been there?

Many at times, we just need a little more awareness ..

RTHK breastfeeding awareness campaign

http://programme.rthk.hk/rthk/tv/programme.php?name=tv%2Fwomanwithdreams5&d=2016-05-21&p=7174&e=357925&m=episode#

pumping @ federal

I attended a training @ Federal Hotel the other day. 

instead of the usual me who find out about the availability of lactation / baby room, 

I overlooked on this part until the night before.

So I braved myself to ask on the training day itself, and prepared myself on plan B / C in case they don't have any lactation room.

Our training coordinator and hotel staff was fast thinking.

Although they do not specifically have a lactation, the arrangement for another room as temporary lactation room was swift.

I really wish to thank these hotel people who went the extra mile to help me instead of just giving a standard reply "I'm sorry, but we don't have a lactation room. You can try next door / at the shopping mall." 

So I wrote them a compliment letter on the following day. It's one of those time to pay it forward, to thank people for what they have done.

the access to a comfortable pumping room

pumping comfortably with natural light.

lightings for photo taking and memories.

the space I miss most

I recently transferred to another department,

I was surprised that the space I miss most was NOT my workstation

instead I miss this space the most.

This is the ONE and ONLY so call 'lactation room' we have in the building.

It is slightly bigger than the size of a regular bathroom.

It can fit up to 4 person (tried & tested)

This was where at one point of time, during my second child time, 

4 mothers cramped inside together to do their motherly duties.

and the best part was this space does not have any power socket (since it is a small partitioned space between the pantry and office room).

and we have to use extension wire (the turn to roll type) to connect power point to this space and extension plug to accommodate 4 electric breast pump.

It was not on purpose that all 4 of us from the same department pump together, our boss didn't like it anyway.

It was all because this is the ONLY lactation room we have in the building and everyone is waiting for their turn to use. So we figured it is better for all 4 of us to occupy the room at one go rather than wait for one another.

Our number twiddle from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1.

And then back to 2 when I had to slot in to other people time (I was on different floor) which make it hard for me to 'book' the room.

And then I had the room all to myself thereafter. 

I remember making myself comfortable in there, momentarily throwing away all my work stress and concentrated on my motherly duties while listening to Ai FM.

The people on that floor has been so used to seeing me around that they notice that I'm missing when I'm on leave. 

They too have been very kind to reserve a electrical point for me to connect from pantry to the room. The other are used for microwave oven and some other electrical appliances.

I miss the birds who likes to walk and chip near the window.

I miss the eavesdropping of people talking in the pantry (either phone call or chit chat)..I know this is not good.

I miss the privacy at least this room provide

Cause at the new place (the building) ...

they have an even SMALLER and ONLY lactation room (half the size).

Even equipped with 1 small table, 2 chairs, 1 power point, and some magazines, 

it feels devoid as it is fully booked throughout the day (a few slots by the same person - kiasu), and no one is willing to share pumping session,

so much so that I've upgraded myself to 'workstation pumper' with 'very the thick skin'.

(a sure very notorious way to gain popularity)

if you are thinking what about vacant meeting room / store room?

meeting room - fully booked most of the time and is all glass from ceiling to floor.

store / document room - too small, too packed and too risky if anything goes missing from inside.

surau - not a suitable place and ONLY 1 small partitioned surau for the whole building also.

So,

This is my OPEN PLEA to organisation especially BIG ones 

At least have the courtesy to RESPECT the RIGHTS of mothers to breastfeed their children. 

We don't do it on purpose to escape from work (we have better ways and excuses than breast pumping).

For all you know, we all have mother / wife / daughters ... someone will surely benefit enormously from this 'room' 

Well, again as always, I'm still very grateful for being able to at least benefited from the 'room'. 

And again as usual, I'll continue voicing this need at every opportunity until someone HEAR us. 

I'm not sure if something will happen if someone stumble upon this post, but 

LET IT GO, LET IT GO!

Can't hold it back any more

View from outside (left side is the pantry)

View of inside 

View from inside 

my latest work out sessions

someone posted this work out on facebook 
and I could RELATE ... lol












source : http://bit.ly/17D53uM

one door closed, another door opened

Since last month, I've gradually lost 3 of my breast pumping session companions.

(Yes, in case you're wondering, we do it TOGETHER in a room the size of a toilet cubicle ... i bet it does reflect how close and intimate we are)

1 transferred, 2 resigned 

So here I'm down to 1.

For the 1st few days, I was not used to it. 

I felt something was amiss ... it's like a part of me is missing. 

I'm not used to having the small little space all to myself.

However, I guess it takes time to get used to it.

Recently, I started discovering again 

(1) the wonders & pleasure of reading 

...i hardly have time to read @ home but over the past 2 weeks, i managed to finish a book!

(2) the wonders & pleasure of being alone 

... to wind down especially during stressful times. 

(3) the wonders & pleasure of listening to radio 

... Ai FM (chinese radio station) in particular ... can learn chinese, learn about topic of discussions and get to listen to real nice songs)

(4) the wonders & pleasure of escaping from gossip 

...you know what they say that you can't escape from the grapevine when you put a few 'ah so' together. 

Since I'm the only one left ... I always do get asked

"Now left you 1 only ah? So how?"

"Now left you 1 only ah? so cham?"

so much so that I've just got to smile and say : 

"What to do? 4 people together or me alone .. my baby still need drink milk everyday"

奶妈

I'm the little baby 奶妈.
My milk has been consumed (not sure voluntarily or involuntarily though) by my friend's baby while she was away for a week to Taiwan. She's a breastfeeding mother too.
I've never got the opportunity to donate blood but I'm glad I provided food for this little baby. 
Haha...no big deal i know, no breastmilk still got formula milk what...=p

tax deduction / tax rebate for breastfeeding supplies?

Around this time of the year, the mention of income tax / e-filing / LHDN (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri) will slowly start surfacing.
As usual, the deadline for employees are 30 April and for business owner/self employed 30 June.


This year beside personally optimising the tax rebate and tax deductible available, i think it's about time for our country to introduce tax deduction / tax rebate for breastfeeding supplies (particular big items like breastpump and milk storage bottles/bags).


In US, this decision was made in 2010 under the pressure from American Academy of Pediatrics and other breastfeeding advocates to define breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies as medical devices.
source : http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/ask-heidi/tax-deduction-for-breastfeeding-supplies.aspx


I think it's a win-win situation.
The reason:Breastfeeding provides reams of health benefits for baby (fewer infections, reduced risk of asthma and obesity, to name a few) and mom (lower cancer and type 2 diabetes risks) which translate to lower medical expenses. 


However judging from the current 'LYNAS' issue ... i don't think they give a heck to what we say.  It's always only about them, them, them & them. *roll eyes*    

freezer's occupant

*** Warning : This is a post about breast milk. Please do not proceed if you are not interested ***








I spent a night arranging these ... as I need to optimise the space in my home freezer. 


It really wasn't easy as need to arrange according to FIFO (First In First Out) method so that the earliest expressed breastmilk can be used 1st.


As you can see, I've remove the ice compartment to accomodate. 


The door side 2 level is almost occupied also.


Ask me to pour away, I can't ... How can i throw away my blood & sweat. (The confinement lady told me that breastmilk is actually made from a mother's blood).


All I'm hoping is that my supply will continue to be sufficient even after I go back to work. 


I do not ask for more..just for me to have enough to feed my child for as long as I can. 


For I think it's one of the best gift I can give. 

while BF'ing ...

Still remember those picture dictionary we use to have during lower primary school... with those beautiful and colourful pictures.

I got it for RM1.29 (RM12.90 less 90%) with the intention of teaching my kids.

The dictionary published by Longman claimed to cover at least more than 1000 items.

Never did I know I need it more .. for the past 1 week or so, I've been diligently learning item by item while breastfeeding my little one.

Humbly, I underestimated the usefulness of this dictionary, there are still many things I ought to know and learn.

Guess, I found a better way to spend my time while breastfeeding ...

other than falling asleep together with baby

or watching drama (always got not enough time to even on the tv).

At least, by the end of the dictionary, my chinese vocabulary is better by 1000+ items =D hehe

the day I'm afraid of has come

Like it or not ...
the day that I'm afraid of had come.

The temporary breastfeeding room - or so I called it, had been scheduled to be dismantled last weekend to allow more space for expanding team.

My 1st initial reaction was 'Why now?' and 'Why so short notice?'
but when I sit down to think further ... I'm actually consider lucky to earn 13 months extra ...
Imagine my other colleague who has just shared the room for 5 days only to receive this kind of shocking news.

Seeing this obstacle right in front of me, I emailed another 2 colleague - a new mother who has just started work after maternity & breastfeeding and another soon-to-be-mother of 2nd child next year.
I couldn't believe I was actually forming an alliance to 'fight' for our causes and rights.
I've wanted to include all other female colleagues as well but reserved them as back up plan if initial negotiation does not go as plan.

So early the next morning, we sort of 'march' into our immediate boss 'cubicle' to voice our concern. She is smart to see a common 'denomitor' among these mothers and immediately knew she can't escape this time. Or maybe I've been openly voicing my concern ever since yesterday evening when I've got the news.
I didn't even seem to mind being labeled as 'mastermind' ...
All I wanted was just for our rights to be recognised and we to be given basic access to our rights.

Moreover I think this is the best time to negotiate for a small little room for breastfeeding mothers since they are doing renovation.
It's time to ask now or never .... not so easy after people have renovated.
I strongly feel it's ok if we plant the 'tree' now so that many more mothers are able to sit in the 'shade' for many years to come (considering the demographic of my division).

To cut the long story short, our immediate boss (a lady) who initially suggested a meeting room has brought up our concerns to big boss who later suggested the pantry.
They refuse to cater for our need to have a little room ( I do not know for whatever reason).
Personally I prefer the meeting room than the pantry. I feel that it is unfair that the pantry is being locked at certain times of the day because 'someone is obviously doing something at somepoint of the day' ....
I do not know and do not care what are their intentions ... to slowly and gradually kill off our breastfeeding intention by making it more inconvenience and difficult for us.
Sorry for being selfish but to me, if you are unable to use the pantry especially during lunch time because I'm 'IN' there ... I'm sorry but a much better way, tell boss.
May be after much feedback, we mothers will be treated better ...
We just hope that bosses and management understand that besides our formal duties, we also have other equally important 'motherly duties'.












Anyhow, I'm still very thankful for the 13 months that they had given to me.
And for the months to come ... for at least they have still given us the 'green light' to use the pantry.

Sorry for the rather feminist ranting ...
But I'm proud myself and my other 2 mothers colleagues ... we fought for our rights although the outcome may not as we wanted.
This journey is just starting, I'll be back ... fighting for our rights.

One thing I discovered .... how courageous mothers can be for their children ... my respect to all mothers.

我一点也不觉得辛苦, 只是觉得很幸福

* pic source : Mothercare brochure

In support of World Breastfeeding Week (1st - 7th August 2010)

'Every ounce counts'

one of the best moments in life ...

Many people asked why do I go through all the trouble

but to me, it's no trouble at all .. It's something I love to do.

I've never mind that
when I'm @work, I have to use my lunch time for this
when I need to attend trainings (in hotel/training centre), I'll have to call up 1st to make prior arrangements.
when I go for shopping, I'll have to find baby & nursing friendly places.
when I'm on the go, I'll have to make sure the car shade is in the car.
when my breastpump malfunction / rosak, I call the whole world for help.
And when I finally found help, i'll have to bring the pump to LRT station far away for people to repair.
when I go to work / come home, I have to lug all the 'neccesities' up and down in rain/shine (at times climb stairs to 8th floor)
when I intend to have a full night sleep, I have to wake up few times throughout the night.

...there are just so many 'when...' that may makes me mind, but they just don't.


我一点也不觉得辛苦, 只是觉得很幸福

BF

A few months back, BF would still mean BoyFriend to me.
Now, BF has totally got a new meaning ... Breast Feeding that is
& together with bring a new string of abbreviation

try BMI?
don't worry, it still stands for Body Mass Index
well, now Breast Milk Index seemed to mean more to me =p

Before I proceed, allow me to say thank you very much to all who have supported me throughout my breastfeeding experience especially my love ones & my group of close friends who not only supported me emotionally(by borrowing me their ears and shoulder) but also financially. I'm able to invest in a good breast pump with their help (sponsoring). Also friends & colleagues who share their knowledge, books & magazines with me in their quest to help me conquer my problems.

there are a few personal experience which I would like to share (although everyone's experience is unique to mother & baby) ... hopefully these may give you a little idea what to expect when it comes (not like me...blur blur)

1. there will be well meaning & experienced senior members of family / relatives / friends who advises you to supplement with formula milk. Their reasons range from 'afraid baby not full enough','breast milk is not thick enough to make baby full','you got no enough milk', 'your milk is too dilute'. Although they all mean well, perhaps they may not realise that every ounz of formula milk is the 'killer' of breast milk supply.

2. then there will be 'doctor' who instead of giving encouragement to breastfeed, advise a mother to supplement / give formula milk to her baby. Doctor gave a more 'doctorish' reason ... you've have no idea how much your baby has drank, he's not having enough...not full enough... which is why he's not sleeping well / colicky. (did I mentioned I try very hard to listen to this 'doctor' but failed miserably). Not all doctors are pro-breastfeed... some never even advised / mentioned about breastfeeding even after the baby is bornt. Instead the doctor's clinic are distributing free formula milk powder. It's good to know that lactation consultant is a better person to go to than doctors in general.

3. then there will also be the 'confinement lady' who naturally prefer 'formula milk' as they are able to adjust the feeding time as compared to 'breast milk' feeding time as and when demanded. This is crucial to them as they need to cook for the mother & help with household works...which is best done while baby is asleep (after feeding time is adjusted) every 2-3 hours. Pacifier is a 'must' for them which may cause nipple confusion ... creating more problems to mother who is trying to establish milk supply. Most confinement lady may not have fully breastfeed their baby thus they may think it's a norm that every baby drink formula milk ... it's really up to us to insist of breastfeeding. What I did was sharing with her all the chinese pregnancy and parenting magazines to give her understanding. I've also got to know that there's another group of confinement lady who are very pro-breastfeeding all for the wrong reason... they feed the mother with lots n lots of alcohol ... the baby will be very 'easy to care' ... sleeping most of the time even when the loud noises are unbearable.

4. then there are milk powder companies who on the surface seemed very supportive of your breastfeeding effort but turn around offering you their products (which is so good & sooo good). I've been getting phone calls from major baby formula milk brands ... they are providing very good follow ups (hopefully until you start your baby on formula milk).

5. then there are companies / employers who indirectly thwart our breastfeeding effort ... due to lack of support in term of facilities. I've known many who gave up breastfeeding upon the end of maternity leave (2 mths) due to reasons as such. It's short sighted of the organisation not to 'see' the long term benefit of breastfeeding .... children with better immune system translate into lesser leave taken by employees. Perhaps there's another reason employers are not providing ... when you need to feed formula milk, you need more money, you'll work harder to earn more money (this one I made up myself)

6. then there's myself to blame ... of course, there were things that I wished I may have done differently such as not being 'so eager to please' everyone who offered advices, not being confident enough with myself & my ability, not being insistent enough when I should be .... and the list goes on. I'm not still not good enough now but I learnt through my experience. I really do hope that my persistence 'a.k.a stubborness' was not a worthless effort.

the journey is really not easy and may not be getting easier ... I had a rocky start ... had my fair share of problems ... and now as we got 'steadier', I've new emerging problems ... my baby refuses to take anything from bottle but I need to go back to work. (i'm working on it now...anyone with any solutions? )

ps. going back to office, I'm going to 'advocate' for a breastfeeding / breast pumping room at each building via suggestion to HR. Well, of course I'll rope in the support of mums and mums-to-be (that included singles who have intention of having babies). I'll need all the support I can get. At least I hope many many more will get to benefit from this.