Mummy Product Review_Lactation Cookies & Bars From Cherabite

Have you heard of such a thing called a Lactation Cookie? Or a Lactation Bar? It has been a huge trend since the last 2 years or at least that I recall and back then I only knew about it after I stopped breastfeeding so I never had the chance to try them. If you Google online you're able to find many local bakers offering freshly baked cookies otherwise on some websites selling pre-packed ones. Though I never had the chance to try any back then, I saw many friends and bloggers raving about the effects and how tasty they are. I naturally wanted to try for myself when I could. I wondered if they're really effective? Or how yums they could be? Would it hurt my waistline if I depended on them? So now that I've had my 2nd baby and breastfeeding fully, I'm excited to try out some Lactation Snacks. Let me share more about them!

These are the available product category from CherAbite, there are lactation cookies, lactation bars as well as just classic cookies. Customization of the cookies and bars are also available upon request. Just to share a little about the person behind these awesome bakes - Cheryl herself is a mother of 2 who were breastfed and she enjoyed baking during her free time. She noticed that some of her friends had difficulty producing breast milk and started to research on methods to increase their breast milk supply. She finally found a solution in lactation cookies and started baking for her friends to sample and found amazing results. Their breast milk supply increased significantly, allowing them to provide their babies with the best nutrients possible. Cheryl also recently launched her new product, the first Lactation Bars in Singapore and I am really excited to share with you in a bit - am actually snacking away as I'm typing now. Haha.

I first tried the Lactation Cookies when I was pregnant. They're actually safe for expecting Moms or anyone else to have just that the ingredients in them makes it milk boosters for breastfeeding Moms and are nutritious for everyone. Some of my friends even said that they felt they're breasts full after taking a few pieces - not sure if it was imaginary or for reals. I remembered how surprised I was when I had a cookie for the first time. At that time this was the 3rd brand I've tried already and even though all of them were good, this was totally different. I was out in the middle of a hot day and I popped one into my mouth, it was soft and had a kueh kueh taste. Though I know this description sounds difficult to understand, my taste buds fell in love when the melted Chocolate Chip Cookie exploded in my mouth. Haha I know sounds very 'kua zhang' (exaggerating) but I really did feel this way.

The Lactation Cookies come is 4 standard creations: The Original, Chocolate Chips, Fruits & Nuts, and Just Oats. Otherwise you may also request for a customised flavor with 3 toppings of your choice. Pricing for the standard flavors and customised ones are the same price, how awesome is that? The ingredients used for baking are carefully selected and all cookies are baked freshly upon order. 

Here we have the 4 standard flavors. My personal favs are the Chocolate Chip one 'cuz it helps satisfy my craving for chocolates as well as either the Original/Fruit & Nut one. Both the latter taste quite similar 'cuz they both have raisins in them, only thing that's clearly different is that the Fruit & Nut has seeds and nuts in it.

These two upfront are custom flavors - on the left Blueberry and the right Apricot Oats.
Blueberries are packed with anti-oxidants while apricots are potential milk boosters.

[Close-up]

Since I started eating them during the late stages of my pregnancy, I had some stash when my baby decided to come early. Got Hubs to bring me a packet while I was at my 'staycation'.. Haha.. Had it with Milo as snacks or anytime I was hungry, shiok!

A very lovely handmade hamper was sent to me during confinement with CherAbite's latest product. Back then it was for trials first so they were called Organic Lactation Treats. Then later on the final product during its official launch was renamed to Organic Lactation Bars.

So these are the final products and is now on sale on their website.
CherAbite is the first and probably the only one who has this new lactation snack now.

They come in four unique flavors and packed in boxes of 7 which are bite-sized and individually wrapped for convenience.

The Lactation Bars come in four yummy flavors:
Plain, Coco.Cranberry Almonds, Macadamia Choc.Conut, Chocolate and Mixed Seeds Quinoa.
The name itself sounds very interesting already right? As you can see from the picture 2 of them are chocolate-based and the other 2 are plain based. So probably easier for you to decide which is your preference.

Plain - the Lactation Bars have a soft yet crunchy and chewy texture to them. They look and taste a little like the usual cereal bars but has an extra chew to them which I really like alot. Damn addictive! The plain one is good for someone who likes their cereal bars classic without toppings.

Coco.Cranberry Almonds - this is kinda' similar to the plain one but with more crunch from the almonds and seeds in it. Every now and then chew into some sweet crasins and the mild yet distinct taste you get from this is the coco chips. Everything nicely blended into one small bar. 

Macadamia Choc.Conut - This was one of the first I tried from the lot and I was instantly in love with the slightly chocolatey taste with a tinge of salt finish. Reminds me of salted caramel flavor. And the macadamia adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to complete my palate.

Chocolate and Mixed Seeds Quinoa - this from the picture you should be able to tell is the most chocolatey one. It is my to-go choice if I have cravings for chocolate, which is like really frequent.. Haha!!! But at least it is a healthier choice and great for lactating Mummies, why not? Even though this has the most chocolate, it is not the very sweet type 'cuz the chocolate is a darker kind. 

Some Mummies ask: "do these snacks really help to boost your milk supply"?

Honestly speaking I really didn't measure my output before taking the snacks and after, how to justify since I've been taking all sorts of food and drinks that helps with my milk supply? Like I mentioned, I guess taking everything that helps. Mixing around all the boosting-potential foods and having healthy meals, not forgetting lots of fluid intake. This stash was taken during my 2nd week of confinement when I was still pumping. I have stopped pumping since the 3rd week of confinement and I've been feeding my girl on demand and collecting let downs to make a pack to freeze everyday so there's no exact way to tell how much more my milk supply has grown. 

Well the only prove I have for you is this - my chubs burger baby. Haha. B'cuz Hubs always say she looks like a Hamburger. LOL! She was born a preemie and now this. I haven't taken her to the clinic to weigh her yet but according to my weighing machine at home she's now 4.5kg at 7.5 weeks old and she has caught up with her full term-born friends. So I guess that's my answer for you now. : )

Besides being yummy, the snacks from CherAbite are also nutritious and suitable for both adults & kids, even your husbands can take them - LOL! Cheryl hopes that you will enjoy the delicious cookies with a range of flavours to suit your taste buds!

So that's all for today and I hope you liked my review for the day. Do feel free to leave comments in the comment box below if you have any question/s regarding the topic and I'll try my best to answer them if it's not already stated in my blog above. And that's all for today, bye~! ; )

Promo Update!

Quote "Vanny" to get 15% off orders above $50
from CherAbite.

Promotion ends 31st August 2017. Happy feasting! ; )

If you'd like to find out more about CherAbite their products, visit them at their:
Official website @ https://www.cherabite.com/
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/CherAbite/

Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/cher_a_bite/

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Thank you for reading my blog, until next time.. : )

Baby Product Review_Alilo Smarty Shake & Tell Rattle

Alilo Smarty Shake & Tell Review

What is it? The Alilo Smarty Shake & Tell is an intelligent digital interactive player that offers children various songs, rhymes and sounds to keep them occupied and is a digital rattle with cute bunny ears. It is also able to identify and tell you the colours. The Alilo Smarty has developmental benefits which help a child grow by letting them learn to touch, play, listen and learning from the words and stories.

They come in 4 different colours and designs which are all equally cute.

Here was my brand new set in pink - my favorite colour.

Everything that came in the box - An Alilo Smarty Shake & Tell Rattle, instructions manual, a USB charging cable and 9 colour cards.

Let's take a look - the front side that has a button below for switching between modes and between songs/rhymes.

On the back side you see the speaker output and a knob on the 'bum-bum' which is used to turn the player on/off as well as adjustment of the volume.

Features of the Alilo Smarty Shake & Tell Rattle

• Color Identifying Technology - simply place Smarty over an object and press down lightly. Smarty's ears will then light up as that color and Smarty will also say that color. This works best with the 9 color cards included.
• Soothing Music and Stories - in addition to the rattle sounds, Smarty comes preloaded with both popular songs and stories for kids.
• LED Ears - Smarty has silicone ears that gently light up with different colors.
• Rechargeable Battery - Smarty comes with a USB cord for charging.

The Alilo Smarty Shake & Tell Rattle is suitable for newborn babies up to children 4 years of age.
It is light and handy which is shaped in a way easy for a baby/child to grip.

You'll see a camera-like pinhole on the bottom of the Alilo Smarty which is where it is able to identify colours with.

The Alilo Smarty has light-up silicone ears which illuminates when you play songs and sounds which is really pretty. It comes with 20 different rattle sounds as well as pre-loaded tunes that are children's favorites and the Smarty has a high-capacity rechargeable lithium ion battery that lasts up to 4 hours.

Baby H. is now 7 weeks old and although she doesn't quite know how to play with the rattle yet, it is handy for me when I need to play some nursery rhymes for her during her day time entertainment or even some soothing music to soothe her to sleep. I keep it by her cot and reach out for it easily whenever I need some music for her. I can't wait to let her play with the digital rattle and try out all the different interesting sounds that ring with it.

The Alilo Smarty Shake & Tell Rattle is an easy-to-use interactive player and rattle which I'll recommend to parents with young babies and children. It is small and lightweight which will surely come in handy for outings and trips to keep our lil' ones entertaied. The colour-identifying technology was interesting especially for my toddler and she really had fun saying out the colours with the Smarty. It was easy for her to play with by simply placing and pressing the Alilo Smarty over the colour card and the rattle voices out the colour. We also sang along to the familiar nursery rhymes and even learnt new stories 'cuz there were so many to play from. In the picture above I was trying to get my tott to play some music for my cranky baby - hehe so sweet. : )

To summarize, I really love how light and handy the Alilo Smarty is and packs so much into something tiny like that. Definitely one of my favorite toys to date, and also for for my girls too!

Promo Code!

Quote "Vanny10AL" to get 10% off any Alilo products purchased from Mums & Babes Sg today.

Promotion ends 12th August 2017. You're welcome. ; )

So that's all for today and I hope you liked my review. Do feel free to leave comments in the comment box below if you have any question/s regarding the topic and I'll try my best to answer them if it's not already stated in my blog above. And that's all for today, bye~! ; )

If you'd like to find out more about the Alilo Smarty Shake & Tell Rattle or other interesting interactive toys from them, visit them at their:

Official website @ http://www.alilo-world.com/
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/aliloworld/

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Thank you for reading my blog, until next time.. : )

Postpartum Service Review_Postnatal Massage With Madam Partum

Hi Mummies and Mummies-to-be, some of you may know I just finished my confinement and I did my Postnatal Massage with Madam Partum and I got alot of Mummies asking me about it. Am here today to do a review on my Postnatal Massage experience with Madam Partum. Many of you have been asking about this since TCM Postnatal Massage is probably something new to most of you, instead of the traditional Jamu Massage. Decided to write up a review so you Mummies can have a clearer idea of what this is and also the differences between the two.

About

Madam Partum is part of Chien Chi Tow, a TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine Healthcare Provider originally founded as a Martial Arts Institute and have close to 50 years of Expertise. They provide Mummies with complete recuperation & TCM care. Their team of therapists are females who are professional, well trained, experienced with Pre & Post-partum TCM care and recovery who will support mummies to right recuperation.

This was taken couple of months back when I was in my 2nd trimester and preparing to book all the necessary postpartum packages. I was at the SuperMom baby fair at MBS with Yen, the beautiful founder of Madam Partum. A friend actually recommended Madam Partum so I went to check them out b'cuz this concept was new to me and seemed really interesting since I've always been a huge fan of TCM massages.

There were products displayed at their booth showing items meant for postpartum recovery such as the daily herbs for soups, red date tea, and herbal bath packs. All these are sold in a set for 28 days in total. They can either be bought separately, as a set, or as a bundle with the postpartum massages.

The corset on the mannequin was the exact same one used for my postpartum massage. It is a 3-piece corset which can easily be used on your own even after the massage package has ended. Will share more about the corset in the later part of the blog. So after visiting the booth at the baby fair and Yen explaining what Madam Partum is all about, I was definitely keen to try the total postpartum package b'cuz I liked that they're a 1-stop solution for all my needs. The prices were also competitive compared to the previous packages I paid for my first confinement, so why not? I did notice at the fair that the herbs were in a generous portion and looked really good, 'cuz I remembered the herbs from the last package I took were much lesser and not as 'pretty'. Not sure if it makes sense, but there was something different about the appearance of the herbs that was appealing. I was told that the herbs are packed freshly from the medical hall each time they're to be dispatched so I guess that's why they look so good. 

I'll try to answer some of the FAQs Mummies been asking me:

1. Qn. What is the difference between TCM Postpartum Massage & Jamu massage?

Ans. Both provide similar benefits. The difference lies in the massage techniques, massage oils/herbs used, binding method, and how each sessions are spaced out in between. 

Madam Partum TCM Postpartum Massage 

• Uses a special slimming oil for the treatment and massage is done with tuina technique using more pressure to soothe any tension/knots/aches. The massage oil is specially formulated to help detoxify and break down cellulite problem areas by increasing blood circulation.
• Binding is done using a 3-piece corset which can be put on and removed on your own any time after the massage
  - this was great b'cuz I could bind it on my own even on days when I do not have massage sessions. I basically used it throughout my confinement whenever I can. The corset is great for shaping the body as well as provide better support post-delivery. 
• Massage sessions are best spread out throughout confinement so that Mummies can get recovery for a maximum duration while letting skin & muscles rest in between sessions. But if you prefer consecutive sessions this is possible too
  - My sessions were planned in such a way that it was either a day or 2 days apart. Initially I felt that it was strange and was afraid that such planning of the treatments would cause less effect on recovery 'cuz my idea was that it was the same as Jamu massage, to be done everyday. But later on I found out that it was better that way and was actually best recommended. I'll definitely have to agree with that 'cuz every time after massage my muscles would feel sore the next day 'cuz my masseur was trying to treat a specific old problem spot. Those of you who have done tuina should know what I'm talking about. The very normal and shiok kind of soreness that goes away in a few days leaving you feeling better.
  
  

Jamu Massage

• Uses massage oil during treatment and massage technique is smooth & light. Jamu paste is used for the binding at the end of the massage
  - The benefits of the wrap is similar between the two, only difference is that in Jamu massage a special herbal paste is applied onto the belly area before wrapping. 
• The wrap is left on for several hours, usually until night before sleep
  - I remembered how I liked the wrap but whenever I removed it was messy b'cuz o the paste and after removal of the wrap corset, it is almost impossible to wrap myself up again. So that means after my massage sessions, my corset was just collecting dust in one corner of my wardrobe.
• Massage sessions are usually done in a consecutive days
  - The massage technique for Jamu is very mild which I feel is like the aromatherapy kind, like just rub rub and touch touch kind that's why it can be done everyday. 

2. Qn. Where are the massages done?

Madam Partum TCM Postpartum Massage 

• A portable massage bed was brought to my home on the first session along with clean towels.
• The masseur plays soothing music using her mobile phone to let you have further relaxation.
• Bed and towels will be brought back by your masseur on the last day of treatment.
  - I really liked this arrangement b'cuz it's cleaner and feels more like the kind of bed at the shop itself.

Jamu Massage

• Massage is done at my home on my bed, with a towel underneath my body to minimize oil transfer to my sheets.
  - My bed was always left oily and even after washing my sheets for several times, there were still stains and oils from the massage oil. So please be informed of this if you wish to opt for Jamu massage. I do know that now adays some Jamu massage ladies also provide the option of bringing a portable bed at an extra cost. So probaby check with your masseur in mind.

This was after the first session of massage, after the masseur taught me how to use the wrap and I tried it on my own. Looks good right? And it is super easy!! The corset comes in 3 pieces; top, mid, and lower section which helps to support the back, shape up your belly as well as your hip area. The fit was great and it didn't shift yet I was able to resume with my daily activities. My massages were done in the morning usually 10:30am and I'll take mt shower at least 2.5 hours later as recommended by my masseur. So after shower I'll bind myself up again. It's that convenient!

Yea so I even take my naps in it and it's comfortable.. Insta-storying my progress to a flat tummy. : P

Basically I use the corset everyday during confinement and sometimes after too. The only time I removed was to take showers or sleep. Otherwise sometimes when I feel too warm to eat in it I'll remove first, have my meal, then put it back on. But I do feel it's quite good to have it on during meals so you'd feel full faster then won't overeat. Haha. Personal choice okay, but at least you'd have an option.

Besides the massage package provided by Madam Partum, they also offer a comprehensive package for Moms. You have the option to purchase (from left) the herbal shower packs, herb for soup, and red date tea packs - all packed in a box of 28 for the entire confinement.

A brief look at what's inside the boxes....
There are cooking instructions provided for the herbs (for soup) and red date tea, as well as the benefits of each pack of herb.

Close up of the herbal bath packs - 
using this helps to improve blood circulation, expel dampness & wind, and reduce after birth pain.

Herbs for soups - they are packed for each day and the sequence is labelled. The soups are taken on a sequence so that it helps the body to recover in stages. The herbs helps to nourish kidneys and liver to regulate qi & blood, so as to maintain the smooth and even flow in the body and to restore internal balance. Basically to strengthen body constitution and improve Mummy's immune system after birth.

Look at how plump the red dates are! Red dates are usually boiled with dried longan because of its “warm” properties to help keep the womb warm. Red dates also help in the stimulation of white blood cells, which can improve immunity and protect the liver. The mixture of this drink is to help boost overall wellness and to strengthen the body’s immunity.

I got this brochure from the baby fair, just to show you more about Madam Partum and their services, as well as their benefits.
The recuperation process come in 3 stages and above are the explanation.

Other services provided.. If you followed my on FB/IG, you would have known I went for regular pre-partum massages at Chien Chi Tow as well. It was great b'cuz you know how preggers always have aches and pains everywhere, moreover I was still teaching Prenatal Aerobic Classes. So the massages definitely helped me tide through all these. With the help of the massages, I was able to teach all the way till my 34th week. Awesome! One more thing I wanna share... I was having a bout of flu during my third trimester which caused major headaches and medications didn't even help. After I went for merely one session of massage, my headache was immediately relieved and almost gone the next day. I'm not exaggerating but it was real for me! I think the masseur did a great job to release the tension in my neck and head.. and I don't know what points she relieved as well (not pro in this to advise) but it was super helpful!!

Why choose Madam Partum? You can see for yourself. ; ) And I also think you probably can't find any other pre/post-partum massages by TCM or at least not the complete package, 'cuz I really don't see such a service anywhere else.

Packages available and their rates (as of February 2017).

Almost every few days I'll take a photo of myself in the corset. When I started using the corset on the first day, the Velcro was bonded on the furthest end. Towards the end of my confinement, the Velcro was at its tightest.. prove of results! And I was eating so much yet not exercising, you see how I eat my confinement food from Tian Wei Signature - alot!! LOL!

Just to show you how the corset looks like from both angles. Please pardon my Obasang outfit.

My slimming progress during confinement; comparing from the day before delivery to almost end of my confinement. You know it's strange how everything was so coincidental. Like my delivery was preterm and I had no idea I was gonna deliver, yet I had this last photo of my pregnant self taken. Anyway the picture says for itself and I'm sure you can see how much I've slimmed down on my belly area. I just need to slowly shed off the last few kilos which you can see on my arms and my double chin - LOL!!! I always put on some weight during confinement due to the amount of food I take, but eventually will lose it 'cuz my appetite will slowly adjust itself back. But this time since I'm fully breastfeeding and hungry all the time, lets see how long it takes for me to get back in shape. Otherwise I'm very happy with my progress for now. Yesterday I went for my 6th week postnatal follow-up with my gynae (was only 5 weeks plus) and I was told that my 'insides' (referring to my womb, etc.) had shrunk back to its original size already and zero lochia left. Yays! The binding totally paid off and I'm happy with the results.

So just to summarize....

• Madam Partum TCM post partum massage focuses on meridian points n treatments, tailored to treat all postpartum complains for e.g.: insufficient milk, blocked ducts, engorgement, back and neck aches, tummy trimming...... massage technique is medium to deep pressured (you may request for the pressure level depending on preference).
• The massage also aids in:
  1. blood circulation
  2. digestion
  3. breakdown of stubborn fats
  4. relieving water retention
  5. Enhances muscle tone
  6. Relieve aches and pains and stress
• A simple-to-use corset is provided to help you tighten the abdominal muscles and tuck in the loose tummy wall which can be bind on your own even after the massage package ends. Easy and convenient!
• A portable massage bed and towels are provided - no more oily bed sheets!
• One-stop solution to your postpartum recovery needs - with optional red date tea, herbal bath, and herbs (for soup) for a complete package.

So that's all for today and I hope I was clear in explaining the difference between the two. Do feel free to leave comments in the comment box below if you have any question/s regarding the topic and I'll try my best to answer them if it's not already stated in my blog above. And that's all for today, bye~! ; )

If you'd like to find out more about Madam Partum and their packages, visit them at their:

Official website @ http://www.madampartum.com/
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/madampartum/
Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/madam.partum/

P.S. If you'd like to see my future posts, follow me on Facebook and Instagram...
FB: www.facebook.com/vannytelly/
IG: www.instagram.com/vannytelly/

Thank you for reading my blog, until next time.. : )