The Bump: Singer-Songwriter Alicia Pan

Gorgeous mama and newborn photos in Sassy Mama’s ‘The Bump’!

This month’s ‘The Bump’ stars the stunning Singer-Songwriter Alicia Thew (Alicia Pan) and her super cute first kid Koda Brooks Thew born in October 2017, with beautiful images courtesy of Irina Nilsson Photography. Alicia has released two EPs, both in the English and Mandarin markets and she runs Yoga Movement, a yoga-lifestyle concept that both she and her husband own and founded in 2012. 

What was your reaction when you first found out you were pregnant?
I was over the moon! It was definitely something that both my husband and I had been wanting for awhile. We’ve definitely had some bumps along the way, so to us we treasured every step along the way. 

Your funniest memory over the 9 months?
Thinking that pregnancy was hard. Because after that came the anxiety of birthing… and then now the reality of PARENTING!

Any great books and resources that prepared you for when your baby arrived?
I did lots of reading and preparation for the birth – I had quite a firm birth plan so all my resources went into that. I have definitely had people tell me that the birthing part is such a small part of it all once the baby arrives, but it’s hard to believe so until the baby ACTUALLY arrives. So I guess I could have been a little more well prepared for the parenting part.

What do you think every woman should know before getting pregnant?
I would say that everyone should be prepared for sacrifices to be made – your body is going to change to a certain extent to make room for the baby, you need to be more conscious of what you put in your body or how you treat it for the baby’s health and safety. 

What was the easiest trimester and which one proved most difficult?
Definitely the second. To me, the first trimester was the most difficult not physically, but mentally. I was so conscious of every little thing that I felt in my body, fearing the worst. Paranoia kicked in a lot. Once we were past the 20 weeks, my mind started to relax a little bit more and I was able to enjoy the pregnancy fully.

Did you follow a fitness programme while you were pregnant?
I stopped my boxing training completely once I found out I was pregnant, but continued on with HIIT training up til 34 weeks and Yoga all the way til the day before I delivered. Even on days I wasn’t up for doing those activities I would get out of the house for a walk. It made me feel great to get my legs moving and blood circulation going. 

Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?
Stretchy cotton dresses are your best friend! 

Did you have any weird and wonderful cravings?
I had a strong chicken rice craving in the first trimester that lasted about two weeks. Nothing apart from that. I did miss the three cups of coffees I used to have a day though.

What did you struggle with most being pregnant?
Not being able to do any kind of contact sports although I don’t want to say it was a real struggle because I had alternatives, I just had to be creative with my activities. To be honest, I enjoyed every bit of my pregnancy.

Name a mama you find inspiring and why?
I think every mama is inspiring in their own way – It’s hard to single out ONE person because she is a little bit more famous for their journey to be documented; Every mama has her own story to tell and I think every single one of them can truly understand the gift of love and sacrifice whenever they hold their baby in their arms.

What are your thoughts about finding out the sex in advance?
I am all for it. We found out ours really early in while doing our down-syndrome chromosome blood test. We wanted to make sure we were fully prepared for it and had everything set up (the nursery, baby accessories, clothes…) by the time he arrived. I don’t handle surprises that well!

What kind of birth did you have? (hospital, home, epidural, c-section, with a doula, etc.).
I had a Natural hospital birth without epidural. In hindsight I would have really liked a Doula to have been there for it.

Who was your OBGYN, and where did you give birth? How was your birth experience? (optional)
Dr Kelly Loi has been my OBGYN for years now – she has seen me through thick and thin. I delivered safely at Mount Elizabeth Orchard under the care of Dr Loi and the midwives and nurses there. While the active/ transitional labor was difficult, there was no other way I would have done it. The birthing part was really magical. 

What helped you get your groove back after being pregnant?
I think not ever really losing the groove helped, haha. I tried to still do things that I loved to do and did not let pregnancy get in the way throughout the nine months.

Do you have any mama-friendly favourite places (restaurants, parks, etc.) to hang out with your baby? Why?
Robertson Quay is definitely a great baby/dog friendly (I have three dogs) area. Lots of spacious outdoor cafes, greenery and restaurants that are welcoming to families and young parents.

Any local businesses (or websites) that made your pregnancy journey easier?
Yoga Movement! I am not just saying it because my husband and I own the business (haha!) but we truly have great teachers that guided my practice throughout my journey.

How have you managed running Yoga Movement with a small baby to look after as well?
I am not gonna lie – managing work and being a new parent can get quite overwhelming. Especially since your little one is dependant on you 24/7 in the first few months, and you have a schedule to work around. I think all mom’s recognise that with a baby it takes double the effort to try and make a schedule, but as a business owner it is critical to show up for things promptly. I am thankful that my husband takes the lead on a lot of things around Yoga Movement, so that’s been of tremendous help with my new life as a mum. It also helps that we have a great team of people at work!

What are your hopes and dreams for your baby?
I just want Koda to grow up to be a good man, to treat others the way he would want to be treated. I also want him to grow up an explorer, outside of the city, and be able to get his hands dirty when needed- no room for a sheltered spoilt brat in this family!

Thanks so much for chatting with us Alicia and big thanks to Irina Nilsson Photography for the beautiful images!