Mitos Tentang Kelahiran Mati : Apa Yang Benar, Apa Yang Salah

Kelahiran mati adalah topik yang sukar untuk dibaca, namun kesedaran tentang isu ini membantu ibu bapa untuk lebih bersiap sedia. Di Asia, kelahiran mati masih lagi topik tabu untuk dibicarakan. Sebenarnya tiada siapa tahu kenapa ini terjadi atau bagaimana ia boleh terjadi. Artikel ini ditulis untuk mengubah mitos dan tabu tentang kelahiran mati, dan membantu orang ramai mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang isu ini.

Dengan berbicara tentang isu ini, mungkin artikel ini dapat membantu mengatasi kelahiran mati dan pada masa yang sama memberi sokongan kepada ibu-ibu yang bersedihan secara diam-diam.

Apa itu
kelahiran mati
?

Mari kita mulakan dengan, APA MAKSUDNYA KELAHIRAN MATI?

Menurut Kathleen del Prado, seorang pakar sakit puan dan pakar kehamilan risiko tinggi di klinik swasta di Lucena City, Quezon, Filipina, kelahiran mati didefinisikan sebagai “melahirkan bayi berusia lebih lima bulan tanpa degup jantung. Keguguran pula ‘kehilangan’ kandungan bayi kurang daripada usia lima bulan atau janin kurang daripada berat 500 gram.”

Kelahiran mati boleh berlaku pada trimester awal, trimester terakhir atau cukup bulan. Kelahiran mati trimester awal berlaku apabila janin meninggal pada usia kandungan antara 20 hingga 27 minggu, kelahiran mati trimester terakhir pula pada kandungan berusia antara 28 hingga 36 minggu manakala kelahiran mati cukup bulan berlaku pada kandungan berusia 37 minggu ke atas.

Lima Mitos Kelahiran Mati

Mitos pertama Kelahiran Mati: Kelahiran mati dan keguguran alah perkara yang sama

Tidak. Seperti yang kami ujarkan, ia sebenarnya jauh berbeza.

Keguguran berlaku di dalam utero, manakala ketika kelahiran mati terjadi, anda masih perlu meneran bayi keluar namun bayi tersebut meninggal di dalam rahim sebelum atau selepas ibu mengalami sakit bersalin.

Mitos ke-2 Kelahiran Mati: Kelahiran mati berlaku kerana ibu hamil terlalu aktif

Sekali lagi, ini salah. Kelahiran mati disebabkan oleh pelbagai faktor dan ia tidak ada kena mengena dengan aktiviti yang dilakukan oleh si ibu.

Mitos ke-3 Kelahiran Mati: Anda perlu tidur terlentang

Ini salah sekali. Tidur mengiring sebenarnya adalah cara yang terbaik untuk menghalang kelahiran mati. Ia juga salah satu cara tidur paling selesa yang anda boleh cuba selepas anda masuk ke trimester kedua.

Mitos ke-4 Kelahiran Mati: “Selepas kandungan saya berusia 12 minggu dan saya melepasi tahap perkembangan anak tersebut, saya tidak akan berhadapan dengan keguguran atau kelahiran mati”

Agak perit untuk kami ujar perkara yang sebenar namun ini fakta yang salah sekali.

Kebiasaannya, wanita mengandung diberitahu untuk elak mengumumkan kehamilan mereka sehingga minggu ke 12. Ini bagi memastikan pembentukan bayi dalam kandungan ‘terjamin’.

Kami tidak mahu menakut-nakutkan anda dan tidak sesekali mahu merampas berita gembira ini, namun anda harus ingat kelahiran mati masih boleh terjadi. Apa yang anda harus lakukan adalah anda perlu kekal gaya hidup yang sihat dan berjaga-jaga dengan langkah anda agar kedua-dua ibu dan bayi selamat.

Mitos ke-5 Kelahiran Mati: Tiada rawatan untuk kelahiran mati

Ya, benar. Tiada ‘rawatan’ untuk isu ini, tetapi ada beberapa perkara yang anda boleh lakukan untuk menghalang ia terjadi.

Salah satu cara yang paling senang ialah dengan mengira detik tendangan janin anda. Menurut doktor, masa yang terbaik untuk lakukan kiraan ini adalah selepas sahaja anda makan. Kebanyakan bayi amat aktif pada waktu ini.

Selain itu, anda juga boleh cuba tidur mengiring ke kiri. Jika mampu, cuba jaga kesihatan anda sebaik mungkin dan kerapkan berjumpa dengan pakar sakit puan anda untuk awasi kehamilan anda.

Mitos ke-6 Kelahiran Mati: Salah wanita

Pasti si ibu atau ahli keluarganya telah lakukan sesuatu yang mengakibatkan ini terjadi.

Wahai ibu: ini 100% tidak benar dan bukan salah anda. Malangnya, perkara seperti ini akan terjadi walaupun kita cuba menjaga diri sebaik. Anda perlu ingat bahawa ini bukan salah anda.

Project Sidekicks: Maklumat tentang kelahiran mati

Di theAsianparent, kami hadir dengan fungsi Kick Counter dalam aplikasi kami yang mana anda boleh mengira detik tendangan janin. Si ibu harus mengawasi pergerakan bayi kerana penurunan pergerakan menjadi amaran bahawa ada sesuatu yang tidak kena.

Untuk maklumat lanjut tentang kelahiran mati, layari
Project Sidekicks.

Peringatan: Anda tidak dibenarkan menyiar artikel ini di mana-mana laman web atau status Facebook yang lain, tanpa pemberian kredit dan pautan yang tepat lagi berfungsi pada artikel asal di laman
theAsianparent Malaysia
.

Sumber: Artikel ini telah mendapat kebenaran dari
theAsianparent Philippines
untuk diterjemahkan.

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I’m Afraid To Discipline My Kids, What If They Hate Me?

I often feel awful to discipline my kid, because discipline is often confused with punishment. This is why we are afraid to discipline our kids.

What distinguishes the more harsh training that often passes for teaching in our society is positive discipline. Try to enforce rules while empathizing with the child’s behaviour.

Every child presents discipline challenges at every age, here we show you how to handle them.

We spoke to a circle of parents to find out how they do it. This is what they had to say about disciplining their child.

As the mom of three kids, aged between 9 years to 13 months, Karen says-

“I believe that babies are much smarter than what we take them to be. I start with a grumpy look, and then a firm ‘No’ and after the final warning take the toys away.  Again with my toddlers, a light swat on the hand, accompanied with a stern ‘don’t touch’ work.  If they abide they are rewarded by a loving snuggle and kiss.”

Pat, a father of two kids says –

“I don’t think it is too early. If our kids try to touch anything electrical or the cupboards, we give them a smack on the hand not too hard though. If he is playing up over meal times we put him in his highchair and turn him around to face the wall for a minute. Later we always give him a hug and tell him why we did it and ask him to say sorry. He is learning.”

Below we have answered the most common questions parents encounter while disciplining their kids:

What is the right age to start discipline my kid?

If you treat your child as someone who cannot understand, they will always behave like one. The boundaries should really begin at birth.

There are no real age guidelines to enforce rules. Adjust rules according to your child’s comprehension level. When a successful method doesn’t seem to work anymore, step it up a notch.

How do I discipline my kid?

Set a good example early on.

When your child tries to tell you something, focus your attention and respond, just as you expect her to listen to you. Model whatever you want to teach your kid. A child gets your message more from observation than from communication.

Punishment is destructive to your relationship with your child creating misbehaviour. The right way is to set limits and reinforce expectations, but in an empathic way that helps the child focus on improving her behaviour rather than getting angry.

Why do my kids disregard my warnings and threats?

We all make empty threats and warnings sometimes, especially in the heat of the moment, hoping to coerce better behaviour out of our kids. These seldom work as we give warnings with great consequences to grab maximum attention which we fail to abide by. So they learn to not pay much attention to those warnings at all.

Instead, prepare your child beforehand. If you do not behave you may not go to ‘Candyland’ next Friday. These warnings are much easier to stand by.

How do I discipline my kid without being a hardliner in the process?

Disciplining a child is like walking a tight rope.  On one side you don’t want to be too liberal and raise a brat. On the other side there’s the fear of over-control and raising daunted, sullen kids.

Discipline gives a child structure and rules without which they start to feel insecure. Practising positive discipline ensures that our little ones grow up to be respectful, caring, and well behaved.

What should I do when my toddler enters the kitchen and touches electrical points?

Explain to your child in your way that as a parent their safety and well-being is your priority and purpose. Speak to your child in simple words about the dangers in such places as you cannot always be there to protect them.

Special care should be taken about safety issues. Get hold of home kid-friendly products. Special childproof switch guards, locks are available for appliances, use fencing around the kitchen area in order to keep them safe.

Reminding them about safety will surely make them understand.

Is it okay to use time-outs with my toddler?

The time-out is one of the best-known discipline tactics, but it’s also somewhat controversial.

When we say ‘Go to your room,’ we’re teaching them we’re in control, though we really want them to learn to control themselves.

Treat time-outs as nothing more than a brief cooling-off period for both of you.  Less than a minute of time-out is long enough for a 2-year-old.

What is the best discipline method?

Discipline has many forms, as a parent choose what’s best. Whichever form of discipline you choose, just keep them consistent and moderate.

Be consistent and unwavering about rules and chores. Always back it up with positive reinforcement and love.
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Everything we do as parents are to connect with our child and support him so he’s open to our guidance.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:

Dear Parents, These Are 7 Signs Your Kids Need More Child Discipline

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How to Get Rid of Period Cramps & Stop Dreading Your Time of the Month

Few days before getting our period,
we’ll start to feel bloated, emotional, constantly hungry, and irritated by every single thing in life
. When it finally came, we’ll be even more upset along with non-stop period pain.  Is it even possible to have a pain-free period? Absolutely. So we start to search online on how to get rid of period cramps.

Truth is, it takes little more than making lifestyle changes and using certain medications. Other times an underlying health disorder may be the cause of the agony,
requiring a trip to the gynaecologist
.

A recent study by a professor of reproductive health at University College London even had compared period pain to having a heart attack, claiming they need to be taken more seriously.

See. We’re not making this up. Read more to know what actually causes period cramps and how to get rid of period cramps naturally!

What Causes Period Cramps?

Credit: Health Xchange

When you ovulate, levels of progesterone begin rising in your body, which slightly raises your body temperature. As you get ready to menstruate, your
 progesterone levels drop
 as the endometrial tissue—the tissue lining the uterus—begins breaking down.

Hormonal shifts account for part of the agony. And if you seem to suffer from depression either right before or during your period, fluctuating hormones likely play a role.

Additionally, when your period starts, your uterus contracts to expel the unnecessary endometrial tissue. These contractions send pain signals through your vagus nerve, the longest of 12 cranial nerves running from your abdomen all the way to your brain. This process results in the signature dull or sharp cramping many women experiences.

How to Get Rid of Period Cramps with Natural Remedies

If you have mild to moderate period pain (meaning you can still function, though not necessarily at your best), the following natural remedies can bring you considerable relief:

1# Yoga for period pain relief

Credit: Galxion

Yoga makes for the ideal exercise during your period if you don’t feel up to jumping around in a Zumba class or putting in miles on a treadmill.

Because there’s no impact, you can practice yoga even if you suffer degenerative joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and indeed, the practice can alleviate pain from such conditions as well.

Certain poses, such as Marjaiasana-Bitilasana, or cat-cow pose, activate the vagus nerve, bringing relief. Plus, the release of endorphins alleviates pain too.

2# Essential oils for period cramps

Credit: Shutterstock

You can use essential oils in two ways: Suspend them in a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage them into the abdomen, or add them to a diffuser to inhale.

Cinnamon essential oil proves especially helpful to overweight and obese women with cramps. You can use cinnamon internally to balance blood sugar levels upset by insulin resistance, which can help balance other hormones. Other
 oils to use
 include lavender, frankincense and clary sage.

3# Acupuncture for cramps

Credit: HelloGiggles

Western scientists believe acupuncture works by stimulating certain nerves as the practitioner manipulates the needles. You’d do well to seek out a certified practitioner and slate approximately 60 minutes for your first treatment.

4# Menstrual cramp massage

Some women
 swear by menstrual massage
 for relief of both bloating and pain. Some practitioners gently manipulate the abdomen, while others use heat on the stomach and low back while manipulating acupressure points.

5# Heat pad for cramps

Credit: Pillow Insider

A hot water bottle or heating can be a menstruating woman’s best friend. Research indicates that heat interrupts the pain signals travelling along the nerves to the brain.

Foods to help period cramps

Eating a diet low in meat — hormones used in raising livestock may disrupt human hormones — and high in nuts and dark, leafy greens like kale can bring relief
.

Nuts, seeds and deep greens contain high levels of magnesium, a mineral known to moderate moods and relieve pain, which can be especially helpful if you get headaches with your period.

Supplements to reduce period pain

Some women find relief from taking magnesium supplements — but go easy, as they can make you poop — or fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids can help balance hormones naturally.

Allopathic Therapies for Menstrual Discomfort

If you track your period, you can alleviate much menstrual pain before it starts.

Begin taking an over-the-counter pain reliever approximately one to two days prior to the usual start of your period. This method will work more effectively than waiting until you’re doubled over in agony.

Additionally,
using birth control pills can regulate and lighten your period, reducing cramps
. If you’re not trying to conceive, talk to your gynaecologist about your birth control options.

Different pills contain varying levels of hormones, so you might need to experiment to find which option works best for you.

When to See the Doctor

If your symptoms grow severe enough to warrant calling off work each month, it’s time to call the doctor. You could suffer from endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial tissue grows on other organs outside of the uterus.

Do you experience unusually heavy periods? You may suffer from uterine fibroids.
These growths can impact fertility, and seeking help can lead to identifying your treatment options.

Finally, severe hormonal fluctuations may signify polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition where the levels of progesterone, estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone drive the ovary to release many eggs, many of which form fluid-filled sacs called cysts.
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If you experience stubborn weight gain that won’t budge despite lifestyle changes, this condition could play a role.

Yes, You Can Find Period Pain Relief and Stop Dreading Your Cycle

If no underlying health condition exists, you can regulate your period naturally with lifestyle changes and medications.

Underlying health issues may require more aggressive treatment, but with proper care, yes, a pain-free period is possible!

We hope this article about how to get rid of period cramps would help you feel much better next time Aunt Flo starts to visit. When in doubt, do check with your medical practitioner for further examination.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:
Your Menstrual Cycle Explained – Including How to Eat and Workout to Feel Empowered

Read more:
A Women’s Health Expert Answers Your Questions About Fertility Tracking

Read more:
 Postpartum back pain

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"My Child Is Healthy, How Did They Get Infected With Chickenpox?"

It is a misconception that just because your child is generally healthy that they cannot get infected with a serious, contagious disease. When COVID-19 broke, parents everywhere were so worried for their children’s health because they knew that the whole world would be susceptible to it.

So why do we take any other contagious disease lightly? Especially when DOCUMENTED, protective measures have been in place for decades now
1
?

An example of a contagious disease is chickenpox
2
. Why do you think schools make announcements when there is an outbreak of chickenpox? They know that it will spread quickly among the kids
3
 and would put them at risk of potential complications arising from the disease
1
.

Don’t Take Contagious Diseases Lightly

It’s such a pain to watch our kids suffer from chickenpox. We can only imagine the pain and discomfort that they must feel having to fight the infection with their developing immune systems.

Chickenpox usually lasts for 2 weeks, and starts with the classic symptoms of a fever, then a rash that turns into itchy blisters on the back, chest, face and eventually the whole body
2
.

Typically, when day cares or schools warn parents of a chickenpox outbreak, it is because it spreads through the air (when an infected person coughs or sneezes) or when the virus is spread through the blister fluids that could be passed via touching
2
.

And let’s face it – children may not be able to follow proper hygiene and can touch people, surfaces or themselves often.

They will likely scratch the blisters – which not only make it harder to curb the spread when they’re interacting with other kids in school, but may also lead to secondary bacterial infection
2,4
.

What Do We Mean By “Not Taking It Lightly”

Parents should start asking their doctors about the right age to get the varicella vaccine. Image for representation purpose only

Parents should know that there is no cure for chickenpox
5
, only treatment to address the symptoms. Hence, it is not something to take lightly.

It is not something we should just be blase about and say, “Oh, it’s all right if my child gets chickenpox.”

Because it’s not all right for your child to get chickenpox when a vaccine-preventable disease may be prevented by getting immunized
2
!

The vaccine is given as a preventive measure to help prevent infection, reduce the risk of complications
2
.

When Should My Child Get Chickenpox Vaccine?

The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine is currently not available in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) by the Malaysian government, it is recommended as an additional vaccine
6
. However, it is easily found at most general practitioners clinics or paediatric clinics. Though the cost varies from clinic to clinic, parents must understand that the cost of these vaccines are worth it for the peace of mind.

After all, there is no monetary cost that outweighs our child’s health and safety, right?

So we recommend that you ask your GP or paediatrician about the right age to get the immunisation.

MY-VVX-00132 Sep/2022

REFERENCES:

Gershon AA. Vaccination against varicella: What’s the point?. Advances in experimental medicine and biology. 2010;659.

PORTAL MyHEALTH. Chickenpox. Available From:
https://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/chickenpox/
.   Last Accessed 20 August 2022.

School and daycare exclusion policies for chickenpox: A rational approach. Paediatrics & child health.1999;4(4).

Wolfson LJ, Castillo ME, Giglio N, Mészner Z, Molnár Z, Vàzquez M, et al. The use of antibiotics in the treatment of pediatric varicella patients: Real-world evidence from the multi-country Marvel Study in Latin America & Europe – BMC public health. BioMed Central. 2019;19(826).

Health Service Executive. Chickenpox. Available From:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/chickenpox/
. Last Accessed 21 August 2022.

Immunise4Life. 5 Additional Recommended Vaccines for Children. Available From:
https://immunise4life.my/5-additional-vaccines-for-children/
. Last Accessed 23 September 2022.

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Things To Eat & Things To Avoid If You Have Constipation

Having trouble pooping? You’re not alone! Constipation is one of the most commonly reported digestive issues, with more than 10-15% of the world’s population suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and up to 20% from chronic constipation.

Constipation is an uncomfortable, inconvenient, and frustrating problem that affects millions of people. While it’s normal to have the occasional back up in the bathroom, especially when stressed or traveling, it’s another thing to have it negatively impact your everyday life.

It’s not new news that having daily bowel movements is a good indicator of good health, but with today’s fast-paced modern world, poor dietary choices, and high levels of stress and travel getting in the way we’re starting to see that more people are experiencing troubles in the loo and thus more health issues.

The good news is that there are ways to prevent constipation and there are many natural constipation relief remedies available that can help relieve the discomfort if you are suffering. After years of battling digestive issues and IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome constipation), I’ve experienced my fair share of needing quick relief and needing it fast.

What is constipation?

Poop is the body’s natural way of getting rid of the leftover waste and toxins. After your body has absorbed the nutrients that it needs from the foods you’ve eaten, it needs to get rid of them. If this doesn’t happen, the toxins are reabsorbed back into the body and can lead to a plethora of other issues such as leaky gut, autoimmunities,
anxiety
, fatigue, and other illness.

Although it’s normal to experience tummy troubles from time to time, if your regular isn’t easy to pass first thing in the morning or you need stimulants such as coffee, you’ll want to start looking for some solutions. Constipation is when a person has fewer than three bowel movements a week. Stools are usually hard, dry, or lumpy, and may be difficult or painful to pass as opposed to a healthy stool which is easy to pass and looks like a banana.

Constipation is usually caused from a combination of different factors, such as diet, level of activity throughout the day, and also stress levels. Keep in mind that constipation is the symptom not the cause and it’s when you get to the root of the issue is when you start to figure out how to get things flowing again- pun intended.
Natural Home Pharmacy
 (NHP) founded by Naturopath Amanda Teh can also help. Amanda guides us on how to make simple effective remedies using home ingredients to better your constipation and boost your immunity. Another great way to help ease your digestive discomfort is by the regular consumption of
Pegaga by Purelyb
 which is known to aid digestion and encourage detoxification.

Foods to gut in

High fiber foods:

Your gut loves fiber! To get things moving along, you need fiber and many different varieties of it. Focus on consuming high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables both raw and cooked, beans, nuts, ancient grains and seeds in your daily diet. The goal is to have half your plate made up of vegetables that are rich in color and textures. This helps to ensure you’re getting a wide variety of fiber into your diet.

Fermented foods:

Your body is made up of a balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria called
probiotics
. When the body is in balance, called homeostasis, everything runs as it should and energy levels and bowels are top notch. Due to modern living, this usually isn’t the case which is why our gut needs a little assistance in maintaining balance. To ensure that your gut is healthy and happy, you want to make sure you’re helping it out with consuming at least one serving of fermented foods a day to get in those probiotics.

Pineapple and Papaya:

These foods are the tricks I tell my students to keep in their back pocket. They have natural digestive enzymes in them that help to move things along. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which is a protein that makes it easier to digest and has been shown to improve constipation and other symptoms of IBS. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is said to have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, which is found in the core and in the juice. If you’re feeling bloated, trying to make a smoothie with one or both of these with some ginger.

Water and warm liquids

Fiber needs water to pass through the digestive system to form stool. Warm or room temperature liquids, especially when consumed first thing in the morning, help to wake-up digestion. When your bowels are backed up, you need hydration to loosen up the stool and get things moving. A tool I like to use when a flare-up occurs is “water therapy”, which is drinking 50 oz of water first thing in the morning and waiting 1 hour before consuming any foods. This concept helps to flush out toxins and relieves symptoms such as migraines, inflammation, and chronic fatigue along with constipation.

Foods to avoid

Unhealthy Fats

Fried foods and fast food snacks like chips, cookies, chocolate, and ice cream are high in fat and low in fiber, a combination that can slow digestion. On top of this, these foods are also rich in salt, which lowers the water content in stools and furthers the backup. Snacking in large quantities of these foods often replaces the high-fiber foods in a person’s diet such as fruits and vegetables.

Refined Carbohydrates

Refined flour, carbohydrates, and processed grains, such as white bread, white rice, baked goods, and white pasta, have been stripped of the bran and germ parts of the grain. These components were the bits that made them nutrient dense in the past, but due to the desire for longer shelf-life they have been removed. Removing this lowers the fiber content of these foods, which is what creates the bulk in the stool to get things moving along. This is what results in back up, bloat, and constipation.

Recipe to gut unstuck

Recipe: Gold Juice: Beat the Bloat + Boost Immunity

Ingredients:

8 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice (about 5 oranges)

2 celery stalks

2 cups pineapple

1 cucumber

1 inch ginger

1 inch turmeric

Method:

Cut ingredients into chunks and place into juicer. I recommend starting with the ginger and turmeric root so the juicier ingredients will flush them through completely.

Pour juice from juicer plus orange juice into a jar and enjoy!

If you do not own a juicer, you can also blend all ingredients and strain with a fine mesh strainer.

Will last in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours in an airtight container, but tastiest and most nutritious when fresh.

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB
.

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The importance of family and extended family support in pregnancy

Every pregnant woman is different but they all need a solid family support system to get them through these nine months, both emotionally and physically. As mums-to-be undergo major changes in their body such as
morning sickness
, hormonal spikes and even pregnancy brain, there will be instances where family support in pregnancy is exactly what they need to tide through these experiences.

Research
 finds that pregnant women with a supportive family experience improvements in child care, health and overall quality of life! So, future fathers, grandparents, uncle and aunts, here is how you can lend your support for that very special lady in your life to have a happy, as well as healthy pregnancy.

Morning sickness

Proper family support in pregnancy can make a big difference to mum-to-be’s wellbeing.

A common sign of pregnancy is morning sickness. This usually starts in the fourth week of pregnancy when mummies will be vomiting day, night or both!

But, every pregnant woman experiences morning sickness differently – some mummies may be lucky enough to not suffer any morning sickness at all, while some may experience mild to severe nausea.

However,
studies
 revealed that women with mild to moderate morning sickness are more prone to have an increase in appetite during early pregnancy. Conversely, increased severity of nausea could potentially be linked with sudden changes in diet, such as lack of vegetables or changes in tea, coffee, rice, cereals, fruit and drink intake.

How can you help?

Pay close attention to how her body reacts to certain foods:
 It is advisable to select meals high in protein and low in fat and are easy to digest. Try to avoid greasy, spicy or fatty foods. Here is an explainer on what
foods pregnant women should avoid for the health of their baby
.

Encourage her to drink more water:
 Constant nausea will cause her to
dehydrate and lose electrolytes
, so make sure she’s getting extra fluids. Salty foods may help to restore some of those lost electrolytes.

Serve her snacks:
 Prepare some snacks in the morning, such as crackers of plain biscuits. These not only help contain the nausea but will also prevent those pesky hunger pangs. You could also look into getting prenatal vitamins, but make sure to consult a doctor beforehand on which ones are safe.

Help out with chores:
 Her body may be relatively weak and she may not have the strength to continue doing daily chores.

Be careful around smells:
 Certain smells may aggravate her nausea. Try to avoid bringing her near food or cooking during early pregnancy. Let her find what smells are okay with her and what aren’t, and be sensitive to those preferences.

Seek professional advice:
 Consult her doctor or free up some time to attend her consultations. He/she may prescribe a specific type of diet if her morning sickness is severe.

Emotional health

Family support in pregnancy can give a pregnant woman the emotional boost she needs.

Expect a roller coaster of emotions. According to the
American Pregnancy Association
, pregnant women will undoubtedly feel a shift in their emotions because of their hormone levels. The production of progesterone and oestrogen is soaring as her body preps itself to nurture the tiny life it is growing.

Some women may be become
irritable due to the high levels of progesterone
. Every woman is different. Some may be more sensitive to oestrogen changes and vice versa. These
hormone changes
 affect the brain chemicals that regulate our moods, also known as neurotransmitters, which could be an explanation for the spontaneous mood swings.  Additionally, stress and fatigue can also affect her mental health as she may also be feeling overwhelmed during her pregnancy, especially within the first three months.

Negative emotions, such as fear or anxiety, may creep up and this could be due to various factors including a previous miscarriage, questioning motherhood or even, body image issues.

How can you help?

Be there for her to talk to:
 Ask her how is she feeling everyday and listen to her concerns or fears. Sometimes, listening or positive reassurance is the comfort she may be looking for.

Be patient:
 You may find yourself in the centre of her mood swings. It can be hard to understand. So, be patient and try to understand what irritated her to avoid repeating it.

Don’t let it escalate:
 Mood swings can lead to fights, especially between spouses. However, try your best to refrain from raising your voice or having your own little mood swing. Instead, try talking her down and discuss it as a healthy conversation.

Let her rest:
 It is important she gets plenty of sleep. Take over any household chores to avoid any unnecessary stress on her – it can be the smallest of things, so be attentive to her daily routine.

Physical activity:
 Encourage her to get active. Plan a physical activity such a taking a walk or even, pregnancy yoga.
Research
 uncovered showed that upper-body flexibility is associated with emotional regulation during pregnancy.

Pregnancy brain

Also known as “mummy brain”, it is a playful term that comes up when mums are forgetful. Although many consider this to be an old wives tale, mummy brain is very real. The science behind is that, because progesterone and oestrogen production have spiked in preparation for pregnancy, these hormones will affect the neurons in the brain – which can cause poor memory.

Meanwhile,
research
 by University of Southern California psychologist J. Galen Buckwalter, uncovered that pregnant women were found to have reduced ability in retaining or learning new information. But, fret not, brain shrinkage is temporary – the grey matter in the brains will go back to normal after childbirth. Furthermore, other factors such as lack of sleep or poor emotional state could contribute to pregnancy brain.

How can you help?

Create a schedule:
 Make a schedule to list down all her doctor appointments and help her set up reminders on important dates or other events. You can stick this up on the wall so she will see it daily!

Write it down for her:
 Buy a notebook and create an easy template for her to jot down anything important as it comes – this could be events, dinner dates, family visits and such.

Make sure she rests:
 Encourage her to get plenty of sleep and rest. Fatigue can potentially lead to brain fog.

Make a nutritious meal:
 Cook up a delicious meal that is rich in protein.
Protein
 is essential for growth and development while also require to repair parts of your body, including the brain.

Physical health

Her body will go through certain transformations – a growing belly and weight gain of course, but some women also experience
swollen ankles or bleeding gums
!  In the early months where oestrogen is increasing heavily, women may experience extra growth in hair, including places they may have not had hair growth before. But, as oestrogen levels fall, women can experience hair-fall during showers or hair brushing. Likewise, breast sizes will increase and stretch marks will be evident – it will be hard on her.

With all of this, her body is prepping to accommodate the baby. However, lifestyle changes will also be required as now she will be feeding not only herself, but her baby too. Dietary changes are unavoidable to keep up her physical health and create a safe haven for her baby in her womb.

How can you help?

Recipes:
 Source for pregnancy-friendly recipes but be weary of the foods that may trigger her nausea.

Know what she needs:
 Read up and study on what pregnant woman can or cannot take. Certain foods are not suitable for consumption and can have adverse affects on pregnancy. ideally, it is best to consult your doctor as well on the best type of diet suited for her.

New clothes:
 With her growing size, she will no longer fit into her clothes. Hence, it is time for maternity wear – the mummies in her life can offer hand-me-downs!

Preparing for birth

Birth can be a scary thought, especially for first-time mothers – it is almost time to meet your precious baby and kickstart what you have learnt from all the parenting guides. Hence, the third trimester is crucial. Adopting healthy pregnancy practices can help her gain a peace-of-mind that her pregnancy is safe and sound – it is advisable to
kick count
daily to identify red flags with changes in baby activity pattern, as well encouraging her to
sleep on the side
 to ensure the health of her pregnancy.

Nevertheless, as the due date nears, this can trigger anxiety, fear and excitement all in one swirl. She may end up scrambling to prepare everything in advance, so she will need all the help she can get.

How can you help?

Help pack her hospital bags:
 With mummy brain, fatigue and potential anxiousness related to the nearing due date, it’s best you help her pack the hospital bag. Make a check list and go through every item with her.

Prep with classes:
 Get searching for antenatal classes or any classes that can help prep for the baby’s arrival. This will be especially useful for first time mothers.

Go to her doctor’s appointments:
 Go with her during her consultation and pay close attention to the doctor’s orders. If you can’t make it to all the consultations, prioritise the important ones such as the scans where you can understand first-hand on how the pregnancy is going.

Keep up with good pregnancy habits:
 Draft out a
kick counting schedule
 and prepare a comfortable spot for her to do this. Remind her daily an hour before her kick counting session. You can even sit with her and feel the kicks together. Also, remind her to sleep on her left side before bedtime.

Lastly, just offer a helping hand

It is important to ask her if she needs help. Like we said, every pregnant women is different and their needs may differ. While pregnancy is a wonderful gift, it has its bad days where fatigue, stress and other factors can get the best of mummies – find out what she needs and how you can help.

Here are some additional tips that she may need at times:
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Reassurance:
 In every situation, emotions, stress, fear and, even physical aspects can be overbearing. Make sure to give her reassurance or compliment that she is doing her best and send a positive message her way.

Affection:
 For spouses, cuddles and hugs are comforting. For families, don’t be afraid to remind her you will be there for her. Any little showers of affection can make her entire day.

Lifestyle:
 Going through pregnancy is a huge lifestyle change from diet to daily habits. Encourage her to keep going, or do it with her! This way, there will be less temptation to fall out of line and it’s always good to have support when going through these major changes.

Giving her a support system to lean on is truly priceless and can mean a lot, even with the smallest of gestures.

This article has been republished with permission from
theAsianparent Singapore
.

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Does Cattle Treatment & Breed Really Matter for Quality Formula Milk?

Parents, we all know milk plays a crucial role in a child’s development – this is driven by the energy and protein content, as well as micronutrients present within milk
. In terms of formula milk, while common choices are cow-milk based, there are variants that are soy-based and specialised formulas which cater to specific needs of children, such as allergies
.

However, as the more common choice would be cow-based milk, have you properly looked into the quality of milk used in the formula before making your purchase? Yes, we are talking about the actual cattle that brands source from to produce these formulations.

Credit: iStock

Did you know that different cow breeds and their diets affect the quality of milk produced? So, to better understand your formula milk’s journey, we have taken a deep dive into understanding how dairy cow breeds, as well as their treatment affect the quality of the milk within our tins.

Different Dairy Cattle Breeds Produce Different Milk

There are different breeds of dairy cows which differ slightly in terms of nutritional content and milk production. Each of these breeds is also favoured for specific dairy products.

Holstein-Friesian:
Hailing from Holland and Friesland, this cattle breed remains one of the most sought after dairy qualities since 2000 years ago. They are known for their milk-producing abilities, which has a relatively low butterfat content
. Their milk yield is between 7,200 and 9,000 kilograms, while on average they produce up to 25 litres of milk per day
.

Ayrshire:
 Ayrshire milk is not too rich but yet, has an adequate amount of fat, as well as non-fat solids such as protein. It is usually used in drinking milk. These breeds are known as a moderate butterfat breed, where top producing Ayshires can produce more than
20,000 pounds of milk in their lactations
.

Brown Swiss
: Brown Swiss cow milk is most ideal for cheese production due to the fat to protein ratio. This breed
can produce over 22,000 pounds of milk during one lactation
.

Guernsey:

Research has shown that 60% of Guernseys carry the Kappa Casein ‘B’ gene, which is a benefit in cheese-making as it provides a firmer curd. This breed is also known for their High Milk Flow
.

Jersey:
The Jersey breed is known for their milk quality which is rich in protein, minerals and trace elements. Their bodies can also adapt to different climates, environments and management practices
.

Proper Cattle Treatment Matters For Production of Quality Milk

According to research, cattle treatment and diet, among other factors, affect the milk cows produce – cows that are fed a consistent diet within an ideal environment will, in turn, affect the overall performance, as well as quality of their milk production
.

Cows that are farmed specifically to produce milk are treated with a nutritional diet including fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates to ensure quality milk production
.

However, environmental changes such as seasonal periods also affect milk production, such as summertime where there is a reduction in milk, fat and protein concentration due to the hot weather
. During these times, farmers may reduce heat stress on cattle with spaces where they can get away from heat exposure such as holding areas, feed bunks and loafing areas
.

Cows Need Monitored and Balanced Nutrition

Like humans, cows need balanced nutrition to ensure their nutritional needs are met and maintain their overall health. Their diet generally includes water, energy (carbohydrates, protein and fats), vitamins, as well as minerals
.

Water is especially crucial for dairy cattle as it helps breakdown the food it consumes and transport the nutrients throughout its body, while helping chemical reactions occur and maintaining their body temperature
.

Credit: Friso® Gold

Meanwhile, energy is essential as cows require it for functions including producing milk, while carbohydrates and protein support functions such as digestion, absorption, plus metabolism. Protein, especially, helps supply amino acids, which are an essential component in milk production
.

However, at peak milk production, lactating cows might need between three to 10 times more protein and energy
. Nevertheless, just like us, every cow has different needs and their feed values or amounts are specific according to factors such as their weight
.

In brief, cattle management by farmers is imperative as they would need close monitoring and customised feeds to ensure they maintain their health for quality milk production.

Friso® Gold with NOVAS™ Signature Milk is sourced from Holstein-Friesian cows

The new Friso® Gold formulation uses NOVAS™ Signature Milk is sourced from specially selected premium Holstein-Friesian Cows that are housed in their own farms in the Netherlands. These cows are regularly evaluated on their health and milk composition to ensure they are able to produce the highest quality of milk
.

Moreover, they are fed a customised diet which includes naturally grown rye grass and maize to ensure each cow maintains optimal health in a bid for quality milk.

Credit: Friso® Gold

Additionally, the farmers utilise neck sensors to monitor each cow’s health throughout their daily activities including how many steps they have taken, how long they lie down and how much food they have consumed. With this, they are able to ensure the health of the cattle and produce the high quality NOVAS™ Signature Milk, which consists of small molecules and soft

structure to ensure it is easy to digest for children.

Friso® Gold with NOVAS™ Signature Milk goes through single processing to preserve the milk’s nutrients

In addition to that, when looking for a formula milk brand, it is best to evaluate if the nutrients are well preserved. This is because a child’s digestive health is very delicate, especially in their early years. Nutrients in their most natural state are much easier to digest, while being less likely to stress your child’s stomach and cause constipation
.

This is why special technology such as Friso® Gold’s LocNutri™ Mild Heat Treatment Technology are used when processing their formula to retain as much nutrients as possible.

Friso® Gold goes through single processing to preserve 90 per cent of nutrients by using mild heat treatment to maintain the natural structures as best as possible.

In total, there are over 50 essential nutrients in each Friso® Gold tin. These include DHA, AA and Omega-3 and Omega-6 to support fuel learning as well as mental growth, while calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals help your child’s muscle and bone growth.

Meanwhile, the presence of GOS, Nucleotides and Bifidolactis supports a healthy gut flora to absorb key nutrients and promote a strong defense system.

New upgraded Friso® Gold now contains no added sucrose or flavour, staying true to the brand’s purpose of providing naturally nutritious formula milk for children’s growth.

Parents can even experience Friso® Gold’s full formula milk journey by scanning the TrackEasy QR code available at the bottom of their 900g tins. This state of the art application aims to provide parents peace of mind on the authenticity, safety and quality of Friso® Gold products.

So, if you are keen on trying out
Friso® Gold with NOVAS™ Signature Milk,
visit
here
 for more information.

Reference:

(2011, September 1). The Importance of Milk and other Animal-Source Foods for …. Retrieved January 5, 2021, from
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/156482651103200307

(2016, May 11). Review of Infant Feeding: Key Features of Breast … – NCBI – NIH. Retrieved January 6, 2021, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882692/

(n.d.). Holstein-Friesian | breed of cattle | Britannica. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from
https://www.britannica.com/animal/Holstein-Friesian

 (n.d.). Animal Husbandry :: Home – TNAU Agritech Portal. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from
https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/animal_husbandry/animhus_cattle.html

 (n.d.). Breeds – Ayrshire – The Cattle Site. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from
https://www.thecattlesite.com/breeds/dairy/19/ayrshire/

 (2016, September 15). History of dairy cow breeds: Brown Swiss – MSU Extension. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/history_of_dairy_cow_breeds_brown_swiss

(n.d.). Breeds – Guernsey – The Dairy Site. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from
https://www.thedairysite.com/breeds/dairy/21/guernsey

 (n.d.). Breeds – Jersey – The Dairy Site. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from
https://www.thedairysite.com/breeds/dairy/23/jersey

(2020, January 24). Nutrition and feeding of dairy cattle – NCBI – NIH. Retrieved January 5, 2021, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7153313/

 (n.d.). Holstein-Friesian | breed of cattle | Britannica. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from
https://www.britannica.com/animal/Holstein-Friesian

“Reducing Heat Stress for Dairy Cattle – The Cattle Site.” 22 Sep. 1999,
https://www.thecattlesite.com/articles/694/reducing-heat-stress-for-dairy-
. Accessed 13 Jan. 2021

 (n.d.). World of Dairy Cattle Nutrition – Holstein Foundation Workbook. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from
https://www.holsteinfoundation.org/pdf_doc/workbooks/DairyCattleNutrition.pdf

(n.d.).
NOVAS™
Signature Milk | Friso. Retrieved January 5, 2021, from
https://www.friso.com.sg/campaign/novas-signature-milk

(n.d.). Friso
®
 Gold 3. Retrieved January 6, 2021, from
https://www.frisogold.com.my/friso-gold/friso-gold-3

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Why are mums tired all the time?

How often have you found yourself waking up after a good 7 hours of sleep yet feeling tired? Do you increasingly find yourself feeling fatigued at the very thought of starting your day, before it has even started proper? Are conversations with your fellow mum friends constantly revolving around exhaustion? Just why are mums always tired?

Ever heard of the invisible workload?

See, mums are always tired because we are never completely at rest. Even as we drift off to sleep, our mind is constantly in a stream of consciousness. Just when we are about to doze off…

Oh I forgot that form that my son needed me to sign. Mental note – I’ll attend to it in the morning.

Baby is due for vaccination, maybe I should do it tomorrow, but wait, I need to make an appointment?

Hubby’s friends are coming over for dinner this Friday, I need to head to the supermarket.

Did I take the laundry in? I didn’t, I’m too tired to see to it now, but what if it rains tonight?

My daughter has a spelling test in two days and there’s this word that she just can’t seem to get right.

Mums are always tired, I wonder why. Note – I need to bake sprinkle cupcakes for bub’s class party.

I’m gaining weight; we have a dinner to attend next week. I don’t think I can fit into my favourite dress. I’m gaining weight, oh my god I am gaining weight!

How strange it is that mums are always tired…I wonder why

And then you finally doze off only to wake up in the middle of the night because anxiety caused by the impending to do list, strikes. Or you had a nightmare of your son’s teacher punishing him for the form you forgot. And the rest of the night’s sleep is of course history. And you wonder why mums are always tired?

Do I even need to start on working mums?

This is the invisible workload that drags mums down the path of perpetual exhaustion. In addition to the million and one things that we do, there are a million and one other things that we
need
 to do and we constantly worry about these things.

Why are mums tired? Mums have a never-ending list of things to worry about!

Some call it maternal instincts, others call it the invisible workload of a mum, and science calls it the mum brain. I call it micromanaging.

In becoming a mother, along with the joy and the smiles of our beautiful children, come the hefty workload and responsibility. But let me tell you this, bluntly and simply, that the reason mums are always tired is because we
allow
 ourselves to be.

You see, for reasons not that difficult to comprehend, to put it at best, becoming a mother turns us a into a bit of a (a bit is a huge understatement!) micromanager. Or should I say it brings out the hidden control freak in us?

Yes, on one hand, you might argue that if we don’t worry about all these things then
who
 will? Not to discredit the wonderful daddies out there, but let’s face the fact – men and women are generally wired differently. There are exceptions but by and large, men function in a much simpler manner than us. And that’s one reason mums are always tired and dads aren’t!

Let’s take for example, bringing our children out. Hubby takes the child out to the movies and gives us some breathing space. But what do we do? We worry.

Did he bring our boy’s jacket? What if the cinema gets too cold? Will he remember to get him the booster seat?

Will he give him popcorn? Popcorn is a lot of sugar; it’s going to make him cough. Chocolates? I hope not. What are they going to have for lunch? Heaven forbid MacDonald’s!

Why didn’t I join them?

I repeat – you wonder why mums are always tired? Even when given breathing space we worry ourselves to the point of mental exhaustion. We seem to think that when anyone else handles our child they won’t do it as well as us, or they might do things differently from us.
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Likewise, when we leave our children with our parents, in-laws, or even the wonderful preschool teachers, we are always worried. Because we are convinced that no one will get it right. And this is a major reason mums are always tired.

We need to trust that dads can handle the baby just fine without us!

You see, for men, it’s as simple as this – if they take the child out, they just make sure they have a good time and they don’t overthink, overanalyse and worry themselves sick wondering if a bag of popcorn will leave a lifetime of detrimental effects on their precious child.

And if we take the kids out, they rejoice with a can of beer and Netflix. They don’t worry if we are doing it all right.

Sometimes we just have to let go. We have to trust that the other parties love and care for our children and will do their utmost best for them.

We need to understand that we cannot possibly do everything all the time. There are days when we just have to leave the laundry unfolded. There are days when the dishes will have to be in the sink because there’s only so much that we can stretch ourselves.

And there are times that we just need to vocalise our thoughts. Many mums are always tired and wishing fervently that their husbands or other family members would step forward to help. To set the record straight – they are not helping. The home is shared and so are the responsibilities that come with running a home.

Mums need to communicate their needs without arguing.

Sometimes men don’t get it and we need to tell them. Don’t assume that if they don’t do the laundry or wash the dishes, they don’t care or don’t want to. Maybe it just doesn’t occur to them and they need to be told. So don’t hesitate to be clear and direct about what you want, or rather,
need
 from them.

And above and beyond all of that, we need to disconnect ourselves from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind and wind down. However impossible this sounds, we must slot in some time before we end the day, or in brief intervals during the day, to allow ourselves to be
us
.

We need to not be the master chef, laundrywoman, teacher, sports coach, businesswoman, mumpreneur, or working mum all at once. We need to switch off and do things that define us, solely for who we are. That little bit of you and that little bit of me that belong only to us.

Everyone has different outlets and find respite in their own ways. Whether its curling up in bed with a book, doing yoga, painting nails, sipping on piping hot chamomile tea or taking a yearly solo trip – we need to do something that does not involve us attending to the needs of anyone.

Never underestimate the importance of setting aside time for yourself.

Some need to do it more than others, or on a bigger scale, but whatever it is, this ‘me’ time is of cardinal importance for us to recharge and maintain our sanity. Otherwise we will spend our entire lives trying to understand why mums are always tired.

Remember this mums, before this ‘invisible workload’ bogged you down, you were once full of exuberance and zest for life. You were you before you were a wife and a mother. And in being a wife and a mother, don’t ever forget to be yourself. You owe that to yourself.

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Back-to-school Shopping Season: A Parent’s Checklist for Primary & Secondary School Students

As parents, a new school year can be bittersweet. It is a joyful occasion because your kid is growing up, but can also stressful because you have a ton of back-to-school shopping to prepare for.

But, here’s a pro tip: just shop at Tesco for affordable back-to-school items all at once! Tesco is currently hosting great deals for a limited time with their
Tesco Back to School

2020
(Kembali ke Sekolah 2020)
from
 7 December 2020 to 6 January 2021
.

With Tesco’s Back to School campaign, parents have ample time to do their shopping while getting value for money. Plus, you can save the hassle of hopping from one shop to another just to get quality, yet affordable items.

In addition, Tesco is hosting a giveaway this year as part of the Back to School campaign where one Roly Eggy will be given for free when you spend
RM50
 or more!

So, to make shopping easier for the mums and dads out there, we have compiled a checklist of basic items for both primary and secondary school students. Just keep this checklist close when you shop and you probably won’t miss a thing – you’re welcome!

Primary school students

If your first child is entering primary one know that it is okay to tear up – they grow up so fast! But, primary one marks an important milestone for parents which is the start of the back-to-school saga.

Luckily, certain parts of their uniform are salvable for a few years (depending on how fast your child sizes up), and certain stationaries plus other items, such as pencil cases are reusable.

Primary back-to-school checklist

School bag:
 Opt for a quality, durable bag to last them a few years. Get one with various compartments to separate their school supplies from textbooks and other items.
Another option you can get for your young kids are trolley school bags as it will not weigh down their posture or restrict their body movement.

Uniform:
 This is applicable for all primary school levels. Buy at least three pairs for each child so their uniforms can be washed on alternate days. For children advancing in primary school, do an inventory check on which uniforms can be reused and which ones you need to replace.

Malay traditional uniform
(baju melayu):

Male Muslim

school students may need to wear this on Fridays. We recommend getting two pairs.

School shoes:
 Every child differs. Specifically, for primary one students, take into account if they are able to tie their shoe laces, or are they more comfortable with Velcro? In addition, make sure you factor in wiggle room for their school socks.

School socks:
 We recommend getting at least three pairs so you can wash them on alternate days with their school uniforms.

Sporty clothing:
 Buy at least two pairs of track pants and white t-shirts. The school may have their own school sporting t-shirts for physical education and sports events as well.

Singlets:
We suggest getting your child to wear this as inner clothing. As children are generally active, it provides a layer to prevent excessive body odour as they play about.

Lunch bag and lunch containers:
 If you are planning to pack their lunch, make sure they have a dedicated bag to put their lunch containers in to avoid it from tumbling in their school bag. Opt for lunch containers with different compartments to separate the food dishes or items.

Water bottle:
To keep them hydrated as they go about their day and especially during physical activities.

Stationaries:
Pencil, sharpeners, erasers, coloured pencils, rulers and glue – these are the basics. They may need a sketchbook, paint and plastic scissors for art class.

Pencil case:
We recommend buying two separate ones, one to keep their coloured pencils for easy storage that will last.

Book covers:
This is essential to protect their exercise books and textbooks – it avoids any possible rips and dirt on the book covers, while making sure they last the entire year.

Secondary school students

As they grow into teens and young adults, their needs will differ – they may not want the same pencil case or even, keep using trolley bags.

Additionally, their stationaries may change all together with the subjects they take, and you will have to take account of other items such as heavier textbooks when back-to-school shopping.

Secondary back-to-school checklist

School bag:
 Secondary school students will need a more durable, roomier bag. They will have to carry more textbooks (that can also be heavy!), exercise books and so forth. Find one with various compartments so they can easily locate their items during lessons. Look for straps that are padded to lessen the pain and weight on their shoulders.

Uniform:
 Buy at least three pairs so their uniforms can be washed on alternate days. Do an inventory check on which uniforms can be reused and which ones you need to replace.

Belt:
 This one is for the boys. It is not mandatory, but it can avoid any slumping trousers.

Malay traditional uniform
(baju melayu):

Male Muslim students may need to wear this on specific days. We recommend getting two pairs.

School shoes:
 Make sure to factor in wiggle room for socks.

School socks:
 We recommend getting at least three pairs so you can wash them on alternate days with their school uniforms.

Sporty clothing:
 Buy at least two pairs of track pants and white t-shirts. The school may have their own school t-shirt for physical activities as well.

Singlets:
As students are generally active, it provides a layer to prevent excessive body odour as they go about their day.

Lunch bag and lunch containers:
 If you are planning to pack their lunch, make sure they have a dedicated bag to put their lunch containers in to avoid it from tumbling in their school bag. Opt for lunch containers with different compartments to separate the food dishes or items.

Water bottle:
To keep them hydrated as they go about their day and especially during physical activities.

Basic stationaries:
Pencil, pen sharpeners, highlighters, erasers, coloured pencils, rulers and glue – these are the basics. They may need sketchbook, paint and scissors for art class.

Pencil case:
Look for a large pencil case so they are able to keep all their stationaries together and have easy access to them with every lesson.

Book covers:
This is essential to protect their exercise and textbooks – it avoids any rips and dirt on the book covers, as well making sure they last the entire year.

Here are some quick tips to follow when shopping for back-to-school

You can head over to Tesco’s physical stores, but you can also access Tesco’s great back-to-school deals on their official store in Lazada. However, before you head out or checkout your cart, there are a few things you should be mindful of:

Check your child’s size:
 Before clicking the ‘checkout’ button when shopping online, make sure you have the right size by checking the product measurements. You could also have your child try on their old school clothes so you can gauge how much you need to size up.

Check out Tesco’s catalogue:
 To make it much easier to find what you’re looking for, go through Tesco’s Back to School campaign catalogue and list which items you want to purchase, according to your checklist.

Make sure you shop at Tesco’s official Lazada store:
 To avoid any disappointments in quality, packaging or delivery, shopping from Tesco’s official store provides better peace-of-mind. At times, resellers or other sellers may provide counterfeit items that are not up to par with Tesco’s actual quality.

For more information on Tesco Back to School 2020 campaign, visit
Tesco’s Facebook
 or
official website
. To start shopping online, you can view their official store on
Lazada
.

Happy shopping!

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Visit to petting zoo leaves toddler dead and her brother fighting for his life

It was supposed to be a fun family outing but because of an unforeseen twist, a Minessota family has been left devastated with one child dead, and another fighting for his life.

Siblings Kade (3) and Kallan (5) Maresh were at a petting zoo with their parents, having fun with the farm animals there.

But not too long after the outing, both siblings became very ill with non-stop bloody diarrhea and vomiting, according to their parents in
a crowdfunding page
.

They they were diagnosed to have been infected by a strain of E.coli. Both reportedly went into acute kidney failure with the infection resulting in a complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Heartbreakingly, little Kade did not pull through. Her brother is currently critically ill. While the exact cause of the infection is yet to be understood, it is believed that the siblings may have contracted it via the animals at the petting zoo.

“It is absolutely heart breaking watching your babies in so much pain and being so helpless,” say the children’s family on the crowdfunding page.

Life support switched off

The kids’ parents share that little Kallan’s kidneys and neurological system were heavily damaged by toxins from the bacteria. She had to be put on a life support system, which, tragically, they had to switch off when they understood she would not pull through.

“We were able to give Kallan a bath and put her favorite jammies [sic] on her,” they wrote.

“We got to hold her free of tubes and snuggle and kiss her. She is the most amazing little girl in the world. Our hearts are aching with the deepest sadness.”

“Our sweet, sweet little girl lost the battle. … Kade is still fighting.”

Kade battles on…

While the little boy’s bloodwork is yet to show an improvement, the family remains hopeful that he will win the fight against the infection.

He has had blood transfusions and is on dialysis.

“He has a long road to recovery and we hope and pray the toxins stay away from his brain and heart and other organ systems. He got a special visit from some of his closest friends and family today and it was so fun to see him smile and be so talkative,” his parent wrote. “We have not got to see that in a long time.”

According to a report from
The Star Tribune
, the animals at the petting zoo are no longer on display, in an “abundance of precaution”.

Follow hygiene procedures should you take your child to a petting zoo

Safety precautions at petting zoos

While it quite rare that your child can contract HUS, as parents, it’s always good to be vigilant about safety and hygiene.

Here are some tips adapted from
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
 to keep in mind:

Everyone should wash their hands immediately after petting an animal or touching anything where the animal is sheltered.

Hand-washing should happen when you leave animal areas, whether the animal was touched or not.

If running water and soap are not available, use hand sanitiser (remember to pack it) and wash your hands with running water and soap the moment they become available.

Kids under the age of 5 should always be under adult supervision in animal areas.

Watch your children closely to make sure they do not put their fingers, thumbs or objects in their mouths while in animal areas or near an animal.

Toys, food, strollers, bottles, cups, lunchboxes and pacifiers should
not
be taken into animal areas.

When you get home, disinfect the bottoms of shoes, as you or the kids may have inadvertently stepped on animal faeces or urine.

We are theAsianparent extend our deepest sympathies to the Maresh family and are keeping little Kade in our thoughts and prayers.

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3-year-old boy accidentally left behind by parents at restaurant

“My mummy and daddy have gone home,” cried the little child. His parents had accidentally left him behind after their meal at a seafood restaurant.

Apparently, the child had fallen asleep during the meal, and was overlooked when the huge family of 30 left the place.

The incident happened on Sunday, 26 August, in Melaka.

Little Child Forgotten by Parents at Restaurant

The boy was noticed by a restaurant patron, who handed him over to the owner, Irsyad Hadi Zainal.

Irsyad carried the little boy all around the restaurant, from table to table, looking for his parents.

He later told reporters,“I have many customers, so I don’t know which customer this child belongs to. After a while into the search, the boy tiredly slept off.”

Photo: Twitter

Even after two hours when no one came in search of the child, Irsyad decided to make a police report.

Just then, he received a call from a man claiming to be the child’s father.

The 39-year-old father finally showed up at around midnight.

“As a precaution, I asked the man for his IC number before handing the toddler over to him,” said Irsyad.

The incident soon went viral on Twitter with netizens criticising the parents for forgetting their child.

“Ever since I started my business 18 years ago, this is the first time I have come across a situation like this. I didn’t expect that this will gain so much attention after a customer made it viral on social media,” says Irsyad.

We are so glad that this little child is safe now. We all think we’re not “that kind of a parent”. And that, we’d never forget our kids.

In this age of information overload and constant messaging however, the mind is constantly fatigued and stressed. Parents must realise that an overtaxed brain can fail you.

A single moment of distraction, or not communicating enough with your spouse is all it takes for such mistakes to happen.

Source:
 NST

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Desperate mum sacrifices her life to save her children

A mother’s love for her children knows no bounds and this was shown clearly in
footage
 of a recent fire that broke out in China.

In the video recording, you can clearly see the mum dangling her three-year-old toddler just outside the window along with her nine-year-old son, as billows of thick black smoke threaten to engulf them.

A witness said that the mum began throwing blankets and quilts to the crowd below, screaming for help. The crowd quickly grabbed as many blankets and quilts as they could to quickly make a make-shift padded area to break the fall.

When it was ready they urged the mum to drop her children down to safety.

“Drop them! Drop them!”

With the raging fire behind them and nowhere to go, the desperate mum first got her nine-year-old son to jump down from the 5th floor apartment. Screams were heard and hearts raced, but the boys landed safely down below.

Then the mum picked up her three-year-old daughter, dangling her head first before letting go. More screams were heard as the toddler flipped onto her back and barely missed the air-conditioning compressor to land safely down below.

The mum must have mastered the last of her strength to haul her toddler over because right after letting her toddler go, she passed out on the windowsill.

It was reported that although the mum managed to save her children, she was unable to save herself. Her daughter suffered a broken leg and will need surgery while her son escaped unscathed. Both were taken to the hospital and are now in stable condition. Sadly, their mum was eventually declared dead by doctors.

RIP brave mum, you fought a good fight and you will always be your children’s guardian angel.

Apartment Fire Safety Checklist, Especially If You Have Young Children

The three most important details in an apartment fire safety checklist are the three Ps:

Prepare
 – Reduce the risk of fires in your home by eliminating hazards.

Practice
 – Practice a home fire evacuation plan and general fire safety practices.

Prevent
– The Unthinkable.

Prepare

Install a smoke alarm in your home.

Install a smoke alarm outside every sleeping area.

Replace smoke alarms after 10 years and be sure to test your smoke alarms at least twice a year. You should also change the batteries every six months, to ensure proper functioning.

Don’t overload electric outlets, extension cords or wall sockets.

Don’t leave
burning candles unattended
.

Hide all matches and lighters out of reach of young children.

Have a working fire extinguisher in your home and know how to use it.

If you own a clothes dryer, don’t let the lint build-up.

Throw away old electrical appliances.

Practice

Be sure to have a fire escape plan that you and your kids can practice regularly. This should be available in every apartment fire safety checklist, but in the event that there isn’t any, you and your family can create one of your own. Make sure your children know where all the escape routes are so that they too can navigate their way out of the place safely and quickly. Practice, practice, practice.

Teach your children basic fire safety in the event of a fire:

Instruct them to use the Stop, Drop and Roll technique to put out the fire on their clothes.

Crawl through rooms and hallways to avoid smoke inhalation.

Touch doors before opening. A hot door means the fire is right outside, and they should not open it.

Never re-enter the building for any reason once safely outside.

Prevent

In a home
fire
, the two most dangerous things are heat and smoke. Inhaling hot air can burn the lungs, and smoke inhalation can cause lung damage and even asphyxiation. In most cases, victims are three times more likely to die from asphyxiation than burns, and if there are poisonous gases present, this can also lead to death.

Always remember that heavy smoke and poisonous gases accumulate first near the ceiling so teach young children to crouch low or crawl through rooms and hallways to reduce the exposure.

Always hold your baby under your body with one arm if you’re trying to get out. Your body will act as a shield should debris and things start falling on top of you. This also ensures that your infant is as low to the ground as possible to avoid smoke and gas inhalation.
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If the fire has taken over all exit routes in your apartment fire safety checklist, stay where you are. Cover cracks and doors with a wet cloth to keep out the smoke and gas as much as possible.

Use flashlights to alert rescue crews to your location, by having your children lying on the bed while pointing the flashlight towards the window. Firefighters are trained to look next to a child’s bed first upon entering the room. Teach this to your child so that even if they are trapped alone, the chances of them being found would be much higher.

Sources:
New Strait Times
,
Safety

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Good News For Mamas From Mama’s Choice, Win RM3,000 Cash! Let’s Find Out How

One of the top priorities for pregnant mothers and mothers with babies is, of course, mother and baby care products.

What products are safe to use? What products are best for mum and baby? And what brands have products specifically formulated for mum and baby?

Surely, these are the questions that cloud the minds of many mums, both new and experienced ones.

Fret not, Mama’s Choice, a brand that offers various care products for babies and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers is now established in Malaysia! And this brand has something special to share with all mums.

Mama’s Choice offers products that are not only safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, but also guaranteed halal and contain only natural ingredients specifically for the safety of mothers and babies.

The brand has become the talk of the town and is well known in Singapore, Indonesia & Thailand, especially with their best-selling products such as the Stretch Mark Cream and Nipple Cream.

Mama’s Choice, The Safer Choice For All Mamas

One of the things that concern mothers is the safety of using a certain product, whether on themselves during pregnancy or their baby.

Understanding this dilemma, Mama’s Choice has created a dedicated mother and baby care brand, that is formulated only with natural ingredients.

In addition to that, the brand is also FDA-approved, Halal-certified and dermatologically tested.

There are a number of mothers, especially the younger ones, who are not aware that certain products may have side effects on mothers and babies.

So for those who are not very familiar with these issues, it is always better to make a safe decision by only using products that have been proven to be safe.

Ingredients In Skin Care Products That Could Potentially Harm Pregnant Mothers

There are many ingredients that can be considered harmful to pregnant and lactating mothers. Among those that are often used in beauty and skincare products are as follows:

Parabens

Parabens are often used in cosmetics and skincare. It derives from fruits and vegetables. However, excessive usage of parabens can harm pregnant mothers.

Studies have found that pregnant mothers who consume the highest levels of parabens have a higher risk of giving birth to premature babies. This will result in the unborn baby having a lower birth weight and being relatively small in size.

SLS

SLS is often found in shampoos. The substance Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Natrium Lauryl Sulfate is often associated with birth defects in studies on animals. This differs from Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which sounds similar, but is actually proven safe to use.

Alcohol

It is a well-known fact that alcohol consumption, either orally or via products can be very dangerous. Alcohol consumption in the first three months of pregnancy can cause the baby to have abnormal facial features. It can also affect the baby’s growth and his central nervous system (e.g. low birth weight, behavioural problems). Although the usage of alcohol in products is minimal, it is still not recommended until the unborn baby reaches the third trimester.

The Best From Mama’s Choice

Mama’s Choice products are not only guaranteed safe to use but are also of exceptional quality. Among the best-sellers are:

Stretch Mark Cream

This is a very effective stretch mark cream. It has gotten rave reviews from many mothers.

It is suitable for pregnant mothers. Just massage the cream on the tummy and other body parts with stretch marks.
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With ingredients such as aloe vera extract, this cream is able to relieve itching while maintaining skin moisture. Its cooling effect after application also provides long-lasting freshness to the skin.

Additionally, one of the ingredients that play a major role in this Stretch Mark Cream is Lipobelle ™ Soyaglycone. It is one of the latest innovations in biochemistry! It derives from soybeans and treats your skin in a variety of ways.

First of all, it increases collagen production in the skin, and helps heal and repair the parts of your skin that are affected by the stretch marks. Secondly, Lipobelle ™ Soyaglycone works to thicken up your skin by 12% thus protecting your skin from excessive stretching as the abdomen grows.

Lipobelle ™ Soyaglycone is specially created for the exact purpose of reducing wrinkles and increasing moisture. With this exclusive formula, you no longer need to worry about stretch marks throughout your pregnancy!

Intensive Nipple Cream

Formulated only with food-grade ingredients to ensure utmost safety for mother and baby. This cream contains a moisturizing agent and is able to relieve abrasions on the nipples.

Mouthwash & Toothpaste

Dental and oral care is highly important during pregnancy, so it is worrying that not many mothers are aware of its importance and end up taking dental care lightly during pregnancy.

This mouthwash and toothpaste are created with a very gentle formulation. In fact, the toothpaste is even free from fluoride and other harmful chemicals, providing you with better dental and oral care throughout your pregnancy.

Besides these best-selling self-care products, Mama’s Choice also offers slimming products that are created specifically for mothers to wear during postpartum, such as leggings, corsets, body shapers and
bengkung
. If you wish to try it for yourself, you can choose your desired products from
Mama’s Choice
 official website, and its official stores on
Shopee
 and
Lazada
.

Win RM3,000 Cash With The Sharing Is Caring Campaign!

In conjunction with its brand launch in Malaysia, Mama’s Choice is kicking off a campaign called Sharing Is Caring, where customers stand a chance to win a cash prize of RM3,000 in just 5 easy steps!

Register your email at the
Mama’s Choice Sharing is Caring
 website and receive a RM10 voucher.

Share the link with your friends and they will receive RM10 each.

Receive a reward of up to RM100 when your friends register through the link you shared with them.

Track your reward at Mama’s Choice Reward Tracker and
Top 10 Mamas Leaderboard
.

Become the Top Mama by sharing RM10 with your friends, and bring home a cash prize of RM3,000!

Campaign period and eligibility

The campaign officially began on 14 June 2021 and will end on 31 August 2021. During this period, participants who follow the rules and qualify for entry will have the chance to win the grand prize of RM3,000 cash, which will be announced after the end of the campaign.

The organiser has the right to extend or shorten the duration of the campaign at any time without notice to any party.

This campaign is open to all Malaysian residents. Participants under the age of 18 on June 14, 2021 must obtain the consent of a parent or legal guardian to participate in this campaign.

Each participant must guarantee that all information provided during registration for the campaign is true and valid. Any abuse of information may result in your disqualification and/or disqualification, denial, withdrawal or revocation of prizes won.

The Organizer reserves the absolute right to request more information about participants when there is any suspicion of fraudulent activity directly or indirectly in winning the grand prize.

Click
here
 for more information and to register as a participant. Follow our social media pages on
 Facebook
dan
Instagram
 for more updates on the campaign.

Mama’s Choice 50% storewide discount

Redeem 30 points and you can enjoy a 50% discount from Mama’s Choice. A minimum spend of RM150 and above is required.
Redeem now!

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:
Hey Mama, Dental Care Is Important During Pregnancy – Try One Of These Pregnancy-Safe Toothpastes!

Read more:
 5 Best Pregnancy-safe Facial Moisturizers – Great For Mums With Dry Skin!

Read more:
Still Have Bad Breath Even After Brushing Your Teeth? Here Are the 7 Best Mouthwashes in the Market

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 now!


This Can Make or Break Your Child’s Future

A quality early education may turn out to be the best
investment for your family
, community and country.

All good things in life begin as early as possible and when it comes to education, a
solid foundation during their tender first years
 is paramount for the future success of a child. It is the key to better job opportunities in the future and is a starting point for a highly skilled workforce.

Here’s a fact: Little ones from a happy,
secure household
 usually turn out to be happier, well-adjusted youngsters and adults. Why is this important to us? Because it indicates a link between
early childhood experiences
 and how an individual perceives life, as in what is right, wrong, acceptable, unacceptable, etc., as he grows up to become an adult. Ultimately, this translates to an individual’s capability to make a living, enjoy a better lifestyle and in many cases, help improve the lives of his family members as well.

The early formative years of children are where it all begins. We know by now that a child who is growing up in an
 unhappy or abusive household
 is very likely to reflect those unfortunate experiences in their later life, either mirroring them in their own lives or secluding themselves from others. For the ultimate good of our community and our country, these are what we want to see eradicated to extinction, through a better childhood environment and appropriate early education.

The Key to Successful Development in a Community

Credit: Freepik

Education, employment, income, as well as crime, are all interrelated, whether or not we realise it. Each of them shares one common denominator, and that is the quality of an individual’s childhood experiences, particularly their early childhood education. Early childhood education is akin to a building’s foundation – the stronger it is, the better it will be able to withstand the goings-on in and around it, to
emerge better-adjusted, skilful and confident.

During the delicate period of early childhood, a child’s brain is at his most sensitive learning period, and anything taught or experienced within this certain timeframe, be it good or bad, is absorbed like a sponge and lasts a lifetime.

At this day and time, it has to be understood that a quality early education becomes even more crucial for the world is rapidly changing and evolving – just as we thought we have seen everything,
new technologies pop up
 making others that we’re still in awe of, obsolete. It’s just too easy to get left behind, even as adults, but it will be an absolute disaster to enter adulthood not having the proper set of skills and flexibilities to maneuver one’s way around in the workforce as well as in social settings and in society itself.

The higher the quality of a child’s
early education
, the better the outcome throughout his schooling years as well as beyond. Likewise, poor quality of life, as well as education during this crucial time frame, may produce long-term consequences on a child’s behaviour as well as achievements in his future.

Understanding What Early Education Really Means to a Child

Credit: Pexels

It’s important that parents realise early childhood education can make or break a child’s future. In order to
attain a commendable workforce
 built on integrity and good stewardship in the future, a good early education is paramount and it’s in the hands of parents to see to this.

It’s easy to fall prey to the notion that our kids should have the same carefree childhood as we had back in the day.

We’re not implying that little ones be drilled with academics in soldier-style settings, but rather, we need parents to understand that what young children need today in terms of early education is nowhere the same as what we needed during our simpler, less technology-driven times of the past.

In terms of an early start in their education, if
children today ‘miss the bus’ so to speak
, trying to catch the next one might prove difficult, for it will then be a matter of trying to catch up with others who are more advanced in their lessons and experiences.

Credit: Pexels

Quality life skills, as well as working skills, accumulate over time – the earlier they start to accumulate, the better. Which is why you can never go wrong by investing in a child’s early education, but how early are we talking about?

Research conducted by experts at two universities in the United States indicated that comprehensive early education programs offered to children from birth to age 5 years proved to deliver higher economic returns compared to preschool programs meant for 3- to 5-year-olds. The studies mentioned began in the early 1970s and had long-term follow follow-up to adulthood, about 35 years.

What today’s parents have to understand from this though, is that we are also living in a world of severe crisis when it comes to other
elements that influence a child’s potential
 for optimum development – including poor nutrition, exposure to inappropriate media material, intentional or unintentional parental neglect, etc.

Blame it on the era we live in, but unless parents step up to provide their kids with the best in all the aforementioned areas, a good early education (by itself) may not take off the way it should. They all go hand-in-hand.

The Right of Every Child and Every Family

Credit: Pexels

It’s no secret that fraud and crime still plague our country. What’s interesting is, most offenders and troubled adults come from households where they are either
 neglected and/or lack a good education
 that could have helped them make the best of their lives.

If negative early experiences could leave such deep impacts on a person’s life years or even decades down the road, imagine what positive, upbuilding experiences during the crucial formative years could have done for that same person as well as his community.

On the other hand, we also cannot escape the fact that countless families face more financial constraints than they care to declare, and the stress associated with having not enough funds to raise a family the way we want to can make parenting a challenge.

Still, a solid foundation via early education is the only hope if a family were to rise above it all. It may be a burden now, but investing in the best early education program that they can afford for their children while ensuring that other areas of their kids’ life are also appropriately supported, are the answers to our younger generation’s success, for themselves, their families and inevitably, our community and country.

While investing in a child’s early education can prove to be a key for future success, it is still a part of the bigger picture. Even the best early
education program may not deliver the results we hope to see
 if a child goes home to a family that is too busy to see to his emotional and physiological needs. In cases like these, money may not be the issue, but rather the lack of time to spend with one’s child.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website
.

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