Baby Talk 3

Yesterday, in mummy's thoughts, I mention that Mummy suddenly became this "expert" Mummy for advice.

Let see what I have overheard so far:

1. Breast pumps - The better brands to purchase are avent, ameda and medela. However, different mummies have shown that they react differently to each of these brands, so it hasn't been proven which is the best yet. Mummy is using the Avent Uno and is so far so good.


2. Diaper rash - Mummies have sworn by Desitin Creamy which contains zinc oxide which forms a layer of protection when applied to babies' diaper area to prevent and treat diaper rash. However, this is not available in Singapore, so mummies get them through Drugstore sprees. Another good cream to use is California Baby's Calendula Cream, which is a multi-purpose cream with healing effects that is natural.


3. Baby acne - It is normal for newborn babies to have a bit of baby acne. If it is left alone, they should clear within a few weeks or latest by 3 months. Can also help treat by cleaning babies' face with a cloth wet with warm water, and / or using evian spray.


4. Stretchmark creams - Magazines have sworn by Clarins oil or Mustela cream for the prevention and lightening of stretchmarks. However, Mummy says it all depends on the skin elasticity.


5. How to have more breast milk - A few methods have been discussed between mummies. (a) Drink more soup boiled with papaya and fish (b) Drink more fluids (c) Take fenugreek supplements. Other than taking care of the diet, other techniques to stimulate more milk supply could be (a) latching baby on more often (b) expressing milk more frequently and routinely (ie every 4 hours) (c) Latching baby on at one side and expressing the other (d) most importantly, cannot be stressed, if not, will definitely affect milk supply.
   

One of mummies' friends on the forum came up with a list of advantages of feeding babies formula milk vs breast milk. See what she has come up with:

Advantages of Formula Milk

1. No need to feed as many times or wake up as many times during the nights


2. Babies actually put on weight more quickly on formula milk than breast milk


3. There are no problems with engorgement, sore nipples, bruised breasts, blocked ducts etc and as a result (as suspected), better temperament.
   

Advantages of Breast Milk

1. Antibodies and other substances in breast milk not found in formula milk


2. More easily digested - but it also means babies get hungry more often, and yet put on less weight than FM-fed


3. Breast milk evolves in content as baby grows. Anyways, so does FM, that's why there's FM for newborns vs 6 mths vs 1 yr old etc right


4. Convenience of not having to bring out or wash or sterilise bottles etc.


5. Breastfeeding gives bonding
   

I guessed Mummy has weighed the above advantages and thus decided that she will continue to do TBF. So far, I have only been fed Similac the few days that I was newly born and still in Gleneagles Hospital. Way to go, Mummy...