Here come the cold months again so my mommy friends here and I talked about good skin care habits and products both for babies and us mommies the last time we met up. Their babies are having cases of eczema and they can't help but gush on SooAe's "hydrated" or "dewy fresh" looking skin.
I guess I owe it to my mother who encouraged me to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables while I was still pregnant and who took care of me very well before and after my delivery. She'd always say that it could be tiring to go to the market, always watch what to eat, and to do one's best to stay healthy but they will all be worth it when the baby comes out.
Although I found it hard to drag myself to the dining area for breakfast at 6:30, Mama would always call me out to eat with her while she was still here. Good and proper nutrition will help me recover fast, she'd always say. My food were always served warm and most of all, there were always sliced variety of fruits packed with vitamin C. They're not only good for my wound recovery but I've read before that maternal diet rich in natural sources of Vit. C during breastfeeding could reduce the risk of atopy in infants. Too bad when she left, because SooAe is still asleep till 8 or 9 in the morning, I just lie down beside her till she wakes up or sometimes try to sleep some more too until she wakes me up by her tiny kicks when she was still tiny but now that she can move around very well, she'd sit up straight and pound my shoulder or stomach with her tiny fists, hahaha! I also get a wet "wake-up-kiss" or bites here and there sometimes.. With no one to talk to or "force" me to get up, I started having brunch, a late "lunch" and late dinner instead. I still snacked in between. Thus, I wasn't able to shed off the extra pregnancy weight. But I'm still doing my best to eat healthy. Actually, Alex doesn't like us eating outside. Home cooked meals are still the best after all. I don't use any artificial flavoring like what my MIL does so he appreciates me a lot more.
I'm being told time and time again to watch my diet because atopy can occur in infants anytime until they're 1 year old, even older or beyond.
It's also quite hard on the budget when the baby has sensitive skin. My friends can only use expensive baby/wet wipes and diapers for their babies. They also only buy "organic" products for their babies.. Hm.. Are those even really organic? Since we're all stay at home moms, I wanted to tell them before to try using cotton balls and water instead. My 2nd sister in law never used wet wipes with her babies. I on the other hand used cotton balls while my supplies lasted. I tried using cotton pads but they were too hard for SooAe's sensitive area so I use Pamper's wet wipes (Aloe, non-scented) with her. The aloe-like slightly sticky gel in it makes cleaning a real no sweat.
Luckily, I have someone who could get me these heaven-sent wipes...
One time, we also talked about the food we usually ate while still pregnant. I told them I ate a lot of fruits, especially the green seedless grapes. Then came summer, oh I loved peaches, nectarines and okra a lot. I avoided Kimchi because of the salted baby shrimps and fish sauce in it. I definitely avoided foods I am allergic to. They, on the other hand, couldn't eat without Kimchi. There should always be Kimchi, they said, whenever and wherever they ate. Until now, I rarely eat Kimchi. I just can imagine the tons (hehe) of shrimps and fish sauce in it...
With SooAe's diet, I make sure she also eats fruits everyday. And oh, she loves peaches, pears and persimmons a lot. I wonder if will she like pomegranate and nectarines too? She loves munching on apples. She loves squeezing the slice of it. Oh, the squishing sound thrills her. She actually has a Nuby Nibbler but she prefers and enjoys holding and biting on her fruit without the net...
We all allow our babies to snack on Gerber Graduates snacks
courtesy of my cousin in law.. I know.. this might make other mommies frown...
I just give her a few at a time such that a canister (having 4 to 7 servings)
would last 2-3 weeks.
definitely her favorite..also packed with Vit. C
but the two moms are amazed that I still feed SooAe fruits in between. I make sure she eats them as is or with her oatmeal (also good for the skin) or barley cereal. Most of all, her sippy cups are always within her reach.
Although SooAe's skin is always complimented for being and looking so healthy, I'm not taking any chances at all. I worry about any patch or spot on her skin that might make her uncomfortable. I'd seen Korean children suffering from atopy. They don't feel good about it and it's reflected in their self esteem or performances and even affects their relationships with the other kids. I also have a cousin suffering from atopy since we were little. She couldn't play much so her skin won't be exposed to dust and other irritants. So I always do my best to stay healthy. After all, this habit is not only for me, it's for her, our Little One, too....
