postpartum

CONFINEMENT FOOD SERVICE FOR POSTPARTUM MOMMIES BY NATAL ESSENTIALS

June 18, 2018 by Little Miss Honey 2 Comments

When I was into the 6^th to 7^th month of my pregnancy, most of my local friends and colleagues here in Singapore would ask if I have engaged a confinement nanny or someone to take care of my meals during confinement. As a Filipino, this was not practiced in our country but being introduced to this idea of confinement period in Singapore made me curious about this postpartum practice.

Confinement Period starts after a woman has given birth. There are a lot of physical changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy and labour which require a proper recuperation and allow mothers to regain back their strength that was lost during pregnancy and delivery. Postpartum mothers also need proper nutrition to provide for their babies especially if there are breastfeeding. Confinement Period means the mother is not allowed to go outside after giving birth for 30 days. It also requires mothers to have a special confinement food diet to accelerate the recovery of mothers’ post-birth body that have been weakened by pregnancy and child-birth. Following a confinement practice would also help in preventive measures that are often seen postpartum like postnatal hair loss, back aches, rheumatism, premature aging, etc. Confinement foods often have common ingredients found in any regular Chinese diet: ginger, eggs, sesame oil, black vinegar, Chinese rice wine, pepper, black chicken free-range or organic chicken, fishes, and pork. Other ingredients of confinement food include fairly general herbal provisions like Chinese Wolfberry/ Goji Berry (Gou Qi), Angelica Sinensis (Dong Quay), red dates, black dates, dried longans, and whole bunch of other Chinese traditional herbs.

I believe that it really makes sense to have a 30-days confinement period for all postpartum mommies. All mothers know that being pregnant and delivering a baby require a lot of strength and stamina. Regaining that strength and being taken care of after birth are definitely essentials. Thus, I was excited to try out the Confinement Food Services by Natal Essentials for 5 days. I wanted to experience the Confinement Food service.

Natal Essentials is a Confinement Food Service Delivery in Singapore that was setup in March 2002 to deliver quality home-cooked confinement meal to door-steps of postpartum mommies. They served thousands of customers from different races and nationality. They are known for providing excellent customer service, food and quality standards. Their cook has more than 20 years’ experience in the confinement meal which make them a top quality confinement food service provider. There are proud to inform their clients that no MSG is added in their dishes and each dish is designed to serve a purpose.

To start my 5-Day Confinement Food Delivery, I log-in to Natal Essentials user-friendly website. I completed an order form with my details to design a menu that would fit my preference and needs. On the order form, you can indicate your preference on the type of ingredients to be omitted. I also choose to have brown rice with my dishes instead of white rice.

My 5-Days Lunch & Dinner Confinement Food:

Day 1:

LUNCH

Stir Fried Pork Tenderloins & Liver with Assorted Vegetables and Lemongrass
Stir Fried Spinach with Ikan Bilis
Double Boiled Lotus Root with Peanut & Discorea Yam Chicken Soup

DINNER

Grilled Salmon Filler with Teriyaki Sauce
Stir Fried Broccoli with Shimeji Mushroom, Black Fungus & Baby Corn
Double Boiled Sweet Corn Lily Bulb Pork Rib Soup

Day 2:

LUNCH

Braised Chicken with Homemade Glutinous Wine
Stir Fried Long Bean with Minced Pork
Double Boiled Six Herbs Pork Rib Soup

DINNER

Braised Trotter with Chestnut
Stir Fried Lan with Sliced Sheng Yu
Double Boiled Hashima Black Chicken Soup

Day 3:

LUNCH

Steamed Threadfin with Black Fungus & Lily Bulb
Stir Fried Snow Peas with Sliced Liver
Double Boiled Chicken Tea Soup

DINNER

Deep Fried Mid Wing with Rock Honey Sauce
Stir Fried Spinach with Braised Mushroom
Double Boiled Raw Di Huang Pork Rib Soup

Day 4:

LUNCH

Grilled Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Sauce
Stir Fried Broccoli with Lotus Root & Assorted Vegetable
Double Boiled Sweet Corn Lily Bulb Pork Rib Soup

DINNER

Stewed Fish Maw with Pork Rib
Pan Fried Egg with Long Bean
Double Boiled Tian Ma Chicken Soup

Day 5:

LUNCH

Braised Vinegar Trotter with Egg
Stir Fried Chinese Spinach with Wolfberry
Double Boiled American Ginseng & Carrot Black Chicken Soup

DINNER

Steamed Threadfin with Bean Sauce
Stir Fried Snow Peas with Sliced Chicken
Assorted Beans Pork Rib Soup

My Natal Essential Food Delivery Review

Having Confinement Food delivered right on my doorstep was a very new experience for me. I love the convenience of having healthy food delivered to help me in my postnatal healing, I am surprised and happy to receive the food kept warmth in a pink thermal bag and arrived conveniently 15 minutes before my usual meal time. The food is packed carefully without any nasty leaks running from the containers or bag which you would expect because most of the dishes are soups and with gravy. I happily noted that no leakages and that it was sealed neatly. They take particular care with the food presentation. I got acquainted with different types of confinement foods and I didn’t expect that the dishes would be so flavourful and yummy. My favourites are the Stir Fried Pork Tenderloins & Liver with Assorted Vegetables and Lemongrass, Stir Fried Spinach with Ikan Bilis, Deep Fried Mid Wing with Rock Honey Sauce and Pork Rib Soup. It was my first time to try the Black Chicken. Initially, it was jarring to eat a black chicken but once I got pass the color of the chicken, it was actually quite flavourful. Each delivered meal was anticipated with excitement. I was aware of the menu but it was still fun waiting for how the actual food would be presented and tasted. It was also nice to know that feedback from Natal Essentials was very much welcomed and they cater to their customers with great concern and care.

On the 5^th day of the delivery service, I could happily conclude that it was a wonderful experience and I would recommend that all postpartum mothers need confinement food for better recovery. Natal Essentials is a great confinement food delivery service that knows what postpartum mommies need in the stage of healing and recovery after giving birth.

Promotion benefits for all My Readers!

Simply fill up your name and quote “Honey” as seen- Name (Honey)

on our order form at http://www.natalessentials.com/order-form/ to enjoy these promotion benefits:

28 days double – 15% discount ($238.20)

20 days double – 10% discount ($118.80)

28 days single – 10% discount ( $81.80)

Natal Essentials Pte Ltd

Blk 15, Woodlands Loop,
#02-42 Woodlands East Industrial Estate,
Singapore 738322

Tel: (65) 6755 4747
Fax : (65) 6752 8667
Email: enquiry@natalessentials.com

Operating hours:
9am – 5pm ( Mon – Fri )
9am – 4pm ( Sat – Sun & PH )

Website: http://www.natalessentials.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NatalEssentialsConfinementMealDeliverySingapore/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalessentials/

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post collaboration with Natal Essentials. The 5-Day Food Delivery were free of charge. All opinions are my own. Regardless, I only recommend products which I personally believe will be good for my readers.

LOOKING RADIANT EVEN DURING CHILDBIRTH & POST-DELIVERY

May 28, 2018 by Little Miss Honey 5 Comments

I know the title of this blog post seems a little weird. Do we have to be really concerned on how we look during childbirth and post-delivery? Of course, as long as the preparation of delivering a healthy baby has to be covered then you can worry about looking good during your delivery and postpartum. Just this April, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton received a mixed feedback from the public after looking pristine, fresh and put-together hours after giving birth to her baby #3. Some were so amazed at how flawless she looks after giving birth (Thanks to her glam squad team who we all assumed helped her). While there were some moms who thinks it is so unrealistic to look that immaculate after the gory reality of childbirth.

Credit: Elle Singapore

Nevertheless, we all know for a fact that if we do take extra time and effort to look better, we do feel better as well. Right, ladies? Nobody should fault you for wanting to look good during one of the wonderful milestone of your life which is giving birth to your kids. I know some of my friends especially those who love makeup even uses the act of putting makeup as a distract them from the pain of childbirth. I also know some who would put on a full face for child delivery. I don’t think I can do that since I just know simple makeup techniques and I am not really into heavy eye makeup or an expert in facial contouring ala Kim Kardashian. But you have to understand with the ever-ready phone camera, a momma has to be prepared to look good to show off her little one to the world. But what I noted that people who came to visit me in the hospital would tell me that I look glowing. Some uses the word luminous and one keeps repeating I looked radiant. I assumed they were being very sweet and nice to an exhausted mama like me. But I am amused that all their adjectives are similar which describes a light-reflecting complexion. Yes, it is probably part of the happiness of having another blessing from God. But I have to admit that it was not a coincidence that the description of my post-pregnancy complexion were similar. I attributed it with a particular brand of makeup which I will share with you later.

Though I have to admit also that I wasn’t particularly “radiant‘ and “glowing” all through out my childbirth and after giving birth. When I was roomed-in after giving birth to Zeke, I was still feeling much better so I got to freshen up a bit. But soon after, the side-effects of anaesthesia & postpartum hormones came rushing in and I was a total mess. I was sweaty and vomiting every 30 minutes. My pink hospital gown was drenched in sweat & vomitus and I smell horrible. I was strapped in with calf pump, bp cuff, catheter and IV line. I looked like a helpless bloated octopus. Good thing, the day after my delivery, the hospital staff removed all my tubes and I get to freshen up and look semi-normal again.

Ok, here are some tips in looking “radiant” during childbirth and postpartum. Or at least, we try to look radiant and put-together for our picture with the baby and when we have visitors who would come to visit. Of course, intention is important. We do want to look presentable during this important stage in our life. So preparation is also key.

MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

I was lucky that usually when I am pregnant, my skin is much better that when I am not pregnant. I hardly have acne break-outs during pregnancy. I make it a point that I stop any skincare products with retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acids or any skin care products with harsh chemicals to make sure it wouldn’t affect my baby. Baby first before anything else. But what I do is to make sure that I remove my makeup thoroughly using a 2-step cleansing encouraged by Koreans and I moisturised intensively. I would use mild serums or jojoba oils with essential oils to my skin then I apply a rich cream like a DIY cream I would create or Olay Total Effects Moisturiser. I also drink lots of water which helps in keeping a moisturised skin.

SCHEDULE FOR EYELASH EXTENSION

A week before my scheduled caesarean delivery, I booked an appointment with KJ Studio for Eyelash Extensions. I know that I won’t be using any mascara when I give birth. Just imagine if you will apply on and it will be running like crazy especially if you are sweating or you would rub your eyes if it a water-proof one, you would look like a racoon. But I know my anorexic lashes needs help so I went to KJ Studio which is would occasionally go to if I am in a mood for eyelash extension.

I don’t really like the full volume and super long lashes. So I would often opt for the classic single lashes with the least number of lashes. I would go for the 80 lashes ($75) which looks natural and nice. You can go up to more than 140 lashes ($150). You have touch up within 3 weeks or within 4 weeks.

If you have some moolahs to spare, you can also opt for Eyebrow Embroidery ($350, 1st trail $300) to have lovely eyebrows that don’t need to fill up.

NO-MAKE-UP MAKE-UP LOOK

One of the instructions for my surgery in Singapore is not remove all makeup and not to use contact lenses before surgery. When I have birth to my two sons in the Philippines, I was being a bad patient (yes, it has been known doctors can be a pain-in-the-ass patients who likes to break the rules in hospitals) and I used my contact lens during my caesarean section and had makeup on. In my 3rd pregnancy, I did removed my contact lens but I applied a very thin layer of BB Cushion Powder on my face, covered some dark spots with concealer, pat a bit of cushion blush and dab a bit of lip tint & gloss on my lips. During my hospital stay, I would use the same products with a little bit more layer when I was in my room.

Here are the products I used:

So I used the Laneige Layering Cover Cushion in 31 Brown. I attributed the “luminousity” to this product. It gives you a glow that doesn’t look fake. Using liquid foundation would make the face look very caked especially if you know you will sweat a lot. This product comes with a concealing base too before applying the cover cushion. I covered my dark spots and hyper pigmentation with my holy grail concealer, Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation Concealer. Use sparingly. Dab only, do not spread. Then I set with my ZA Two-Way Foundation Powder in OC30. Make sure to pat lightly the parts only with concealer. Then pat on the Laneige Delight Pop Cushion Blusher on both cheeks. The color of this blush is so light that it looks like a very faint natural pink tinge on your cheeks. I dab the Etude House Dear Darling Tint in PK001 lightly on my lips. Make sure just dab and not to put a lot. Or else, it would look like your lips bled during child birth or worse like a vampire after her meal. Then I smear lightly the Laneige Serum Drop Tint No. 5 Sassy Girl.

After my caesarean delivery to Zeke

BRING YOUR OWN HOSPITAL PAJAMAS OR CLOTHES

After I was relived from my bouts of post-anesthesia vomiting and all the contraptions were removed from my body, I opted to use the pyjamas I brought with me feel much comfortable . I got 2 pairs of cotton pajamas shorts from Uniqlo ($39.90) which is much comfortable, cooler and also breastfeeding-friendly with its easy to button-down front part.

Visit from my blogger friends, Farrah of MyFarrahdise and Cherry of Cherryberry Lifestyle

SMILE

This is one of the most joyous event in your life. Radiate with happiness and smile from ear to ear with this wonderful blessing from God. Welcome your newborn with your smile and greet your visitors & well-wishers with your positivity and gratefulness. It is indeed one of the best reason to flash a smile to the world.

Some few things to consider also while you prep for your baby’s delivery:

Get a Brazilian wax if you can, Because they will do vulvar prepping before your delivery.
List the things you need to bring to hospital a few days before your admission
Keep a hair tie in your makeup pouch or wallet because you’ll need it
Invest in a Bamboo Belly Bandit to placed around the abdomen after giving birth. I love this! I used it in my 3 pregnancy
Bring travel-sized toiletries to bring along
Don’t forget to bring a perfume or cologne

Hope these tips help you in looking a little radiant for your childbirth and after delivery.It is great to look great for your childbirth and after delivery but most importantly, the wellbeing of your baby must be placed in high priority above all things.

All the best to all, you beautiful pregnant ladies!

SLIMMING 101: DUO-ADVANCED BODY DEFINE

September 5, 2014 by Little Miss Honey 107 Comments

I am currently treading the uncharted waters of motherhood. Like most new moms I have so many unanswered questions: How can I make my baby stop crying? How can I increase my milk supply? Another heavy question most new moms would ask is, “How I lose my post-pregnancy weight?” I may have lose majority of the excess weight from pregnancy but there are those pesky stubborn kilos that wouldn’t budge. And pregnancy has left this little momma unsightly bulges here and there. So like a cosmic answer to my nagging question, I was one of the privileged bloggers invited to attend the press conference for Slimming 101‘s latest treatment, the DUO-ADVANCED BODY DEFINE.

Slimming 101 is a leading centre that helps in achieving a person’s desired body shape and treats weight problem inside out. They use high-technology machine and combine it with traditional Chinese medicine treatment, to give their clients a holistic approach. It is the sister-company of the Beijing 101, Singapore’s No.1 Hair Care Centre.

The centre give off a very quirky and flirty vibe. I love the colours of the interior and the dainty drawings of empowered women on the wall.

One of the treatment room

After a tour of the centre, all the bloggers headed to one room where the therapists will demonstrate the DUO-ADVANCED BODY DEFINE treatment. The model for the day is the energetic, fun and pretty fellow blogger Vivien Goh of www.chanchop.com.

DUO-ADVANCED BODY DEFINE is a non-invasive treatment that is a good alternative to liposuction. It works by reducing localised cellulite, body volume due to retention of water with localised areas. It is effective for tightening loose skin and improving body contour.

The treatment is started by application of this Slimming 101 magical shaping essence.

Then, one of the Slimming 101’s best therapist, Lynn, performed the Signature Meridian Therapy which is a Acupressure body therapy. Acupoints are stimulated to clear and balance flow of qi and blood. This will effectively break down stubborn fats and increases drainage for lymph nodes.

When the Signature Meridian Therapy was done, Lynn prepped Vivien’ tummy with cold cream. The Duo-Advanced Body Define is done using a probe and pressing it on the tummy continuously in directions resembling the figure of 8 for 20 minutes. The next step is the fat-blasting treatment. The machine would have this continuous beeping sound that signifies that fats are being blasted in succeeding rate. Vivien can hear the beeping sound louder than all of us.

Look at the Before and After pictures of Vivien’s tummy. Duo-Advanced Body Define claims that it can reduce inches from the waist even in one session.

So, what do you think, guys?

Just by looking at Vivien’s curvaceous waist, I am sure you all would be running to Slimming 101 Centre…. I was so excited when I saw the difference!

The next session is the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine ) Therapy. We met the resident TCM doctor and took a comprehensive history of Vivien’s health and lifestyle habits. Listening and observing the doctor’s detailed examination and being a medical professional myself, I realised how we should make a big empathise on what we consumed and how it will affects our condition. Eating the wrong type of food can affect our metabolism, our moods and our success in achieving our desired body target.

Thank you, Slimming 101 for an enlightening experience…. I am happy to announce I am one of the bloggers chosen to join the 101 Slimming challenge. Hello sexy curves, I will see you soon…

Hoping to achieve that svelte body too

Friends, share the love by supporting LITTLE MISS HONEY at Slimming 101’s blogger slimming challenge page by:

1. Like 101 Slimming Challenge FB page
2. Like LITTLE MISS HONEY‘s blog post link shared on their timeline

Slimming 101

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