow
	Breast pump
	Breast pads
	Nipple cream (lanolin-based is best)
	Loose shirts or button-downs for mum (easier for nursing)
	Feeding cloth / apron
	Feeding bottles
	Bottle / Food Warmer
	Steriliser
	Bottle brush
	Bottle Cleanser / Detergent
	Soothers / Pacifiers
	Breast milk storage (bottles / plastics)
	Bibs
	Handkerchiefs / Burping cloths
	Bottle drying rack
	Ice packs/ Hot packs
	Formula milk (for hospital, just in case)
	Water Flask / Hot water dispenser
Changing	Changing table / chest of drawers / organiser for diapers and toiletries
	Diaper / Baby Bag
	Diapers
	Baby lotion
	Baby wipes
	Nappy cream / Diaper rash ointments
	Ointment to keep umbiical cord clean
	Baby powder (Liquid form)
	Toys to distract baby
	Changing mat & travel changing mat
	Dirty-diaper bags (for travel)
	Diaper pail
Travel	Stroller & stroller toys
	Car Seat & car seat toys
	Handsfree baby carrier / sling
	Infant body support for stroller/car seat
Bedding	Cot (convertible bedside cot)
	Cot bumper
	Toys / Mobile for cot
	Mattress
	Fitted sheets
	Pillow & Bolster
	Blanket / Quilt
	Travel Cot / Playpen
	Secure Sleeper (by The First Years)
	Baby monitor
	Mosquito net (if you need)
	Baby Gym/Crib Mobile
	Rocking Chair / Bouncer
Bath / Grooming	Bath tub with body support
	Bath Toys like rubber duckie
	Bath sponge
	Baby shampoo
	Baby bath
	Vicks, minyak yuyi, minyak telon, baby oil / baby lotion
	Cotton buds
	Nail clippers
	Nose cleaner
	Thermometer
	Baby washcloths
	Detergent for Baby Clothes
For Mom	Maternity Pads
	Tanamera Confinement Set
	Thick Socks
	Bengkung
	Nonslip Sandals
	Kain batik
	Breastfeeding supplements

• Prepare a Hospital Bag Checklist

Though you won't be needing a hospital bag packed during the Second Trimester, it is always good to have a checklist to ensure that you won't miss anything out.


HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST

For Baby	Day clothes - Romper/Shorts and Button Top (3 days change/Different sizes)
	Pyjamas (3 days change/Different sizes)
	Mittens and Booties
	Baby Tummy Binders
	Swaddle Wraps
	Receiving Blankets
	Hat
	Baby going home clothes
	Diapers
	Baby Wipes
	Travel set toiletries (Shampoo, bath, oil, and ointments)
	Hooded Towel
For Dad	Camera and Chargers
	Handphone & Chargers
	One pair of change of clothes (Jeans and Tshirt)
	Some food - biscuits, dates, air zam zam
	Towel, comb, toiletries set, contact lense solution
	Make sure newborn car seat is installed
	Important docs/Pink Book
For Mom	Birth Plan/Notes/Prayers
	Travel toiletries set, comb, hair tie
	Towel
	Nursing Bras
	3 days change of clothes - Button front Tops for Nursing
	Socks and slip-on slippers
	Going home clothes (Think Kate Middleton!)
	Maternity Pads
	Maternity Underwears/Disposable Underwears
	Breast Cream
	Breast Pads
	Make up/Lip balm
	Maternity/Nursing Pillows
	Nipple Cream Charges and Handphone

 

I hope this post has provided expectant mothers useful insights into the wonderful Second Trimester of pregnancy. Fellow mothers, first-time-moms and moms-to-be out there are welcomed to share your thoughts and experience in the comment section.

Till Then, Keep Well.
Liv

I Choose You

Have you guys heard this song? It’s by Sara Bareilles, an American singer-songwriter. The song's been around for quite a while (it was released in January 2014) but I first heard it on the radio a few weeks back. So what if I’m not exactly up-to-date where pop or any other kind of music is concerned. I swear you guys, I think this song is A-MA-ZING!

Even after listening to it over and over again, I seem to never get enough. It’s like what shopping does to a shopaholic, I’m hooked big time!

For one thing, I sooo love the lyrics, especially the chorus. Let me sing write it for you *clears throat*:

Tell the world that we finally got it all right
I choose you
I will become yours and you will become mine
I choose you
I choose you

Cool, right? I’m normally not a sucker for pop ballads but this one’s different. The melody is catchy and puts you in a good mood instantly. On top of that, the singer's smoky vocals match the tune perfectly.

Since the song is making me feel all generous this rainy Friday evening, I’m gonna share it with you, full lyrics included. Have a listen, pick up that imaginary mic and sing along with Sara (I know you want to!). And oh, don’t forget to thank me later when you are seriously addicted! *grins*

Lotsa Luv

 

"I Choose You"

Let the bough break, let it come down crashing
Let the sun fade out to a dark sky
I can't say I'd even notice it was absent
Cause I could live by the light in your eyes

I'll unfold before you
What I've strung together
The very first words
Of a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right
I choose you
I will become yours and you will become mine
I choose you
I choose you
(Yeah)

There was a time when I would have believed them
If they told me you could not come true
Just love's illusion
But then you found me and everything changed
And I believe in something again

My whole heart
Will be yours forever
This is a beautiful start
To a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right
I choose you
I will become yours and you will become mine
I choose you
I choose you

We are not perfect
We'll learn from our mistakes
And as long as it takes
I will prove my love to you

I am not scared of the elements
I am under-prepared, but I am willing
And even better
I get to be the other half of you

Tell the world that we finally got it all right
I choose you
Yeah
I will become yours and you will become mine
I choose you
I choose you
I choose you

Part Time MBA Survival Tips

Hi Guys!

I am so happy to share that I will soon be graduating with an MBA degree! Can you believe it? After 2.5 years, I can finally say that my postgraduate studies are behind me! (And now, I can focus and channel all my energy for my baby).

I started my MBA degree on a part-time basis in September 2012 at a local public university. specifically chose this university because:

• I am an alumni – did my undergraduate Engineering degree with this university so I am very familiar with the system and environment;

• It is the ONLY public business school in Malaysia to receive an international accreditation from The Association of MBAs (AMBA).  Accreditation is very important, especially for an MBA program. It seems to me that these days every Tom, Dick and Harry can graduate with an MBA but it is the accreditation that sets one program apart from another; and

• The university offers weeknight classes instead of weekend classes. When I decided to take up Master’s degree I made it a point that I will not sacrifice having a “decent” life for the next 2 or 3 years of my life.  I wanted my weekends to be free. I didn’t want to miss any of my friends’ weddings, family gatherings and other important events so I’d rather exhaust myself from work and study during weekdays than having to work on weekdays and attending class on weekends.

The classes were from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. on weeknights and the frequency depends on student’s flexibility. Students are given between 1 .5 years – 4 years to complete 51 credit hours (10 core subjects, 5 elective subjects and 1 research project). Because I wanted to complete the whole course within 2.5 years, I spent 3 weeknights (usually Mondays to Wednesdays) attending classes every semester.

Boy, doing an MBA on a part-time basis when you have a full-time job IS NOT an EASY TASK! However, at the same time, it is also NOT IMPOSSIBLE. If you are thinking of doing a part-time MBA, or currently pursuing one, read on for my version of Part-Time MBA Survival TIPS...

• Have a Positive Mindset and Understand Your Goal

Juggling work and study is NEVER EASY and most of the time it is very tiring too. Before you embark on this journey make sure that you understand your goal and purpose to take up an MBA – be it for career advancement, personal accomplishment, or whatever your life goals may be. You should always stay motivated, keep positive and have a strong will to pursue them. If you don’t have any of these, there is a high possibility that you will drop-off mid-way and never finish your MBA.

•       Make Sure Your Boss Supports Your Decision To Pursue Post-Graduate Studies

I do not suggest taking up a Master’s degree behind your boss’s back because there will be times when your work and study obligations may conflict. You may need to leave early from work on certain days, take time-off to attend an important presentation, or you may need to take a couple of days off to prepare and sit for your final examinations. Hence, it is important that your boss understands and fully supports you throughout your MBA journey.

• Get Financial Aid

An MBA course from a public university usually costs around RM25, 000- RM30, 000. The fees may double if you opt for private university. There are plenty scholarships available out there to help you fund your studies and save you from painfully forking up everything out of your own pocket. Some of the options available are:

• My Master

• Offered by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) under the MyBrain15 scheme. Offers up to RM 10,000 for tuition fees and up to RM3, 000 for thesis allowance. For more info visit MyBrain15 website. https://biasiswa.moe.gov.my/MyBrain15/v2/index_mymaster.php 

• MARA

• MARA offers convertible loan to help you finance for your studies. The loan will be converted to a scholarship if you graduate with CGPA above a certain threshold. Do checkout MARA website for more information.

• Corporate Scholarship/Education Assistance Program

• Most companies offer scholarship/education assistance program for their employees. Talk to your Human Resource Department to find out if you can leverage from the scheme.

• Other Scholarships

• If you’re not interested in the first three options listed above, you may visit Pendidikan Malaysia website to checkout all other available scholarships for Postgraduate studies.

• Buddy Up and Make Friends with your Seniors!

It is important that you have a strong support system to keep you motivated throughout the program and the best way to get support is from those who are currently experiencing the same predicament or from those who have experienced it before you do! So make sure you have a few good buddies where you can share notes, study tips, ask questions, who can help you catch up on classes you missed, or to simply rant about stuffs. It helps to have somebody who understands what you’re going through. 

Seniors on the other hand, have been through it before. Therefore, they are your most useful source to obtain sample assignments, past year questions, second-hand books, and give you tips and tricks on how to score for a certain subject or manage a difficult lecturer.

• Don't Study At Home

I get too distracted when I study at home. There are always the TV, the fridge, the internet and other forms of distractions at home. The best way for me to study is to get away and study with a couple of friends somewhere where there are minimal distractions, peace and quiet. Some of the places you can go around Klang Valley to study are:

• Sasana Kijang Knowledge Management Center

• My favorite place to study is Sasana Kijang Knowledge Management Center. They're open only on weekdays, the facilities are well-maintained, and it is not like your typical library - you don't have have to leave your bags outside and allowed to bring in food and drinks. They have comfortable prayer room as well as a couple of cafes for when you're feeling peckish. 

• Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda, Shah Alam

• Located in the same compound of Kelab Golf Shah Alam. Opens from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays and until 9 p.m. on weekends.

• KL Library

• Beautiful view of KL City, but reeked the smell of old books.

• Kinokuniya Cafe

• On the second floor of Kinokuniya Bookstore, KLCC. Can be noisy around lunch time

• Know Your Limits

Understanding what are your life’s constraints and knowing your limit will help you pace yourself. Some of you may have young children and other family commitments, some of you may have flexible working hours and have to travel often for work, or some of you may work in a company where the hours are crazy especially when datelines are near. Once you know your limitations, you will be able to determine how fast or how slow your pace is in completing the MBA. Some may prefer to take only 1 or 2 subjects in a semester and spread the whole course over the maximum allowable limit or some may want to complete the MBA as soon as possible. From my experience, you must also be smart enough to not take all the difficult or killer subjects at once. Always combine tough subjects like Economy with “lighter” ones such as Information Systems or Ethics. This way your load will be more balanced and this may also increase your chances to score an A!

The past 2 and a  half years have been a roller coaster ride for me. In between those years, I changed jobs, fell in love, got married and got pregnant! There have definitely been times when I question myself, “What were you thinking?” or “Why do you do this to yourself?” But at the end of the day, knowing that that I have worked very hard, pushed myself to the limits, and overcame all the challenges that come along the way, I can now say that, it has been worthwhile and it is an indeed a rewarding experience.

Before I end my post today, I will leave you with the magic quote that kept me going all these while...

"There is no such thing in life as sacrifice, there is only choice"

Till then, Good Luck!

Liv

It's Not Rocket Science

Hi everyone,

When Liv and I decided that we would start a blog together, I was super excited. I’m the kind of person who has an opinion on everything (yeahh, I’m annoying that way!), so a blog would be a cool place for me to share my thoughts with others. But I didn’t realize it would be this HARD, guys….If you haven’t noticed, ever since this blog was born,  Liv has been the one coming up with posts (such a show-off that girl, hehe).

It’s not that I don’t have anything to write about. There have been countless times when I’ve said to myself, hey, this topic would make a great blog post. But when I sat down at my keyboard, the words simply just wouldn’t come. If there’s such a thing as a novice blogger’s block, then this must be it. *sobs uncontrollably*

So after the tears have dried up for the umpteenth time, I gave this blogging thing some serious thought. I’m guessing the reason it’s soooo difficult for me to write is because I’ve been approaching it all wrong. Maybe what I need is a more structured approach to blogging. I should start by knowing what makes great blog-writing.

I turned to my BFF, Mr. Google and lucky for me, he had a lot to say. So I’ve picked the top 8 tips that resonated most with me and shared them here. Hopefully they will come handy to those of you who are thinking about writing your maiden blog post:

Tip #1: Start With A Great Title

Very important tip since the title will determine whether your posts will be read or not. You need to grab the reader’s attention in the first instance and a great title will help you do just that. So if you guys want to know what’s behind the title of this post, read on. *winks*

Tip #2: Blog From The Heart

Ask yourself, what are you passionate about? Is it fashion, travel, sports, or everything else in between? Pick a subject that you enjoy and pour your heart into it. If like me you are interested in a lot of things, then I suggest you blog about a different topic each time.

Tip #3: Write Like You Talk

This is a great piece of advice. If you write the way you speak, your readers will feel like you are having a conversation with them and this helps you build a better connection. It’s ok to use a little bit of slang or informal English occasionally if it makes your writing more relatable.

Tip #4: Make It Entertaining

I like this tip a lot. Some of the more well-written blogs I’ve come across have the ability to engage their readers through humour and wit. If what you’ve written puts a smile on someone else’s face every time, then they’ll keep coming back for more.

Tip #5: Use Pictures

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Make your blog visually attractive by using pictures to illustrate what you are writing about and enhance the reading experience for your readers.

Tip #6: Consistency is Key

It is entirely up to you to choose the frequency of your posts but decide on something reasonable and stick to it. If you are inconsistent and your readers have to wait ages for your next post, you will risk losing them.

Tip #7: Be Responsive

Encourage your readers to provide feedback or comments. When they do comment, respond to their comments and keep the interaction going. Use your blog as a platform to reach out to your readers and build a sense of community.

And last but not least…..

Tip #8: Practice, Practice, Practice

A great skill takes time to grow and this holds true for blog-writing. Don’t expect to be an overnight success but if you keep at it and not give up, you’ll get there some day. Learn from other bloggers, develop your own style and make mistakes along the way. After all, this is blog-writing, guys, not rocket science....

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to put the tips to the test while you guys check out these hilarious cartoons on blogging. ‘Till next time, byeee!

Lotsa Luv

What You Need During the First and Second Trimester of Pregnancy - Part1

Hi Guys!

So, I have just graduated from my second trimester and now I am in the awkwardly-protruding-belly-button trimester (read: third trimester). Since, I've been having this thing called "pregnancy brains" where I have trouble remembering things I thought I should pen down some of my thoughts and experience from my first and second trimester before I completely forget them.

This post is going to be all about first trimester and I will write a subsequent post to describe my second trimester experience.

I was super blessed and did not experience any morning sickness at all.  However, my blood pressure was pretty low during the first trimester, which is actually absolutely normal during early pregnancy hence I was pretty much exhausted and dizzy all the time. But other than that, Alhamdulillah,  my first trimester went on really smoothly.

What do you Need during the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

• Pregnancy Apps

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I immediately downloaded Pregnancy Apps on both my phone and on my husband's phone. Pregnancy Apps like babycenter Pregnancy, What to Expect and BabyBump help track your pregnancy, provide you with a lot of information, tips and tricks and allow you to join community social groups so that you can connect with other expecting mothers all over the world. It is absolutely helpful especially for first-time moms.

• Set your first appointment with your preferred OB/GYN and get started on prenatal supplements

Getting a good doctor is very important during pregnancy. This is the person who will see you through your pregnancy, provide medical advice and most importantly will be the one responsible for the safe delivery of your precious baby (with Allah's will). Throughout your pregnancy, you will need to go through various examinations and tests as well as sharing intimate details about your body. So choose wisely. You need someone you're comfortable with instead of being intimidated by.In choosing a doctor, do also lookout for their historical delivery experience and it is important to choose a doctor who will support and honor your birth plans. Good doctors in Klang Valley are highly sought after. Some would actually take a few months before you get to secure your very first appointment. So as soon as you know youre pregnant start asking friends and family for references and recommendations as well as do your research online and once you have decided, call to make your first appointment. Meanwhile, get advice from your current doctor on prenatal supplements. Most doctor will recommend taking Duphaston and Acid Folic during the first trimester. You may also need a progesterone jab to strengthen your uterus if have mild bleeding during the first trimester.

• Stock-up on Pantyliners

Without being too TMI, basically the hormonal changes in your body will cause increase in discharge down there. It is very important to maintain cleanliness to avoid infections. Even more so for Muslims as we need to ensure that we are clean every time we pray, five times a day. Normally, you will need multiple pantyliner changes in one day. So always carry a few extras in your handbag!

• Stretch Mark Creams

I was told by many that stretch marks prevention must begin as early as the first trimester. So one of the first things that I bought during my first trimester was Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula for Stretch Marks. I diligently applied the butter on stretch marks prone areas (tummy and thighs) every night before I go to bed starting from 8 weeks.

However, after finishing the whole tub I decided to do more research on stretch marks and found out that cocoa butter has not been proven to reduce stretch marks! Disappointed by my new findings, I turned to my colleague who has been pregnant twice but is still slender and fabulous. She told me that Olive Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil worked wonders for her so that very same day I went to the nearest pharmacy and bought Palmer's Olive Butter Formula. They smell nice and are less stickier than the Cocoa Butter. The results? Ask me again after I give birth. 

• Pregnancy, Childcare and Parenting Books

As first-time moms, we are clueless about anything and everything. Knowledge is power, so don't be stingy in investing on good books to keep you informed on what is currently happening to your body and what to expect in the time to come. Many said that the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book is the Holy Book when it comes to pregnancy but having personally own the book, I feel like most of the content and information in the book can be found online. Personally, I prefer books that are more graphic/pictorial. There are plenty of books in the market currently so choose one that you find interesting and will not make you doze off after reading the first few pages!

• Research & Book Confinement Lady Services

Most Confinement Lady services are pre-booked way in advanced especially if you're around Klang Valley area. So make sure, researching, considering and engaging with conversations with the service providers early. Some of them require 50% deposit to secure bookings.

Things to consider when searching for Confinement Lady:

• Budget
• Stay-in/Daily Visits
• Length of Stay/Duration of Visit
• Location and Transportation Costs
• What services do you need? Do you need food to be prepared, clothes to be washed, or extra care for your newborn baby? Do you need confinement care set to be provided?

Here are some Confinement Lady options around Klang Valley you can choose from:

• Kakak Adek Confinement Therapist.  Offers various confinement packages from 3 days - 14 days. Additional fees for baby care and transportation. Contact Eni at 0176759218
• Siti Aishah Confinement. Early reservation required with 50% deposit. Fees are on per-session basis. One downside is we can't choose our preferred Confinement Lady visitation hours, as it is based on availability of Confinement Lady.  Contact Puan Mira at 016-2278421
• Jemari Tradisional. Offers stay-in Confinement Lady services. Packages can be viewed at http://rawatanbersalin.blogspot.com/. Contact Puan Rozita at 012-2431966
• Shadira Post Malay Natal Treatment. Also offers stay-in Confinement Lady. All packages can be viewed at http://shadirabeauty.com/blog/category/services/ , however I must say that the packages are a bit pricey. Contact Shadira at 012-2141 780 
• Sri Wajah Ibu. Their packages include complete postnatal set and can viewed at https://www.facebook.com/RahsiaSriWajahIbu. Contact Farhana at 013-671 1961

During the first trimester, there are a lot of things happening and changing within our body, internally without us noticing. Physically/externally, the changes can be minimal or less visible. If you don't have your morning sickness chances are there are days when you don't feel pregnant at all. Be careful and do not over exert yourself. First trimester is when your pregnancy is the most delicate so always ensure that you have plenty of rest and take things slowly.

If you are currently in your first trimester and experiencing bad morning sickness, hang in there! Keep your spirits high and always remember no good deeds go unnoticed in the "eyes" of Allah. So think about the rewards that Allah is blessing you with in exchange of the discomforts you're currently having. InsyaAllah, better days will come soon!

Till then, Keep well

Liv