Menstrual cups

It has been some time since I last posted on my ventures with Cloth Pads.

While I regard it as an upgrade in terms of environmental-friendliness to disposable pads, I must say I am not very keen on washing them. Not because they are extra difficult to wash or anything like that.... mainly just because I don't like any chores that requires me to get my hands wet.

Anyway, as I enjoy my time of the month without the discomfort that disposable pads bring (not to mention the $$$ involved) with cloth pads, I started to wonder into more options and read about menstrual cups....

I loved cloth pads for the better comfort and mainly because I don't have to be throwing as much rubbish anymore...

Now that I've found menstrual cups, I'd say it is the ultimate in reducing waste!

So, I've got my Mooncup during the Parenthood Fair in August 2008.... been using it since then... 4 times now, to be exact and it is, as expected, the best in terms of waste reduction. And, all you need is just ONE! It is just so convenient you do not have to worry about forgetting to bring extra pads with you.

Admittedly, I still switch to cloth pads for the last few days when my menses are waving goodbye... still, the mooncup is the life saver for the peak of those times in the month. If you have ever used a tampon before, it is not similar, but better ;)

Anyway, menstrual cups must be gaining popularity as I just read in the December issue of Parenthood magazine that there is a disposable version of menstrual cups available in the market now, Instead Softcups. Then again, why would you want to pay for something similar that you have to throw away when you can just invest in one and use it over and over again?

Somehow, the idea of investing in something that you need to throw away just doesn't grab me.... expecially when it means more rubbish and more rubbish...

Challenging a Tot

What it sounds like is exactly what it means...

Have you ever tried all 'nice' ways to teach your little one but failed? Leading you to, perhaps, use reverse psychology? Have you ever read that challenging your little ones could help them develop better? I don't really know.

At 2 and 1/2, my little Arthur is in between the Terrible Twos and well, the Terrible Threes... as much as I try to think of them as the Terrific Twos and the Terrific Threes, well, I must admit there are times when he's far from being terrific. And, these are the trying times when DH will try to 'challenge' him...

E.g... we've kept telling him not to put his finger in the fan but of course, he keeps trying to do it. DH just snapped one day and said to LO, "Try to put your finger in and see if it hurts", while I was doing laundry nearby.

The thought of it is horrific, let alone, what if my little one, who can barely judge, really did it??!! Does reverse psychology really works with a child that young? I wonder...

Adventist Hospital Penang Nov 08

It was a fine and lovely day on the 23rd Nov 2008 and more than anything else, it is the day that the Kangaroo Club meets at the Penang Adventist Hospital and I was invited to give a talk on Babywearing :)

With quite a crowd and attentive listeners, it was a fun and hopefully, informational event to the participants.
As usual, to a crowd new to babywearing, it was a brief introduction on the different babywearing options available...

Buffa-lo

This is one really funny situation that I keep remembering myself to blog about.

We were bringing Arthur to his weekly Musikgarten class and as usual, we are there early so the kids could play together before the 30minutes class begin. Along with some Alphabets PVC mat on the floor, there is also a box of books for children that the kids can browse through. As there are really limited 'toys' there, the children will usually end up with a book or two and the Mommies will usually grab the moment to read to them/get them more acquainted with books.

Anyway, the funny (it might not be as funny to the Mom) incident happened like this....

A little girl who just turned three (we were discussing her age and I just got to know on that day that she just turned 3) got a book on animals and started pointing to them and asking her Mom what it is, repeating the name of the animals that Mommy told her and the conversation went on like this...

Little Girl : What is this (pointing to a Chicken)?
Mommy : Chicken-lo
Little Girl : Chic-ken... What is this (pointing to a Cat)?
Mommy : Cat-lo
Little Girl : Cat... What it this (pointing to a Buffalo)?
Mommy : Buffalo
Little Girl : Buf-feh...
Mommy : No. Buffalo... not Buf-feh
Little Girl : Buf-feh...

As parents to growing tots, we really have to mind our language, don't we?

Freaky encounter

It's really getting close now... no, it did not happen to Arthur and I but it was really, really, close...

A group of us (Moms and little ones) were having lunch together at the Food Court in Gurney Plaza today and we were almost finishing when it happened...

I guess it could be my luck that my family and I are sitting in a cornered space where people cannot go around at all...

Anyway, friend of mine,S, was holding on to her little daughter,A, and trying to finish off her lunch... hubby of another friend sitting close by her, playing with his own baby... when a stranger, in his 30's approached the little girl and just cannot stop touching her...

The situation was completely weird and totally freaky!

... stranger walked up and stroke little A's hand...
Stranger : She's cute
my friend, S, : Thank you (and smiled politely and turned away)
Stranger went to the other side (that my friend turned to) and stroke little A's other hand...
S gave another smile and turned away again... and again... the stranger just cannot keep his hands off eventhough it was totally clear in S's face that "I don't want you to touch my little girl!"

Hubby was about to tell the stranger to bug off when S decided she'll just walk away from the table... thinking the stranger will leave us alone but he did not! He went on to approach the hubby and the baby... and it took another 10 minutes before he realised and understood he is not welcomed to keep touching our children and looking totally freaky!

Mind you, he did speak good English and seems polite and all... but it is still so freaky that anyone, especially a guy in his 30's, alone, is so interested in touching your little one!

Is this freaky or is this not?

NEW!! The Wooden Family

Introducing the Wooden Family to Peekaroobaby. Well, there were some that were added before and they are simply irresistable, considering they are hand-painted and wooden. Have I told you, that these lovely woodies are practical, too?

Free Standing Memo Clips.... RM5.00 each

Mini Wooden Photo Frames... RM5.00 each
Magnetic Memo Clips... RM10.00 for a set of 3

Magnetic motifs... RM8 for a set of 12

Check them out from our Peek-a-Play range now!

Babywearing Awareness "Walk" Kuala Lumpur

It's been quite some time since I have worn Arthur, especially since his preference for the strollers when we go shopping and such.

However, seeing so many little ones being worn together must have gotten my Little Arthur excited as he was (after months from our last babywearing moment), tugging to my sling and asking to go into it ;)


So, this was what it is... the Babywearing Awareness "Walk" held in The Curve/Ikano/Ikea on the 16th November 2008 organised by Malaysian Babywearers.

There was a much better than expected turnout... more than 20 babywearers turned up. Paired with husbands and family members, it was like a walking crowd of 40 people, more or less.


The funny moment of the day was when there was a Credit Card salesman approaching us. I was the first being approached (see baby, see business? as they were giving away all sorts of toys for those who signed up). I shook my head and walked on.... then, he saw another opportunity with Syaz and didn't want to let go it that... when Syaz told him she's got to walk together with us... we are in a group, he didn't believe it... until the rest from the back start coming up the same way... then, he knows it true. Indeed, I am not sure if I shall say he is surprised or shocked to see that many little ones at one time!

The plan for the day did not work out at all... many unexpected reasons.... the weekly weekend markets not happening in The Curve... the more than usual (well, sort of expected) crowd for lunch in Ikea...

This is us heading for early lunch in Ikea Restaurant... Can you spot the babywearers?

I had a fun day meeting up with Mommas... especially babywearing Mommas :D

Hoping it's the same for all who attended :)

IBW08 Celebrations

You need a Mei Tai? Win One!

In conjunction with International Babywearing Week, SnuggBaby will be launching their very own Mei Tai.

Click on it to find out more on how you can win yourself a Mei Tai :)

A night to remember...

We are honoured to be invited to celebrate Guy Fawke's night with our English friends today :)

Many, like I, would have heard of/celebrated Halloween but have you heard of Guy Fawke's night?

Apparently, Halloween is mainly an American celebration while Guy Fawke's night is an English one. While the former is celebrated on the 31st October every year where children goes trick or treating, Guy Fawke's night is celebrated on the 5th November annually to remember Guy Fawke's mischief by... (you'll probably get a better understanding of this with the link from above)

Anyway, what we do for Guy Fawke's night is really to set up a bonfire to burn a/some 'Guy's... In England, this would be accompanied by fireworks and sparkly works...

Like my DH puts it, it's more or less like Tian Gung festival (celebrated by Hokkiens on the eve of the ninth day of Chinese New Year) as we burn lots of offerings and play fireworks...

... lost...

Have you ever got lost in words? Or, rather have nothing to say?

For the past few months, I have been rethinking about my life and where it stands.

For a while, since last September, I was thoroughly enjoying blogging and taking pictures for the blog and telling the world about me and my parenting journey. For that time, I can forego sleep for blogging... somehow, sometime near my birthday in July, one day,... as I was preparing to blog... I stopped.

All of a sudden, I was lost in words... all of a sudden, I had nothing to say! Since then, all of a sudden, I've stopped taking as many pictures of Arthur as I've used to do.

I was lost... not only in words but in many ways... For the past few months, I have been trying hard to focus on life without blogging (my best friend did say he's surprised I blog!)... life without trying to take that picture for a blog.... life without thinking up what to blog...

A few months later, now... I feel like I'll just blog whatever I feel like blogging and put pictures up when I feel like it...

Have you ever been lost the was I was (probably still am)? Have you ever sit back and thought the Internet somehow can also be in the way of developing a close relationship with your child?

Spending wisely

What do you do? How do you do it? At trying times like these, spending wisely attracts much attention. Just what is wise and how do you spend wisely?

When you really look into it, it's really not that difficult at all... instead of eating out in proper restaurants, we either eat in or just go for our meals at the hawker centres. Instead of driving across the bridge for one reason, we try to group a few more so we get more done (and, thus, the toll payment and petrol more worthwhile). And, really, we don't need that new toy, or that new carpet....

When it comes to necessities, like a pair of glasses (I needed a replacement... more often now that I have a kid), how? My glasses needed to be replaced and I was looking around the stores for good deals... mind you, I am not one after branded frames but still, the best I could get is like RM168. Coming across Zenni Opticals was like my prayers answered.

Did you not know you can order your eyeglasses online with a lower price? How?... well, you are not paying for the extra advertisements and you are ordering direct from the manufacturer! Starting at USD$8 per pair (less than RM30!), who wouldn't call that a deal? Even when you factor in the postage charges, it's still a steal!

Jewels you can chew on?

... or, rather, YOUR baby can chew on!

I don't really know how it is for other Moms but for me, ever since Arthur has joined us, my jewelleries has been put aside.

The thought of my little one playing and pulling them apart is something I do not welcome. The thought of him biting into them (and, accidentally swallowing them!) is horrifying. Yes, my necklaces and bangles would have gotten much more attention from Arthur than from me, if I were to be wearing them. I know because that is his target when someone wearing them picks him up.

What's more, growing up and teething, he realised he has got a bangle on his very own wrist and no, that bangle is not spared of biting marks! It's coconut shell and hopefully, not harmful. That is a bangle 'for protection'.

So, I am amazed at this find...

They are called chewable jewels and that is exactly what it is! Jewelleries your little ones can chew on! Designed by a dentist, Dr. Helen Bloom Smith, these jewels sure are durable (ask my 2 year and 4 month old!)

The claim...

" Our Teething Jewelry Is:

* Dentist Created and Endorsed

* BPA, PVC, Phthalate Free

* Latex and Lead Free

* Dishwasher Safe"

When we first put them on, they seem to attract dust. However, as they get more used, that no longer is a problem. It must be the glossy surface to begin with. Anyway, with use, the colour and texture got better.

My little one (at 2 years and 4 months) has definitely got very sharp teeth and bites without mercy (I truly hope it is a phase). So, when he feels like biting, I will offer him the pendant instead. I know it's meant more for teething babies but well, let's just say I much prefer him biting into the pendant that on someone. And, the pendant worked. Yes... my little one, with strong, sharp teeth, is no match for it's durability.

I love bangles/bracelets most of all but I have to pass it on, for a better review and hoping it gets better use with a 10-month old, teething baby. Also, it is a bit too big for me to begin with. I suggest they come in sizes.

While my friend and I (who tested the items out) are amazed by the idea of Dr Bloom's chewable Jewels, we find that our little ones seem to know it is not something we DON'T want them to chew on.... so, it's indeed getting less attention than our watches, our slings, us etc. etc...

IBW Celebration Now Launched!!

It's here now!! International Babywearing Week 2008 celebrations by Malaysian Babywearers is finally here!!

Check out the MBW Blog and check out the many contests and prizes that awaits you!

Babywearing Workshop in KL

In conjunction with International Babywearing Week, Malaysian Babywearers is organising a Babywearing Workshop at Teeny Tiny Tapir, Ampang.

For a mere RM20 admission fees, which is fully redeemable on any carriers purchased on the day, refreshments are provided and you get a feast on your eyes with a Babywearing Show featuring different carrier options!

What's more??!! You get to try on the carrier of your choice and if you get lucky, you might even win yourself a sling in the Lucky Draw!

Limited to 40 persons only. RSVP by emailing malaysianbabywearers-at-gmail-dot-com.

Do it now so you don't miss out!

Check out Malaysian Babywearers' blog for more details on the many other events and contests it is organising for International Babywearing Week!

Getting There...

Peek-a-Vouchers are now available

Scratching your head looking for the perfect gift? Look no further than Peekaroobaby's customisable gift vouchers.

Have a specific gift in mind (e.g.a Peek-a-Pouch) but unsure of the recipient's preference or styles? Get a totally customisable Peek-a-Voucher where you can either choose a specific amount (e.g. RM20, RM50 etc.) or a specific gift (e.g. Peek-a-Pouch Premium, Peek-a-Sense Squares etc.)

What's even better? Get a reply and print off your voucher in a matter of hours so you can present it as you wish. No postage involved!

Want a better print out? Get the voucher printed and delivered to you or to the recipient with just RM3 postage rate!

Now, that's as flexible as flexible can get :)

Celebrate International Babywearing Week!

~click on above image to enlarge the info/map~

Forget designer duds—our passion is wearing our little ones!

That's because babywearing—which simply means holding an infant or toddler in a baby carrier—offers numerous benefits.

Malaysian Babywearers are celebrating this practice during International Babywearing Week, November 12 to 18, 2008. Join us as we launch our month-long celebration in conjuntion with International Babywearing Week 2008 at the Little Penang Street Market on the 26th October 2008.






The event features a promotional booth with info and exhibits promoting the act of babywearing and its benefits. There will also be a charity fund raising sales, kids colouring contest, info treasure hunt & lucky draw. A babywearing show, showcasing different options in babywearing, will take centrespace around 2.00 pm.

New to babywearing? Come and find out more. Try on the carrier of your choice and get advice and tips from those who know!

Experienced in babywearing? Come and share you thoughts or just to have fun!

Bring your kids along to participate in the colouring contest. Bring your camera for a nice family day out. And, who knows, your photo could be the winning entry for our photo contest lauching the same day at Malaysian Babywearers!

See you there!

When Mom gets a day off... it's Daddy's day!

It's been some time since I shared anything parenting related in particular...

Recently, I've been catching up on reading again as I try to spend more time with my little one. We have reading times together and then, we'll both grab a book of our own fancy and read on for a while... that probably explains the lack of my blog posts nowadays, though there are lots more reasons where my time goes these days.

Anyway, I have been reading mostly parenting books and magazines and came across on the importance of Dad being more than a playmate, and how we can try to enhance the bonding between Dads and children... Moms take a day off **wicked smile**

Most of us would know how important it is for the father figure to play a part in the development of a child and in most cases (at least those I know of), Dads tend to end up being the playmate while Mom takes the roles and responsibilities of providing primary care and disciplining the child. While we are not suggesting a change of roles here, it is more of Dad and child growing to be more than playmates... growing with that special bond and trust that they can trust, respect and believe in each other... something that lacks in our family despite my many attempts to remind Dad of what's 'nutritious food' and what's 'good manners' etc.

While most books or magazines suggests more time with Dad, not many will suggests Mom not being in the picture at all... Adventurous me believed in the article in Australian Parenting magazine that Mom will need to be away for Dad to know that he is totally in charge... that the child is now all under his care. If Mom were still in the house, meals will still be prepared by Mom, Dad/child will call out to Mom when they cannot find something they want to play with etc... if Mom's not there... well, they just have to figure it out :)

From Oct 2008, Mom will get a 'day off' a month and completely stay away from Dad, son and house...

The idea of me getting a day off was appealing but really, my day off was indeed tiring as I stay away from the house for more than 12 hours... without calling home to check. Gladly, Dad realised the importance of this all and did not call to check for things... yes, he managed :D If I were not lucky enough to have invite to dinner... I would not have known where to spend those 12 hours! Now, I need to start planning what I should be doing on my next day off...

Anyway, what you must be curious to know is... the result... yes, we are talking about just Dad and child ... no helpers, no grandparents around... just the two. And, no, Mom did not prepare anything in advance for them... no food, no plans...

From the time I stepped into the door... it was 10.30pm and I was hoping that my son would be sleeping (then again, his bedtime is usually past 11pm)... there was a welcoming hug from my boy and hubby :D , with Arthur going "Momma's back"... you can tell from his face how much he misses having me around but no, he's not crying... he's glad! The night ended with cuddles and Momma cleaning him up and getting him ready for bed... for once, I'm all ears listening to him relate what happened with Dad in the day (Mom left before he woke)... I was amazed at his ability to remember and to tell me most of what happened... Dad nodding in agreement at the back...

Today, as we spend the day together (as family, all 3 together)... I must say jealousy is already builing up, looking at Dad and Son having 'something' they've learned to do together that I do not know of... and how my Son is now more trusting towards Dad and how Dad actively takes on the role of ensuring Son gets a full stomach... things that I'd say would never happen if I did not take the 'day off'...

Today, as I see them together... it's as though I've been away for ages and tuned out of lots of things... secretly glad and happy that they have this new found understanding and fondness of each other ...

Are we looking at the next Mom's 'day off'?... For me... it is tiring but if it helps Dad and Son build that special relationship, I am sure I'll be able to plan some activities for myself ;p... Dad... "rather not" but he's saying this with a smile and a cheeky grin...

Son...
Mom: Did you enjoy yourself with Di-e Di-e today?
Son: (smiled and nodding his head)
Mom: Do you want to do this again?
Son: (shaking head)

And now, I need....

... a new baby!

Well, well... sadly, it has now come to the stage now where Arthur finally pick the stroller over me... in a way, it is good timing, too. As comfy as a wrap could be, Arthur is ever growing and I must (sadly and teary-eyed) admit that if no longer feels totally comfortable wearing him. Especially when he is quite tall for his age (as commented by many), his dangling legs somehow makes it harder.

Of late, my babywearing journey has seen me showing more and more people how to wear a baby and that gives me the opportunity to wear a baby! Sometimes, I so miss that feeling.... how I wish I can borrow the baby for a day!

Hmmm.... in the world of babywearing, babies just grow too fast. Mom simply does not have enough time to try out all there is.

Envirosax Restocked!

Greenies alert! Envirosax are now restocked with the new Retro Kitchen series...
... and not forgetting the all popular Kids Series...
Envirosax® reusable shopping bags are spreading the eco-friendly message with style!

Chic, in-expensive and compact, Envirosax® environmentally friendly shopping bags carry the message of re-use to a world ready to embrace a brighter ecological future.

Using eco-friendly reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags is a culture, which will evolve over time. Envirosax makes the “move in the right direction” easier by providing a bag that rolls up and becomes a lightweight and portable, 1.4oz package. These groovy bags, available as single items, also come as an assortment of 5 durable waterproof, lightweight bags contained in a small pouch. The pouch is small enough to stow into a glove box or a handbag, so forgetting your green bags again is now a problem solved!

Check out Peek-a-Green items now!

More on Sax...

Can you recognise that green 'bib'? Make a guess... what is it?? Ok, ok.. the title gave the hint, didn't it? Well, it was one of those days when I forgot the bib... Useful, isn't it?

Now, you know that Envirosax can be more than just a reusable shopping bag :)

Feast on the eyes!

This has been sitting in my camera for ages... me being me.. how can I resist a photo of these two traditional babywearers! Matching fabric, too :)

Aimed with a smile and my camera, I got their permissions to take their photos for use in promoting BW :D

Can you see how neatly the sling is tied? Or, more like, how comfy the little ones at the back are? Certainly enjoying their ride!

My Little Arthur...

After reading an email on how stalkers can get info from the much loved WWW to play 'I really know you', I have decided to make My Little Arthur a private blog.

If you are interested to check out Arthur's progress and know more about us (or have been a regular reader of My Little Arthur) please let me know so I can send you an invite :)

Even from papers and articles I've read, it is indeed easier for predators to find their preys when they 'know' them. From an advertisement not so long ago, it even highlighted that children will be off guard if a stranger know their names... the stranger could easily come up to befriend them, telling them that he/she is one of Mommy's/Daddy's friend.

Yes.. scary... to the point I am now no longer going to post so much info of us to the public. Even with friends and family, I must admit that it does come as a surprise to hear people know when Arthur had a hair cut!

It's so weird...

It's so weird...

• to see a baby using a bottle to feed
• when I hear people give negative remarks on breastmilk, on how it is not as nutritious as formula
• when I hear that babies NEED to be given a mix of breastmilk and formula
• to see people constantly checking out prices for formula and disposable diapers (and, to think I was one of them, where diapers are concerned)
• to be explaining to people about cloth diapers and getting the 'yucky' reaction
• to see caregivers struggling to carry babies with their bare arms
• to see someone letting their little ones 'cry it out' even when the little ones are less than a year old
• to have peole look at us in disgust when we are wearing our babies
• when people come up to me (as I was wearing Arthur in a wrap) with a look of horror and an offer to help...

It's all just so weird ... I am probably weird...

Does price reflect the quality of carriers?

Some time ago, I saw this hybrid 'ring sling' being sold in Giant.. on offer... RM12 or less! Yes, you read it right! RM12. It can be folded til the size that would fit a little umbrella holder...

Today, we checked out the newly opened Econsave in Butterworth and, among all others, saw a couple considering to buy a baby carrier... the simple ones with four straps and buckles.. those that will hang baby by the crotch... RM18.30. Yes, RM 18.30! One word : flimsy! Lucky they put it down.. I was to busy chasing after Arthur to approach them :(

Thing is, it is really quite scary what we see in departmental stores these days. You would be looking at it and imagining if it would be safe to use it, if at all. Then again, those who are new to the scene wouldn't really know, would they?

In more than one ways, the price of a carrier, DOES, after all, reflect the quality of the carrier.
Then again, shall we be happy as that certainly means there is more demand than before for baby carriers? Meaning, more are wanting to wear their babies?

Now, we just need to approach them before they buy a flimsy carrier? Huh... just what would you do?

Article on Spinal Stress

Infant Carriers and Spinal Stress by Rochelle L. Casses, D.C.

This is a great article that answers many questions most who are new to babywearing will have. Have a read! Click on the link!

I am not sure anymore if copying and pasting (with reference to the original link) is against copyrights. Sorry about the inconvenience but do click, it's worth the extra minute ;)

Finally!

Finally, after a year and countless suggestions to include nursing covers into Peekaroobaby, it finally makes sense.



All it took was a couple of friendly reminders "It's useful what!" and I was determined to make them to sell. So much for all those opinions before this!... Big, big thank you to my friends. (Not sure if I shall mention your names here but you know who you are :D)

Then again, those previous ones came from people who does not use nursing covers as much as this duo does... it didn't convince me enough that nursing covers are a practical addition to a breastfeeding mom's gear.

Admittedly, nursing covers were not something I'd use when I was breastfeeding Arthur. We'd just prefer to go to nursery rooms, do it in the car or, sometimes, even in the toilet. I was afraid, that even with the cover, there will be people looking our way...

Anyway, those of you who have been patiently waiting for a Peek-a-Cover (~nursing cover~), do hop over and make your selection.


Launching it in conjunction with the World Breastfeeding Week, they are all discounted at RM30.00 each (Aug 2 - Aug 7) . After which, it will be RM38.00 each.

World Breastfeeding Week 2008 is this Week!

Time really passes by sooo fast and before you know it, it's been a year since my entry on my Breastfeeding Journey. Then, I was just another breastfeeding Mom, trying to make a difference byt encouraging those I am close to, to breastfeed their babies.

Then, at 2007's World Breastfeeding event, I was just another participant who was trying to make herself heard that she is all for supporting breastfeeding...

Then, I found the babywearing love and wanted to shout out to the world in my little voice that we shall all wear our babies!

Then, I was new to the place I now call home... Seberang Jaya (Penang)...

Sitting down here, reflecting on the year gone by, so many things have changed.

As far as promoting breastfeeding is concerned, I am now a member of a Penang-based support group, MMPS. Together with a dedicated team with medical doctors as counsellors, we shall be able to make a difference. Together with all passionate Mommas, we shall be able to bring forth the change in mind that breastmilk, is, after all, the best nutrition there is for our babies.

Aiming to Go for Gold, we have organised a synchronised Breastfeeding event today where 68 mothers (what do you know?? this was exactly the same number we had last year!) have attended to breastfeed their little ones for one minute, together.

In an overall smooth and positive event, we have earned ourselves a bronze medal. That is definitely a good start to a bright future for MMPS :D in our continuing efforts to promote breastfeeding :)

'Shallowing' your pouch

In my attempts in encouraging DIY, I find that many have made a pouch too deep, thinking that more fabric is better? Where babywearing with pouches is concerned, please note that more is most of the time NOT GOOD...

In terms having more fabric lengthwise, you'll end up having a pouch too big that's killing your back...

And, when we talk about having more fabric widthwise (anything more than 23", in my opinion), you'll have a pouch too deep and this is especially not good when we are talking about wearing newborns.

Many of you will find that, even with a ready made sling purchased from a vendor, the pouch could still be too deep for your newborn or too deep for your liking.

Here's what I've put together in 'shallowing' your pouch - the easy, no sew way. More of for times when you need it that way for certain stages... If you need it to be permanently shallower, you'll need to be able to sew, makes sense? Also, read M'liss Stelzer's article on correct positioning.

Ok, here goes.... The first two pictures gives you the measurement of a ready made pouch, unfolded and folded...



Lie the pouch flat on the floor (with practice, you don't need to lie is flat... you can just fold it holding it up :))

Depending on how shallow you want it to be, fold the edges back accordingly. Here, I am folding it back by about 2 inches on each side...

With both sides folded, this is how it would look:

Folded before you put on, it looks like this:
As you can see, the measurement now is only an 8 inches deep pouch as opposed to the 10 inches deep pouch that we started with :)

If you don't like how the 'other side' is showing, you can always fold it inwards... but bear in mind that the folded fabric might get into your little one's way especially when we talk about newborns in the cradle carry position :

Ring Sling for a friend :)

This was a special request from a special friend, namely a team member of Malaysian Babywearers :)

She provided the fabric and specified the shoulder style she would like... just because this is not available for sale in Malaysia and it would cost a bundle to get in from where these kind of shoulder style is sold.

So, yes, I did it for her :)

Would love to post actions shots of this but I am just not into using someone's stuff before asking for permission. Probably wait for her to give me some? :)

Would you like to make one for yourself or for a friend? Click the link below for instructions.

Please read the note and please respect the owner's rights to the instructions. They are put up to make babywearing affordable, so, please don't make them take these instructions away.

My Sax Experience...

Ok ok... let's not get overexcited again. The spelling is correct. I did not misspell the above.

In my effort to promote environmental friendliness and going green, Peekaroobaby has been carrying Envirosax for some time now... a trendy way and convenient way to bringing out those reusable bags...

With so much news on the importance to go green and the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), I am rather sad that some of my attempts to decline plastic bags while grocery shopping failed... simply because the cashier is afraid the security officers will come after them???

For this particular reason, I'd prefer to go shopping at the foreigners-owned super/hypermarkets as they are rather glad I brought my own bag and there's simply no contest on why I should be using their bags instead.

Breastfeeding Buddy

A friend of mine started an online shop, Charantya Store, focusing on natural and attachment parenting products.

Of the many items listed, the thing that caught my attention is the Breastfeeding Buddy. I have seen this somewhere and wanted to source for the right snaps for similar applications. I must admit I still am not able to find it.

This Breastfeeding Buddy can be used for many different applications.

Why would I want to introduce it to babywearers? Well, as you can see from the picture below, one of the applications is to pair it with any piece of fabric/blanket/shawl to come up with an instant nursing cover!

Using the Breastfeeding Buddy with a Peek-a-Pouch

World Breastfeeding Week 2008

In conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week 2008, MMPS (Mother to Mother Peer Support), a voluntary breastfeeding support group, is organising a Breastfeeding Wave event on the 2nd August 2008.

Lunch and goodies for the first 100 mothers who register to breastfeed together for one minute ;)

Together, we can break the record (only 68 Moms who breastfed together last year).
Together, we can make this happen.

Email pgmmps-at-gmail-dot-com to register/enquire today!

WARNING! These rings COULD BREAK!

Some of you may have come across these rings. They are sold at sewing shops and are known to be used a sling rings by Indonesians. Indeed, in encouraging DIY ring sling (a more affordable choice to many), I did help people buy these rings, too. They are very affordable at RM5 per pair. Still great for those new to babywearing and wishing to try out ring sling options but certainly not for long-term use.

Though I have cautioned people of the possibility of them breaking, there is now one confirmed incident that a ring did break! This is why we do not encourage the use of anything that is has an obvious joint (if you have not seen one of these... they DO NOT have an obvious joint and are known to be used for slings!)!

If this can break, NEVER use craft rings... or curtain rings... or rattan rings...

While what you see in the picture will still be a much more afforadable option, especially if you are just trying out wearing a baby, if you are keen, you should just get Sling Rings (www.slingrings.com). Sling Rings has been tried and tested for safety and Peekaroobaby is now carrying them on behalf of Malaysian Babywearers.

Custom Blankie

The latest custom order received is a larger than usual Peek-a-Sense Squares... a mini Blankie for someone special ;)