On this coming 30 November, Leia will turn 1 year old. That also means, she will have to go for her next jab soon. Oh, another painful experience for her....
Ever since she was born, I have taken her to a government clinic for her periodic check-up and the scheduled vaccinations. Even if she falls ill, my trust is in the government doctors. After the horrible experience we had to go through when she first had a fever a months back with a private doctor, we have basically decided that medical assistance from government doctors will be our first choice from then onwards.
Call me bias but in my personal opinion, the chances of receiving sincere service is greater when monetary reward is not the main objective. This applies to many other aspects in life.
Anyway, back to Leia's vaccination schedule. She will be receiving her MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccines). Other optional vaccines which are made available in private hospitals for this age are chicken pox vaccine and pneumococcal C vaccine. Here is the attached link to Malaysia mandatory and recommended vaccination schedule for our children.
Our children have to be free from illnesses during the vaccination period. This is to ensure that they'll be better able to handle the vaccination when they are healthy.
It was unfortunate that I couldn't send Leia for the optional ones like Rotavirus and Pneumococcal vaccines earlier as she was not well when the right time came. Now that she's more than 8 months old, she no longer needs Rotavirus vaccine because there's not enough evidence to show how well it works in older babies. Thank God she passed the testing time!
As for Pneumococcal vaccine, I can still get her vaccinated. According to the expert, for children aged 12 to 23 months, two doses should be administered at least two months apart.
Will seek the doctor's advise when I send her for MMR vaccination this coming 1st Dec...
Showing posts with label illnesses and conditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label illnesses and conditions. Show all posts
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Amen
Couldn't blog yesterday. My body struggled hard to fight off the bacteria/virus that has been "bermaharajalela" (Malay word for rampaging) in my immune system for the past few days. Felt so weak that I couldn't do much on my 2nd year Wedding Anniversary. Yeah, it was yesterday - 11 November...
Instead of having candlelight dinner with my other half, we had to do a quick one at a coffeeshop near our house - our usual dinner place. How boring, isn't it? Furthermore, with Leia tagging along almost everywhere...hmmm, not too sure how the candlelight dinner would turn out to be if it were to happen. Probably... instead of holding hands and looking into each other eyes, pledging our marrige vows once again, we'll need to hold Leia's arms and legs and demand her not to get up from her high chair!
Hai...but we managed to steal some time before sleep (yup, Leia was asleep by then) to watch again our wedding day video. Hahaha... a tradition that I initiated on last year anniversary. I personally like it, though my hubby finds it a bit too draggy - it's more than 3 hours video! It reminded us of a lot of the silly things that we did. Ie: the "chi mui" (Cantonese word for bride's "sisters") time where the groom and his men got bullied. They were asked to do many silly and funny acts before they were allowed into the house to get the bride. Also, few clips of my dearest mom having a great time at the wedding dinner - she was the star among the crowd with her "interesting" antics and her let-it-go cha cha dance! Hahaha, for those of you who were there, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about...
The video-watching brought back many fond memories of the meaningful events that both my hubby and I shared together. The church wedding ceremony particularly was the most important event of the day for the both of us. It was where we both took our vows of marriage - "to love and care and honour each other till death do us part..."
2 years passed now and we're very grateful that God has never forsaken us and He has blessed us with this beautiful bundle of joy.
Praise the Lord for all plans that He has for us. He is with us all the time!
Our Father in heaven,
Holy be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as well as in heaven,
Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us,
Do not bring us to the test,
But deliver us from evil
For the kingdom, the glory and the power
Are yours,
Now and Forever.
Amen
Instead of having candlelight dinner with my other half, we had to do a quick one at a coffeeshop near our house - our usual dinner place. How boring, isn't it? Furthermore, with Leia tagging along almost everywhere...hmmm, not too sure how the candlelight dinner would turn out to be if it were to happen. Probably... instead of holding hands and looking into each other eyes, pledging our marrige vows once again, we'll need to hold Leia's arms and legs and demand her not to get up from her high chair!
Hai...but we managed to steal some time before sleep (yup, Leia was asleep by then) to watch again our wedding day video. Hahaha... a tradition that I initiated on last year anniversary. I personally like it, though my hubby finds it a bit too draggy - it's more than 3 hours video! It reminded us of a lot of the silly things that we did. Ie: the "chi mui" (Cantonese word for bride's "sisters") time where the groom and his men got bullied. They were asked to do many silly and funny acts before they were allowed into the house to get the bride. Also, few clips of my dearest mom having a great time at the wedding dinner - she was the star among the crowd with her "interesting" antics and her let-it-go cha cha dance! Hahaha, for those of you who were there, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about...
The video-watching brought back many fond memories of the meaningful events that both my hubby and I shared together. The church wedding ceremony particularly was the most important event of the day for the both of us. It was where we both took our vows of marriage - "to love and care and honour each other till death do us part..."
2 years passed now and we're very grateful that God has never forsaken us and He has blessed us with this beautiful bundle of joy.
Praise the Lord for all plans that He has for us. He is with us all the time!
Our Father in heaven,
Holy be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as well as in heaven,
Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us,
Do not bring us to the test,
But deliver us from evil
For the kingdom, the glory and the power
Are yours,
Now and Forever.
Amen
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Horror story
Oh...it's so good to be back home! We picked up Leia from my aunty's place on our way home. Before we could enter her house, we heard Leia screaming away.
As soon as she saw me, she hurriedly leaned her body forward - expecting me to hold her. Oh, what a nice feeling to hold her in my arms once again. Indeed, absence makes the heart grow fonder...
It has not been a comfortable experience for Leia. (As usual, this overly worried mom called aunty everyday from outstation to check on her.) On her first night alone there, she couldn't put herself to sleep. Though aunty tried her best to follow my advise of what to do whenever Leia show any of the 3 signs (as per my earlier post), she resisted and slept only at 11pm (way over her usual bedtime which is around 9 plus). Only to wake up again around 1 plus and kicked up a big fuss. She was wailing and struggling and kept on pointing finger towards the door. It was as if she was asking to take her home. My aunty struggled to put her back to sleep. Her incessant crying woke up my grandma too and she helped to manage her but without much success. It was almost 3 in the morning, when she stopped crying and by then, my cousin has woken up from her slumber too and chipped in to help. Out of desperation, my grandma dialled 911 for help. Eh no-lah. She dialled my parents' home number.
My mom and dad came rushing to check on her. Leia then followed them home. Luckily, after feeding her with milk, she finally dozed off on my parents' bed. So, my dad was kicked out of the room and has to make do with sleeping upright on the sofa...
Leia's second night was a bit better. Though she slept past 11pm, she didn't wake up middle of the night this time. What a great relief for my aunty and the whole family. And a great relief to me too knowing that Leia was feeling a bit better and getting enough rest.
There are many contributing factors as to why she has behaved such;
1. Changed of place
2. Separation anxiety
3. My aunty's place is hot - she's developing rashes again which lead to greater discomfort
4. Over-stimulation through play and stress
Even during the day, nothing that my aunt did pleased her. It took 4 people to feed her - my aunty held the spoon, my grandma sat at the side to make sure she sits still all the time and my little cousin brothers entertained her by playing with her.
When my aunty put her in her cot, she made a fuss. She "cried" (minus the tears). Took her out from her cot, she cried again. Gave her favourite toys, she pushed them away. My aunty almost went bonkers, I think.
I'm glad that she is now back at home now. She slept like a sleeping beauty lastnight. And that was at 9 plus. Nothing out of ordinary behaviours shown. Back to her routine....
Oh Leia, I'm so sorry that I have put you through all these. I think I better find better solutions fast!
As soon as she saw me, she hurriedly leaned her body forward - expecting me to hold her. Oh, what a nice feeling to hold her in my arms once again. Indeed, absence makes the heart grow fonder...
It has not been a comfortable experience for Leia. (As usual, this overly worried mom called aunty everyday from outstation to check on her.) On her first night alone there, she couldn't put herself to sleep. Though aunty tried her best to follow my advise of what to do whenever Leia show any of the 3 signs (as per my earlier post), she resisted and slept only at 11pm (way over her usual bedtime which is around 9 plus). Only to wake up again around 1 plus and kicked up a big fuss. She was wailing and struggling and kept on pointing finger towards the door. It was as if she was asking to take her home. My aunty struggled to put her back to sleep. Her incessant crying woke up my grandma too and she helped to manage her but without much success. It was almost 3 in the morning, when she stopped crying and by then, my cousin has woken up from her slumber too and chipped in to help. Out of desperation, my grandma dialled 911 for help. Eh no-lah. She dialled my parents' home number.
My mom and dad came rushing to check on her. Leia then followed them home. Luckily, after feeding her with milk, she finally dozed off on my parents' bed. So, my dad was kicked out of the room and has to make do with sleeping upright on the sofa...
Leia's second night was a bit better. Though she slept past 11pm, she didn't wake up middle of the night this time. What a great relief for my aunty and the whole family. And a great relief to me too knowing that Leia was feeling a bit better and getting enough rest.
There are many contributing factors as to why she has behaved such;
1. Changed of place
2. Separation anxiety
3. My aunty's place is hot - she's developing rashes again which lead to greater discomfort
4. Over-stimulation through play and stress
Even during the day, nothing that my aunt did pleased her. It took 4 people to feed her - my aunty held the spoon, my grandma sat at the side to make sure she sits still all the time and my little cousin brothers entertained her by playing with her.
When my aunty put her in her cot, she made a fuss. She "cried" (minus the tears). Took her out from her cot, she cried again. Gave her favourite toys, she pushed them away. My aunty almost went bonkers, I think.
I'm glad that she is now back at home now. She slept like a sleeping beauty lastnight. And that was at 9 plus. Nothing out of ordinary behaviours shown. Back to her routine....
Oh Leia, I'm so sorry that I have put you through all these. I think I better find better solutions fast!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Out of town
We won't be in town this weekend. We certainly shouldn't miss our good friend's wedding! And no, we won't be dragging Leia into it this time. "Takut" (Malay word for scared) already. The last time we brought her along for a week long holiday, she fell sick - for the whole duration! She had cold. Probably due to improper sleeping time and hours, thus lacked of rest. Furthermore, the unpredictable weather - the scorching sun during the day and the freezing cold during the night made it even more uncomfortable for her.
So, Leia will stay with aunty this weekend. Sad.... gonna miss her a lot. It's the same feeling I had when I had to travel outstation for work for a few days duration...
Not too sure how I'll be coping - spending the weekend without her around. In fact, I'm already feeling a sense of emptiness.... Haiyah, what an emotional woman I am..
So, Leia will stay with aunty this weekend. Sad.... gonna miss her a lot. It's the same feeling I had when I had to travel outstation for work for a few days duration...
Not too sure how I'll be coping - spending the weekend without her around. In fact, I'm already feeling a sense of emptiness.... Haiyah, what an emotional woman I am..
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
1001 things to do for Leia
As I continue to surf the net for more infos on parenting, the more overwhelmed I feel...!
It seems to me that I have not done enough for my girl! There are more than 1001 things that I can do for her now and later. Geez...so many wide aspects to look into urgently - her food intake (need to consider the type, texture, cooking methods, equipments used, which part of the day, etc), her play/ learning items (type of toys - development toys, bath toys, arts and supplies, puzzles, outdoor toys and the list goes on....), her sleeping routine, babyproofing.... and what else???
And all these require immediate attention, it seems! She's growing up fast and this mommy needs to catch up fast too!!
Adoi...I need system!
It seems to me that I have not done enough for my girl! There are more than 1001 things that I can do for her now and later. Geez...so many wide aspects to look into urgently - her food intake (need to consider the type, texture, cooking methods, equipments used, which part of the day, etc), her play/ learning items (type of toys - development toys, bath toys, arts and supplies, puzzles, outdoor toys and the list goes on....), her sleeping routine, babyproofing.... and what else???
And all these require immediate attention, it seems! She's growing up fast and this mommy needs to catch up fast too!!
Adoi...I need system!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Is giving medication to our babies the answer...?
It's been a few days now that Leia rejects her "moi" (porridge). The best she could eat was just a few spoonfuls. But she's fine with drinking milk.
This is the usual symptom for babies when they are not well. Loss of appetite. Well, adults encounter the same too, no doubt.
Since my last post of her having fever, she has not fully recovered from cold till today. Fever went off 3 days later but cough and runny nose stay. Now, more than 1 week later, cough is gone but runny nose stays. No, she's not taking any medicine except Panadol syrup when she had high fever. Took her to a doctor earlier but her advise was that babies shouldn't be given any medicine to treat these common illnesses. Medicine only suppresses the symptoms but does not cure. We should allow our baby's own immune system to work and fight against those bacterias and germs. Babies will eventually get better with time. Which I agree.
It's very worrying to see the increasing trend of parents and doctors prescribing medicine and antibiotics to treat cough and cold. This quick-fix may cause more harm to our babies well-being.
Earlier this year, the US FDA warned parents that cold and cough medicines are too risky for babies and toddlers. Some of these cold medications can actually cause serious life-threatening side effects (difficulty breathing, unconsciousness) in children under age 2. As a matter of fact, the US FDA suggested that all cold and cough medications should be kept out of the mouths of any child under the age of two years. It went further to state that the medications don't help kids under 6 years old.
As a parent, I know how worried and heart-broken we may be - seeing our children not being their usual, bubbly selves - the unbearable pain and discomfort that our children have to go through... Like this afternoon when my mom told me that Leia is not interested in her "moi" again and the non-stop runny nose. But having learnt the great danger of medication intake for "immediate recovery" from these illnesses, I decided to be patient and consider other options to make her feel better while allowing her own body immune system taking care of it.
What we can do;
1. Let our children drink more water to flush out the toxins from their body & to reduce dehydration
2. Allow enough rest, which includes enough sleep
3. Try a tender touch - hold her hand and sing her a song
4. Lots more
Take note though. It is not advisable to rub our child's chest with a strong-smelling over-the-counter ointment containing menthol, oil of wintergreen or eucalyptus. These give parents something to do, but they really don't improve air flow. And in babies and very young children, these ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, where they might have toxic effects.
This is the usual symptom for babies when they are not well. Loss of appetite. Well, adults encounter the same too, no doubt.
Since my last post of her having fever, she has not fully recovered from cold till today. Fever went off 3 days later but cough and runny nose stay. Now, more than 1 week later, cough is gone but runny nose stays. No, she's not taking any medicine except Panadol syrup when she had high fever. Took her to a doctor earlier but her advise was that babies shouldn't be given any medicine to treat these common illnesses. Medicine only suppresses the symptoms but does not cure. We should allow our baby's own immune system to work and fight against those bacterias and germs. Babies will eventually get better with time. Which I agree.
It's very worrying to see the increasing trend of parents and doctors prescribing medicine and antibiotics to treat cough and cold. This quick-fix may cause more harm to our babies well-being.
Earlier this year, the US FDA warned parents that cold and cough medicines are too risky for babies and toddlers. Some of these cold medications can actually cause serious life-threatening side effects (difficulty breathing, unconsciousness) in children under age 2. As a matter of fact, the US FDA suggested that all cold and cough medications should be kept out of the mouths of any child under the age of two years. It went further to state that the medications don't help kids under 6 years old.
As a parent, I know how worried and heart-broken we may be - seeing our children not being their usual, bubbly selves - the unbearable pain and discomfort that our children have to go through... Like this afternoon when my mom told me that Leia is not interested in her "moi" again and the non-stop runny nose. But having learnt the great danger of medication intake for "immediate recovery" from these illnesses, I decided to be patient and consider other options to make her feel better while allowing her own body immune system taking care of it.
What we can do;
1. Let our children drink more water to flush out the toxins from their body & to reduce dehydration
2. Allow enough rest, which includes enough sleep
3. Try a tender touch - hold her hand and sing her a song
4. Lots more
Take note though. It is not advisable to rub our child's chest with a strong-smelling over-the-counter ointment containing menthol, oil of wintergreen or eucalyptus. These give parents something to do, but they really don't improve air flow. And in babies and very young children, these ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, where they might have toxic effects.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Never ever shake a baby!
Overwhelming sad emotion enveloped my heart as I read a forwarded email by my friend about a 3 month-old baby girl who passed away due to parental negligence/abuse. Her life was cut short by SBS (Shaken Baby Syndrome)...
Her name is London Marie Sherwood. This innocent, beautiful baby girl was left in the custody of her young dad by the mom. Out of frustration in managing first time helpless baby, he shook her so roughly that it has caused severe internal organs damage to her. I have enclosed an url here that links you to a website that explained the details.
On December 4th, 2007, Jessica Sherwood had to do something no mother should ever have to do. At 2:29 pm Jessica made a very tough decision to take her little 3 month old daughter off life support
This is what Jessica said:
'If anyone has kids, make sure that you keep them with you the whole time. Don't give them to anyone that you don't trust. Trust me, I thought that I trusted Josh (the father).
But now as of December 4, 2007 at 2:29 AM, she is gone. My one & only baby . & He is going to pay FOREVER, even if he gets out of jail scott free, he will be dead no matter what.
& To all my friends that knowLondon London
That's what you call Shaken Baby Sydrome [SBS]
Parents, please take some time to reflect - our own parenting journey thus far and how best can we give to our children? Especially our time and our attention which money can't buy...
Her name is London Marie Sherwood. This innocent, beautiful baby girl was left in the custody of her young dad by the mom. Out of frustration in managing first time helpless baby, he shook her so roughly that it has caused severe internal organs damage to her. I have enclosed an url here that links you to a website that explained the details.
On December 4th, 2007, Jessica Sherwood had to do something no mother should ever have to do. At 2:29 pm Jessica made a very tough decision to take her little 3 month old daughter off life support
This is what Jessica said:
'If anyone has kids, make sure that you keep them with you the whole time. Don't give them to anyone that you don't trust. Trust me, I thought that I trusted Josh (the father).
But now as of December 4, 2007 at 2:29 AM, she is gone. My one & only baby . & He is going to pay FOREVER, even if he gets out of jail scott free, he will be dead no matter what.
& To all my friends that know
That's what you call Shaken Baby Sydrome [SBS]
Parents, please take some time to reflect - our own parenting journey thus far and how best can we give to our children? Especially our time and our attention which money can't buy...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Leia's and grandma's highlight of the day!
Can you believe that this cheerful-looking baby has had a fever this early afternoon? Highest temperature recorded was 37.8 degree celcius.
Based on my past 2 experiences (yes, thank God that this baby hardly falls sick), this is not considered high. Her first time fever reached 42! (Yeah, you can bet this mom newbie was worried sick then) Doctors and nurses have assured me before that it is only considered high fever when the temperature hits 40. Anything below 37 is normal. So, at 37.8 - I diagnosed it as slight fever. But she was grumpy though. Refused her "moi" (hokkien word for porridge) - unusual sign that confirms she was not well.
And my mom - being the panicky person over small, trivial matters got extremely worried. Especially when Leia rejected her favourite drink - milk though still feeling hungry. A double confirmation. And to make matters worse, Leia's incessant crying (triple confirmation) sent my mom frantically looking for help.
So, there I was - working in my office when my phone rang. Not one time but many, many times. It was mom.
I almost wanted to pack my laptop and rush home to rescue, both Leia and mom. The sick baby and the panic-stricken mom. But then I managed to stop myself. Relax... give my mom a chance to manage the situation. Besides, I was sure that my sis-in-law was already at her side helping her out. So, I called home to check on both a bit later. And you know what I found out?
Everything turned out fine. Mom handled the "crisis" pretty well. Leia was given panadol syrup (as per my approval...) and went to sleep. She drank her milk later. Within less than a minute thereafter... she's being her old self again - happily running around in her walker and "talking" loudly to her "kong kong" (hokkien word for grandpa), "ah ma" (grandma) and "kim kim" (aunty).
The moral of the story is...
Based on my past 2 experiences (yes, thank God that this baby hardly falls sick), this is not considered high. Her first time fever reached 42! (Yeah, you can bet this mom newbie was worried sick then) Doctors and nurses have assured me before that it is only considered high fever when the temperature hits 40. Anything below 37 is normal. So, at 37.8 - I diagnosed it as slight fever. But she was grumpy though. Refused her "moi" (hokkien word for porridge) - unusual sign that confirms she was not well.
And my mom - being the panicky person over small, trivial matters got extremely worried. Especially when Leia rejected her favourite drink - milk though still feeling hungry. A double confirmation. And to make matters worse, Leia's incessant crying (triple confirmation) sent my mom frantically looking for help.
So, there I was - working in my office when my phone rang. Not one time but many, many times. It was mom.
I almost wanted to pack my laptop and rush home to rescue, both Leia and mom. The sick baby and the panic-stricken mom. But then I managed to stop myself. Relax... give my mom a chance to manage the situation. Besides, I was sure that my sis-in-law was already at her side helping her out. So, I called home to check on both a bit later. And you know what I found out?
Everything turned out fine. Mom handled the "crisis" pretty well. Leia was given panadol syrup (as per my approval...) and went to sleep. She drank her milk later. Within less than a minute thereafter... she's being her old self again - happily running around in her walker and "talking" loudly to her "kong kong" (hokkien word for grandpa), "ah ma" (grandma) and "kim kim" (aunty).
The moral of the story is...
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