Cooling off with ‘pao sheng’

It’s quite common for babies to react to vaccinations with a fever.

So here’s a ‘passed down’ way to ‘cool’ baby’s body before taking the vaccination.

The easy way is to immerse a few pieces (4-5) of ‘pao sheng’ or 花旗參 or american ginseng (available at chinese medical halls) in boiling water (250ml) in a small thermal flask and let it infuse for at 2-3 hours.

The other way is to double-boil the same thing for about an hour then transfer it to a thermal flask. (My mum prefers this method but I’m really not sure if it’s better…)

Offer to baby in small amounts as plain water 2 days before going for immunisation. Discard unfinished portion (actually you can drink it lah!) and prepare new portion for the next day.

Note: There are different grades of american ginseng. The younger they are, the ‘cooler’ they are. Check with the store assistant for the appropriate grade.

Caution: Although this may be a common home remedy, it may not be suitable for all. Always consult a licensed practitioner when in doubt.

What is ‘normal’ temperature?

I remember learning in school that our normal body temperature is 36.9 degrees C. But I realised this was not very useful for a new mother with a baby having her first fever. We did not bring out the thermometer until the day we suspected M was having her first fever. A BIG mistake!

If you carry your child often enough, you would probably notice that he/ she feels warmer than usual. Otherwise, you may notice some behavioural changes, like loss of appetite or fussiness. We know now, after a few bouts of fever, that M’s cheeks always become rosier when she’s running a temperature. She also perspires less somehow, even with the same level of activity. And her normal body temperature is between 36.5 and 36.8 degrees C.

So if you are lucky enough not to have experienced your child’s first fever, I strongly recommend that you measure his/ her temperature once you’ve settled down at home or when your child is well. And not just once, you need to do it at different times of the day as our temperatures change through the day and in different environments (eg, air-conditioned environment).

And remember to record it somewhere, and you’ll see how helpful it can be…

Motherhood vs NS

When mothers meet, we are bound to share stories of our pregnancies and kids. It’s almost like how guys can meet for the first time and go on about their male-bonding experience – National Service (NS). It is often said that child bearing is like the female form of NS in which females contribute to the nation. Singapore’s latest birth rate (2008) is at a record low of 1.28.

Well, motherhood is indeed a female-only experience. I’ve gained a different level of understanding about my mum and mum-in-law through it. It has also allowed me to rekindle and start new friendships. And like NS, some have it easier than others. Some enjoy it more than others.

But unlike NS, it’s not compulsory at a particular year. Most of us decide to have a kid after some consideration. And there’s no ORD (Operationally Ready Date) or reservists, thank goodness!. We can only hope that our kid will grow up to be independent but even then – once a mum, always a mum.

Contributing to the nation’s birth rate never crossed our minds when we decided to have a child. It can be more appropriately described as a favourable by-effect for the nation. There’s really nothing patriotic about feeding and changing diapers!

Nonetheless, Happy National Day!