Antenatal Class

We have graduated! Yes, the Popcorn Parents have graduated from the Antenatal Programme conducted by the Patient Education Centre at KK Hospital.

Yesterday, we finally completed our Antenatal Programme which we have been attending since April. There are a total of 10 sessions which we attend weekly. The programme helps new mummies to cope with changes associated with pregnancy, prepares us for labour and gives us tips on baby care.



Papas are encouraged to attend the sessions to understand what we are going through as well as give us support. Like what our trainer mentioned, our hubbies are the best form of pain relief and I couldn't agree more!

We found the programme pretty useful, although some lessons really bored us to tears like the topics on medications and diet during pregnancy. Topics which touched on the three stages of labour and delivery were very informative to us. I also liked the lessons on breastfeeding & caring of the baby.. we were given a dummy baby doll to practise on and it was pretty fun! I can remember clearly what the lactation consultant mentioned about engorgement during breastfeeding. That we have to constantly pump/latch to regulate milk flow, we don't want to open a Hard Rock Cafe.. that really got Popcorn Papa and myself laughing away.

Our last lesson


Classroom where the programme is conducted


Popcorn Papa practising the position for labour


Popcorn Mama showing off her bump.. gosh, look at my huge nose... I do hope it subsides back to the original size after delivery!


Now that we have completed the course, we will be taking our 'final exam' in around 85 days' time.. I do hope we are good students and remember all that we have been taught.

Aquafitness

Every Saturday afternoon, I head to KK Hospital for my Aquafitness class. The programme consists of four sessions which lasts 45 minutes per session.

Just a brief introduction to Aquafitness... it is a water-based fitness programme specially designed for expectant mothers. The buoyancy of water cushions muscles and joints and supports the increasing weight of the body during pregnancy. The warm water helps soothe tired and aching joints and the movement of the water creates a massaging effect over the body.

When I found out about this class, I was very interested and immediately signed up for it. We needed to be attired in swimwear so I happily took out my Old Navy maternity tankini which I ordered online months ago. But, when I put it on, I just somehow feel like this animal.. heheh.

The Dugong



Anyway, this is the Hydropool where the class is conducted, the water is warm and soothing.



We do warm ups, stretching, marching, various aerobic moves as well as strength training using noodle floats and dumb-bells in water. I can even jump and hop around in the water and feel light as a feather. What a confidence booster!!

As water resists body movements, muscles work harder. The next day, I'll feel a slight ache and that means I've worked out right?

At the end of the session, there is a relaxation segment where we just float on our backs, close our eyes and relax... A really therapeutic feeling...

I enjoy my classes a lot as it's really fun and it makes me feel energised... not to mention that I also made more new preggy friends. :)

Mid-Week Pursuits...

Thursday is the day of the week where the Popcorn parents spend time apart in the evenings doing the things they like.

I go for my weekly pilates lesson located right smack in Bishan Park. The environment is relaxing and tranquil, perfect for getting myself back on track after a hectic week at work.

I decided to take up pilates after I passed my first trimester... somehow I felt restless not doing any exercise. I used to go for aerobics lessons twice a week before I got pregnant. I needed to have some form of exercise, lest I balloon (further) into a whale!

Pilates is recommended as a form of pre-natal exercise. It focuses on breathing, concentration, control, centering, precision and flow. I find that the tough bridge exercises and breathing techniques that we were made to do are essential for getting me prepared for the labour process. I just hope that I don't forget everything when the time comes.. heheh.

Bishan Park where the pilates studio is nestled in



Entrance to the pilates studio



This is the studio. I practise reformer pilates where the exercises are done on the reformer machine.



As for Popcorn Papa, this is what he does every Thursday...



Yes! Magic Cards!

For those of you who have got no clue what this game is all about, it's a collectible card game with a big following in Singapore (I didn't know that until Popcorn Papa enlightened me).

Getting together with a group of friends to play magic cards, that's how Popcorn Papa destresses from his hectic week at work.