THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

special

EXPECTING MOTHERS

Delivery day joy

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

2 expecting mothers

By ANUSHIA KANDASIVAM

Breastfeeding immediately after

birth means the baby gets the
antibodies in the colostrum that
will help protect him/her against
disease. Also, breastfeeding at this
point not only helps your uterus
contract, it also means that you are
likely to be more successful with
breastfeeding later, says Dr
Kumari.

ALONG with the excitement of

welcoming a new life into the
world comes anxiety over how
things will go during the birth
itself. Despite the joy and
anticipation, the due date can loom
over the expecting couple like an
ominous D-Day.
However, if you have done
everything you need to during
your pregnancy, there is no cause
to worry.

The next 24 hours

Preparing properly

A successful delivery is the end

of a successful pregnancy. With
proper advice from the doctor
during the pregnancy and positive
support from family, the woman
should go into delivery completely
confident, says Dr Arun Kumar
Bag, consultant obstetrician and
gynaecologist at a private medical
centre in Selangor.
The best way to ensure a good
delivery is to have regular
antenatal check-ups. On top of this,
during the nine months, you
should have learnt everything you
need to know about how to keep
yourself and the baby healthy
during the pregnancy, and about
the birth from your doctor and
your own research.
Besides reading books on
antenatal and prenatal care and
motherhood, my husband, who is a
doctor, and mother were my
primary sources of information,
alongside my father and sister.
They provided me with all the
additional tips and information I
needed, says first-time mother
Ranjeeta Kaur, who gave birth to
her son last month.
Your research should also
include methods of delivery. New
father T.E. Low and his wife Geng
Yuling, for example, combed
through comprehensive online
resources, spoke to their peers
about their delivery choices and
got to know their mothers delivery
experiences.
They also had a good discussion
with their obstetrician about the
choices available and the best one
for them.
Low says that their research and
discussions with their obstetrician
about pregnancy, childbirth,
delivery methods and parenting
helped them tremendously,
especially in the mental
preparation of being new parents.
Preparation is important even if
you are not a first-time parent;

T.E. Low with wife Geng Yuling and their son, six-month-old Christopher Low Yao Lin.

Well-prepared
for your baby

though you may know generally

what to expect, every pregnancy
and every baby is different.
The second time is a little easier
because you have experienced it
before. I think its best to just
remember what you wanted to do
or should have done but didnt
during your first pregnancy and
work out the best way to close the
gap, says Mavis Chor Yit Wah,
who gave birth to her second child
in June, three years after her first
child.

The big day

Once in labour, you should go to
the hospital at most a few hours
after your contractions start,
advises Dr Bag.
Your progress will be checked
every two hours by the accoucheur
(person assisting with the birth
either a nurse or midwife) to see
how your labour is advancing,
including how much your cervix is
dilating and how much your baby
is descending in the uterus.

A successful delivery
is the end of a
successful pregnancy.
With proper advice
from the doctor
during the pregnancy
and positive support
from family, the
woman should go into
delivery completely
confident.
Dr Arun Kumar Bag

If you opt for epidural

anaesthesia, the anaesthetist will
probably administer it at this point,
when you are in established
labour, about the time when you
have one contraction in two to
three minutes and your cervix is
dilated to more than three
centimetres.
Typically, you will have your
husband or partner in the delivery
room with you, along with the
obstetrician, the accoucheur and
two assistants, who will ensure the
delivery goes as smoothly as
possible.

Immediately after

Mavis Chor Yit Wah with husband Chin Sam Ken, three-year-old Gabey Chin
Ler Yi and two-month-old Gordon Chin Hao Xian.

In the movies, most of the time

you see the nurse immediately
wrapping the newborn in a cloth
and giving her to the mother,
which marks the end of the whole
process. This is far from the truth.
Once born, the baby is certainly
held up and shown to you, but then
she is handed over to the midwife
or nurse to be taken care of. The
umbilical cord will be cut.
At this point, if you have opted to
store the cord blood, it will be
extracted by the obstetrician or

midwife; all obstetricians and

midwives undergo mandatory
training in the collection process.
A needle is inserted into a vein
in the umbilical cord while waiting
for the placenta to become
detached from the mother and the
blood is directed into a collection
bag, which will be filled within five
minutes, says James Then,
managing director of stem cell
bank CryoCord Sdn Bhd.
The obstetrician or midwife will
collect as big a sample of the cord
blood as possible to ensure that
there is sufficient cell count in the
sample. It is a quick, safe and
painless procedure neither
mother nor baby will even feel it,
explains Then.
As this is happening, your baby
will be examined. The baby will
undergo an Apgar assessment
immediately after birth to check
how she is doing. The breathing,
heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes
and skin colour are tested and
scored, explains Dr M. Kumari,
consultant paediatrician at a
private hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, you will be
undergoing your own afterbirth
process.
The obstetrician will ensure the
placenta is delivered and suture up
any wounds necessary, as well as
ensure the uterus contracts
properly and there is no unusual
bleeding, says Dr Bag.
The doctor will take the mothers
blood pressure and pulse and
make sure she is kept warm. Once
the baby is cleaned and the nurse
ensures she is warm, she will be
passed to the mother.
Feeling a little awkward when
holding your baby for the first time
is normal; the midwife or nurse
will show you how to do it
comfortably. Newborn babies have
a natural instinct to latch onto your
breast and they should be allowed
to do so.

After the monumental task of

childbirth, some women feel tired
and experience muscle aches;
giving birth is somewhat akin to
running a marathon.
Other women have reported
feeling high on adrenaline and
fully alert, though once the
adrenaline wears off, they too feel
weary.
You will experience bleeding like
a heavy period, so stock up on
maternity pads before your
delivery.
If you have stiches in your
perineum, you must ensure that
they remain clean. The nurses or
midwife will advise you on how to
do this, and they will be checking
on you a few hours after your
delivery. You should also bathe at
least once a day.
Dr Kumari explains that a few
hours after birth, your baby will be
checked by a nurse to determine
how she is adjusting to life outside
the womb. At this point she will be
measured, her heart rate and
temperature taken and her
breathing monitored.
The nurse or midwife will show
you how to give your baby her first
bath and change her diaper after
her first bowel movement.
Within 24 hours, the baby will
be administered vitamin K to
prevent eye infections, her first
dose of hepatitis B vaccination and
the BCG vaccination, says Dr
Kumari.
By this time, your baby will be
nursing every two or three hours.
The midwife or a special lactation
consultant will be on hand to talk
to you about any problems you
might have breastfeeding and to
give you tips on how to do it
successfully.
You may be discharged from
hospital anywhere between 24 and
48 hours after delivery, and your
doctor will tell you when your first
postpartum check-up will be
usually in about six weeks.
Leaving the safety of the hospital
may seem a scary prospect, but
with a good support system from
your family and friends, you will
do just fine.

Ranjeeta Kaur with her husband

Dr Sukdeep Singh Pannu and their
month-old son Ranveer Singh.

> SEE ALSO PAGE 6

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

4 expecting mothers

Choosing
the right cot
CRIBS or baby cots are essential as you
welcome the newest member of your family
into your home.
Jarrons & Co is a premier childrens
product retailer that focuses on designing,
contract manufacturing and acquiring
products of high quality and value.
The company specialises in baby and
children furniture and produces its own
range of baby cots Happy Cots.
Being parents themselves, Jarrons & Co
founders understand the needs of every new
parent and they emphasise on designing cots
that meet these needs.
Without undermining product quality and
safety, the company produces durable,
high-quality and multifunctional cots.
The range of Happy Cots under Jarrons &
Co includes Happy Moments, Happy Dreams,
Happy Wonder and Happy On. These baby
cots meet the European safety standards,
which ensure the safety of both the product
and the materials used.
The Happy Moments 4-in-1 Cot enables
parents to convert the standard baby cot into
a bedside bed, toddlers bed and kids bench
with just a few simple steps.
The cot is made with pine wood and
comes equipped with three base-height
adjustments, removable and lockable castor

wheels, and non-toxic paint. It can hold a

load of up to 40kg.
The cot also comes with a removable drop
side mechanism and food-grade teething
rails that are safe for your young one
especially during the teething period.
With rising cases of dengue in Malaysia,
parents can rest assured as the Happy
Moments 4-in-1 Cot comes with attached
mosquito netting to help protect your baby.
Jarrons & Co is also the exclusive
distributor of cribs/cots by Micuna Group, a
leading global babies and children furniture
manufacturer from Spain with more than 40
years of cot-making experience.
Micuna is well known for its patented
Relax system, which enables your baby to
sleep in a reclining position of 7 and 10
angles. This system has shown to reduce the
risks of cot death due to drowning in vomit
and breathing difficulties.
The system also facilitates babys breathing
in case of a cold and reduces baby wind
accumulation.
The latest model of Micuna cot available in
Malaysia is the Micuna Royal Baby, available
at Jarrons & Co.

n For more information, call 03-7865 8281/

03-7865 9281 or visit www.jarrons.com.my.

Stroll out
in style
HEADING out into the city with your baby or
toddler can be a wonderful experience. Not
only will you be able to introduce your child
to the sights and sounds of the environment,
it is also a great opportunity to boost the
bond between parent and child.
However, this ideal image is not an easy
feat when it comes to physically taking your
baby out. Transferring your baby from one
bulky baby transportation gear to another is
a hassle in itself.
CYBEX, a premier baby carrier, seat and
stroller producer, offers a wide range of
exclusive products with the trendiest designs
that can help you and your child travel
safely.
The CYBEX PLATINUM series lets you
move about in style while keeping your baby
safe and comfortable. You can opt for the
Aton Q or Cloud Q baby carriers.
Both designs come with telescopic linear
side-impact protection and are suitable for
premature and newborn babies with their
near-flat lying position design.
With Malaysias sunny days all year
round, you would want to make sure your
baby is protected from the excessive UV
(ultraviolet) rays.
Both the Aton Q and Cloud Q come with
integrated XXL foldaway sun canopy to keep
your baby cool and away from the sunlight.
Parents can also purchase the optional car
seat base so that the Aton Q and Cloud Q
carriers can be attached to the backseat of

your car, eliminating the need to move your

baby from carrier to car seat.
No matter how old your baby is, it should
not stop you from getting out and about. The
CYBEX PRIAM baby stroller comes with the
Lux seat that offers ultimate safety and
comfort and can be used for babies six
months and above.
The PRIAM comes with a chrome stroller
frame and wheels designed for all terrain so
you can bring your child on outings.
For babies under six months old, you can
attach your Aton Q or Cloud Q carrier to the
stroller frame and progress to the Lux seat
as your child gets older.
So the next time you and your baby are
out, make sure to paint the town red with
CYBEX PLATINUM series and PRIAM strollers
and make heads turn.

n For more information, visit

www.astragroup.com.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

expecting mothers 5

Postnatal
haircare
ALTHOUGH not as prevalent in Western
countries, it is customary in Malaysian and
Asian cultures to practise a regime known as
confinement for mothers who have just
delivered a baby.
Confinement is a practice where
postpartum mothers take some time off from
work to recuperate while following a specific
lifestyle and diet programme a strict
regime that has been passed down from
generation to generation to ensure the
well-being of the mother post-delivery.
Mothers under confinement are urged to
consume more herbs and eat nutritional
foods to ensure that they get the necessary
nutrients believed to provide more energy
and promote effective postnatal healing.
Another rule most mothers adhere to
during confinement is to avoid exposure to
water. In some cultures, confinement can
last up to 40 days after birth and this
includes not bathing for the entire period.
Warm body wipes are an easy option to
stay clean generally but maintaining hair
and scalp hygiene during confinement is a
challenge.
The solution is to use a dry shampoo such
as Comfy Care Dry Shampoo. Comfy Care
Dry Shampoo is easy to use and hassle-free
so mothers can stay fresh throughout their
confinement period.

With Comfy Care Dry Shampoo, new mothers

can enjoy healthy hair and scalp even during
confinement.

Comfy Care Dry Shampoo comes in

powder form where users apply a small
amount and gently massage small areas on
the scalp to achieve maximum scalp and
hair coverage.
Then, a wide-toothed comb is used to
gently brush the hair to remove the applied
powder. The formula is able to absorb dust,
oil, smell and other impurities, leaving hair
fresh and clean.
It is important to keep up with tradition
even though we now live in a modern era.
Despite the inconvenience and challenges, it
is an opportune time for mothers to
recuperate and be pampered before fully
embracing motherhood.
With Comfy Care Dry Shampoo, hair and
scalp care will be at the bottom of mothers
list of worries.

n Look out for the advertisement in this

StarSpecial.

For mum and baby

FOR more than 60 years, from the
Laboratoires Expanscience, Mustela has
dedicated itself to nurturing and protecting
the skin of mothers and babies all over the
world.
Safe, effective and natural, Mustela is the
must-have skincare brand that accompanies
women on their journey of motherhood.
From pregnancy to the joys of parenthood,
Mustela looks after both mother and baby
from the day the baby is conceived in the
mothers womb till the infant enters
childhood.
Mustelas success can be attributed to the
tremendous research carried out in
understanding the delicate skin of children.
Researchers in Mustela have discovered that
a babys skin needs protection and nurturing
from day one.
A babys skin is extremely fragile and it
takes years for the cutaneous barrier to
properly mature. Without this protective
barrier, a childs skin is vulnerable to day-today stresses from the external
environment.
Mustela believes in the power of plants,
hence it uses proper and tested
concentrations of active plant ingredients in
its products.
The Laboratoires
Expanscience develops its
products with plant-based
active ingredients such as
avocados and sunflowers.
A key natural ingredient is
Avocado Perseose, a
scientifically proven ingredient
that aids the development of the
skins barrier funtion and helps
to preserve its wealth of cells.
Avocado Perseose is from a
new generation of biomimetic
active ingredients that is fully
compatible with babies skin, thus
combining maximum tolerance

with targeted efficacy.

Mustela products are free from paraben,
phthalate and phenoxyethanol, while its
unique fragrance provides comfort and
enjoyment for both the parent and baby.
Taking care of our children also means
protecting the world in which they live.
Therefore, to minimise environmental
impact, all Mustela bottles are 100%
recyclable and Mustelas foaming products
are biodegradable.
Mustela also has an entire line dedicated
to pregnant mothers. The Mustela 9 Months
range is specially formulated to provide
effective and clinically proven results during
and after pregnancy. Mustela 9 Months
includes products that reduce stretch marks
through prevention and recovery, soothe
itchy skin, provide relief to heavy legs and
firm the skin.
It is not hard to imagine why Mustela is a
leading baby care brand in Europe today.

n For details, visit mustela.com.my

or call Mustela Malaysia at
03-7491 0066.

Mustelas
extensive
range of
products
covers the
needs of
expecting and
new mothers
as well as their
children.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

6 expecting mothers

Supporting
your partner
THOUGH pregnancy and childbirth
may seem to some to solely exist in the
female world, success in these two
processes plus parenting depends on a
good partnership between the woman
and her spouse.
The woman and baby may be the main
characters in the show, but the father has a
vital supporting role to play, says T. E. Low,
first-time father to a six-month-old son.
Low illustrates with a football analogy: the
father may not play on the pitch, but he can
be coach, scout, water boy, manager and
more.
A good performance from all these
supporting characters can be the difference
between a mediocre performance and a
championship win a smooth pregnancy
and delivery, and successful recovery.
Pop culture may be rife with puns about
massive mood swings caused by pregnancy
hormones, but these are no joke to go
through.
Men should be supportive, tolerant and
sensitive towards the needs and emotions of
their partners during pregnancy and
childbirth.
It is crucial for women to get the support
and love from their partners so that they

do not feel alone in this journey and

always have a shoulder to turn to as
postpartum depression can creep in without
one realising it, says Dr Sukdeep Singh
Pannu, who is a first-time father to
a month-old son.
Here are some ways you can support your
partner through pregnancy and childbirth:
l Research pregnancy, childbirth and
breastfeeding as well as what to expect, and
share your discoveries with
your partner
l Ensure your partner gets nutritious and
balanced meals; you can even take over the
cooking
l Take charge of the toughest and heaviest
housework
l Discuss and map out a plan for the birth
and first few months as parents with your
partner
l Help your partner plan and execute the
trip to the hospital and the various antenatal
and postnatal doctors visits
l Provide physical, mental and emotional
support to your partner during the birth and
immediately after
l Provide support for your partner in the
initial breastfeeding stages, which can be
difficult

In the end, it is important to not let the

stress of being a new parent overwhelm you
and your partner but try to focus on the joys
of parenting as a team.
I think the father should try his best to be
calm, reasonable and careful throughout
everything. In the long term, you will be
rewarded with a smooth delivery, healthy
baby and mother, and a quick recovery for
the latter, says Low.

I would emphasise that you should be

fully prepared to become a parent and it
should be something that you really want,
adds Dr Sukdeep.
Stress can creep in every now and then
but the key is to enjoy every single day and
treasure these beautiful moments and turn
them into everlasting memories.

> SEE ALSO PAGE 10

Herbal bath for babies

A BABYS skin is sensitive and susceptible to
irritants that can cause bumps or rashes,
including additives in basic care products
such as shampoo and soap. This is why
many parents seek natural alternatives to
use on their precious children.
Traditionally, babies are given daily herbal
baths to help alleviate jaundice, body heat
and itchiness.
Baby Herbal Bath TYT combines a host of
herbs to relieve the common discomforts
experienced by newborns.

and two packs for children aged one and

above.
To prepare, simply put one herbal sachet
in three litres of water and bring to a boil,
then remove the sachet and top up with
another three litres of warm water. This
herbal concoction can be used to bathe or
wipe baby as necessary.

n For more information, call 04-626 5823

or e-mail info.p@tyt.com.my.

Multifunctional herbs

About the company

The combination of these specially

selected herbs brings calming effects that
serve to rejuvenate your baby. These
ingredients are:
l Capillaris Reduces jaundice and
eliminates itchiness
l Peppermint Relieves headaches, body
heat and itchiness
l Verbena Relieves flu, cold, fever and
jaundice
l Bitter gourd Reduces body heat,
fever and flu
l Gardenia Alleviates fever and
jaundice
l Schizonepeta Helps release body
winds and toxins as well as reduce fever and
headache

HONG Yang Hoo Pharma Sdn Bhd

is a manufacturer of trusted herbal
products with more than 50 years
experience in serving Malaysians.
Besides its Herbal Baby Bath TYT,
the company also produces medicine
powder for babies, Confinement
Herbal Bath TYT for mothers and
Herbal Foot Bath TYT.
The companys main product is the
Herbal Medicated Oil TYT. All its
products are herbal-based and made
with natural convenience in mind.

Easy application
The Baby Herbal Bath TYT comes
in sachets, simplifying the
preparation process for parents.
Every box contains
seven 15g
sachets, which
can be used for
one week.
Parents
should use one
pack for newborns

Give your baby a

gentle herbal bath
with Baby Herbal
Bath TYT.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

expecting mothers 7

Gentle hydration
for the skin
PIGEON Malaysia is proud to
introduce the Newborn Pure
Skincare Series to Malaysian
mothers. It is a new baby skincare
line packed with natural goodness
to hydrate and protect babies
delicate skin.
A focus group discussion
conducted in Malaysia and
Singapore revealed that when
purchasing baby skincare products,
mothers look for a track record of
scientific research, natural
fragrance, additive-free and
dermatologically tested products
developed from a credible source.
Inspired by a desire to provide
the essential care every newborn
baby needs, we endeavoured to
produce a range of products that
would help maintain moisture on
the babys skin surface as well as
the inner skin layers through an
exclusive formula called
Natulayer, says John Soo, deputy
managing director of Pigeon
Malaysia.
Inside the mothers womb, a
baby is well protected by a natural
layer known as vernix and natural

lipids known as ceramide.

This dual moisture layer is
important because a newborn
babys skin is thinner and more
sensitive than that of an adults.
Based on 40 years of experience
developing baby skincare
products, Pigeon has developed
Natulayer, a layer of moisturising
ingredients that mimics the
natural coat of protection found
on babys skin inside the womb.
Natulayer simulates vernix and
ceramide to hydrate and protect
babys vulnerable skin from drying
out by locking in moisture.
Formulated with Natulayer, the
Newborn Pure Skincare Series is
manufactured in Japan according
to the highest quality standards for
baby skincare products, including
skin irritation test, allergy test, eye
irritation test and acute toxic test.
All products are paraben-free,
formaldehyde-free, alcohol-free,
pH balanced and dermatologically
tested to provide a natural
protective barrier.
Gentle and soothing on
newborn skin, the Newborn Pure

Skincare Series debuts with five

products Nourishing Shampoo,
Purifying Body Wash,
Moisturizing Lotion, Calming Oil
and Protective Cream to
nourish, moisturise and protect
the skin of your little one.
Newborn Pure Nourishing
Shampoo (200ml) Delicately
cleanses and nourishes babys
scalp and hair roots.
Newborn Pure Purifying Body
Wash (200ml) Gently cleanses
and purifies babys skin.
Newborn Pure Moisturizing
Lotion (200ml) Spreads easily
for quicker absorption to provide
instant hydration for babys skin.
Newborn Pure Calming Oil
(100ml) Emollient with a
soothing formula for a calming
sensory experience. It is free from
mineral oil and ideal for baby
massages.
Newborn Pure Protective
Cream (50g) Non-sticky cream
that protects the delicate skin
areas prone to dryness.
Mothers have been searching
for products that will help protect

With hospitals
being
generally
well-equipped,
mothers-to-be
should focus
on bringing
personal
items that
would ease
their delivery
experience.

Bagged and ready

YOU may feel like you want to pack the
entire contents of your bedroom for
delivery day so that you do not miss out on
crucial items such as diapers or, worse,
your clothes.
Fret not, as hospitals are typically well
equipped these days and the best you can
pack for yourself are the items that will
bring you greater ease and comfort.
Here are some items that should have a
place in your overnight bag:
Entertainment
l A book or two from home that can take
your mind off the discomfort and pain
l Your favourite magazines
l Portable Bluetooth speakers or
earphones to play music from your playlist
l A pack of cards or a travel board game
Comfort

l Pillows and blankets that bring you

comfort
l Photos of loved ones
l Nightgowns, slippers and socks; maybe
even a shawl or cardigan should you wish
to go for a walk around the wards
l Loose T-shirts and yoga pants
l Slippers

l Toiletries, especially toothbrush and

toothpaste
l Maternity sanitary pads
l Extra underwear
l Towels
l Light snacks for yourself and
daddy-to-be
Documentation

l If written, a birth plan should be

brought for discussion with the medical
staff
l A notepad or journal to track the
progress of labour
l Identification cards, insurance cards
and other necessary paperwork
For the baby

l A camera do not forget the charger

l Baby-safe toiletries
l Baby clothes, blanket, mittens, socks
and caps
l A baby basket or carrier
l Car seat
l Lotions and creams
l Nursing aids
l Baby book for the first handprint
and lock of hair

Developed for babys sensitive skin, Pigeons Newborn Pure Skincare

Series is gentle and soothing on your little one.

the delicate, sensitive skin of their

babies. Our Newborn Pure
Skincare Series meets their
expectations by providing doublelayer protection, says Girish
Giovanni, Newborn Pure specialist
from Pigeon Singapore.
The products in the Newborn
Pure Skincare Series are priced
from RM49 to RM59 each and are
available at selected department
stores, baby stores and pharmacies.

About Pigeon Malaysia

Pigeon, Japans No.1 baby care
brand, celebrates its 60th
anniversary this year. Today,
Pigeon is a market leader in baby
and mother care products in Japan.
It has a strong brand presence in
more than 50 countries, with
subsidiaries in Singapore, China
and the United States.

Pigeon actively promotes

breastfeeding and is dedicated to
offering the best breastfeeding
accessories and information on
the advantages of breast milk to
mothers.
The company also produces
bottles, teats, baby toiletries,
baby wet wipes, sterilisers and
other accessories that help fulfil
a safe pregnancy and delivery, a
mothers changing needs and the
babys sound growth.
Pigeon emphasises research
and development and conducts
extensive studies in product
development. Its main research
and development factories are
located in Japan and Singapore.

n For more information

on the Pigeon Newborn
Pure Skincare Series, visit
www.newbornpure.com.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

8 expecting mothers

BEING a parent is a joyful

experience, but it is by no means
an easy feat. Changing lifestyles in
the face of societal and economic
development are altering family
roles and dynamics, which raises
the need for innovative methods in
present-day parenting.
With this in mind, the Malaysian
arm of leading Japanese home care
brand Kao recently launched the
Welcome to My Modern
Parenthood campaign, which
debuts The Secret to My Modern
Parenthood guidebook.
The Welcome to My Modern
Parenthood campaign aims to help
new parents cope with new
additions to the family and guide
them on leading a modern parents
lifestyle.
With convenience and
efficiency in mind, the campaign
seeks to ease parents hectic
schedules expecially those
juggling work and parenting so
that they can have more quality
time with their family, says
Fujiwara Masaki, president of Kao
Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
The campaign kicked off on
May 1 with the nationwide launch
of the Parenthood Makeover
Contest, where participants stand a
chance to win a home makeover
and Kao products worth up to
RM30,000 with a minimum
purchase of RM38 worth of
Magiclean or Attack Products, or
one pack of Merries baby diapers.
This was followed by a press
conference on July 14 to officiate
Kaos first parenting guidebook,
which is filled with tips to ease the
lives of new parents.

Relevant to
societal needs
Masaki first
presented the idea for
The Secret to My
Modern Parenthood
after he observed
that the urban
Malaysian
Kao Malaysia
Sdn Bhds
president
Fujiwara Masaki
with The Secret
to My Modern
Parenthood
guidebook.

Easing modern parenting

The Kao
Malaysia Sdn
Bhd team with
the guidebook
and products
featured in
the Welcome
to My Modern
Parenthood
campaign.

community was undergoing a

similar lifestyle shift to the one
Japan experienced some decades
back.
Thirty years ago, large numbers
of people in Japan moved to big
cities and more women started
pursuing careers. They needed the
help of their husbands at home,
who at the time were not as
involved in parenting as Japanese
husbands today, Masaki
explains.
As Malaysia is currently
undergoing a similar
demographic shift, Kao
saw it fitting to bring the
experience gained in its
home country and apply it
here to contribute to the
local parent community.
Merging the expertise of
Kao Japans Lifestyle
Research Centre and Positive
Parenting (the official
parenting educational arm of

Good for baby

KAO Merries is Japans No.1
baby diaper, available in two
types tape or pants. Here are
five reasons you should
consider Merries for your child:
l Exceptional breathability
that allows air to flow freely
between the diaper and the
skin, so baby stays dry and
comfortable
l Superb absorbency with a
unique dual channel absorbent
core that keeps the diaper
surface dry and suitable for
longer usage
l Flexi-fit W shape that
accommodates the movements
of even the most active babies
l Features that ease diaper
changing for new mothers: soft
reusable seal, side gathers and
colour-changing wetness
indicators, which turn dark

green when it is time for a

change
l Pants diapers come with
soft fit gathers to hold diaper in
place, core lock-in and instant
absorbency that prevent
leakage, and silky smooth sheet
with fine fibres that prevent
friction against babys skin
while providing exceptional
breathability.
To request free Merries
diaper samples, visit
web.kao.com/my/merries/.

With convenience
and efficiency
in mind, the
campaign seeks
to ease parents
hectic schedules
expecially those
juggling work and
parenting so that
they can have more
quality time with
their family.
Fujiwara Masaki

the Malaysian Paediatric

Association), Kao Malaysia spent
more than a year compiling the
best material for this guidebook.
We recognise the need to
educate new parents and aim to do
this by providing invaluable
insights into modern parenting and
caring for the household. This
guidebook is meant to help families
share the responsibilities of
parenting, which is traditionally
undertaken by women.
The campaign and guidebook
would especially help fathers who
want to play a bigger role in
parenting but are unsure how to
go about it, says Tan Poh Ling, Kao
Malaysias vice-president of
marketing.

Leading home care

brand
Kaos corporate philosophy is
the foundation of all its activities
our mission is to enrich the lives of
people globally while contributing
to the sustainability of the world.
For this campaign, we want to
welcome our consumers to modern

Handy guidebook
KAOS The Secret to My Modern
Parenthood is filled with tips to
make household chores easy so
parents can shoulder parenting
roles together and have more
quality time to spend with each
other at the end of a busy work
day.
The guidebook features topics
covering:
l Caring for your newborn
l Simple essentials in baby
care
l How to clean smart
l Sharing housework and
effective communication
l Budgeting for the baby
President of Kao Malaysia
Fujiwara Masaki says that one of
his favourite sections is Get
Ready, Daddy!, which contains
suggestions on how fathers can
get involved from the very start.
The key visual presents not
just the mother and baby, but
the father too because Kao
recognises that a newborn is the
responsibility of the entire
family. A babys smile brings
smiles to both parents faces,
he says.
parenthood by imparting extra
courage and strength required
to embrace the happiest days of
their lives.
This is best assured in the
hands of Japans home care expert
and premier purveyor of quality
household products, says Masaki.
The Welcome to My Modern
Parenthood campaign features
Kaos Merries, Magiclean and
Attack products, which help
parents care for their baby and
home while saving time, energy
and costs.
After more than 40 years in the

Here is an extract from

this section:
As a father, dont leave all the
basics, such as feeding or
changing diapers, to the mum
step in and do your part too!
Take every opportunity to bond
with your baby by holding or
hugging him as often as you can.
By providing him with high
levels of affection (by playing
and responding to his cries), he
will quickly form a strong
attachment to you.
So, no matter how busy you
are, make it a point to set some
time aside for your child, as
most children see the time you
spend with them as an indicator
of your love for them.
The Secret to My Modern
Parenthood can be obtained at
private hospitals together with
Merries samples or with the
purchase of Kao products at
exhibitions. Parents can also
download a soft copy from the
Kao website: www.kao.com/my/
my-modern-parenthood/index.
html.
country, Masaki is optimistic
about the road ahead for Kao
Malaysia.
We aim to grow our four main
products Merries, Attack,
Magiclean and Laurier to the
top position in their respective
categories. Malaysia has one of
the most competitive markets in
the Asian region and we wish to
establish strong leadership here,
becoming a role model country to
the overall Kao group, he says.

n For more information, visit

www.kao.com/my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

expecting mothers 9

Mobility meets
functionality
TAKING your baby out for the first time is a
daunting task as you need to ensure that you
have not left out any necessities for the
outing.
The real challenge comes when you have
to travel with an infant for long or short
trips. A babys safety is of utmost importance
when moving about, so choosing the right
car seat and stroller is crucial.
Doona by SimpleParenting is a new infant
car seat that can be converted into a stroller
in seconds.
With Doona, you can avoid the trouble of
transferring your baby from car seat to
stroller, and vice versa.
To convert your stroller into a baby car
seat, just fold the wheels, slide down the
handle and attach it to the Doona ISOFIX
base or simply use your car seat belt to
secure Doona to the cars back seat.
Doona was designed to be a baby car seat
that is simple yet practical for parents. It
complies with the highest safety standards as
each product goes through stringent internal
and external safety examinations to ensure
its safety.
Doona has been tested and certified as an
infant car seat, stroller and reclined cradle
by the European Union and a hand-held
carrier in the United States. It is also
approved for aircraft both in Europe and
the US.
It is made with baby-safe materials based
on European standards and the Registration,
Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of
Chemicals (REACH) regulation, including
SVHC (substances of very high concern).
With its fail-safe mechanisms, Doona
prevents misuse and assures safe operations.
Doona infant car seat is equipped with a
double-wall structure to provide enhanced

The Doona by
SimpleParenting
is a stroller that
converts easily into
a baby car seat.

side-impact protection and anti-rebound

protection, which better protects babies in
case of a sudden impact.
There is also a wide range of accessories
such as an essentials bag, storage bag, travel
bag, rain cover, insect net and ISOFIX base to
help you with your different daily needs.
Since Doona was launched, it has won
numerous awards such as the Baby
Innovation Award 2016, Gentle Parenting
Award 2015, Kidsgo 2015, BPA Innovation
2014 and Banta Winner 2014 for Child
Restraints.
Jarrons & Co is the sole distributor for
Doona in this region. The available colours
in Malaysia are grey (Storm), black (Night),
beige (Dune), turquoise (Sky), red (Love) and
pink (Sweet). All Doona accessories are
available and sold separately.

n For more information, visit

www.jarrons.com.my.

Getting
it right
HAVING a new addition to the family can be
overwhelming, especially if she is your first
child. Between feeding, changing, bathing
and figuring out which of these your baby
needs when she cries, you are bound to have
questions on providing the best care for your
newborn.
Here are some tips for navigating your
first week as new parents:
l Feeding Babies have very small
stomachs when they are born, so mothers
are generally advised to let their child set the
nursing pattern. Look out for early cues of
your baby communicating hunger, such as
cries or facial expressions.
Only wake your baby for feeds if she is
unwell or more sleepy than usual. This
should be done gently, such as through
stroking the feet or back, and a baby does
not have to be fully awake to feed.
After-meal spit-ups are common with
newborns, but you can aid in smoother
digestion by holding your baby up post-feed
and burping her over a cloth on your
shoulder.

l Bathing and changing In the first few

days, washing your baby consists of carefully
cleaning her face, neck, hands and bottom
with a warm cloth.
Use a basin of warm water, fresh towels
and cotton wool or baby wipes. Only use

Your newborns
first few baths
should be
warm and
gentle.

baby-friendly products as your little ones

skin is sensitive during this time.
Check your babys napkin or diaper
regularly to see if a change is needed
having sensitive skin means babies are
prone to nappy rash, so they need frequent
changes. Remember to thoroughly wipe the
genital area during each change.

l Crying Your newborn is precious, but

she is also resilient. Therefore, try not to
sweat the small stuff as long as your baby
is well nourished, physically healthy and
happy, it does not matter that she cries every
now and then.
Crying is a babys first method of
communication, so these wails could simply
be a sign that your little one needs some
attention and affection. Pick your baby up
and soothe him with cuddles or light
rocking.
Look out for rashes, a fever, vomiting or a
swollen belly as signs that your baby needs
medical attention.

One sip
at a time
AS you start to wean your child off a feeding
bottle, a sippy cup is a great alternative
before you transition your child to using a
cup when drinking.
With its no-spill technology, Nuby has got
you covered every step of the way.
At four months old, your baby
starts to grasp objects but is
better able to hold things with both hands.
The GripNSip cups are suitable for
beginners as it has twin handles for extra
support and grip. Its unique shape and
silicone spout is comfortable for babies and
safe for use.
Your baby will be a lot more
confident with holding bottles
when he reaches six months old. This is a
great time for you to transition him to the
Easy Grip cups that have a grip design for
small hands. The Easy Grip also comes with
a soft silicone spout and no-spill design to
prevent spillage of liquids.
It is time to take things up a
notch. At nine months old, it is
time to introduce your child to cups with
straws and drinking upright.
Even though it will be a little more
challenging than using a spout, a straw is a
lot more fun once your child gets used to it.
Straw cups such as the Easy Grip version
and FlipNSip are great options to introduce

your child to straws.

For more active children, you can opt for
the Sport Sipper or the Insulated Flip-it. The
soft silicone straw is designed to be gentle on
gums and teeth while preventing drips and
spills.
At 12 months old, your child
should be ready to venture into
drinking out of open cups. However, you
might still find it challenging to have them
drink out of regular bottles when travelling.
The Pop-up Sipper is convenient for both
child and parents who are on the go. Attach
it to the belt clip and you can monitor your
childs drinking habits and encourage him to
drink more water.
It is never too hard to transition your child
from a feeding bottle to drinking out of a
cup. All you need is a little patience and the
right tool to help you child transition.
With more than 70 years of experience,
Nuby is determined to offer the best for you
and your baby.

n For more information, visit

www.astragroup.com.my.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

10 expecting mothers

An emotional roller coaster

WELCOMING your child into the world is

certainly an experience like no other
besides the physical work and feelings, both
the mother and father go through a gamut of
emotions.
As prepared as you think you are, going
through the delivery experience is a
different ballgame altogether, reveals
Ranjeeta Kaur, who gave birth to her first
child last month.
Though I felt physically drained, I was
overwhelmed with joy when I heard my
sons first cry, she says.
At first, my emotions were running all
over the place and then a sense of calmness
took over. I dont think one can be fully
prepared for these emotions, adds her

husband Dr Sukdeep Singh Pannu.

Though the experience of childbirth may
be different from one pregnancy to another,
meeting your baby is usually a wonderful
experience.
Mavis Chor Yit Wah, for example, says
that she really did not know what to expect
during her first delivery but was calmer
during her second.
Both times, she savoured meeting her
baby and giving the infant its first kiss. She
does, however, admit that after her first
baby was born, the question Whats next?
popped into her mind.
This is nothing unusual, especially for
first-time parents. Seeing the new life that
you have created out in the world for the

first time can be overwhelming.

Immediately after the birth, I did get
emotional, especially when my wife was
given the newborn to hold. The sight of the
life that we were now responsible for was
both exciting and terrifying at the same
time, says T. E. Low, who welcomed his
first child into the world in February.
Mother of two Chieng Ho Ming had a
similar experience after the birth of her
first son.
When I first held him, the first words
out of my mouth were What am I going to
do with you? I was surrounded by a cloud
of fear, she says.
Chieng experienced a difficult delivery
and had to undergo an emergency caesarean
section.
Partly because of this, I did not
experience the love at first sight that
everyone talks about when meeting my

baby. There is this expectation, fuelled by

the media, that as a mother you must
immediately be joyful and capable.
The truth is, every first-time parent will
have some kind of fear now that you are
responsible for this little persons welfare
and sustenance, she continues.
Chiengs experience with her second
delivery was completely the opposite she
was relaxed during the delivery, happy to
meet her second son and did not panic
when she had initial difficulty
breastfeeding.
Comparatively, she says that she only
really started to love her first son when he
went home with her and she started to
breastfeed him.
The truth is hard, but now I love him
more than anything, she says.

Antenatal check-ups
The World Health Organization
recommends that all pregnant
women have at least four
antenatal (during pregnancy)
care assessments by or under the
supervision of a skilled attendant
spaced at regular intervals
throughout pregnancy, commencing as

early as possibly in the first trimester.

However, this is the minimum
standard of care. Malaysias Health
Ministry, therefore, recommends
more regular visits once a month
before the 28-week mark, every two
weeks until 35 weeks, and then
every week at 36 weeks and above.

Signs of labour
How do you know if you are in labour or
just experiencing discomfort or a
backache? If you are very near your due
date, here are some signs to look out for:

l Your water breaks

This is when your amniotic sac
ruptures and the fluid surrounding the
baby comes out. This can happen in a
one-time gush or slowly trickle out over
a day or two.
You can check that it is amniotic fluid
and not urine by determining the smell.
The smell of urine is sharp and pungent
while amniotic fluid is sweet and musty.
You must consult your doctor or go to
the hospital if your water breaks.

l You have a show

The show is a sticky blood-stained
discharge and is actually the mucus plug
in your cervix.

It may come loose as early as a few

days before labour starts to just before,
and it can come out in one lump or
gradually over a few days. Consult your
doctor if you think you have show they
will want to check if it is mucus or if you
are bleeding.

l You have contractions

These will be regular and repeated
contractions that are coming faster and
faster, staying longer and longer, and
getting stronger and stronger. Some
women experience false labour pains
(called Braxton Hicks contractions).
You do not have to go to the hospital
immediately upon feeling contractions.
Inform your doctor, but relax at home
for a while until the contractions become
intense and you have about
three one-minute contractions
in 10 minutes.

Terms to get familiar with

l Lochia This is the bleeding you
experience after birth that is like a heavy
period.
It is how your body gets rid of the
uterus lining and may last anywhere
between two and six weeks.
Use cooling maternity pads if you can
find them; the cooling gel will ease any
discomfort you feel.
You should avoid using tampons for at
least the first six weeks after your
delivery as they can introduce bacteria
into your still-healing uterus.
l Perineum The area between the
anus and the vulva. This area might tear
during childbirth, though most of the
time the obstetrician will work to
prevent it by massage or will make a
surgical incision in the area before
tearing happens, as a clean incision

will heal better than a jagged tear.

The incision will be sutured after
childbirth.

l Colostrum The thick form of milk

produced just prior to and immediately
after giving birth.
It contains antibodies to protect the
newborn from disease, a high protein
concentration and is a means of
delivering essential nutrition to the baby
right after birth.
l Braxton Hicks contractions
these are contractions in your uterus
that come and go, and may feel like
period pains.
Unlike actual labour contractions, they
do not get stronger or get closer together
with time. They are basically your uterus
practising for the birth.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

expecting mothers 11

Understanding your
post-delivery body
GIVING birth is often described as one of the miracles of
life, but its reality is far more biological than it is magical.
The effects of this process become visible right after
child birthing, as the body takes some time to recover and
get used to its new, nurturing role.
As you welcome your newborn into your life,

remember to also take care of yourself. If you are in pain

or experiencing unexpected symptoms, your doctor,
nurse or midwife should be able to lend a helping hand
or words of advice.
Here are some physical changes you can expect in your
first 24 hours as a mother.

Breast engorgement
Your breasts are not ready with milk right after
delivery instead, they produce a thick, antibodyrich precursor to breast milk called colostrum. You
will notice that your breasts become heavier and
firmer as they are filled with milk over the next few
days, but your baby will be feeding on colostrum for
the first 24 hours.
It is recommended that you feed your baby
as soon as possible after birth to establish vital
skin-to-skin contact, but it may take some time to
perfect your newborns latch to your nipple.
Therefore, expect some nipple soreness in the early
stages of breastfeeding.
A consultant or nurse can help with proper
positioning, and you can also get nipple cream that is
safe for breastfeeding mothers to help with healing.
Nursing bras would also be a good idea, especially if
this is your first time breastfeeding.

Excess water weight

With a significant drop in your oestrogen
level post-delivery, you can expect your
body to take some time before being able
to regulate temperature normally again.
During this adjustment period, you may
perspire excessively as your body tries to
rid itself of excess water, especially when
sleeping at night. Using a towel or rubber
sheet for your bed can help with absorbing
the moisture, and you should also wear
light clothing to sleep.
You may also feel bloated and need to
urinate more frequently, which could leave
you dehydrated. So, make sure to drink
enough water to replenish the lost fluids.

Post-baby belly
The baby has left your body, but you will still have a
postpartum pouch. This is because the uterus,
abdominal muscles and skin are greatly stretched over
the course of nine months, so it may take weeks before
these return to a normal size.
The uterus, specifically, takes about six weeks to
return to its original state, so you may feel it pressing
against your abdomen as it is swollen right after child
birth.
In the meantime, you could still feel uterine
contractions as the uterus tightens to return to its
pre-pregnancy size and location. These pelvic after
pains can be noticed especially when breastfeeding, as
the release of the oxytocin hormone contributes to
contractions. Women who undergo C-section may also
experience weakness and swelling in the abdomen,
caused by the incision.

Tears and stitches

Extreme pressure is exerted on the perineum during natural
births this is the area between the vagina and rectum,
which will be stretched, swollen and possibly torn after
labour.
You may have gotten an episiotomy (an incision made in
the perineum) to ease birthing, which requires stitches
post-labour, but you may also need stitches for minor
vaginal tearing, which is quite common especially for
first-time mothers.
These stitches can make it hard to pass motion or even sit,
but a sore perineum can be alleviated with sitz baths
(immersing the buttocks and hips in water), and using a
squirt bottle with warm water to wash up after going to the
bathroom.
A sore perineum and bruised organs can make it hard to
urinate, and all that pushing could cause rectal pains and
haemorrhoids. Overcome difficulty urinating and passing
motion by keeping yourself hydrated and eating high-fibre
foods.

Vaginal bleeding
Right after giving birth, your vagina would
understandably be sore and swollen after being
greatly stretched. On top of that, you will lose a
significant amount of blood as part of the
natural birthing process.
Prepare to bleed again postpartum with a
vaginal discharge called lochia, which consists
of mucus and tissue from the uterine lining that
has thickened over your pregnancy.
Lochia bleeding can be heavier than your
monthly period in the first 10 days
post-delivery, but will taper off over the next
few weeks. You may also pass large blood clots
right after giving birth this is no cause for
alarm. Just ensure you get pads designed for
postpartum bleeding.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 23 AUGUST 2016

12 expecting mothers

THE umbilical cord connects the

foetus with the placenta during
pregnancy. A basic cross-section
of the umbilical cord will reveal
arteries, veins and a structure
known as Whartons jelly.
There are mainly two types of
naturally occurring stem cells
found in the umbilical cord
haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)
and mesenchymal stem cells
(MSCs). Processing Cord Blood and
CordMSCs differs in standard
operating procedure, skills and
length of time.
It only takes a few hours to
process Cord Blood but about a
month to process CordMSCs as
laboratory staff have to culture
these stem cells to a certain cell
count and ensure they are free
from contamination for both
storage and future use.
HSCs are adult stem cells that
are found only in the bone marrow
of adults and newborn babies.
However, in newborn babies, they
can also be found in abundance in
the veins of the umbilical cord
where Cord Blood is extracted.
HSCs have the ability to
transform into cells present in the
blood system such as white blood
cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Nowadays, HSCs are rarely
obtained directly from the bone
marrow but through an aphaeresis
machine or on the availability and
suitability of Cord Blood.
The main purpose of HSCs
transplantation is to reconstitute

Unravelling cord stem cells

CryoCord
guarantees
excellent
service for
storing Cord
Blood and
Cord MSCs
with state-ofthe-art
technology.

the ability of the body to produce

blood cells after aggressive
chemotherapy.
Patients who undergo HSCs
transplantation are mainly those
suffering from blood-related
diseases such as leukaemia,
thalassaemia, autoimmune
disorders and some genetic blood
disorders.
The chances of a match
between siblings are 25% whereas
between parents and children are
50%. There is a high chance of
using siblings Cord Blood should
there be a need to do so.

HSCs from Cord Blood are

young and could be expanded to
quantities required for advanced
therapy, including gene therapy, as
the technology matures, says
James Then, managing director for
CryoCord Sdn Bhd.
The potentials of CordMSCs, on
the other hand, are a lot more
diverse than Cord Blood. They are
mainly extracted from the
Whartons jelly in the umbilical
cord.
CordMSCs have the ability to
differentiate into a wide range of
cells such as bone, heart, nerve,

muscle, liver, cartilage and many

other cells. CordMSCs have shown
great potential for future
regenerative medicine in areas
where Cord Blood is lacking.
There is enough science to show
MSCs to be anti-inflammatory,
immuno-modulatory, secrete good
cytokines, form new blood vessels,
have the ability to rescue dying
cells and differentiate into a

variety of other cell types.

With such great potential, many
human trials worldwide have
embarked on optimising MSCs.
Storing your childs CordMSCs for
the future could therefore prove to
be beneficial, says Then.

n For more information,

call 1800 883 300 or visit
www.cryocord.com.my.

Antenatal 101
ON Oct 9, the CryoCord Perfect
Pregnancy Antenatal Class 3.0
will be held at The Gardens
Hotel, Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur,
from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Perfect Pregnancy 3.0 is
designed to help you and your
partner prepare for labour, birth
and early parenthood.
The class will feature a
consultant obstetrician and
gynaecologist, a trained and
certified lactation counsellor, a
nutritionist and a consultant
cardiologist who is the clinical
and research advisor of
Cytopeutics the leading stem
cell research and treatment

company in Malaysia.
In addition, you may stand a
chance to play badminton at The
Gardens Hotel Ballroom with
national badminton athlete
couple Datuk Lee Chong Wei and
Datin Wong Mew Choo, who will
be attending the class. Terms and
conditions apply.
Registration is RM25 per pax,
including a buffet lunch and tea
break worth RM160. Each
participant will also receive a
goody bag courtesy of CryoCord.

n For more information and

ticketing, call Chung at 016-218
2536 or Ren at 017-234 2601.