The Bump: Megan Yang

Gorgeous Singapore maternity photos in Sassy Mama’s ‘The Bump’!

This month’s ‘The Bump’ is Chinese mama Megan Yang, a teacher who took some absolutely stunning photos before giving birth to her daughter Andrea this past April. While Megan lucked out in getting pregnant on her first try, she had to face a difficult labour that lasted more than 24 hours! Clearly the grit and determination this mama wishes for her young daughter will be an inherited trait…

What was your reaction when you first found out you were pregnant?

Pretty normal, not too surprised, because I had done a lot of research about how to get pregnant, like how to calculate your ovulation date, measure temperature and use ovulation test paper to increase the chance of getting the ovulation date. But I did feel really lucky when I my doctor told me there’s only about a 15% of success rate of getting pregnant on the first try.

Your funniest memory over the 9 months?
My husband and I chose individual features that look good from of our family members and wrote them into our wishing lists.

Any great books and resources that prepared you for when your baby arrived?
The bestselling pregnancy book What to Expect When You’re Expecting, it is really informative. Another one is The Baby Book by Dr. Sears. This book is like a baby encyclopaedia.

I attended the Four Trimesters prenatal class and found it to be really helpful if you want to have a drug-free natural birth. Based on my experience, I found hypnobirthing useful in coping with the pain during contractions.

The class also teaches new parents how to look after the baby and gives helpful tips for breastfeeding mothers who might be having difficulties.

What do you think every woman should know before getting pregnant?
First of all, stay healthy and fit as a least for three months before getting pregnant. Second, be positive and happy.

It is really a big decision in life. They need to discuss with their partner about as it requires a lot a lot of commitment and hard work on everyone’s part. They also need to be financially and emotionally ready before getting pregnant.

What was the easiest trimester and which one proved most difficult?
Many mothers-to-be say that the easiest trimester is the second trimester and I agree with this since you’re past experiencing morning sickness in the first trimester. The most difficult one is the last trimester when your tummy expands so rapidly. That is when you start to experience difficulty in getting to sleep, want to go to the toilet every couple hours, swollen legs and much more.

Did you follow a fitness programme while you were pregnant?
No. But I liked to swim when I was pregnant as it was really relaxing getting into the water. I also did prenatal yoga during the last trimester. But I think it is better to start in the second trimester.

Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?
To be honest, I did not buy any maternity clothes at all. Haha. I tried very hard to control my diet and look fit and slim.

I liked to wear long and loose dresses, as they are comfortable and fashionable. And A-line dresses because they will give people the illusion that you are in good figure.

Did you have any weird and wonderful cravings?
I am not a big fan of sweet food.  But I really craved cakes and Gelato when  I was pregnant!

What did you struggle with most being pregnant?
I couldn’t have raw fish and seafood, which are some of my favourites. I also couldn’t sit or lie down comfortably during the last two months.

Name a mama you find inspiring and why?
My mum, who delivered four children naturally without any drugs. And breastfed all of them for a full year.

Did it take you some time getting pregnant or were you one of those mamas who got lucky on the first try?
We were very lucky to get pregnant on our first try.

What kind of birth did you have? (hospital, home, epidural, c-section, with a doula, etc.).
We planned to have a drug-free natural birth at first. Unfortunately, our baby girl was in breech position and refused to turn. Our doctor suggested C-section, as it is safer in my situation. It was a tough decision to make as I always wanted to have a natural birth, but with the support from my family and doula, we decided to stick on our original plan.

I had a really tough labour. My whole labor process took 31 hours from water break. Contractions were 2 minutes apart for 12 hours but my cervix was still not ready. In the end, I had to take an epidural to save energy for pushing. After another 15 hours, Andrea was born.

Do you have any mama-friendly favourite places (restaurants, parks, etc.) to hang out with your baby? Why?
Bishan Park. Every morning Andrea and I take a walk from about 7-8am. We enjoy the morning sun, which is a good source of vitamin D, plus research shows that sunlight can help boost the immune system and baby’s happiness. Also, the natural environment is a good stimulation for baby.  Andrea really enjoys the walk and always has a good sleep after it.

Any local businesses (or websites) that made your pregnancy journey easier?
Four Trimesters was great for both their prenatal and postnatal services. I highly recommend it if you’re hoping to have a natural birth.

What are your hopes and dreams for your baby?
My dreams don’t matter much as I want her to have her own dreams. I just hope that my baby girl will be  healthy and happy. And she will be kind and caring to others. She will be wise and knowledgeable so she can contribute to the society. And she will be determined and never give up when facing difficulties and challenges in her life.

Thank you so much, Megan! And thank you to the fab team at Bambini Photography for providing her gorgeous photos!