My breastfeeding journey was never an easy one to begin with. However, with much determination and preserverance, I am consider myself lucky to still be able to breastfeed my little Arthur until this very day.
At 19 months and 3 weeks, Arthur is now not so little anymore... especially when you saw me carrying/breastfeeding him. The view of it is enough to make one wonder if the toddler is my son ;)
Anyway, the question that have been coming at me lately... not that this is something new... "When do you plan to stop breastfeeding him?"... Eyes roll when my answer almost always comes out to be... "When he stops taking it."
For one, til this very day, I am not sure why MIL is not supportive of breastfeeding. While we were back in KL, the above has been a constant question from her.
Then, there's relatives.. most who were afraid of a clingy baby if they were to breastfeed... asking me to start weaning Arthur to formula even when he was barely 3 months old...
Anyway, glad they no longer ask about it as much now as I guess my determination to breastfeed proved to them I am not going to stop no matter what.
The thing is, as many breastfeeding Moms would agree with me... we are just too focused on providing the BEST for our babies that there is nothing that could stop us from breastfeeding.
The matter on when to stop breastfeeding often comes back to "the feeling (the bonding time) is so great that it will be sad to really have to stop one day".
Anyway, many stop breastfeeding or will wean their babies when they get pregnant again... in fear of lack of nutrition. Most others will stop when their little ones are about two. Some goes the mile and still breastfeed their children who is 4 years old. So, when do you think you will stop breastfeeding?
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Alas, I signed up!
I have never imagined that I will one day be a blogger. In fact, some of my closest friends were surprised I am blogging! I started blogging out of the passion I have for babywearing. I needed a place where I can share my love of babywearing with the world!
Again, never did I imagine I could make so many friends through blogging and what not, make money out of blogging? As a blogger, it is no surprise that we read blogs from other bloggers. Through them, I found out about PayPerPost and how we can actually get paid blogging... Just the very thing we SAHMs need ;) Especially for times we need new CD stash... new baby slings... new everything... yes, don't you just hate those moments when you want to get something good and new but don't have the $$$ to do it? This is the answer!
As much as I would love to sign up at once, they had a term where a blog had to be 90 days old, with at least 20 posts... Yes, you are reading it right 'had' that term. If you have been wanting to sign up but have to wait for your blog to be 'old' enough, well, wait no more! As of 13 Feb 2008, all you need is a blog 30 days old with 10 posts!
What are you waiting for? Check them out right now if you haven't already done so!
Again, never did I imagine I could make so many friends through blogging and what not, make money out of blogging? As a blogger, it is no surprise that we read blogs from other bloggers. Through them, I found out about PayPerPost and how we can actually get paid blogging... Just the very thing we SAHMs need ;) Especially for times we need new CD stash... new baby slings... new everything... yes, don't you just hate those moments when you want to get something good and new but don't have the $$$ to do it? This is the answer!
As much as I would love to sign up at once, they had a term where a blog had to be 90 days old, with at least 20 posts... Yes, you are reading it right 'had' that term. If you have been wanting to sign up but have to wait for your blog to be 'old' enough, well, wait no more! As of 13 Feb 2008, all you need is a blog 30 days old with 10 posts!
What are you waiting for? Check them out right now if you haven't already done so!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Endurance and babywearing
One of the most common question from those interested to wear their babies seems to be "What is the maximum weight that this sling can hold?" or "How long can babywearing last... namely, until when can I wear my baby?"
The standard answer to those questions, from me, or anyone else selling the pouch type sling is that it can be used to carry a child up to 15 kgs.
Given suitable fabric, the sling can be much more durable and can even hold an adult! Think of hammocks... think of swings made of fabric... In fact, through my research, I have read about people carrying children that is 18 kgs.
The point is, it does not entirely depend on the fabric. Mainly, it depends on the endurance level and this vary greatly from one to another.
I have always been known as one of those girls who can be tough. I can lift boxes heavier than most girls can etc. In babywearing, with the pouch (i.e. one shoulder carry), honestly, I am only beginning to feel the strain when Arthur was approaching 12kgs. Prior to that, I can wear him for 4 hours straight when we were out shopping... he sleeping soundly in the sling. This has been what I have been telling people... "no strain til he was almost 12 kgs".
Recently, as I get together with more babywearing Mommas, I realised that not many have the endurance level as I. Some start complaining about straining their shoulders even when their little ones is only 9 kgs.
It really is an individual thing. Just as how some babywearers would not use the sling for cradle carry at all.
To top it, age is not a good indication either as for an example, my 3 1/2 year old niece is lighter than my little Arthur. So, there you go. My Sis still wears my niece when they are in crowded areas. Sis is a fan of Pasar Malam... and Sales... and Fairs... and Warehouse Sales... these are the occassions when she would use the sling... just to keep her close. Good idea, I think. And, even though it could be a bit tiring, she's admitting it's much better than having to carry her with bare arms, which doesn't leave her hands free enough to be checking things out ;)
Endurance levels is naturally increased as your baby grows, that is, if you have started wearing your baby since he/she is a newborn. Otherwise, if you are starting out with a toddler, a good thing to do would be to slowly build your endurance levels by slowly increasing the duration you wear your baby. Perhaps, 20 minutes for the first time... 30 minutes for the second time... etc. etc.
The standard answer to those questions, from me, or anyone else selling the pouch type sling is that it can be used to carry a child up to 15 kgs.
Given suitable fabric, the sling can be much more durable and can even hold an adult! Think of hammocks... think of swings made of fabric... In fact, through my research, I have read about people carrying children that is 18 kgs.
The point is, it does not entirely depend on the fabric. Mainly, it depends on the endurance level and this vary greatly from one to another.
I have always been known as one of those girls who can be tough. I can lift boxes heavier than most girls can etc. In babywearing, with the pouch (i.e. one shoulder carry), honestly, I am only beginning to feel the strain when Arthur was approaching 12kgs. Prior to that, I can wear him for 4 hours straight when we were out shopping... he sleeping soundly in the sling. This has been what I have been telling people... "no strain til he was almost 12 kgs".
Recently, as I get together with more babywearing Mommas, I realised that not many have the endurance level as I. Some start complaining about straining their shoulders even when their little ones is only 9 kgs.
It really is an individual thing. Just as how some babywearers would not use the sling for cradle carry at all.
To top it, age is not a good indication either as for an example, my 3 1/2 year old niece is lighter than my little Arthur. So, there you go. My Sis still wears my niece when they are in crowded areas. Sis is a fan of Pasar Malam... and Sales... and Fairs... and Warehouse Sales... these are the occassions when she would use the sling... just to keep her close. Good idea, I think. And, even though it could be a bit tiring, she's admitting it's much better than having to carry her with bare arms, which doesn't leave her hands free enough to be checking things out ;)
Endurance levels is naturally increased as your baby grows, that is, if you have started wearing your baby since he/she is a newborn. Otherwise, if you are starting out with a toddler, a good thing to do would be to slowly build your endurance levels by slowly increasing the duration you wear your baby. Perhaps, 20 minutes for the first time... 30 minutes for the second time... etc. etc.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Chinese New Year!
The Lee Lee Ang Lion Dance TroupeYes! We are back from our CNY trip to KL and boy! was it fun!
I must really say that it has really been a great time for us to visit our friends and relatives. Arthur couldn't be more happy and excited than being able to be with so many goh-goh and jie-jie.. not to mention the di-di and mei-mei... saying that he enjoyed the stay in KL is an understatement...
The Lion Dance Pants made its appearance when the Lee Lee Ang Lion Dance Troupe (Jung, Jia and Arthur) made their debut performance at my in-laws place on the third day of Chinese New Year... Mind you, it is no child's play and it attracted much attention. Honestly, the guests were much happier than if it were the usual grown up troupe ;)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Lion Dance Pants!
This project has been pending even before Arthur was born!
Yes, my nephew, Jung, is very into Lion Dance. Though I did not make a promise, but he had indeed made a request for these pants since about 2 years ago... and this Yiyi... lazy... wasn't sewing as much then... took her own sweet time to drag out the sewing machine... (read DIY or Buy? Buy or DIY?)finally, got it done this year!
Why this year? How about Arthur is also into Lion Dance.... the sewing machine is always set up unlike before... already got more than enough fabric for this project... mainly, before my nephew is all too grown up to dance with the lion! He is going to turn 6 this year. He is so into Lion Dance that he even went all the way to perform during his last prize giving ceremony... too bad this lazy Yiyi hasn't got it done then ;(
So, here's how it looks ;)
Threealtogether... since I am already making them.. might as well make one for each... my nephew, Jung... his sister, Jia Wen and or course, my little Arthur
That about wraps up my sewing for the year of the Boar... now, let's be patient and see what I can come up with for the Rat Year ;) ... adjustable pouches?
Yes, my nephew, Jung, is very into Lion Dance. Though I did not make a promise, but he had indeed made a request for these pants since about 2 years ago... and this Yiyi... lazy... wasn't sewing as much then... took her own sweet time to drag out the sewing machine... (read DIY or Buy? Buy or DIY?)finally, got it done this year!
Why this year? How about Arthur is also into Lion Dance.... the sewing machine is always set up unlike before... already got more than enough fabric for this project... mainly, before my nephew is all too grown up to dance with the lion! He is going to turn 6 this year. He is so into Lion Dance that he even went all the way to perform during his last prize giving ceremony... too bad this lazy Yiyi hasn't got it done then ;(
So, here's how it looks ;)
Threealtogether... since I am already making them.. might as well make one for each... my nephew, Jung... his sister, Jia Wen and or course, my little Arthur That about wraps up my sewing for the year of the Boar... now, let's be patient and see what I can come up with for the Rat Year ;) ... adjustable pouches?
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