Do diets affect the chances of getting pregnant?

Globally, infertility is getting more common for various environmental and lifestyle reasons. While couples can't control all of the causes of infertility, they can control their diet. Diet and weight management can have significant impact on the ability to conceive for most people.

A proper diet can increase the success rate of getting pregnant and continues to ensure lesser complication following conceive. In under privilege countries, malnourished moms have higher chance of infertility and miscarriage. These moms, or in our local society, teenage moms or poor-eater moms, develop more complications in pregnancies such as premature delivery or still birth.

Referring to those well designed study done oversea, Malaysians can benefit from them and improve our chances for more babies.

Weight Extremism

Among Asians, we have many young mothers who are underweight, who has a body mass index of below 19. These ladies might not be ovulating on schedule due to hormonal imbalance hence missing the target when they try to conceive.

On the flip side, overweight or obese partners, both men and women, are facing more chance of infertility. Data available in the US showed that 30 percent of infertility cases are due to hogging on too much weight. Overweight affects the timing of ovulation and the quality of active and alive sperms. Losing weight, especially through regular moderate exercise, appears to be a good measure to increase likelihood of conception among them. 

Iron

Women who are told to have ovulatory infertility shall try to get enough iron in the diet. It’s advisable to take iron-rich foods including all types of beans, eggs, lentils, spinach, fortified cereals, long-grain enriched rice and whole grains. Vitamin C from fresh citrus fruits, guava or mango added into meals further enhances iron absorption.  

Healthy Fats

Monounsaturated fats like olive oil or avocado, rather than trans fats like in shortening and normal margarine can be used as a spread for meals or snacks. For women with diabetes, making full use of healthy fat to achieve caloric need and fullness is especially important.

Plant Protein

Beans and lentils instead of red meat or other animal sources may be beneficial to be included. Those are higher in phytochemical, fibre and lesser in unhealthy fat and oxidants, while give you enough protein for you to prepare for your baby. Men too, who eat lesser red meat may have higher chance of producing healthy sperms.

Complex carbohydrate

Whole grain like oatmeal, barley, brown rice or atta flour rather than the polished simple carbohydrate found in white rice, white bread, Man Tou (Chinese bun) or white flour should be taken during most meals of the day. This change heightens your chance for fertility by another notch.

Dairy products

Eating full fat dairy products instead of the low fat dairy products for some unclear reason is associated with higher chance of conceiving a baby. Taking one to 2 servings of dairy for calcium without having to worry about its fat content may be advisable for you now.

Multivitamin and vitamin supplements

For you who eat out often or are too busy to prepare healthy meals, consistently taking your multivitamin (at least six times per week) may be good. Also, do not forget the folate supplement prescribed to you by your gynecologist too.

Other Lifestyle Changes

For men and women, staying away from cigarette and alcohol gives a better chance to those trying to have a baby.

As the effect of healthy lifestyle is greater than while you are preparing to have a baby, start sooner rather than later for its maximal and prolonged effects.

Note:

This article was first published on babytalk magazine in April 2015.

Radio Interview: Why Your Breast Milk is the Best for Your Own Child.

Here's the link to my interview on why your breast milk is the best for your own child.


http://www.bfm.my/we-are-what-our-grandmothers-ate-ng-yee-voon.html

Which is the Best Formula for My Infant?

I support breast feeding. I support parents who breast feed. Your breast milk is the best for your own baby.

Having said that, I have also met parents who decided to stop breast feeding for various reasons. As a dietitian, a counsellor, and/or a supportive friend, I stood by their choice.

Breast feeding moms, new or experienced, may go through stages of stress and are not comfortable to breast milk. They are in dire needs to "supplement" feed their growing infants, or to replace breast milk completely. We also know that human milk bank is not culturally acceptable for Muslim moms, and not readily available for other moms of other races, these parents need an alternative, at that juncture.  

I am sharing this post on how to choose infant formula or follow up milk for babies who have to stop taking breast milk and for parents who are worried about the choices they are about to make. I wish new parents are empowered, guided and can carry on with life. It would be extra jolly to me, if they come back to breast feed after the initial hurdle.

The Safety to Use Infant Formula in Malaysia

The content of infant food (below 1 year old) and follow up formula (6 to 12 month old) are tightly regulated by the Malaysia Ministry of Health (MOH). We can rest assured the formula bought from a reliable source is safe (halal) for our babies. 

The marketing or claims on the formula for children below 1 year old is by far tightly regulated by law. Soon, the regulation will also cover a wider scope, beyond 1  year old. That also means, if the label says it's not suitable for your child age, you shall then consult your pediatrician or dietitian on what other choices you have.

The Special Ingredients 

A growing numbers of findings have suggested the importance of various groups of nutrients for fetus or infant development. These are good science and those that are needed have been fortified in our formula recently. For some others which fortifications remain debatable, they might have been added into the formula at safety and presumed effective levels. It's then  expected of the parents to make informed choices.

Parents who could afford nutrients fortified formula or babies who can’t tolerate regular baby formula, are keen for an alternative or specialized formula, by choice or by need. So, let's learn a little about these additives that differentiate the formula.

1. Sufficient intakes of omega 3 fatty acids, namely Docosahaexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic acid (ARA) have been linked to visual acuity and cognitive performance in babies. Babies absorb these nutrients either through the placenta or the breast milk, accumulate these nutrients in their eye and brain in the 3rd trimester (as a fetus) and during the first 2 year of life.

For baby formula, the recommended doses for infant below six month are established in Europe, US and adopted by the WHO. They are to mimic the human milk contents of parents with good intake of such fatty acids. The minimum effective doses have generally been added into the formulation that is globally known.

For these nutrients, more doesn’t equate better. Parents don’t have to worry about getting the product with the highest (and often more expensive) content.

During the second 6 month of life, a diet rich in DHA and AA should be continued, but experts do not have enough information to recommend exact amounts of those fatty acids so far. Giving your child a daily diet rich in seaweed or seafood, can increase his DHA and AA intakes. If this target for dietary intake can be achieved, the amount of DHA and AA in formula will be less concerning.

2. Hypoallergenic (HA) formula shall be used for the prevention of food allergy for infant below 6 months, before any sign of allergy. If either one parent or a sibling of a child has a history of allergic reaction, this baby is at a greater risk to develope allergy. They shall be given HA formula before starting any other form of milk. However the benefit to continue HA formula after the baby is 6month old is not convincing yet.

A family ought to know that for a baby who has been diagnosed with allergy by a pediatrician,HA formula won’t help to stop the allergy reaction activated earlier. An extensively hydrolyzed or amino-acid based formula, depending on the severity shall be used.

3.       Prebiotic and probiotic fortification creates a gut environment that is similar to healthy breastfed babies. It may help to reduce infections and risk of allergy. Early studies are encouraging, but again the need to provide them in infant formula and follow-on formula is uncertain yet. 

You may also have heard of neucleotides, Sialic Acid (SA), Selenium, Choline, or carotenoids fortified formula. There has been some evidence to fortify formula with them. However, the evidence is not strong and not conclusive yet, especially for a baby who is growing up well.

Nutrient discoveries won’t stop here and I believe it is for our benefits. However, whenever any new information comes out, parents do not have to rush to get the newest formulation. Usually medical institution or local authorities of developed countries would come out with guidelines in time to regulate the content in all formula.

Your own breast milk remains the best food for your child. It is the gold standard of all infant nutrition. When formula information is generally overhwelming, may be parents shall give breast milk another try, switch the focus onto the nutrition for herself. 

家里有挑食的小孩吗？

现今社会，为人父母者受的教育比较高，对孩子的付出和要求更高。父母常常为孩子饮食不均而操心，怕会拖累身心灵以及智能的发展。身为营养师，我时常会碰上类似的家庭。

父母的观点

造成挑食这弊端的可以有许多原因。然而，最常见的情况并不是孩子出现了任何问题。依统计，父母缺乏常识与耐性，误解了孩子，错误判断孩子挑食占最多数。

父母应该了解和体谅成长中的小孩需要许多时间和机会学习独立。当中包括认识，然后接受新的或少见的食物。小孩也和成人一样，有自己喜好或讨厌的。如果父母有意培养孩子常吃某某新食物，首先父母需要很有耐心地，让孩子对该食物有个完美的“邂逅”。

再来，让她和它多接触。久而久之，孩子便会喜欢上“它”了！一般来说，小孩需要有最少十个独立的接触，方能接受一个新奇的食物。

病理

有些孩子的的确确有理由针对并抗拒某一类的食物。营养师从病理的角度观察，这一组的小孩一般上会在首几次接触某某食物时，就已经表示出来。一般来说，是在孩子4至6个月大时，开始食用副食品时，就呈现不适的反应。

只要留意一下，父母会发现孩子用餐后，特别哭闹，甚至呕吐，腹绞痛或腹泻等。严重的情况下，长久以后孩子可能面对发育不全的现象。父母如果遇到这种情况，首先该观察并排除环境所造成的不适。比如，用餐的环境，人物，时间，分量，温度等等。仔细观察孩子对那一类食物特别有反应。记录下是什么样的反应。然后，在儿科检查时反映给儿科医生。一般上，医生或营养师会观察一两次后，便可以知道孩子是不是生病而呈现挑食的行为。

生理机能

吃东西需要时间学习。人类是灵长类，一定可以慢慢学会一种动作，一定可以慢慢学会接受新味觉（食物）。

当小孩有能力自己坐起来时，那大约也是孩子接触副食品的时候。头脑，肢体和消化系统已经微妙的发育成熟，准备开饭了。然而，每个小孩都很特别，都不一样。某一些小孩需要婉长的时间学习接受一种新食物。

当中，问题就可能出现在小孩脑部和肢体发育相对的慢。慢慢地拖累延长了其他发育过程。如果父母没有发觉这小孩的特殊需求，而认为小孩纯粹是挑食，那挑食的症状就无法解决。

这一组小孩可能需要饮食治疗师（feeding therapist）或者父母的特别督促。把食物以其性质分类，依孩子口腔，吐咽功能能力范围出发，一步步地展开训练。

心理/习惯

漫漫成长路，饮食习惯及对某食物的印象可能在不知不觉中形成。比如说，孩子几个月大时，在某一次尝试绿色的食物时，不小心被噎到。从此，小孩不再对绿色食物有兴趣，甚至产生抗拒，呕吐的反射反应。长大后，小时候的不快事件早已被淡忘了，小孩却还是不吃任何绿色食物。

偏食有很多原因。所幸，多数时候都可以直接克服。只要监护人稍加耐心，孩子便可以一天天增加他的食物选项。

Recipe: Apple-y Sunday Snack

Have a Apple-y Sunday! This recipe will entertain the big and the small kids at home. 

Try it chilled.

For a local twist, replace the green apple with guava n the berry with fresh rambutan flesh. All fresh fruits is added last, before serve.

Steps:

1. Boil quinoa in water at a 1:2 ratio. 

2. When quinoa is expanded and soften, add raisin, cranberries or dried fruit. Cook for 5min.

3. Remove from heat.

4. Add milk powder, fresh pulps of lime, and freshly shredded green apple. Stir to mix well.

5. Portion into small container. Keep in refrigerator for 2 hours before serve.

Understanding Children Behaviors, a Way to Manage Fussy Eater

I was given a great opportunity in 2015 to share some knowledge on feeding children with fussy eating behaviors, particularly those with sensory issues, following my exposure to working with the feeding team.

As a dietitian, working with the multidisciplinary feeding team was a privilege. The feeding team is a resource too scarce to find in Malaysia.

I shared my experience in a nutshell. The way to manage difficulties in feeding children of all ages is through thorough understanding of their thought processes and natural behaviors.

Follow this link for the video record:
https://www.facebook.com/malaysiandietitians/videos/933288113451701/

You and baby weekly meal planners

If you're wondering what to give your baby in her first weeks of starting solids, look no further than our meal planners and recipes. 

Our meal planners cover the first 10 weeks of starting solids. Find out how to make eating with your baby easy and a real treat with our planners and recipes: 

You and baby meal planners from six months

• You and baby meal planner: week one

• You and baby meal planner: week two

• You and baby meal planner: week three

• You and baby meal planner: week four

• You and baby meal planner: week five

• You and baby meal planner: week six

• You and baby meal planner: week seven

• You and baby meal planner: week eight

• You and baby meal planner: week nine

• You and baby meal planner: week ten

This article was first published on: 
http://www.babycenter.com.my/c1046350/you-and-baby-weekly-meal-planners#ixzz45VLT018M

Grandparents are Eager to Feed

The grandparents is the 2nd most excited group of people when a new born has arrived. They want to share as much knowledge as possible base on their personal experiences. They want to share their spare hands, and selflessly contribute to baby sitting.

For my job, I have met many caring grandparents. I felt their joy emanated through their little gestures. 

1. A grandfather worried that his DIL is not producing enough breast milk on day 2 after labor. He decided to buy infant formula from my department. I felt his awkwardness as he tried to explain his needs. Though, lastly, I explained to him and advised him to be patient. :)

2. Two grandmothers, a paternal and another maternal grandmother, came together without the child's parents, to seek advice on how to feed their fussy, but otherwise healthy grandson. They took turn to explain their views and feels, very eagerly but thoroughly. I admired their mutual respect for each other. 

3. A grandmother took up the role as the primary care provider for a 4 year old that was not thriving (Failure to thrive). She followed her daughter and granddaughter to dietetics follow up at my clinic almost every time. She had a lot of worries and even hide some, as found later. I knew she wanted so much to help. I knew she's worried about her own inadequacy, being less educated. Every time I turned my head, I caught her attentiveness to the whole issue. This grandma from a kampung in Perak was too lovely to meet.

4. A grandmother came to me after my talk on feeding group therapy, she has many concerns about her daughter not feeding the grandchild enough food. We chatted. We passed the message to the grandpa who cane late. The old folks were reassured and found some directions. 

The grandparents are truly important people, especially for the young families. Like our Chinese saying, when there's an old granny at home, we have a treasure in house! They bring great help. I feel truly happy for those who have grandparents lending hands as needed.

Happy parenting! Happy communicating well with all in the family!  

this post was first published on 03/01/14

http://www.babycenter.com.my/thread/591867/new-grandparents#ixzz45VIrr1ny

Feeding Difficulties Bring the Ties Closer

Feeding and growing are not naturally acquired for many children. In many instances, it requires strong determination and long period of time to attain. 

As a dietitian/feeding therapist for children with feeding difficulties, the process and time i have observed my children needed were even greater and longer. I pay absolute respect to my patients' parents who send their kids for feeding group therapy with all their might and resources. 

1. Sweet AA is son to PnZ, a loving mother. PnZ has hidden hope and set realistic goals; brave AA is eager to learn and to cope with his "food phobia". You have to watch the way the mom and child smile with each other; heavenly. I seriously think with such great care from PnZ, AA will grow to become a very happy and contributing person to our society, despite some God given disabilities.  I simply love this pair of mom and son.

2. Smiley YX is daughter to MrsC, who would spend every ringgit she has on any food, tool and therapy that might help her daughter that is not eating and growing. 5 years has flown by, age is counting, yet mommy's energy is not dissipating to the slightest. She's still sending me new product info every now and then and ask me "should YX take this product? I heard it is good."

3. Angelic HE is a daughter to MsJ, a single mom who fight for all her resources and time to give HE the best she could. MsJ is a tough mommy and i sensed that a challenging daughter to HE's grandparents. I love her strength and willingness to take up new challenges, such as the cumbersome ketogenic diet therapy in order to help her daughter.

Many parents are giving all of themselves patiently and silently to meet their children's special needs. I pray for them and wish that their children will one day achieve their full potentials.

This post was first published on 08/01/2014
http://www.babycenter.com.my/thread/599111/feeding-difficulties-bring-the-ties-closer-#ixzz45VIBSvaA

Build bonds while building muscles

I met a dad who has gained weight very quickly after the arrival of his new bundle of joy. It's a baby boy! It was not a surprise to learn that he started putting on weight during the wife's confinement months.

For this good daddy, he suspended his training for marathon for months to assume his new role in parenting. 

The new parent and his wife were eager to get back in shape. Together, they started managing their food intake. Cooking at home, packing lunch to work, drinking less sugary drink, etc were all well done. However, time and attention is too scarce to spare with a new baby in house to resume routine physical exercise. 

We decided for the dad to restart his routine exercise, with an obvious goal in mind, look for a few exercises suitable for his weight and for his new babysitting role. We picked a few activities, i.e. swim again but do so with his son, evening jog but with his child in the stroller etc. We aimed to build bonds between the dad and child, while building muscles.  

A few days back...at my own backyard...

I carried my own 4 year old at my back, secured him with a piece of sarong, straightened my posture as much possible, climbed up and down the staircase at home. I did that before his afternoon nap. He enjoyed it and eventually fell asleep. For me, I build bonds (with my son) while I build muscles too.  :)

This post was first published on 14/03/2014
http://www.babycenter.com.my/thread/714965/build-bonds-while-building-muscles#ixzz45V3AMTOA

April is the World Autism Awareness Month! Have You Met an Angel?

My best kiddy patient was a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He was handsome, sweet, huggy and soft spoken. I remembered. It was our first meeting when 5 y/o PY came with his parents. The family had had issues getting PY to eat his meal independently and to express hunger, or fullness.

PY came to the clinic. Calmly, he walked around our confined clinic. He stood next to me, leaned on my arm rest and stared at me. I offered him a tight hug. I asked him to sit on my laps. He did. He did that calmly throughout the 45min of assessment and conversation among his parents and me. I thought i saw his parents being surprised and a little worried. PY was too kind to a stranger. 

PY didn't speak much. His speech was delayed, our speech pathologist said. "Was it good, dear?" "Good"..."Did you enjoy the class?" "Enjoyed". The conversation would be followed by a nice moment of peacefulness. Silence.

In February and March of 2015, I waited for my therapy sessions because i knew PY was attending. Every time i saw his angelic face, my mind and soul was purified and uplifted. I was ready to go all out again.

I was warmed by PY's subtlety.  Never before in my lifetime, as a children dietitian, i felt so close to my patient. I was truly grateful to have known this family and this child. 

PY learned, in his own way, at his own pace. He had sensory issues that limited his food intake. At 5 year of age, he only eats 5 or 6 food. Dirtying his palm was a big deal to him. This boy used his finger tips to "knead" the sweet potato dough during our therapy classes. :)

We played to work on his feeding problems. The sessions were good for him. I was glad PY parents were supportive and have kept sending him back for the subsequent sessions. We were glad to see improvement in him after the group sessions.

I hope to see PY soon and to meet all other children like PY. They would be the reasons I remain a children dietitian/feeding therapist.

Apr 2 is the World Autism Awareness Day! Have you met an angel? I have. :)

This post was first published on 02/04/2014
http://www.babycenter.com.my/thread/754491/apr-2-is-the-world-autism-awareness-day#ixzz45V2jPwo5

Eating Right while Observing the Holy Month for Pregnant Moms

This month is the holy month for our Muslim readers. The Malaysian Dietitians' Association has posted 5 practical tips suitable for health conscious Malaysians observing the Ramadhan month http://dietitians.org.my/health-information/food-nutrition/5-tips-to-survive-the-ramadan-bazaars/

For pregnant mommies, the Babycenter has had good articles for moms wondering whether she shall be fasting during this month too. http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1028954/fasting-in-pregnancy

I have friends and patients who would like to try fasting. If one has gotten the green light from her gynecologist to do so, I would like to still add the following tips for Malaysian pregnant mommies, especially those who need to fight the traffic to work or home.

1. Morning Sahur: A meal not to be skipped but you shall try to skip the caffeine. 

Have a meal that is satisfying and sustainable, usually this meal comprises of high fibre cabohydrate and is balanced with protein and healthy fat. It also shall contain enough fluid that is caffeine free.

Working pregnant mommies might be too tired to prepare a wholesome meal. Try the following few recipes that can be prepared in lesser than 10 minutes.

a. In a saucer, boil 2 cup of water. Add in 1/2cup quick oat + 1 egg + 2tbp miso paste + 1/2 cup frozen spinach. 

b. Multi-grains club sandwich with blanched spinach, poached eggs, sliced cheese, spread with 2-3tsp of soft margarine, 

For a drink that may be prepared the night before for a few meals, mix yogurt + fruit sorbet + low fat milk, to make a high calcium, high protein and high fiber shake. Adding 1-2 tablespoon of oat/soy powder before serve will make this drink very filling and releases the energy slowly. 

2. Breaking Fast at Iftar: a mug of yogurt drink to break fast, followed by two small snacks/meals especially for those who are having early satiety. 

A calcium rich yogurt or milk mixed with fruit juice is a great combination to provide instant re-hydration and ensure sufficient calcium and fiber intake for the day. You can also take a few nuts during this time to get in more protein, folic acid and energy. 

For your another two meals before going to bed, take a well balance diet as you would during normal timing. However, control the portion to avoid discomfort. Also, you might want to avoid food that may cause indigestion such as deep fried food, high santan food, and animal fat found in poultry skin and visible cuts.

Throughout the day, remember that you shall listen to your body and senses. Break the fast whenever you need to. 

Throughout the month, do watch your weight gain, which is a reflection of your baby's growth. For pregnant moms with diabetes, please consult your doctor/ diabetes nurse/ dietitian for a personal plan, if you wish to fast. 

This post was first published on 02/07/2014

http://www.babycenter.com.my/g25008353/bits-and-pieces-of-being-a-malaysian-dietitian-and-a-mom#ixzz45V2AH2Zk

The Little Girl from Chow Kit

When I arrived at the hall where they assigned a Chow Kit kid to each chaperon, my name had already been called. I missed the first child that was assigned to me. It’s fate that I get to meet this other little girl called Roziah.

Roziah was a quiet girl. She’s shy but she would not look or run away when I looked her into her eyes. If I smile with her long enough, her subtleness would follow by a sweet smile that could melt away everyone’s heart. For the whole night, I enjoyed the company of this sweet little friend from Chow Kit.

I bend down to introduce myself to Roziah. She’s petite and was about 120cm tall. I could feel her bony body as I hugged and ushered her throughout the night, when all Sunway volunteers celebrated Raya Cheer with her and her friends of the same neighbourhood.

‘R_o_z_i_a_h” She spelled out her name for me. She also told me that she’s in darjah satu, and she’s 10 year old this year. Someone later told me that she might have been left out in classes. She did not coped well in school.

“Roziah…kalau empat tambah dengan 3, apa nombor yang kita akan dapat?” Roziah didn’t react well to my math challenge. She rolled her eyes and stared into the right in search for an answer or a way out. “Cuba kira dengan jejari awak”. Cheerfully, she raised her ten little fingers that were covered under her oversized shirt with long sleeves. “Lapan!” Roziah proudly shouted out the wrong answer. I responded with a bigger smile and we moved on with our shopping.

Waiting to make payment was taking too long that evening. We sat on the floor to wait for the queue to move. Meanwhile, some other kids were being interviewed by the media crew. Roziah being a reserved girl was not picked on. We sat there watching the other cheerful kids in front of us talking to the camera and microphone. Between her and I, we shared some stories of our own, stretches of silence, more eye contacts and warm smiles. We were both contented.

“Roziah ada puasa tak?” I asked her in my broken Bahasa Malaysia. She noded. “Sebentar lagi, kita berbuka puasa bersama-sama ya?” She smiled. I didn’t really fast for I am not a Muslim, but that day I ate poorly and only drank a can of 100plus, I was starving already by 630pm. This little girl must have been starving too, I assumed but found no sign of it.

We finally heard the Aazan. A Muslim Sunwayian passed us each a Kurma and signaled our kids to eat those dates. Now, we are all seated in the luxurious hotel hall, surrounded by mountains of good food. I being a dietitian and a mom, watched how this little girl eats. She ate half a plate of potato chips, about 5 sticks of satay, a small glass of syrup bandung, and ice kacang that has cincau (only). Her killer smiles rejected all my urges for her to take some corn, vegetables, shrimp etc. She was contented. She crossed her legs and rested on the chair, while all of us were still going back for the third and fourth rounds.

The Raya Cheer event reached the highlight as the children go on stage to get their duit Raya, tikar sembayang and more goodies. The clown with balloons and mascots who wore baju Melayu and baju Kurung brought in even more cheers among the children. Lightened up, even my sweet subtle Roziah was.

The emcee announced the end of the event. It was about 9:45pm. We snapped a picture. I saw Roziah carried her three huge bags of goodies up to the giant bus. She turned swiftly to say “Terima kasih!” to me.

Tears filled my shallow eyes. I will always wonder what's happening to this little girl who lives in Chow Kit.

"Dear girl, please don't stay at where you are, move on ya?! Selamat Hari Raya! Maaf zahir dan batin"

This post was first publshed on 19/07/2014
http://www.babycenter.com.my/thread/1016575/the-little-girl-from-chow-kit#ixzz45V1XQ9WV

She's loved but she will not eat

We played with crumbs of muffin in bed today. The bright 2y5m girl had been hungry since morning. However she would not open her mouth wider while being fed porridge at 3pm today. At the back of her mind, she remembered eating always bring about stomach pain. She’s been very careful with putting food in her mouth since a year ago. The fear of eating has caused her weight to grow very slowly. 

Every half a spoonful of porridge gotten through her mouth came out quarterly filled still. She’s only given 4 spoon of feed before she started to gag and vomit.

It was not hard to tell the mom and dad were loving parents. Kisses were all over her tiny face during the short 60 minute of visitation. I fully believed her mom when mom said she has danced, coaxed and even jumped to make her daughter eats.

Such a loving family is stressed out by their only daughter is facing feeding difficulties. I am glad to have met this family. I am grateful that they will come back again in a month.

First published on 19/11/2014
http://www.babycenter.com.my/thread/1314755/shes-loved-but-she-will-not-eat#ixzz45V0q2jqX

A premature lost of anyone good at his or her own work is hard to accept.

A premature lost of anyone good at his or her own work is hard to accept.

Today's headlines in all national papers was none other than the demise of Sdr Karpal Singh. God took him away in steps. He might be kind in a way that Sdr was given back to us for a few more years. The reality is still too cruel and hard to be accepted. Everyone in the nation that has a heart mourned for his leaving. It's never enough to have a great person around.

I am just a little woman with a job. I do not belongs to any political party. Yet, it's still shocking enough for me when i checked my facebook page at 5am this morning. Another hoax, i was assuming it was. The leaving of Sdr affected me more as i read more on him on The Star this morning. His contributions to the justice and injustice, to our political arena and to us, every lay person staying in Malaysia (some are none Malaysians) were enough to be comparable to Gandhi, someone suggested. I wept a little this morning and I menghinakan those who openly cherished his passing.

Enough weeping to start my Friday morning, I again have my Friday afternoon ended with a shocking-to-me news.

I feel shameful to be, in fact feeling more in shock, when i know my colleague is leaving us for a greener field (department).

Mimi told me at 5:07pm that she's leaving Dietetics for another department. I went speechless and almost wanted to scream at her.  Why are you leaving me?! I can't scream at the dead and deaf, but i certainly can scream at her.

I sat on my chair holding on to my yellow pillow. It was there to cover my mouth and hold my breath. Holding my breath for almost a minute managed to hold off my adrenaline. I calmed down.

I know, in fact, and feel for her frustration and insecurity.  All her mentors and seniors has left the company one at a time. She's the last one to go.  She explained to me it's impromptu, but i told her back i could see its forthcoming a few months ago, when she described all the interesting job opportunities posted on the paper.

Why did I feel sad at it, i asked myself on my way home. I knew I was stepping hard on the accelerator, but my speedometer insisted to stop at 60km/hr.

It's in fact part of a real life, when the old goes and another new one comes. The answer to that was, I am the next person to face the similar scenario, to make the same decision, on whether to go or to leave.

All right, then i told myself. Should I leave or should i go? I asked.

I think i will stay....  


Written on April 17, 2014