My Svenson Experience

Sorry for this gross pic but the truth is, we experience hair loss everyday. It's common as hair loss occurs when the cycle of hair growth and shedding is disrupted or when the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.

Earlier this month, I was glad to be invited to attend a consultation session by Svenson Haircare Malaysia.

Svenson is a leading brand at the vanguard in research and development of solutions for hair and scalp problems using the most advanced technologies. It was established in London since 1956. In another words, it's been around for 60 years! Older than me hahahaha >.<

We got to meet Deborah Whelan, a leading hair and scalp trichologist. She answered a few questions we had regarding our hair.

Did you know that...

1. Besides hormonal changes, you will experience hair loss due to stress 3 to 4 months later after a shocking incident? Like for example, if you experience post patrum hair loss and you're shock to see the number of hair you're losing, you're most likely to experience secondary hair loss 3 to 4 months later after the "shock". This is known as Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss. So try to keep calm and don't stress yourself too much!
2. Cutting or shaving your hair doesn't gurantee your hair will "regrow" healthily. The new hair that grows are rougher as compared to our "old" hair that's already thinned because of all the chemical and heat we put on it throughout the years.
3. Our hair won't be damaged from swimming in chlorinated pool water. But if you wanna protect your hair, you could simply apply some conditioner at the tip of your damp hair before going into the pool.

We were given a complimentary hair treatment. I was so so so so happy cause I really needed this treatment! I experienced serious post-natal hair loss when Charlotte was 5 months old and it lasted about 3 to 4 months. Being a mom also means that I do not have the luxury to wash my hair properly when you have a baby constantly crying for you and cannot have you leave her sight, resulted in me having super itchy scalp! 

So I made an appointment last weekend at the Mid Valley's branch. 

This is waiting area. You can feel free to get yourself a cup of tea or coffee or milo.

This is the consultation room.

Initially, the treatment that I was going for was the Intensive Nutrients Therapy. But the machine that is used for this treatment was sent for repair. So after my consultant, Mary, analyzed my scalp, she suggested me to go for the Oxy DH Therapy instead because it suits me more! Let me show you why.

Cause I have dandruff...

Big chunks of dandruff...

And  more dandruff!!!

I was like 

Literally. I tried to keep my cool but I was secretly having goose bumps looking at all the magnified pictures of my scalp condition.

Mary explains that the Oxy DH Therapy prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth by stimulating hair follicles with peptides and plant active ingredients. During this treatment, the therapist will use a 3 miniature nozzles that creates supersonic jets of microdroplets of saline solution and oxygen to remove excess sebum trapped in the pores without causing skin tissue damage or inflammation. Sounds like just what I need!

So ok, off I went for the treatment.

First, my therapist applied this minty and cooling cream all over my scalp. After leaving it on for 10 minutes, I was brought to the cubicle behind to get my hair washed twice. This was to assure that my scalp was washed thoroughly.

Then, she used this High Frequency to rub through my scalp. It's like an antiseptic that kills bacteria.

Next, she used the 3 miniature nozzles to jet off all the dirty stuff that I had on my scalp.

After that, my hair was blow-dried with a hair dryer.

Here's she's applying tonic onto my scalp. It followed by serum.

Here comes the best part - MASSAGE!!! I have to say, my therapist, Pei Pei gave a reeeeeaaaaalllyyyy good massage! It was so good I almost doze off!

Lastly, my hair was cold-steamed for 10 minutes. That's it! Done!

Final blow-dry to style my hair.

I was brought back to the consultation room to look at the result.

CAN. YOU. BELIEVE. THIS!?!?

My scalp is so clean I can even see the roots and veins! And this is just after 1 session of treatment omg omg omg so gam dong I can cry!

Though it's not 100% clear from dandruff, the difference is obvious and promising.

So you've got problem with your hair, don't hesitate to give Svenson a go. You can visit their Facebook page here. Don't delay until it's too late (for your beautiful hair).

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Happy Birthday, my love ❤

To the world's bestest husband and the father of my child,

Thank you for all the silly and lame jokes you say just to make me laugh, though I'm feeling quite numbed to it sometimes. Or does this means that I'm already at your level and you have to up your game?

Thanks for pampering me every now and then with, erm, food hahahaha.

Thanks for catching all the lizards that stupidly crawled into our house and throw them out the window (sorry but not sorry, lizards) so I won't freak the hell out and scream the house down.

Thanks for teaching Charlotte that it's ok to fart freely even though it's smelly. Farting is good. And healthy.

Thanks for giving Charlotte all the fun from piggy-back ride. I think you did it just to make me smile cause you know that my happiness highly depends on how happy Charlotte is.

Thanks for making us your priority even though sometimes you have to compromise your work.

Thanks for being the dad Charlotte loves. It's always a wonderful scene to see her jolly screaming when she sees you at the door.

I hope Charlotte learns to be as patient as you.

I hope Charlotte learns to be as brave as you, especially when it comes to catching lizards.

I hope Charlotte will remember that she can always count on you to be her pillar of strength. If your shoulder is too hard for her to cry on, she can always lean on your back (cause it's meaty and comfy so stop saying you need to go on a diet).

Happy Birthday, my love.

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Happie Father's Day ❤

Don't laugh.

To the man I first love,

To the man I always get excited to see, even until today,

To the man who tolerated my temperament throughout the years,

To the man who took me travelling and makes me fall in love with travelling,

To the man who got disappointed with all the wrong choices I made but still stick by my side,

To the man who always supports me through thick and thin,

To the man who still kisses me on the lips and makes my husband goes eeeeewwww hahahahaha,

Happie Father's Day, Daddy. I love you very much.

*****

This Father's Day, Charlotte has something to say too!

Happie Father's Day to all the Daddies out there ❤

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You're STILL Breastfeeding?

Before Charlotte turned One, it seems normal and noble when people know what she was breastfed. I didn't really get any nasty comments as expected besides from a few 三姑六婆 asking enough meh? Got milk aa? Baby full or not?

Luckily it's only a hand's full of them and I consider myself lucky as I have supportive family members and friends around me to make my breastfeeding smooth and enjoyable until today.

As I mentioned earlier, I am about to start a new job. So I've been searching high and low for a babysitter/ childcare center that is at least 90% suited to my needs for Charlotte.

Throughout my search, one thing that concerns me the most is if the new care taker will be able to distract Charlotte when she's anxious without the boob. So I'd take the initiative to tell them about our condition. Like how Charlotte has never been away from me since she was 5 months old, and that she has not taken the bottle since 5 months old and has never ever drink any formula milk...

That's when people will stop me and question

You're STILL breastfeeding?

You still have milk?

You have not mix feeding with formula yet?

ENOUGH MEH?

CAN DRINK MEH!?!?

Seriously WHAT. THE. HELL!?

My husband has been very patient with me whenever I rant about people throwing these comments at me. He'd say that they are not as well educated on breastfeeding as I am, thus the comments. 

True. But sometimes I wish people could put it in another manner so that it doesn't sound offensive. Maybe they mean no harm. Maybe they say that because they care for Charlotte and I. Still, sometimes I can't help but feel like as if I was attacked on my personal parenting choice.

So, I'm gonna share a few facts and benefits about breastfeeding past infancy. These are actually results that you can easily get from the web. But just in case you're not aware, you're welcome.

(1) Breastfeeding contributes to your child’s Nutrition.

And if some days they are unwell and unwilling to eat, they'd still likely to take to the breast and you can be assured that that still get the food and nutrient they need to fight through that illness.

(2) Breastfeeding contributes to your child’s HEALTH

Per the World Health Organization, “a modest increase in breastfeeding rates could prevent up to 10% of all deaths of children under five: Breastfeeding plays an essential and sometimes underestimated role in the treatment and prevention of childhood illness.”

(3) Breastfeeding contributes to your child’s MENTAL and SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
I find it extremely easy to calm down Charlotte when she's upset by just sticking the boob right into her mouth. Literally. After calming down, she'll take her time and and starts exploring  or even go play with strangers happily. She will not stick to me like a koala because she knows that I will always be there for her when she needs me.

(4) Breastfeeding your child past infancy is NORMAL
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that “Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as the mother and child desire mutually. Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother. There is NO UPPER LIMIT to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.”

Enough said.

I've also founds ways to kinda shoo these negative comments off and Imma share them with you.

(1) “I respect your opinion and value your advice, but I have thought this out carefully and done a lot of research, and my mind is made up. I will be happy to respect your opinion and listen to what you have to say, but you have to respect my decision–and it is MY decision.”

(2) “As the mother of this baby, and because of all I’ve learned about the importance of breastfeeding, in my heart this is what I want – and need – to do for my child right now.”

(3) “You know how the medical community is always changing their recommendations. Well, this is what they recommend now, and I feel good about breastfeeding.”

(4) “This is what works for our family. Unless it becomes a problem, we’re not going to change things.”

(5) "I know, but she only eats buttered bread so I have to make up for her nutritional gaps somehow."

(6) "Oh don't worry, she'll wean before she goes to college!"

(7)  "I'm only doing this cause it's free!"

(8) "I have 10 more kgs to shred so I'm not stopping till I get there."

(9) "Is  your name Michelle? The last I recalled, Charlotte's mom's name is Michelle."

(10) "You want some?"

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