Couples learnt what to expect during pregnancy, from physical to psychological changes, at Simply Her’s My Happy Pregnancy Workshop.
Couples learnt what to expect during pregnancy, from physical to psychological changes, at Simply Her’s My Happy Pregnancy Workshop.
WHAT: The Simply Her My Happy Pregnancy Workshop in February at Sheraton Towers Singapore, in collaboration with Cetaphil, Cryoviva Singapore, Focus Pilates and Heart to Heart Psychotherapy. The workshop included a pilates demonstration by Focus Pilates.
THE BENEFITS OF CORD-BLOOD BANKING
Dr Philip Masters, quality and compliance director at cord-blood bank Cryoviva Singapore, explained what stem cells in your baby’s cord blood can do.
• They can “turn” into any type of cell the body needs, and have great potential to repair, replace, restore and regenerate damaged cells.
• Stem cells can be used to treat a range of diseases and disorders, including acute lymphocytic leukaemia and sickle-cell disease.
• They can be used by the baby’s siblings or parents, as long as the blood type fits.
MANAGING YOUR SKIN – AND BABY’S TOO
Dr Lynn Chiam, dermatologist at the Children & Adult Skin Hair Laser Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Medical Centre, had tips on how to take care of your skin during pregnancy, and how to manage newborn skin conditions.
• Wear sunscreen of SPF30 and above, and carry an umbrella when you’re outside. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can cause pigmentation to increase.
• If your baby’s eczema is serious, dressing him in silk clothes can help ease the itching and discomfort.
• To check if your diaper rash cream is effective, apply it on your hand and run it under water. If the cream repels water, it is an effective barrier for the skin and will help prevent nappy rash.
PRACTISE THESE MOVES
Focus Pilates’ physiotherapist, Cerise Li, demonstrated simple exercises to improve posture. Try these:
• The thoracic rotation, where you sit upright and place both palms at the back of your neck with elbows pointed to the sides. Then you rotate your torso to the sides with your shoulder blades gently drawn downwards.
• The seated cat and camel stretches, where you sit at the edge of a chair and bend and ex your spine. This also eases mid- and lower-back tension.
KEEPING YOUR MARRIAGE ALIVE
Jasmine Siang, psychotherapist from Heart To Heart Psychotherapy, reminded couples why keeping communication open is important after Baby arrives.
• Your spouse should always come first in the relationship, as your children will eventually grow up and lead their own lives.
• Intimacy and touch are important. At the same time, how, and how often, your spouse responds to your touch will also indicate how healthy your relationship is.
• Don’t address your spouse as “Mummy” or “Daddy” – it confuses your children.
