Of Confinement Ladies and Malay Urut Kakak

Nah .. as promised here is my week 20 halfway mark baby bump. Not very big isn't it? A lot of people has been commenting on how small my bump is but I'm not complaining cos I look more dainty instead of like a penguin and it is much easier to lose the weight thereafter. :) By the way I am now in my week 23 of the pregnancy, how time flies! Am still enjoying my second honeymoon trimester as there are nothing uncomfortable that I've to face at this point in time *hallelujah*

Since this is a dragon year aka influx of babies, I've made arrangement to book my confinement lady early (sometime in April this year). Admittedly, I didn't do much research when I should have, so I hope that this one would be a good one *fingers crossed*. The one that I initially wanted which my friend had used this year in Feb was already booked, so she recommended her friend.  

Over the phone my CL sounds pleasant enough and most importantly she is not petty and calculative. I've already asked if I need her to cook extra for my husband or for my visiting relatives would that be charged extra, she said no. I really hope she wont be anal lazy when it comes to taking care of the baby too. I've heard horror stories that their CL don't encourage breast milk because the babies tend to get hungry fast and instead would insist on formula milk. I've already made it clear to her that I would want to breastfeed as much as I can, and in the night she has to use my expressed breast milk.

Last month or so, she actually called me up to ask how was I doing and to make sure everything is alright. Which in my opinion is a pretty nice thing to do. My CL is from Ipoh and she charges RM3,500 (deposit to be paid RM500). Angpow of RM100 to be paid when she starts work, and another one when she's off work (any amount). Yes, I know it's expensive. 

Some have asked if I will follow the Chinese confinement way strictly, most likely I will be because it's a tradition that's been handed down from generations. Except for the not washing hair part. Thank God my mum will be sticking around to supervise keep a watchful eye over the CL cos honestly I won't know if I kena con or what also. Or if the CL slacks off for that matter.

In a typical 1Malaysia fashion (ceh.. tiba2 wanna be political pulak), I will be engaging in a Malay urut lady  as well to help me get back in shape pronto! The process will comprise of urut to ensure that your womb gets back in place and to buang angin. She will also massage your breast to stimulate milk production (no, I don't need my husband's help -.-"). Thereafter, it is followed by tungku which is hot stone massage, and finally bengkung which is to wrap your tummy and hips area very tightly to get back into your pre-pregnancy shape. [Note: You would need to buy the bengkung separately which is usually charged at RM50-60.]

Typically, you can do it rather immediately after your natural birth, and if for caesarian then preferably to wait for about 10 days first. Usually, Malays will urut 3-5 days straight depending on your needs and followed by another last one just before you finish your confinement. I think I will go for the 5 days straight.

I've googled and have shortlisted 3 based on recommendation from Malaysia Brides Forum and one from my Malay colleague. Here are the numbers in case if anyone is interested:

Aunty Aisyah : 012-223 5531 

Charge : RM180-RM200
Duration : 2 1/2 - 3 hours
Opinion - I find her very pricey but since she's recommended by my colleague, there is a certain element of trust. Further, when I called her, she sounded the most professional among all and can speak pretty decent English.

Kak Zurina : 013-258 9094
Charge : RM100
Duration : 2 hours
Opinion - She is recommended by two different person in the forum.

Kak Ros : 016-969 0931

Charge : RM80

Duration : 2 hours

Opinion - Despite being recommended by one person in the forum, she sound kind of Indonesian-ish so honestly am not very convinced. 

Do note that it is extremely important to get a proper and good one because she is massaging your womb area. You don't want to hire a bogus urut lady and end up getting worse off. Unlike the Chinese CL, for these Malay urut ladies, you need not book them in advance. You can actually call them once you've delivered.  

I am now torn between Aunty Aisyah and Kak Zurina. We'll see how it goes at a later stage. 

Love;
Mummy Geri