My Breastfeeding Journey ~ Part 2

Salam. Happy Holiday to everyone! How's your year end planning? I'll be on leave next week. But yet still have to go to my office on Monday.

Anyway, I wish to continue my writing on my breastfeeding journey. Thanks to my loving hubby for letting me to complete it. Though I've to restrict my selection of words and no photos at all, but I'm still very happy to share it with others. Thanks sayang!

Like the rest of breastfeeding moms, I encountered several common problems which actually made me felt stronger each day to breastfeed my baby Iman. As usual, I also pumped at least three (3) times at office and at least twice at home. Generally I managed to collect 15 - 20 oz of my precious milk every day. At first, I had my own frozen milk but I chose not to have those anymore. Baby Iman preferred to drink fresh milk. (I wish I can upload my pictures here...) She's on direct breastfeeding when I'm around and only took bottlefeeding if I'm not at home.

I have two set of electric pumps; Spectra 7 and Spectra 3, two cooler bags, lots of ice packs, and more breastfeeding gadgets to complete my collection. (I wish I can upload my pictures here...)

Baby Iman will turn one year old early next year (or shall I say next month?) which means that I've successfully breastfeed her for one solid year. Alhamdulillah! Syukur kepada Allah S.W.T.

As my age is also renewing every year (hihihi...), I started to be more concern on my health. I'm blessed to meet a cyber friend whom I met in susuibu.com a few months ago. Actually, I like to read her blog (shhh... I read it almost every day). We're at the same age but I can feel that she's more or less like an elder sister to me. I like her writing and her advice. Thanks Norita. I'm taking Shaklee supplements now (lots and lots of them) plus my daily exercise routine. My favourites are energizing soy protein, alfalfa and vitamin E. I also wish to join yoga class someday. But the yoga session time is not suitable with my daily schedule. Wish to read more on Shaklee, please refer to Norita's blog; http://anakkuwiraku.blogspot.com/. More on issues of breastfeeding, please refer to this website; http://www.susuibu.com/. I'm a fanatic reader of the forum.

Alright. Enough for today. Again, thanks to my hubby for letting me to complete my story. Salam.

My Breastfeeding Journey ~ Part 1

Salam. Happy Holiday to everyone!

My baby Iman will turn one year old in another 14 days. It means, I have successfully breastfeed her for one solid year. Alhamdulillah! Syukur kepada Allah S.W.T.!

I started to read about the advantages of breastfeeding when I'm pregnant with Muhammad four years ago. I must admit, I didn't have enough information and not well prepared though I hope I can breastfeed him.

I had emergency caesarian operation when I delivered Muhammad. I did mention to the nurse that I want to breastfeed him. However, the nurse asked me to rest and told me that they will take care of Muhammad. As my mom and my hubby were worried about me too, they also encouraged me to rest and not to think about my breastfeeding intention. As a result, he started to drink formula milk,

My milk came out on the third day. It's the colostrum. White yellowish color. I pumped it out and gave to Muhammad. Alhamdulillah! At least he had consume it. I struggled to breastfeed him too but it's the pain that killing me. I told myself, it's ok. I managed to breastfeed him for three months (mostly supplemented with formula milk too).

So I decided if Allah S.W.T. blessed me with another child, I'll make sure my breastfeeding journey succeed. After Muhammad turned 4, I was surprised when the doctor confirmed that I'm pregnant again. So this time I really make preparation and equip myself with more knowledge.

I came across susuibu.com since 2005. I was only a silent reader then became a member early this year. From there, I get more knowledge and know a lot of websites that deliver a lot of information regarding breastfeeding. Another website, momslittleones.com also contain a lot of reading for the breastfeeding moms.

Then I realized, we need knowledge in order to successfully breasfeed our child. Mental and physical preparation are important too. The most interesting part is my selection of breastpump. I had Avent Isis set since I had Muhammad. It's very helpful but I need an electric pump too.

Funny though! I'm busy with my preparation of breastfeeding rather than the common preparation. Luckily we can recycle Muhammad's belongings for baby Iman.

I delivered baby Iman on Monday (Muhammad born on Monday too). This time I went to a different hospital for my second delivery. Again, I told the nurse I want to breastfeed my baby. Surprisingly, they were very supportive. Though I had another caesarian, my intention was bigger than my pain. The nurse told me that they will give formula milk as her first feeding and will bring her to breastfeed for the second feeding.

As promised, the nurse brought her to my room to breastfeed. I felt comfortable and warmth. Baby Iman was breastfeeding naturally. She's so cute! Alhamdulillah! After that, the nurse will bring baby Iman to my room every time she's hungry. Seriously, I felt so satisfied with the nurses there. They even told me, "I think you have enough milk for the baby. She doesn't need formula milk anymore".

My breastfeeding journey begins here...

Satu Permulaan...

Salam Maal Hijrah untuk semua!

Firman Allah S.W.T. yang bermaksud:

"Dialah yang telah menjadikan malam dan siang silih berganti bagi sesiapa yang mengambil pelajaran atau ingin bersyukur."

Surah Al-Furqan, ayat 62

Alhamdulillah! Awal Muharram datang lagi dalam hidup ini...

Congratulations for Ardini Zaara!

Salam. Congratulations to my good friend, Shafila for the newborn baby, Ardini Zaara!

I'm very happy for both of you and your husband. May Allah S.W.T. bless your family! Amiin...

Risalah Jumaat - Keistimewaan Wanita

1. Doa wanita itu lebih makbul daripada lelaki kerana sifat penyayang yang lebih kuat daripada lelaki. Ketika ditanya kepada Rasulullah SAW akan hal tersebut, jawab baginda , ” Ibu lebih penyayang daripada bapa dan doa orang yang penyayang tidak akan sia-sia.”

2. Wanita yang solehah (baik) itu lebih baik daripada 1000 lelaki yang soleh.

3. Barangsiapa yang menggembirakan anak perempuannya, darjatnya seumpama orang yang sentiasa menangis kerana takutkan Allah .Dan orang yang takutkan Allah SWT akan diharamkan api neraka ke atas tubuhnya.

4. Wanita yang tinggal bersama anak-anaknya akan tinggal bersama aku (Rasulullah SAW) di dalam syurga.

5. Barangsiapa membawa hadiah (barang makanan dari pasar ke rumah lalu diberikan kepada keluarganya) maka pahalanya seperti melakukan amalan bersedekah.Hendaklah mendahulukan anak perempuan daripada anak lelaki. Maka barangsiapa yang menyukakan anak perempuan seolah-olah dia memerdekakan anak Nabi Ismail.

6. Syurga itu di bawah telapak kaki ibu.

7. Barangsiapa mempunyai tiga anak perempuan atau tiga saudara perempuan atau dua anak perempuan atau dua saudara perempuan lalu dia bersikap ihsan dalam pergaulan dengan mereka dan mendidik mereka dengan penuh rasa takwa serta sikap bertanggungjawab, maka baginya adalah syurga.

8. Apabila memanggil akan dirimu dua orang ibu bapamu, maka jawablah panggilan ibumu terlebih dahulu.

9. Daripada Aisyah r.a.” Barangsiapa yang diuji dengan sesuatu daripada anak-anak perempuannya lalu dia berbuat baik kepada mereka, maka mereka akan menjadi penghalang baginya daripada api neraka.

10. Wanita yang taat berkhidmat kepada suaminya akan tertutuplah pintu-pintu neraka dan terbuka pintu-pintu syurga. Masuklah dari mana-mana pun pintu yang dia kehendaki dengan tidak dihisab.

11. Wanita yang taat pada suaminya, maka semua ikan-ikan di laut, burung di udara, malaikat di langit, matahari dan bulan semua beristighfar baginya selama mana dia taat kepada suaminya serta menjaga solat dan puasanya.

12. Aisyah r.a berkata, “Aku bertanya kepada Rasulullah, siapakah yang lebih besar haknya terhadap wanita?” Jawab Rasulullah SAW “Suaminya.” ” Siapa pula berhak terhadap lelaki?” Jawab Rasulullah SAW, “Ibunya.”

13. Perempuan apabila sembahyang lima waktu, puasa di bulan Ramadhan, memelihara kehormatannya serta kepada suaminya, masuklah dia dari pintu syurga mana sahaja yang dikehendaki.

14. Tiap perempuan yang menolong suaminya dalam urusan agama, maka Allah SWT memasukkan dia ke dalam syurga terlebih dahulu daripada suaminya (10,000 tahun).

15. Apabila seseorang perempuan mengandung janin dalam rahimnya,maka beristighfarlah para malaikat untuknya. Allah SWT mencatatkan baginya setiap hari dengan 1,000 kebajikan dan menghapuskan darinya 1,000 kejahatan.

16. Apabila seseorang perempuan mulai sakit hendak bersalin, maka Allah SWT mencatatkan baginya pahala orang yang berjihad pada jalan Allah.

17. Apabila seseorang perempuan melahirkan anak, keluarlah dia dari dosa-dosa seperti keadaan ibunya melahirkannya.

18. Apabila telah lahir anak lalu disusui, maka bagi ibu itu setiap satu tegukan daripada susunya diberi satu kebajikan.

19. Apabila semalaman seorang ibu tidak tidur dan memelihara anaknya yang sakit, maka Allah SWT memberinya pahala seperti memerdekakan 70 orang hamba dengan ikhlas untuk membela agama Allah SWT.

Dicatat oleh Imam Al-Ghazalli

My PCOS Story

Salam. Everyone wants to be healthy. According to WHO, health was defined as being "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". I guess we're blessed if we're healthy without having any medical disorder.

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 2004. It's my 2nd year of marriage. I didn't expect that but I started to wonder. Am I mentally ready to accept that it's going to be difficult for me to conceive? What about my husband? Can he accept my true condition? I had two choices, either to go for minor operation (as my right ovary was in bad condition) or to take pills. I choose NONE.

I called my mum in tears as I felt sad. She said, "It's ok. Balik ke Kuching dolok and we'll figure out what to do ok." Thanks mum. I luv you so much.

I started to do reading and searching for PCOS. I learnt to accept PCOS in me. I live with PCOS and there is no cure for it.

Generally, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects approximately 5% of all women. It occurs among all races and nationalities, also the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age (12-45years old), and is a leading cause of infertility. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)

As there is no cure for it, I changed my diet. I started to consume healthy meals everyday. Eating more fruits and drink more water. My mum gave me 'air rempah kampung'. Very bitter in taste but very good for my body. I also go for traditional Malay massage once a month. Not forgetting my exercise routine everyday. I still remember my weight drop nicely every month and as a result, I get slimmer! Very very slim!

My mum also gave me Liquid Spirulina as my extra supplement. It's in berry taste and very delicious. But so sad it's very difficult to find this product nowadays.

I was confirmed pregnant with my lil' Muhammad in 2005. Right after our honeymoon in Langkawi Island. Alhamdulillah! Still remember my husband's question when I did the first pregnancy test. "Sayang, why there are two lines on your pregnancy test?"

I know he's very excited and we're both very happy. After I delivered my lil' Muhammad, I told him, "Honestly, I don't know whether we'll be blessed with another child or not. This might the first or the last delivery I had."

Alhamdulillah! I had my 2nd delivery (early this year) after my lil' Muhammad turned 4 years old. It's our 7th year of wedding too. Our lil' baby Iman Najiha is a gift from Allah S.W.T. for us. I'd never expect I'll get pregnant again. Syukur kepada Allah S.W.T. Yang Maha Kaya Lagi Maha Pengasihani!

Sometimes, it makes me think, why certain people reluctant to try or to explore other options. I came across several ladies who are having PCOS too. But I wonder, why they just wait for the miracle? It's good to explore rather than just waiting. Not only to upgrade our health condition but it's great for our personal appearance too.

Money should be the encouragement not the disappointment. A beautiful lady once told me, "It's too expensive to buy supplement and I don't have time to exercise".

So I told her,"If supplement is too expensive, you can opt for healthy diet. If you don't have time to exercise, you can adjust your time and can even exercise in your own bedroom".

Well, the decision is ours. Life is like having a big circle around us. Day by day, the circle will getting smaller and smaller. It's our decision to fight for it and make it bigger or to let the circle getting smaller and tighter. What is your choice?

Hari Raya Aidiladha

Salam. It's the first time in our life to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha without our parents. This year, my siblings and I had pot luck for our Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration. Miss my mum and dad so much...


Our pot luck


My wonderful family (not all of my siblings were here)



My loving hubby and baby Iman

12th College Convocation

Salam. It's our pride and joy every year to see our students having their convocation and receive their scroll as the price for their effort in their study. I'm very proud this year as our School of IT is having graduates from DIT, DSE and CIT programmes. I'm even more proud as two of my students from DIT and DSE programmes received a few 'anugerah' from the college.

Me


Rachel, Amy, Me, Dahlia, Tracy, Grace, Rusmah and Frank


Mae, Swee Tee and Me


Me, Ryan and Swee Tee


Hadzel, Me, Audrey, Santhy and Hazwan (DSE students)


Siti and Me (CIT student)

Congratulations to my DSE student, Hadzel Richard! She received 'Anugerah Presiden', 'Anugerah Industri - Petronas', and 'Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang'.

Congratulations to my DIT student, Voon Boon Sin! She received 'Anugerah Industri - Yayasan Sarawak' and 'Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang'.

Congratulations to my CIT student, Efahayanti bt. Rabat! She received 'Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang'.

Training of Trainers

Salam. I went to TOT at Santubong Resort the day after Muhammad's concert. It's a 3 days programme organized by Programme & Studies department at our college. So sad I didn't get more photos taken as I was one of the committee members. I brought along my two lil' ones and of course, the father as well lah, hihihi...

We had several academicians participating as our guest speakers. The best was Tuan Haji Muhammad Shuib's session. He's so natural and I like his presentation. Very intuitive as well.

Me and Mae




Me and Hajah Khaninah (my team leader)





Me and Ketty




Me and Swee Tee





Me and Abang Moasili (Does he look familiar to you? He's one of the newscaster at RTM Sarawak)




Awang Nazaruddin, Kedani, Me and Hairul (supposed I've a few more team members but they're missing in action for a while... hihihi... We won the 4th place in Treasure Hunt.)





I'm doing a presentation for my team





Winner of the day! My two lil' ones in action... zzzzzzzzzzzz.........

Muhammad's Concert

Salam. Muhammad's kindergarten concert was last week and after that, I went for TOT at Santubong Resort. Muhammad was performing "Bunyi Gitar" dance with his classmates (ALL BOYS) in Level 1. So cute! Well, what can you expect from a group of 4 years old boys?

It's a 2 hours concert whereby all the kids were participating in different performance. Not only dances, but also reading and choral speaking.

Muhammad and his friends

Mummy and lil' Muhammad

Little Bright Thinker's 2009 concert

Taipei in Memory

Salam. Happy day to everyone! I'm doing final result compilation this week. Also consulting the final year students with their final project. I came across a few photos of mine in Taipei. Just sharing... This is my article published in our college bulletin for my workshop in Taipei.










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APEC OVOP INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON E-COMMERCE

THE GRAND HOTEL, TAIPEI, TAIWAN

It was the beginning of autumn season in Taipei when I arrived there last August. I represented Malaysia in an international APEC workshop on E-Commerce at the Grand Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan. The organizing committees for this workshop were APEC Taiwan, Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, and Small and Medium Enterprise Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan. With another Malaysian representative from Kuala Lumpur, we had 5 days of workshop and the final day was our field trip to Taoyuan County, Taiwan.

The participants came from various countries such as Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Singapore and Taiwan. The objective of the workshop was to give training on E-Commerce for SME (Small Medium Enterprise). Upon completion of the workshop, the participants were expected to give training on E-Commerce for the SMEs in their own countries. Invited speakers were professional lecturers and business leaders from USA, Australia, Singapore, and Taiwan. They had given a broad view on E-Commerce and issues regarding the development of E-Commerce.

Topics covered in the workshop were:

The New Trend of E-Commerce

Preparations for Entering E-Commerce

Building E-Commerce Websites

E-Commerce Management

Legal Requirement

Payment

Logistics

E-Marketplace

E-Commerce Marketing Strategy

Evaluate Your E-Commerce

On the final day, we visited a few business centers in Taoyuan County which was situated below Taipei. We traveled by a shuttle bus and went to Yingko Ceramic Museum, Fortune and Wealth Pottery Place Art, STY-Art Company and Eslitebooks Logistics. We also had the chance to visit the world’s tallest building and a completed skyscraper, Taipei 101 which also has been hailed as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.

It was a great honor for me to have this opportunity as I also represented PPKS/ICATS in the international workshop. I was amazed with the robust technology being used in Taiwan as they fully manipulated the IT technology in their business. It was also a splendid experience to see different cultures and environment as Taiwan is a vibrant blend of traditional culture and cosmopolitan life which contains a massive population with 23 million people.

Noorafini Bt. Abdul Wahab

IT Lecturer

1Malaysia College Launching

Salam. Last Thursday was the launching of 1Malaysia College at my college. We enjoyed the celebration and it's a grand event as Deputy Chief Minister and several other politicians attended our event.

I miss my parents...

Salam. It's Sunday afternoon. I ordered pizza for lunch today. Today is 'relaxing' day. I spent the whole day at home as my hubby is having red eyes. Meanwhile my two lil' ones are recovering so fast from their red eyes especially baby Iman.

My mom called again last night. Huhuhu... I miss her so much. Our house feels so empty without our parents. It's an emptiness that I can't explain in words...

Semoga ayahanda dan bonda tenang dan gembira menunaikan haji di kota suci Mekah.

My loving Dad and Mom

The Opening of Atok Kopitiam

Salam. I'm on emergency leave today. My lil' Muhammad is having red eyes since last night. And high fever too. I brought him to the clinic this morning. Luckily, he's very strong and not that fussy. But I didn't get enough sleep as he seems to wake up more often and complained about his eyes.

Anyway, yesterday is the opening of my brother's Atok Kopitiam. Congratulations to my brother Andy! I'm very proud of you, dear. And not forgetting my sister, EE. She also owns a cafeteria, The Big Four.

Me, Andy (brother), EE (sister) and Aziah (sister)

Me and my cousin, Azie

Earlier, I celebrated my best friend's birthday, Swee Tee at my office. Happy sweet 25th birthday, my dear!

Me and Swee Tee

Lecturers in the house!

Another day of my life

Salam. Another day of my life. Syukur Alhamdulillah!

I applied for MSc IT in UiTM, Sarawak. So sad... They offered me MSc IT by Research instead because of not enough students. Me? Research? Even Unimas did not offer MIT for the time being. :-(

So I applied my MIT(CS) in UKM. Need to fly there every weekend for 2 years. What to do? Think positively. Muhammad is 4++ years old and Iman is 1++ year old by the time I start my Master next year. I'll take my study leave and teach part time at my college. Mmm... I can spend more time with my two lil' ones.

I suddenly remember one thing. My late sister used to tell us (her younger siblings), "Mulakan segala urusan harianmu dengan membaca Bismillahirrahmanirrahiim. Kerana bacaan ini adalah pembuka segala qalam."

Bimillahirrahmanirrahiim. Ya Allah! Permudahkanlah jalannya bagiku Ya Allah! Berkatilah niatku untuk meningkatkan lagi ilmu yang ada pada diriku supaya dapat aku berkongsi dengan orang lain dan membantu mereka yang memerlukan. Amin.

Business Seminar and Haji

Salam. I had a hectic week in these two weeks. Busy from Monday till Sunday. (sigh)

My hubby brought me to a business seminar last Sunday at Santubong Resort. So exhausted as the seminar was from 9 am to 6 pm. However, at least we had wonderful time together. Thanks suamiku!

Me and Hubby

Yesterday, my parents flew to perform their hajj. Feel so happy and sad as well. Alhamdulillah! Semoga kedua ibu bapa kami tenang menunaikan ibadah dan beroleh kedamaian di Tanah Suci Mekah. Amiinn...

Me and my elegant mom!