Giveaway at Sandier Pastures: The Belly Band for pregnant and nursing mommies

I actually saw something similar to this SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band and Nursing Cover I used to purchase many of my nursing wears, nursing bras and baby stuff earlier this year during my Chinese New Year shopping spree. So this giveaway showcasing SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band and Nursing Cover from an online shop aptly called Nine Moons caught my attention.

What is a SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band and Nursing Cover?

From their website:

Our SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band and Nursing Cover is the fashionable accent every belly has been looking for. It provides coverage and support as your belly expands under the shirt and doubles as a nursing cover once the nine months are over.

The idea behind this design is so handy as we can use it while being pregnant and later on when nursing just by pairing it with our normal blouse..why didn't I come across such invention earlier? haha...so that I get to splurge on nursing attires maybe..hehe

At Nine Moons, there are so many beautiful patterns to choose from, or we could choose a basic color as well.

WHAT'S UP FOR GRABS:
One lucky winner will get to choose a SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band and Nursing Cover of their choice of design/color and size from Nine Moons!

HOW TO WIN:
Browse all the SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band and Nursing Cover collection from Nine Moons and pick a favorite and leave your comment at Sandier Pastures!

That's it!

For additional entries check out Sandier Pastures blog :

DRAW:
A winner will be chosen at random on 29th September 2009.

WHO CAN WIN:
This contest is open to all!

So folks, if you think you like to win this...give this a try!

Cheers!

Eiks I am at risk?!

When I read the article below from TheStar Online, especially after reading my blogger friend, Ailian's posting here, I start asking myself..Am I a risk? Eiks..better start watching my diet!

Who is at risk?

AMONG the general population, those who:

·Have Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) symptoms

·Have a parent, brother, or sister (first-degree relative) with T2DM

·Have had heart disease

·Have abnormal blood cholesterol levels (HDL, or "good" cholesterol, level below 0.9mmol/L or triglyceride level above 1.7mmol/L)

·Have high blood pressure (above 140/90mm Hg; on therapy for hypertension)

·Have a clinical condition associated with insulin resistance       

·Are overweight (BMI over 23; or waist wider than 80cm for women and 90cm for men)

·Do not exercise regularly (less than three times a week, 20 minutes at a time)

·Are women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Pregnant women who:

·Have a BMI over 27

·Have delivered a baby weighing 4kg or more (Shone was 4.24 kg when he was born, 15 days earlier from my due ...a scheduled c-section by gynae and specialist at govt. hospital!)

·Have a bad obstetric history and/or current obstetric problems

·Have gestational diabetes mellitus

·Have glucose in their urine at the first prenatal visit

·Are over 25

TAKE ACTION: If you have any of the risk factors above, ask your doctor to screen you immediately. If you do not have any of them, ask your doctor to screen you annually from age 30 and up.

Overweight children and teenagers (over 120% of ideal weight) who have:

·A first- or second-degree relative (aunt, uncle, grandparent, nephew, niece, half-sibling) with T2DM

·A mother who has had gestational diabetes mellitus

·An Indian ethnic background

·Signs of insulin resistance or conditions associated with it

TAKE ACTION: If your child or teen meets any two of the criteria above, make sure he or she is screened for T2DM at least every two years from age 10 onwards, or at the onset of puberty if puberty occurs before then.

Information sourced from the latest edition of the Ministry of Health's T2DM Management Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG).

The CPG is available at moh.gov.my/MohPortal/cpgPublic.jsp and will be officially launched in Putrajaya on August 11. — LEE TSE LING

Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

For the benefits of some of my friends who are as most career women do...married late and thus most possibility getting pregnant at later age.

One of the risk involved is having Gestational Diabetes (GDM) that is our body don’t produce enough insulin to keep our blood glucose levels within range during pregnancy. 

One of my friend had it when she is pregnant with her third child at the age of 39 going to 40(if I am not wrong)...

So for more info, do check out the article at TheStar Online on Sweet pregnancy.

Secret Recipes for Better Milk Supply and Rosy Glowing Looks

Well, maybe the title is slightly exaggerated, BUT, this is a recipe or special concoction shared by one of my friend who seems to be blessed with blushed rosy cheeks (minus the make-up..yep…natural rosy glow)

And her secret is…diligent daily dose of the following ever since her pregnancy, 9 month breastfeeding and till now (I think)

Tong Sum Codonopsis Pilosulae (dang shen) 黨參 – 2 long stalks

Red dates – 20 seeded/pitted= seedless (add more for sweetness and if only you are not heaty)

Black dates – 5-6 (optional)

Black Beans – two big tbsp pre-socked (3-6hrs), discard the soaking water before cooking

Gei ji  (枸子)/Chinese wolberries – 1 tbsp

Water – 1.5-2 litres

Put in slow cooker for 4-6hrs (low). Drink it hot/warm.

Note: For confinement period, they would add ginger to this concoction. ;) 

Enjoy.........lovely pinky lady and lovely drink to boost up our milk supply!

Cheers!