Follow us for the latest buzz! facebook.com/ ... things to eat and drink for strong teeth (page 8), and get tips to ght
AUG/SEP 2016
BONDING WITH BABY Breastfeeding dos and don’ts CUT IT OUT! Smart tips to fight your sugar cravings
A smooth journey A Thomson mummy shares how she beat her breastfeeding woes
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AUG/SEP 2016
This issue of Celebrating Life is full of helpful information for breastfeeding mums, including practical dos and don’ts as you embark on your journey to motherhood (page 18). Also, find out the top eight things to eat and drink for strong teeth (page 8), and get tips to fight sugar cravings (page 14). Happy reading!
Awarded the Best Insurance Coverage for Parents & Babies
06 TCM
Treating male infertility from a TCM perspective
Awarded Best of the Best 2016 Pregnancy Products and Services by Parents World for AXA Family Advantage.
08 ORAL HEALTH
What to eat and drink for strong and healthy teeth
10 MY BREASTFEEDING JOURNEY
A Thomson mummy shares how she beat her breastfeeding woes
THE EDITORIAL TEAM
14 NUTRITION
Smart tips to fight your sugar cravings
16
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
18
MUM & BABY
Photograph your newborn like a pro
Homemade granola packed with goodness WHAT’S NEW
22 CHECK THIS OUT
EDITORIAL ADVISORS EDITOR
Tong Fung Hua
EDITORIAL & DESIGN
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Warren Wu
Publicitas Content
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[email protected] is a bi-monthly publication by Thomson Medical Pte Ltd The views and opinions expressed or implied in Celebrating Life do not necessarily reflect those of Thomson Medical or Publicitas Content. No responsibility is accepted for the claims made in advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Thomson Medical and Publicitas Content. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2016 by Thomson Medical. All information correct at time of printing. Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd. MCI (P) 021/12/2015
ON THE COVER MDM JUNIE PONG & BABY XANDER; PHOTOGRAPHY WONG WEI LIANG; ART DIRECTION GINNY GAY; STYLING AND MAKEUP MARIE SOH / 27A.CO; LOCATION SOLEIL @ SINARAN. INSIDE PHOTOS: ISTOCK; GETTY IMAGES
20 PURELY YUMMY 21
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Breastfeeding dos and don’ts
Insurance & Financial Plan AXA Family Advantage. From pregnancy to birth and beyond, we have you & your family covered.
CONTACT US TODAY
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Desmond Kwa Organisation An agency unit representing: AXA Life Insurance Singapore Pte Ltd Company registration no. 199903512M 8 Shenton Way #27-02 AXA Tower Singapore 068811 Email:
[email protected] http://insuranceforbaby.sg/tmc
Stress can ruin the joy of raising a family. AXA Family Advantage is a suite of plans that offers solutions in health, protection, savings and investments to ensure that you and your new family are well protected to enjoy this exciting new chapter. MumCare Plus is a healthcare plan that covers unexpected health expenses for mother and child during pregnancy and after childbirth. The mother and child are protected against 10 pregnancy complications and 18 congenital illnesses. This plan can be bought during pregnancy, and you have the option to continue the coverage for your child to the age of 6 years. Under the Family Advantage plan, when your child is born, he is automatically eligible for four different insurance plans regardless of his health status at birth. The Life Exentials suite of plans provide full life coverage for the child, increases his coverage up to 3 times during the key years of his life, by up to three times, and also help him to grow his savings for the long term. Conversely, the INSPIRE™ plans help to build up your child’s savings through smart investments, and also provides insurance coverage for your child to protect him against uncertainties. A comprehensive suite of investments and medical protection, AXA Family Advantage offers you the peace of mind and confidence you need to enjoy a stress-free parenthood.
Advertorial
Adhesions following Open Surgeries: Fibrous scar tissue form between tissue surfaces
TCM
A
problem
Treating male infertility from a TCM perspective
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ccording to TCM theory, the common causes of male infertility include kidney asthenia (weakness); liver qi stagnation; blockage of meridians due to phlegm and dampness; deficiency in qi and blood; and blood stasis. A combination of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture is often prescribed to improve sperm quality. There is no one individual herb that is especially effective. Usually, what is prescribed uses about 15 or more specific herbs, in differing quantities, to create formulas that cater to the different syndromes diagnosed by the physician. DEFICIENCY In TCM terms, deficiency syndromes include kidney asthenia and deficiency in qi and blood. Kidney asthenia may include frequent urination, aching of the back and legs, and impotence. Fatigue 6
Celebrating Life
is one obvious symptom of qi and blood deficiency. The common Chinese medicine formula 右归丸 is prescribed for those who lack kidney yang, while 左归丸 is used to nourish the kidney yin. 归脾汤 is used to build the qi and blood in the body. STAGNANCY The stagnancy syndrome is mainly due to liver qi stagnation and blood stasis. A common cause of qi stagnation is high levels of stress. Qi stagnation is often characterised by tense muscles and digestive disorders. Other symptoms that may arise include abdominal bloating and pain. 柴胡疏肝汤 is a common herbal remedy used to resolve this issue. BLOCKAGE This syndrome includes the blockage of meridians due to phlegm, dampness and blood stasis. Deficiency in the
spleen will produce phlegm and dampness, which leads to blockage in the meridians. Therefore, 四君子汤 is normally used to strengthen the spleen to remove phlegm and dampness. Blockage due to blood stasis often occurs after surgery, injury or severe infection. A common medicine used to resolve this problem is 血府逐瘀汤. Qi, pronounced as “chee”, is the vital energy that circulates along the whole body through pathways called meridians. A proper circulation of qi ensures a healthy body. Any blockage or disruption of this flow of qi will cause diseases. In TCM, acupuncture treatment is used to ensure the smooth flow of qi to achieve a balance of yin and yang in all the organs, and it is commonly applied to treat male infertility problems. By balancing the yin and yang in the organs, one’s body constitution is improved, hence leading to the production of better quality sperm. Besides using Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to treat male infertility problems, there are some basic lifestyle changes that can play a role in improving sperm quality. Good habits such as maintaining a normal body weight, minimising stress and reducing scrotal temperature will help to improve sperm quality.
CONTACT US
PHYSICIAN HO WEE KOK practises at THOMSON CHINESE MEDICINE NUH Medical Centre #04-08/09 1 Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119082 T 6694 5565 E
[email protected] thomsonchinesemedicine.com
Prevention is Better than Treatment
Adhesions refer to the formation of fibrous bands in tissues, often as a result of injury following major surgical procedures or due to underlying conditions such as endometriosis. Complications due to Adhesions Although the risk of adhesions following surgery is low, complications related to adhesions are of major concern. Adhesions are often associated with clinical consequences such as chronic abdominal pain or chronic pelvic pain with severe complications such as intestinal obstruction in some cases. In addition, adhesions following major surgeries are difficult to manage and are often associated with increased rates of hospitalization, the increased operative risks and difficulty if further surgery is required. Therefore, prevention of adhesions is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Adhesions following major surgeries are usually difficult to manage and are often associated with increased rates of hospitalization. Dr Crystal Chin Hsuan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, at Hsuan and Xiaohui OG Clinic, shared some of her clinical experiences related to the prevention and management of adhesions. “Common causes of adhesions include endometriosis, pelvic infections and previous surgery. Common complaints of patients with adhesion include abdominal pain which is non-specific in nature, majority of the time. In severe cases, adhesions may also cause intestinal obstruction, and reduced fertility. Impaired fertility related to adhesions may be due to obstruction of fallopian tubes and ovaries. To mitigate the consequences of adhesion following surgery, preventive measures such as adhesion preventive barriers can be considered besides surgical options. Patients who can be considered for the use of preventive measures such as adhesion barriers include those undergoing major open abdominal surgeries such as Caesarean-section, myomectomies and hysterectomy.” Diagnosis is often challenging due to the non-specific nature of chronic pain in patients suspected to have adhesions. There is currently no gold standard diagnostic test for identifying
In severe cases, adhesions may also cause intestinal obstruction, and reduced fertility. adhesions, though it can be suspected in patients presenting with repeated episodes of chronic or acute pain following surgery. Physical examination and history may provide a clue to the diagnosis of adhesions and to exclude other causes of chronic pain. However, physical examination may remain unremarkable in majority of the cases. In case of severe pain which is not relieved by medications, minimally invasive surgery i.e. diagnostic laparoscopy can be advised. Minimizing the Risk of Adhesions As primary prevention, adhesion barriers can be used during Caesarean or other major surgeries. The factor that is of prime importance is the surgical technique. Open surgeries are associated with increased risk of formation of adhesions because of tissue trauma and the involvement of certain degree of invasiveness. Therefore, preventive strategies would be better than surgical repair after formation of adhesions. Adhesion barriers minimise tissue desiccation, and thereby reduce the risk of adhesion formation. In some cases, use of adhesion barriers has helped in the return of fertility if adhesions were the primary cause of infertility leading to obstruction of fallopian tubes. Key Take Home Messages Prevention should be the first step in adhesion management
instead of resolving or treating the consequences. Adhesion barriers are effective in improving patient outcomes. Patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries should
consider using barrier methods to prevent the formation of adhesions. Patients who are managed with adhesion barriers do not require any other additional measures apart from their regular postoperative medications following surgery.
This article is meant to provide educational awareness in a quick and easy-to-read fashion. The views expressed in this article reflect the experience and opinions of the author. Please consult your doctor for further information or clarification. It is also important to understand that every patient is unique and may require different treatment needs.
SG.SEP.16.07.03
ORAL HEALTH
Chew
6
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NUTS Nuts are high in vitamins and calcium. Peanuts are high in calcium and vitamin D, and almonds are high in calcium. Research shows that vitamin D not only helps reduce risk of caries, but it also boosts your body’s ability to absorb calcium.
The best things to eat and drink for strong and healthy teeth
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esides brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly, the foods we eat also have a big impact on our teeth. Many types of food – if eaten in excess – can damage your teeth, while certain types of food and drink can give your oral health a big boost. Keep your pearly whites strong and healthy by regularly consuming the following.
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MILK AND CHEESE Dairy products contain a protein called casein, which represents about 87 per cent of all proteins present in milk. Scientifically, casein has been proven to prevent adherence of bacteria to enamel. Milk also contains calcium, which forms strong teeth and bones.
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YOGHURT Probiotics target infectionproducing bacteria in your mouth. Studies have found that probiotics reduce bleeding in gums and the formation of dental plaque. It also counteracts bacteria that produce sulphur compounds – the odorous substance that causes bad breath.
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TEA Black and green tea contain polyphenols, which interact with bacteria that causes plaque. Polyphenols have cavity-fighting properties that suppress and potentially kill plaque-causing bacteria.
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WATER Tap water in Singapore is fluoridated, and fluoride helps protect against dental decay. Water helps wash away leftover food residue, sugars and acids. Water also stimulates the production of saliva and protects against dry mouth.
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LEAFY GREENS Rich leafy greens are nutrient dense and full of calcium and folic acid. Calcium enhances tooth re-mineralisation, and folic acid helps preserve gum tissues and prevent gum disease. The leafy fibres also remove food and plaque. Some examples include kale, spinach, broccoli and cabbage.
FRUIT Crunchy juicy fruits with high water content clean teeth by washing away plaque. Although fruits such as apples have sugar as well, they also have high fibre and water content that help dilute the fruits’ natural sugars. Oranges are high in vitamin C, which keeps your gums strong and healthy. The act of chewing fibrous foods also has a brush-like action on the tooth surface, removing both food particles and plaque.
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MEAT Meats such as chicken and fish are high in phosphorous, which is the second most abundant mineral in the body. Phosphorous not only helps to balance other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, iodine, magnesium and zinc, but it is also needed to build strong bones and teeth. Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are also high in vitamin D.
CONTACT US
DR ASHLEY THEAN
practises at THOMSON DENTAL CENTRE 8 Sinaran Drive #07-08/16-19 Novena Specialist Center Singapore 307470 T 6255 0770 E
[email protected] thomsondentalcentre.com
thomsonmedical.com
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Your COVER STORY
I was always at the clinic for help, so you could say I practically lived in the ParentCraft Centre!”
bosom buddy With Thomson Medical’s home-care service, professional help is just a call away for breastfeeding mummies
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ne of the best gifts a mother can give her child is something that money can’t buy. The benefits of breast milk are so many – from protecting the baby against diseases to lowering the mother’s risk of breast cancer – that the World Health Organization recommends all infants to be exclusively breastfed till six months of age. However, the breastfeeding journey is not always smooth for all mummies. This is why Thomson ParentCraft Centre is big on providing lactation advice to all parents, and it has set up a home-care service to attend to its discharged mothers in the comfort of their own homes.
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For Mdm Junie Pong, 37, it was a relief that she was able to get professional help when she needed it most. “I’ve experienced just about every breastfeeding issue except full-blown mastitis (breast inflammation),” said the mother of two. “Engorgement, blocked ducts, fever from blocked ducts, blocked nipples, bad latching… no one told me breastfeeding was going to be so difficult! All the books made it sound really easy.” After delivering her daughter Amelia at Thomson Medical three years ago, Mdm Pong found herself with engorged breasts and sore nipples from poor latching. “It was horrible… it took me many tear-inducing massages to thomsonmedical.com
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WORDS: JEFFREY KONG. PHOTOS: WONG WEI LIANG; ART DIRECTION: GINNY GAY; STYLING AND MAKEUP: MARIE SOH / 27A.CO; LOCATION: SOLEIL @ SINARAN
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Mdm Pong. “Their lactation consultant came over to my place to massage me to relieve my engorgement, and also advised me how to latch correctly… I had forgotten the basics by that time.” Blocked ducts and engorgement are common problems that can persist into subsequent pregnancies and affect milk production if not treated correctly, according to Dr Wong Boh Boi, Assistant Director (Clinical) and Senior Lactation Consultant with Thomson Medical. “It is important to use the correct massage techniques to relieve blocked ducts, as many new mothers do not know how to do it and end up with painful breasts,” said Dr Wong. “There is also no need to keep squeezing the breast while pumping milk, if you know how to pump correctly.” Dr Wong is an advocate of using acupoints to help mothers relax, and in doing so, it helps them improve ease the engorgement,” she said. “I their breastfeeding. While relieving was always at the clinic for help, so blocked ducts often require massaging you could say I practically lived in the the breast itself, pressing certain ParentCraft Centre!” acupoints on the face, neck and Thankfully, the team at Thomson hands has helped relieve stress in ParentCraft Centre was able to help many mothers. Mdm Pong with her blocked ducts “We also show mothers how to and advised her on the correct massage to clear milk remnants after nursing bra to wear, as well as the they have stopped breastfeeding,” correct techniques when using a said Dr Wong. “The correct way breast pump. So when Mdm Pong to do so is to gradually delivered her second child, reduce the duration of Alexander, at Thomson NEED A each feed, followed by Medical last October, she LACTATION frequency, for around knew what to expect, but CONSULTANT TO one month. This helps she still suffered from VISIT YOU? Call 6251 4090 to make mothers to get back in engorgement and an appointment at least shape and ensure their blocked ducts. one day in advance. milk supply will not be “With two children it affected in their was not easy to seek help next pregnancy.” at the clinic. I was delighted The acupoint massage proved to discover that Thomson Medical to be effective for Mdm Pong, who offered a home-care service,” said
Breastfeeding can be tough, but persevere if you can. Relax and enjoy the process – there is plenty of wonderful help available if you need it”
DID YOU KNOW? • Blocked ducts and engorgement are common problems that affect most breastfeeding mothers. • Pain is not always gain – if it hurts too much when you are trying to unblock your ducts, you’re probably doing it wrong. • Acupoint massage on the face, neck and hands can help mothers relax and improve their milk supply. • Daddy can help too! A hot drink and a massage for mummy will go a long way in helping her to relax. • Don’t fret if you have problems with breastfeeding. Find ways to relax and get support from your family and your lactation consultant. • To learn more about Thomson ParentCraft Centre’s services, please visit thomsonmedical.com/parentcraft-centre
uses it in addition to the breast massage techniques she learnt from Thomson Medical’s lactation consultants. As a breastfeeding mother who has been through so much, she has a few words of advice for fellow mummies: “Don’t stress yourself out! Breastfeeding can be tough, but persevere if you can. Relax and enjoy the process – there is plenty of wonderful help available if you need it,” said Mdm Pong. “The bond you form with your baby is priceless, and it’s what makes it all worthwhile.” thomsonmedical.com
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NUTRITION
Fight your
cravings
With obesity and diabetes on the rise, it’s important to cut back on sugar in our diet. We show you how with these smart tips
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f your shot at good health is a daily glass of fresh fruit juice, it might be time to change that habit. According to the Health Promotion Board (HPB), a glass of juice is not as healthy as you think – it actually contains as much sugar as a sweetened drink. In order to make a cup of fruit juice, more fruits have to be added and this means more sugar is consumed. What’s more, dietary fibre in the fruits, which can help to slow sugar absorption in our body, is thrown into the trash during the juicing process. So instead of drinking juice, we should choose to eat whole foods such as fruits and vegetables in their natural form as they contain less sugar. Desserts and sweetened drinks are another top sugar contributor in Singaporeans’ diets. Many local drinks use condensed milk and sugar syrup that are high in sugar content. A kopi (coffee with condensed milk) from the coffee shop contains 15g of sugar, which amounts to three teaspoons of sugar. For a healthier choice, consumers can choose alternatives with less sugar such as kopi-o (black coffee) or kopi-o kosong (black coffee without sugar). According to the HPB’s guidelines, added sugar intake should not exceed 10 per cent of our total calorie intake. This translates to about 40–55g (8–11 teaspoons) daily. Added sugar refers to sugar that is added to food or drinks during manufacturing, cooking 14
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or at the table. Apart from sweetened beverages, consumers should also reduce the intake of sugar-laden foods such as cereals, pancakes and chocolates. You should also keep sugary snacks out of the house and office – you can’t snack on things that aren’t there.
• Learn what common terms used in relation to sugar mean: a) Sugar-free: Less than 0.5g per serving b) Reduced sugar or less sugar: At least 25 per cent less sugar per serving compared to a standard serving size of a similar product. c) No added sugars: No sugar or sugar-containing ingredient is added during processing. REPLACE SUGAR WITH HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES • Instead of adding table sugar, use spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. These will sweeten and enhance the flavour of food, hence reducing sugar cravings. • Instead of a fruit yoghurt, which may be laden in fruit concentrate that is high in sugar, mash in your own fruits to sweeten and flavour a plain yoghurt. • Do not substitute artificial sweetener for sugar. This will do little to alter your desire for sweets.
HOW TO SHOP FOR HEALTHY FOODS • Check the ingredients list for anything ending with “ose” (for example: glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, maltose). These include different forms of sugar such as honey, agave, molasses and syrups like corn and rice syrups. • Avoid products that have a lot of added sugar. You should also skip foods that list “sugar” as the first or second ingredient.
CONTACT US
FIONA CHIA
practises at THOMSON LIFESTYLE CENTRE 10 Sinaran Drive Novena Square 2 #10-14/15 Novena Medical Center Singapore 307506 T 6352 6550 / 6352 6559 E
[email protected] thomsonlifestylecentre.com
ADVERTORIAL
Get Pumped
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
Up
Want to photograph your baby like a pro and build an album to cherish? Jen Pan, who photographs newborns, reveals clever tricks for capturing those heart-melting shots
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Use a single or dual colour cloth to lay or swaddle the baby. You can also use a cloth with minimal prints so that the attention is drawn to the child’s face.
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Collect photos over time as babies’ features change very quickly. A good timeline: one day old, 15 days, one month, three months and between six to nine months when they can sit up. This way, you can see the changes at every step of your child’s growth.
Tap on natural daylight and place your baby at a 45-degree angle from the window. This allows shadows and highlights to show the contours on their faces. For best results, use curtains to diffuse the natural light.
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Use simple accessories to style the image, like a single tone coloured headband for girls and a small bowtie for boys. Do not put babies in baskets or bowls. These are done by professional photographers trained to do this safely.
Tips for mums on how to continue breastfeeding after returning to work
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Try a quick shoot when baby is calmer, such as after a full meal or when they’ve just woken from a long sleep.
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or breastfeeding mothers, breast milk will keep the relationship between you and your baby close even after you return to work and can’t be with your baby. Seek the understanding of your family, employer, and caregiver or child care staff so that you can balance your career with raising your child. Here are some tips for working mums who wish to continue breastfeeding and ease the transition of returning to work:
Avoid using your handphone camera flash as it can irritate the baby.
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Achieve a clean white image during editing by keeping the ISO at 100 or 200, aperture below f4 and slightly overexposing the image, if you are using camera apps that allow manual adjustment.
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Breastfeed directly before and after work. 2. Wear clothes that enable you to express milk easily. 3. Prepare a breast pump so you can express breast milk at the office.
“I LOVE WORKING WITH BABIES!”
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8. Inform the caregiver not to feed your baby too much just before you are about to reach home or pick your baby up from the caregiver. 9. Breastfeed your baby directly whenever possible at night and during non-working days to ensure your milk supply does not decrease over time.
PHOTOS: JEN PAN
Originally a wedding videographer, Jen Pan started Jen Pan Photography two years ago with her husband Ray after becoming a mother of two. “We started off taking photos of our kids and our friends’ children and have since fallen in love with photographing these angels,” says Pan. “Kids and babies are the most innocent and real subjects – there is always that element of surprise when you photograph them.” For more information, visit jenpan.photography
4. It’s best to freeze the breast milk you have expressed during the day, and have it thawed and given to baby the following day. 5. Try expressing whenever possible, such as during breaks – even for a short while – to help relieve breast engorgement due to fullness. 6. Make use of facilities such as nursing rooms or empty meeting rooms, which enable mothers to express breast milk in privacy. 7. It’s a good idea to bring something you can look at, such as your baby’s photo, which will help you relax while expressing at work.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
MUM & BABY
Breastfeed
As you begin the journey to motherhood, learning how to feed your baby breast milk can benefit you and your child WHAT YOU SHOULD DO • Try to breastfeed as soon as your baby is born as breast milk can protect your baby from illnesses such as stomach viruses and lower respiratory ailments. • Breastfeed for as long as you wish. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, which can help you shed postpregnancy weight faster. • You should breastfeed regularly to avoid uncomfortable or painful breast engorgement and clogged milk ducts. • Use correct hand or pump expressing techniques to increase breast milk production if your baby has been separated from you during the feeding process. Ensure your hand forms the letter “C” and the finger pads are at 6 and 12 o’clock in line with your nipple. • Massage some breast milk onto your nipples before and after feeding to reduce nipple soreness. This can also encourage better latching for your baby. • Warm breast milk to a temperature of 36–37 degrees Celsius before using, if the milk has been stored in the fridge. 18
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• You can store breast milk for four hours at a room temperature of 25 degrees Celsius or for up to 48 hours in the chiller. Breast milk can be kept for three to six months if stored in the freezer.
WHAT TO AVOID • Don’t mix breast milk with formula milk as this will change the composition of the breast milk. • Don’t bottle-feed breast milk to your child during the first month as he or she needs time to learn good latching. • During the day, don’t let your baby sleep for more than four hours after the last feeding as you need to ensure your child consumes enough breast milk. • Don’t heat breast milk using the microwave oven or directly over the stove. You can immerse the storage bag or bottle of breast milk in a pan of water that has been warmed on the stove.
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• Don’t use breast milk from other mothers unless it’s from the milk bank. • Don’t thaw breast milk at room temperature. It can be thawed under cold tap water where the temperature is gradually increased with warm water.
CONTACT US
CHEN LIQIN & VANESSA LINDEN
practise at THOMSON PARENTCRAFT CENTRE Blk 2 Balestier Road, #01-671 Balestier Hill Shopping Centre Singapore 320002 T 6251 4090 E
[email protected] thomsonmedical.com
NEW New staff and enhanced services at Thomson Medical
PAEDIATRIC SERVICES IN PUNGGOL Thomson Paediatric Centre has expanded to bring children’s health services closer to you. We are now open in Punggol, with night clinics available on specific days.
PURELY YUMMY
Make your own granola with this easy recipe that’s packed with delicious, nutritious nuts
I
f you’re a fan of granola, buying it off the shelf regularly can be costly. Luckily, granola is easy to make and versatile. Plain yoghurt with granola, for example, is a healthy breakfast option. Alternatively, put granola in cereal, or have it with a bowl of milk and chopped fruit. You can also put it in a salad for crunchy, tasty goodness. This granola recipe features almonds, pistachios and raisins, but you can include or replace any other kind of nut, dried fruit and/or seeds you like, such as cashew nuts, walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, figs, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fibre, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. A handful of almonds a day will lower your blood sugar level, reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. It also cuts hunger pangs and promotes weight loss. The health benefits of pistachios include a healthy heart, weight management, better digestion, and reduced risk of diabetes and hypertension. Raisins are essentially dehydrated grapes and are packed with iron and potassium as well as concentrated B vitamins, to give you long-lasting energy. 20
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HOMEMADE GRANOLA
MBBS (Singapore) MRCPCH (UK) FAMS (Paediatrics)
INGREDIENTS 2 cups rolled oats 1 cup almonds and pistachios 3/4 cup raisins 1/4 cup organic olive or coconut oil 1/4 cup honey A pinch of salt PREPARATION Heat the honey and oil over low heat till it begins to bubble. Remove from heat. Toss the oats, nuts and salt in a bowl. Stir the honey mixture in, coating everything well. Spread the mixture evenly on a tray lined with lightly oil-greased baking paper. Bake for 30–35 minutes at 160°C or until the mixture is golden and crunchy. Stir every 10 minutes for an even colour. Once baked, allow to cool, mix in the raisins and store the granola in an airtight container.
WORDS: CHRISTEL GERALYN GOMES
goodness
DR KENNETH CHUA
Thomson Medical recently welcomed paediatrician Dr Chua, who practises at Thomson Paediatric Centre in Punggol. The father of three believes in actively educating parents to better equip them in caring for their unwell child. Just as he always hopes for his own kids to be healthy, Dr Chua enjoys helping sick children recover to their happy, healthy selves.
Thomson Paediatric Centre 83 Punggol Central Waterway Point West Wing #02-30 Singapore 828761
T 6341 6000 E
[email protected] thomsonpaediatriccentre.com Operating hours: Mon–Sat: 8.30am–1pm Tue & Thu: 2pm–5pm Night clinic: Mon & Wed: 6.30pm–9pm Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays
THOMSON CHINESE MEDICINE IS RELOCATING With effect from 25 July 2016, our clinic at Thomson Medical Centre has moved to new premises to serve you better. Our physicians are dedicated to helping you achieve holistic health and wellness with our comprehensive range of TCM treatments and services, which include fertility treatment, confinement care, internal medicine and pain management. Visit us at our new clinic just across the road! Blk 1 Thomson Road #01-346/346A Balestier Hill Shopping Centre (Opposite Thomson Medical Centre) Singapore 300001 T 6499 1248 E
[email protected] thomsonchinesemedicine.com
Chen Fang
Seah Ai Wei
Xiong Ying
Ou Cui Liu
Operating hours: Mon–Sat: 8.30am–5.30pm Sun: 9am–4pm Night clinic: Mon & Wed: 5.30pm–7.30pm Closed on Public Holidays
thomsonmedical.com
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CHECK
OUT
Breastfeeding essentials for nursing mummies PEEK ’N’ DRINK NURSING COVER USUAL PRICE: $39.90
• Complete breastfeeding starter set, which includes 1 pouch and bottle warmer, 1 breast milk storage case, 1 breast pump adapter set, 2 extra-slow flow teats, 2 breast milk pouch bottles and 20 breast milk pouches (180ml) • Simply use a single pouch to express, store, warm and feed • No need to transfer breast milk at any stage, so you’ll never lose a precious drop • Storage case can store up to 12 pouches of breast milk at one time • Intelligent warmer has three settings for accurate RUNNING OUT temperature control OF GIFT IDEAS?
HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP BRA USUAL PRICE: $59.90
• Award-winning nursing covers by Pupsik Studio are a must-have for any stylish nursing mum on the go • Each cover comes with a unique adjustable “tie-back” feature that keeps it in place while you’re breastfeeding • Allows you to feed comfortably and discreetly in public places • Made of 100% cotton • Wide enough to provide good coverage but not too long to avoid overheating your baby
ParentCraft Retail Shop offers gift vouchers in $20, $50 and $100 denominations
• Allows multitasking mums the chance to be more productive while they pump • Stylish, functional and grounded in innovative, thoughtful design, this breast pump bustier is an affordable alternative to other fussy and unflattering hands-free models on the market • Machine-wash on cold, gentle cycle and with attached back Velcro panel • Made of 83% cotton, 17% spandex, exclusive of trims AVAILABLE AT PARENTCRAFT RETAIL SHOP Thomson Medical Centre, 339 Thomson Road, Level 1 For enquiries, call 6350 8848/8818 Shop online at thomsonbaby.com
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Celebrating Life
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. PHOTOS ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. ACTUAL ITEMS MAY VARY SLIGHTLY.
TOMMEE TIPPEE EXPRESS AND GO STARTER KIT USUAL PRICE: $267 PROMOTIONAL PRICE: $169
