Pregnancy Update : Week 19 (It's Confirmed!)

Just thought of doing a quick write-up cos I need to kill some time in the office before heading for dinner nearby. Second trimester has been good to me - no more nausea, no giddyness, no dizzyness. It's just .. perfect. :)

Some update, in the past 2 weeks I have been feeling some fluttering in my tummy. And I wasn't sure if it was the baby kicking, or was it my imagination, or was it gas in my tummy. But after consistently feeling it for weeks, I am pretty sure it is the little bear doing a flip inside. :) I've always wondered how's it like feeling the movement - now I know. It's the most wonderful experience ever. Every kick gives me some kind of a conviction that the little one is doing fine inside and above all, it finally dawn upon me that Hey I AM CARRYING A LIVING THING INSIDE ME! 0_o Very surreal still.

Just did a scan and yup.. it's confirmed a B.O.Y. Honestly for the first one, I don't have any preference - so long as he is a healthy, Christ-centered, and good boy then I am a happy mummy. :)

The negligable not-so-good thing now is that I feel hot constantly due to the increased metabolic rate. And because of that, my skin dries up and when that happens my ezcema problem will kick in. Not only that (Warning : Read at your own risk from here onwards), my areola (google image to find out what it is) is also dry and is cracking up and itching. So uncomfortable especially with the bra on ok. :( Right now, powder is my breast best friend. :)

Yup, and that's my update for the week. Promise to post up my baby bump soon ok - not to say you can see much, it's still pretty small :)

Love;

Mummy Geri

Review : Pre-Natal Massage @ Poise Organic Wellness Studio

Disclaimer: All photos are taken from Poise Organic Wellness Studio.

Edit: I only look for Ellie because in my opinion she is the best. I have tried 3 different massuers and I find them a bit too rough for my liking. Again, it is preference. I always prefer a gentler one.

Irrelevant : I was going through my statistics on my blog traffic and apparently the highest search keyword for my blog is pubes upclose. Like wth ... -_-"

Anyway, back to the orginal intention of this post. Those who  knows me well knows that I am a sucker huge fan of massages. What more better time to enjoy when you are pregnant, right? The back and shoulder aches can become a nuisance especially if you are carrying a heavyload. So once I am in my second trimester, I quickly made an appointment for a much needed pre-natal massage *ahh bliss~*

Word of caution though :

1. You are only allowed to do a pre-natal massage after your first trimester.
2. Find a reputable spa center which offers proper pre-natal massages.
3. Only use normal massage oil. Avoid those nice smelling essential oils.
4. If you have a medical/back condition, you are not advised to do a pre-natal massage.

The benefits of pre-natal massages although are not properly researched scientifically will help a pregnant mum to decrease stress and promote relaxation. It also helps with discomfort especially when you are in your third trimester when severe back aches are unavoidable. Carrying a baby is a full-time task which puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muschles, and shoulders.

So I was googling and narrowed down to Khareyana Spa due to my previous good experience and Poise Organic Wellness Studio. In the end, I chose Poise due to the cheaper pricing and also based on my previous experience with them which was pretty pleasant. Poise's pre-natal massage cost RM99 (60 minutes), whereas Khareyana cost RM200 (90 minutes). Yup, you do the math. :)

What I love about the place is that it is conveniently located in Old Klang Road (behind Pearl Point). The place is like a retreat, quaint and comfortable. The owner, staff, and massuer are courteous too which made the entire experience really relaxing.

How to you enjoy a pre-natal massage with a petruding belly?

Firstly, you lie on your back and the massuer will place a cool aromatherapy eye pillow before she starts working her magic on your legs, followed by your hands and arms. I truly appreciate that the massuer at Poise actually took the trouble to ask what was my preference on the strength of the massage technique. As usual, I opted the softest approach.

Then, the massuer turned me to my sides and started massaging on my back and shoulders. It was heaven! Because I have been experiencing pretty bad shoulder ache and uncomfort on my upper back, it was truly a pain relief. For the past 3 months, I have been relying nothing but Yoko Yoko. *kesihan T_T*

When I was fumbling to lie on my side, the massuer at Poise was very alert in the sense that she quickly prop me up to ensure that I have maximum comfort and my legs and tighs were adjusted to a very comfortable height using pillows and towels. Every now and then, she will asked if everything was ok.

When it comes to my shoulder and back, I can be very anal particular as some massuer will tend to cause more harm than good pain then pleasure, but when it comes to the ones at Poise, the minute she touched my shoulders, she knew I had a gigantic knot there as a result of "wind". The points that she pressed was spot-on. I've never experience pain and pleasure in a spa like that before without yelping. Either she jampi me or she was exceptionally good. I believe it was the latter.

All in, my session at Poise was really rejuvenating! Their in-house ginger drink after the session was yummy too - spicy and hot, just the way I like it. I highly recommend them!! Even if you are not going for your pre-natal massage, I strongly believe that their other massage services are equally as good.

I can't wait for my next session!

What are you waiting for?

If you want to book for an appointment, here are the contact details:

205, Jalan Sepadu,

Taman United,

Off Jalan Klang Lama,

58200 KL.

Tel : 03-7980 8890

Mobile : 012-375 4486 / 012-431 8997

Email : contact@poiseows.com

Love;

Mummy Geri

Review : Pureen Maternity Toothpaste

As with most pregnant women, in the first trimester is when the dreaded morning sickness will kick in full force. Of course, I had the "privilege" to experience that as well. Those who has been through it knows that the slightest thing which you normally do would trigger off the waves of vomiting. For me, it was the simple act of brushing my teeth. It is the lingering smell and taste of the toothpaste which I can't stand. Even thinking about it may trigger me off.

And then ... my saving grace came in the form of a recommendation by a close friend of mine who had just given birth to try Pureen Maternity Toothpaste. Of course, her purpose and mine defers in the sense that she believes that the toothpaste causes less harm to her and the baby in her tummy compared to normal toothpaste that's sold outside. I, on the other hand was not so noble (so-to-speak), I was more concern of getting rid of my morning sickness and at least try to get to work in the morning. 

Lo and behold, it actually works (to some extent!). I guess it's because of the taste - milder in terms of minty flavor compared with Colgate. It almost taste "sweetish" (?!).  Found out that the toothpaste contains 8% Xylitol which is a natural sweetener found in fibers of fruits and vegetables. It is a miracle-toothpaste for pregnant women I tell you , and I strongly recommend to try it for yourself to believe it. 

For those curious cats out there, here are the reasons why you should use Pureen Maternity Toothpaste: 

1. It contains no Fluoride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and Saccharin.
   
   
2. It contains, 8% Xylitol (prevents tooth decay), Triple Calcium & Phosphate (development of strong teeth), and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (inhibits growth of bad-breath causing bacteria).

For more information, you may read the fact sheet here.

If you are interested, the Pureen Maternity Toothpaste is found in Guardian Pharmacy nationwide retailing for RM7.90. 

Love;
Mummy Geri