Now a Mummy!

In reference to this post, I popped by the shop today just to see if there have any other brands of fenugreek supplements.

With the arrival of number 2 soon, insya Allah, I have been thinking of ways to get my supply of fenugreek supplements. I thought of getting them online but prices seem to be steep, considering I took constant supply of it before. Besides that, there’s the issue of having it cleared by the Customs/ MoH, especially if I was going to buy ‘em in bulk. Also, we’re planning a family trip soon, so I thought maybe I can stock ‘em up and bring at least 6 months supply home. But again, it may need to be cleared by Customs/ MoH as well.

Anyways, I asked the lady at the Mall if they the capsule is made of vegetable gelatine or bovine or procine (we knew what the answer was but i was just testing :p). She told me it was made of bovine gelatine. Asked if they had alternative fenugreek supplements, which are Halal. That’s when she told me that Natural Factor’s Fenugreek is actually Halal! Not convinced, I told her that I was told previously that the capsules are made of bovine gelatine.This was when she explained that they actually have certificates saying that the capsules used are Halal and Kosher certified! Told her to show the certificates to me and it’s true, ladies. The capsules may be made of bovine gelatine but its Halal.

They received the memo on April 22, 2009 (I called then on April 7, 2009). The Halal certificate was dated 1st Jan 2009 (expiring Dec 2010) and so was the Kosher certificate. I presume that they are renewed each year (or 2 years). I’m guessing that either they were really waiting for the manufacturer to work on the certificate when I called in April or they only started working on it then. Regardless, I am now happy that it is Halal, which means I don’t have to rack my brain on how to get my supply once No. 2 arrives, insya Allah.

Besides that, if you’re breastfeeding during this Ramadhan and is worried about depleting supply, give fenugreek supplements a try, if you haven’t already.

Oh, btw, the Halal certificate is for the capsules, which we were concerned about. The content is obviously fenugreek. Hehe.

Alhamdullilah, I managed to get through the first day of puasa. I felt a tad bit dehydrated but it was nothing a nap or two could not cure. I have also set 2 other daily goals besides getting through puasa and so far, Alhamdullilah, I am on track.

I was initially hoping for a full puasa again but I have to go to the clinic next week and was told not to fast. Oh well. I just hope its only for a day.

Past couple of days, I have been asked on how I managed to fast and breastfeed at the same time last year. One obvious answer is too make sure you have plenty to eat and drink. I made sure I had rice for sungkai and sahur, plus I had at least 3 kurma for each meal too. I have to admit my supply did deteriorate, especially towards the end of Ramadhan but you just have to make sure you try your hardest to maintain supply.

Supplements also helped. I took Natural Factor’s fenugreek before I knew it was made of gelatine and that helped too. You can find alternatives in the form of different permissible brands or protein shakes or Anmum Lacta or its like. Another way to ensure your supply does not deteriorate by much is t continue to pump. Probably the best times to do this is early in the morning after sahur and when you come back from work. Unless of course, you have to work till late, maybe express once during midday can help, insyaAllah.

Other than that, one has to be positive. Regardless of whether you’re fasting or not, if you keep on thinking I will never have enough, you will NOT have enough. If you’re positive, your brain will send signals to the Bs to produce enough. If you’re not, then your Bs may not just produce enough. Of course, do not forget to pray that you are given strength, patience and ability to continue to bf  your baby albeit it being Ramadhan.

Oh, there is of course the exit clause of which you can break your fast if you do not feel well when bfing your baby. Asal saja bayar balik

I hope this helps you one way or another.

At that juncture, wishing all my Muslim family, friends and reader a happy and blessed Ramadhan. Maaf Zahir & Batin