While the roller-coaster emotions are largely seen as part of hormonal changes during your pregnancy (http://www.madampartum.com/blog-details/how-pregnancy-hormones-affect-your-body). As a pregnant woman, you will need to undergo a significant psychological adjustment as you adapt to the pregnancy and the notion that you will be nurturing a new life that you are fully responsible for can make it stressful especially for first-time mothers.

With all these happening, how can you improve your mental health and maintain a positive well-being during your pregnancy? As the saying goes, happy mommy, happy baby!

Here are some of our suggestions:

1. 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁, 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁.
Discuss this with your spouse or a trusted friend or a support group. Verbalise your fears and let it sink in. Know that you are not handling this alone.

2. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆.
It’s easy to feel bad about the things you don’t have but always take stock of the blessings you received. Write in your gratitude diary everything you are thankful for and see your perspective change over things you can’t control. 

3. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲.
You need all the positive energy you need so steer clear from negative events and toxic people. Do the things that bring you joy. Watch a movie, read a book, go to dinner with your spouse, your family or your besties!

4. 𝗘𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆.
Occasional indulgence during pregnancy cravings is ok. But remember to eat a variety of food groups during your pregnancy. Healthy eating is critical in nurturing your baby’s growth and development.

5. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴.
One of the things that doctors advise mothers with gestational diabetes is to stay active. Do not be a couch potato. Do leisurely walks after every meal. Brisk walking is the ideal exercise you need during pregnancy and an excellent way to bond with your spouse. 

6. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 – 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱.
You are never going through this alone. You will always have a loved one, a friend or a family member. All you have to do is to ask. Learn the birthing process with them, understand how to cope and methods of confinement, and prepare yourself adequately for this journey. 

7. 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆.
It can be a warm bath, a new dress or a soothing massage. Whatever it is, enjoy it. 

Put self-care at the top of your to-do list instead. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of taking care of your baby. 

Madam Partum is here for you to support you during your pregnancy journey. Should you need answers to any questions you have in mind, ask Madam Partum at 8166 0060! 

The post Ways to improve mental health & well-being during pregnancy first appeared on Madam Partum.

1. Keep your room well-ventilated

A pregnant woman feels warmer than non-pregnant lady because there is an increased amount of blood flowing through her body, as well as increased perspiration and hormonal changes . For some, this can cause flared temper and/or heat rash and this is why a pregnant woman needs to feel comfortable.

But this does not mean that you should have an industrial fan blowing air right at you. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) taught us that air from a rigorously blowing fan can hamper the flow of energy (qi) and blood into your body. Ensure that the fan is not directly blowing at you. Alternatively, if you would prefer, you can also be in an airconditioned room with temperature set at 25 degrees Celsius as this temperature is just enough to keep you cool. 

2. Wear comfortable shoes

Swelling of the feet happens during pregnancy as the body retains more water than usual. It’s natural, so there’s nothing to be afraid of. But still, it’s better to over prepare than not prepare at all.

When walking outside, wear comfortable shoes. Let your pairs of heels rest for a while. To keep your feet from swelling, avoid standing for long periods and keep your feet elevated when resting.

Consider these factors when choosing your preferred shoe during pregnancy

1. Easy to wear
2. Support your arch and ankle – especially if you will be walking for an extended period of time
3. A little more extra space if you are considering to get them during your early stage of pregnancy

3. Take a warm shower before bedtime

As your baby grows so does your belly. This makes it difficult to lie down on your side without shortness of breath. Not to mention the body aches inevitably experienced by millions of women around the world. 

It can be very comforting when you take a warm shower before bedtime to ease those aches and pains away. With relaxed muscles, you will feel ready for bed. This is good as you need adequate sleeping time as you push along with your pregnancy. Just make sure to quickly towel dry after your warm water shower so you don’t catch a cold. 

4. Relax inside out. 

This means accepting the fact that your mind and body are linked together so whatever you think can manifest in and on your body. 

Focus on calming your mind and emotions. Pregnancy has the power to make you feel emotional and exhausted because of all the changes in your body.If worrying about your pregnancy seems to be taking up all of your time, don’t worry, you’re not alone. All moms-to-be experience stress during pregnancy—it’s normal. But if your stress becomes constant and overwhelming, that’s when it’s time to get some help—not just for your own health, but for the health of your baby. When you calm your mind and emotions, you release the tension from your muscles. 

Get a massage. 

A pre-partum massage is a necessity, not a luxury. Why? Because a mother needs all the care and rest she needs during and after pregnancy. Consider this: studies have shown that women who receive massage therapy said they feel much better because there is decreased leg and back pain, anxiety, and depression. 

Madam Partum offers pre-partum massage for pregnant women under the careful and expert service of our therapists. Your loved ones can have massage sessions too, all in the comfort of your own home. 

Book your pre-partum massage via whatsapp at 81660070 or call us at 62 933 933 or click here http://www.madampartum.com/blog/ask-madam-partumfor more information about pregnancy journey.

The post Tips to take note during pregnancy first appeared on Madam Partum.

𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲

Your doctor will tell you that hormonal changes may cause fatigue on the first trimester of your pregnancy. It usually goes away on the second trimester and then comes back on the third trimester when you have to waddle through that added pounds as you are on the homestretch. Pregnancy leads to hormonal changes that make your body produce more blood which carry nutrients to your developing baby. 

Ever wonder why you get so sleepy during pregnancy? Your progesterone level increases during pregnancy which can make you feel sleepy and sluggish. 

𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘀

Areolas are the areas surrounding your nipples. You might notice your areolas getting darker on the first two weeks from conception. When you see this change in color, don’t panic. There’s no need to worry or sound the alarm. The change in color is really just a normal result of pregnancy. The darkening of your areolas is, again, the result of surging pregnancy hormones as your body gets ready to breastfeed your baby the moment he or she says “hello” to the world. 

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

Food cravings in pregnancy can range from simple to bizzare. Science has not exactly pinpointed the direct correlation between pregnancy and the strong desire to devour or consume a specific type of food, sweet, savory or salty. Some pregnant women crave for pizza, cake, ice cream, green mango, a mixture of highly unlikely flavors such as peanut butter and cheese, and even whatever is found in the neighbor’s pantry. 

A gentle reminder though: you can give in to your cravings. But do not overindulge especially with foods such as raw eggs, raw fish, undercooked meat and soft cheese. These food items may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. 

Also steer clear of too much sugar, especially when you’re at risk of developing gestational diabetes. Too much sugary food items can lead to dental issues and unhealthy weight gain. 

𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀

Remember that your breast is an important part of your body that will nurture your baby’s nutritional needs. During pregnancy, your breasts encounter several changes. We already mentioned darker areolas. Aside from the color change, you will also experience tender breasts. They may also feel heavier and fuller. With your system going on full-pregnant mode, your body is producing too much estrogen and progesterone way higher than what you normally have when you’re not pregnant. Increased progesterone and estrogen levels make mammary glands grow and get ready to feed a baby who will be nourished by the liquid gold produced by your body. 

𝗡𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 

Morning sickness or the twin sisters named “nausea” and “vomiting” can make a pregnant woman’s first trimester exhausting. Although it’s called morning sickness, this condition can happen any time of the day for pregnant women. For most women, nausea and vomiting starts before nine weeks of pregnancy and persists all throughout the first trimester. It usually goes away on the second trimester. 

However, if the condition persists and prevents you from keeping your food and fluid down, then it’s best to seek medical help. 

To manage nausea and vomiting, avoid food and smells which triggers this condition. It is also best to have a pack or two of soda crackers with you as foods high in starch absorb stomach acids and settle your queasy stomach. 

Eating small meals, instead of big meals, will help you manage morning sickness too.

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱

A missed period is often seen as the first sign of pregnancy. 
This is not applicable to all but, in general, a woman experiences mild cramping and spotting during early pregnancy. The fertilized egg creates a group of cells filled with fluid that is called blastocyst. It develops into the body parts and internal organs of your baby. Some bleeding might happen about 10 to 14 days after conception as the blastocyst implants in the endometrium. This might be mistaken as light period so some already pregnant women don’t think they’re pregnant. 

How do you know that you’re pregnant when you’re not sure if you’ve missed your period? 

Simple. 

Take a pregnancy test. If it’s positive, then immediately schedule a prenatal check up with your obstetrician. 

Journey with Madam Partum

Discuss with your doctor about what you can do and cannot do while you’re pregnant. Also bring up to him or her how you can manage pain and discomfort so you can truly cherish this journey of motherhood without feeling moody, grumpy and under the weather most of the time

There are ways to manage pain and discomfort and we, at Madam Partum, are here to help you out. 

Our pre-partum massage relieves you from stress so you will have overall body wellness. It will replenish your qi and blood circulation so you can regain vigor so you can truly cherish this significant part of your journey. 

Just in case you have missed our previous post about “How pregnancy hormones affect your body”, find out more here http://www.madampartum.com/blog-details/how-pregnancy-hormones-affect-your-body.

Book your pre-partum massage with us via whatsapp at 8166 0070 or call us at 62 933 933 so you can relax and unwind while basking in the joy & glow of having a baby growing inside you.

Weight gain. 

More than one in four women in Singapore are found to put on too much weight during their pregnancies, a study has shown.It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider on how much weight you should gain during the entire duration of the pregnancy. 

During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain between 10 to16 kg, and even more for some. The spine has to support that weight. Often that causes lower back pain and especially at the later trimester. The weight of the growing baby and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back. 

Keep your weight in check when you’re pregnant and avoid falling in the trap of making excuses that you can just eat anything you want in unlimited quantities just because you’re eating for two. Always opt for a healthy, balanced diet. Steer clear of too much carbohydrates that can be found in white rice and white flour. 

Fluid retention 

Swelling because of fluid retention is not uncommon during pregnancy. Doctors will tell you that the pregnant body produces 50 percent more fluids and blood because the baby needs it to develop and mature. A growing uterus and changing hormones causes swelling on the face, fingers, legs and feet. 

To reduce the swelling, opt for gentle exercises such as yoga and swimming. If your legs and feet hurt, elevate them for 20 minutes. A good massage by a well-trained masseuse provides relief and makes healthy blood circulation possible. 

Heartburn

Progesterone levels are high during pregnancy. This is the hormone responsible for relaxing muscles, which means that this is the same hormone that relaxes the stomach valves whose main purpose is to keep acid out of the esophagus. As the uterus also expands from the growing baby, it pushes the stomach which forces acid into the esophagus causing heartburn. 

Constipation

Under general circumstances, constipation is a result of low-fiber diet, anxiety and worry, minimal physical exercise. When you’re pregnant… constipation is often the doing of progesterone. It relaxes the intestinal muscle which make food and waste move slower. You may also be experiencing constipation if you’re taking iron tablets. Make sure you drink a lot of water or consider switching to a different type with the advice of your OBGYN to make sure its safe for you and the baby. 

Physical activity 

Carrying a baby is no easy feat. Extreme activities such as bungee jumping and triathlons that the mother enjoyed before pregnancy have to take a back seat for a while. However, you can still do yoga, swimming or walking during pregnancy to help manage discomfort and avoid the risk of experiencing pregnancy complications. But also check in with your doctor whenever you are in doubt as every mommies’ pregnancy experience is very different, that along with the other syndrome that we might develop at different stages.

Restless leg syndrome 

The third trimester of your pregnancy can be very daunting and exhausting and it is when the so-called restless leg syndrome (RLS) is at its worst. RLS happens when you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs when you’re sleeping or even when you’re resting. Some healthcare providers say that rising estrogen levels cause RLS. It may be triggered by insufficient iron or folic acid. 

How can Madam Partum help you?

To help ease the discomfort in Mommy during pregnancy, we recommend a pre-partum massage that is tailored fit for Mommy’s special needs. 

The massage is administered by our well-trained masseuse with years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) massage. Our tuina techniques helps reduce swelling brought about fluid retention. This technique also dissolves tension and reduces cramping. 

Regardless of your needs – lessen your back pain, reduce swelling in feet, seek relaxation from exhaustion or me-time during your pregnancy – a pre-partum massage can offer you relief and the much needed pampering that you deserve. So go ahead and pencil in a date for yourself on your calendar with us! We can’t wait to see you!

The post Symptoms of Pregnancy first appeared on Madam Partum.

Weight gain. 

More than one in four women in Singapore are found to put on too much weight during their pregnancies, a study has shown.It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider on how much weight you should gain during the entire duration of the pregnancy. 

During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain between 10 to16 kg, and even more for some. The spine has to support that weight. Often that causes lower back pain and especially at the later trimester. The weight of the growing baby and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back. 

Keep your weight in check when you’re pregnant and avoid falling in the trap of making excuses that you can just eat anything you want in unlimited quantities just because you’re eating for two. Always opt for a healthy, balanced diet. Steer clear of too much carbohydrates that can be found in white rice and white flour. 

Fluid retention 

Swelling because of fluid retention is not uncommon during pregnancy. Doctors will tell you that the pregnant body produces 50 percent more fluids and blood because the baby needs it to develop and mature. A growing uterus and changing hormones causes swelling on the face, fingers, legs and feet. 

To reduce the swelling, opt for gentle exercises such as yoga and swimming. If your legs and feet hurt, elevate them for 20 minutes. A good massage by a well-trained masseuse provides relief and makes healthy blood circulation possible. 

Heartburn

Progesterone levels are high during pregnancy. This is the hormone responsible for relaxing muscles, which means that this is the same hormone that relaxes the stomach valves whose main purpose is to keep acid out of the esophagus. As the uterus also expands from the growing baby, it pushes the stomach which forces acid into the esophagus causing heartburn. 

Constipation

Under general circumstances, constipation is a result of low-fiber diet, anxiety and worry, minimal physical exercise. When you’re pregnant… constipation is often the doing of progesterone. It relaxes the intestinal muscle which make food and waste move slower. You may also be experiencing constipation if you’re taking iron tablets. Make sure you drink a lot of water or consider switching to a different type with the advice of your OBGYN to make sure its safe for you and the baby. 

Physical activity 

Carrying a baby is no easy feat. Extreme activities such as bungee jumping and triathlons that the mother enjoyed before pregnancy have to take a back seat for a while. However, you can still do yoga, swimming or walking during pregnancy to help manage discomfort and avoid the risk of experiencing pregnancy complications. But also check in with your doctor whenever you are in doubt as every mommies’ pregnancy experience is very different, that along with the other syndrome that we might develop at different stages.

Restless leg syndrome 

The third trimester of your pregnancy can be very daunting and exhausting and it is when the so-called restless leg syndrome (RLS) is at its worst. RLS happens when you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs when you’re sleeping or even when you’re resting. Some healthcare providers say that rising estrogen levels cause RLS. It may be triggered by insufficient iron or folic acid. 

How can Madam Partum help you?

To help ease the discomfort in Mommy during pregnancy, we recommend a pre-partum massage that is tailored fit for Mommy’s special needs. 

The massage is administered by our well-trained masseuse with years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) massage. Our tuina techniques helps reduce swelling brought about fluid retention. This technique also dissolves tension and reduces cramping. 

Regardless of your needs – lessen your back pain, reduce swelling in feet, seek relaxation from exhaustion or me-time during your pregnancy – a pre-partum massage can offer you relief and the much needed pampering that you deserve. So go ahead and pencil in a date for yourself on your calendar with us! We can’t wait to see you!

The post How pregnancy hormones affect your body first appeared on Madam Partum.

Pre-partum therapy

For your pre-partum needs, we recommend a total wellness massage that utilizes the masterful techniques of relieving stress, dissolving tension, and reducing cramps and swelling. 

Nurturing a baby in the womb comes with the mommys’ responsibility to stay happy and healthy. The total wellness pre-partum massage was designed to use techniques that boost immunity levels, which mothers need throughout the pregnancy period.

Start your massage sessions after the 20th week of your pregnancy. We completely understand that you need the much-needed rest and relaxation during this stage. Hence, we are giving you the option to have your sessions at the comfort of your own home. Alternately, you may also opt to book your sessions at in any Chien Chi Tow outlets islandwide.

Post-partum therapy

After nine months of pregnancy and the demands of childbirth, you may ask yourself, “What now?” Do you just plunge yourself into breastfeeding and sleepless nights of caring for your newborn? 

So many things are going on after childbirth and the mother immediately embraces the responsibility of nourishing the baby. Often times, her recovery takes a backstage in favor of taking care of the baby. 

At Madam Partum, we emphasize the importance of taking care of women so they can become better mothers to their children. 

Remember that the delivery process depletes the body of energy and blood. Our therapeutic massage stimulates acupressure points along meridian channels to improve blood circulation and correct the yin-yang imbalance. 

It utilizes tuina techniques that bring hormones back to pre-pregnancy levels and reduce lochia. These techniques also help the uterus to contract and aid the body to slim down. 

You can enjoy your qi-boosting post-partum massage at the comfort of your own home or at any Chien Chi Tow outlets islandwide. We recommend starting your massage sessions five days after natural birth and five weeks after cesarean section. 

Coupled with our therapeutic massage is a range of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) confinement care products of our herbal formulae soup, tea and bath — all specially curated to help the mother nourished her health on her road to recovery. 

Formulated to meet your nourishment requirements, Madam Partum’s 28-day confinement soup are carefully researched and conveniently packed for easy and quick preparation. These soup types were created for the mother’s complete recuperation, complete with pro-lactation soup to support mommies in boosting breast milk production. 

Sip and indulge in this new journey of motherhood with 28-day confinement tea that improves qi, boosts blood circulation and immune system, and nourishes new blood cells. 

Enjoy your much-needed “me” time when you take your daily baths. Our herbal bath helps expel dampness and wind, and prevents or relieves rheumatic conditions.

Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative seasons of a woman’s life. Madam Partum would like to walk with you on this path as you recover your energy so you could continue on with your journey to motherhood.

The post Your Pre-Partum and Post-Partum Journey first appeared on Madam Partum.

Pre-Partum Cough

Getting sick during a pregnancy is the most troublesome thing to happen a mother-to-be. Having to deal with the raging pregnancy hormones and fighting the flu bugs without any medications can be really tiring and frustrating. Medications prescribed to you are taken at your own risk with unknown complications and thus many are afraid to take any medications including Chinese Herbs as well especially in the 1^st Trimester. With the blocked nose and whooping coughs together with all the sudden jerk up gasping for breath in the middle of the night, we understand how bad it can get. So, we have come out with the various natural ingredients that mummies could be used to resolve the crisis.

Drink: Orange Peel (陈皮)with Golden Pear

Ingredients to prepare: 6g Orange Peel, 1 Golden Pear, some rock sugar to taste

Suitable for all ages and groups

De-seed one pear, put in the 6g of dried orange peel together with 1L of water and simmered it for 1.5 hours. Add some rock sugar to taste. And the concoction will be ready for consumption. Serve it while it is hot.

Dessert: White fungus, fresh lotus seeds & lily bulbs together with Golden Pear

Ingredients to prepare: 150g Dried White Fungus, 1 Packet of fresh lotus seeds & lily bulbs each, 2 Golden Pears (serves 4-5pax)

Suitable for all ages and groups

Soak 2 big flowers of white fungus for about 10-15mins to soften first and cut out all the hard parts and set aside for use. Rinse the lotus seeds and separate the layers of the lily bulb. De-seed the 2 pears and cut into slices. Put in the white fungus and pears together into the pot together with 2L of water and bring it to a boil before simmering for 30mins. Add in the fresh lily bulbs and lotus seeds to simmer for another 30mins and add in the rock sugar to serve. And the delicious dessert is ready for consumption.

The post Pre-Partum cough remedy during pregnancy first appeared on Madam Partum.