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The Bump: Noeleen Goh

Family LifePost Category - Family LifeFamily LifePregnancyPost Category - PregnancyPregnancy

Gorgeous Singapore Maternity Photos in Sassy Mama’s ‘The Bump’

This month’s ‘The Bump’ featuree is super-styler Noeleen Goh, a National Director at Jones Lang LaSalle. Having recently given birth to baby son Ethan, Noeleen cracks us up with her stories of furtive durian runs and ‘leaving a trail of destruction’ in her clumsy wake during the third trimester. She also discusses why she was happy to get a C-section, and so much more!

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What was your reaction when you first found out you were pregnant?
Very grateful and blessed for two reasons. Firstly, we had experienced a miscarriage the year before. And secondly, it didn’t take long after the miscarriage for us to get pregnant again. God answered our prayers!

Your funniest memory over the 9 months?
Being absolutely clumsy in my third trimester, leaving a ‘trail of destruction’ behind – things that I accidentally knocked over or dropped but couldn’t pick up on my own. My husband found it amusing that although I’m typically independent, I could only look at those fallen items forlornly and was ‘at his mercy’ to pick up those items.

Any great books and resources that prepared you for when your baby arrived?
I skimmed through several books including Gina Ford’s Contented Little Baby and Tracy Hogg’s Baby Whisperer before the baby arrived but found myself applying Gina Ford’s methods in practice.

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What do you think every woman should know before getting pregnant?
Expect the unexpected. Every pregnancy and baby experience is different. The stories you hear will vary significantly. Pick the ones that work for you. 

What was the easiest trimester and which one proved most difficult?
I felt really good during my first two trimesters. I was energetic and had a good appetite. My skin and hair were glowing. I was subsequently diagnosed with gestational diabetes in my third trimester and had to be careful what I consumed, otherwise I would feel giddy and out of breath. I was also getting pretty large for my petite size, hence walking (or rather waddling) around became difficult.

Did you follow a fitness programme while you were pregnant?
I did Pilates every week and regularly went for walks around my estate and the Botanic Gardens. This lasted until I felt too heavy to walk.

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Any fashion tips and tricks for maternity dressing?
For work, invest in a few pieces like good quality dresses and embellish the outfit with interesting accessories. I bought a couple of well-cut pants, skirt and jeans that gave me a lot of mileage, even post-partum. My go-to brand was Isabella Oliver.

Did you have any weird and wonderful cravings?
Durians! I secretly drove myself to the durian stall along Sixth Avenue to buy the fruit (durians have high glycemic index, which I was advised against).

What did you struggle with most being pregnant?
Mobility in the last 3 weeks.

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What kind of birth did you have? (hospital, home, epidural, etc.). Who was your OBGYN, and where did you give birth? How was your birth experience?
Dr TC Chang at Thomson Medical Centre. I had an elective C-section. When my anesthesiologist (Dr Yvonne Lim) came into the operating theatre bursting with confidence, I knew I was in safe hands. The beauty about her was her ability to pre-empt my doubts and answer them even before I had a chance to ask. I believe I was calmer than I should have been because of her. She even joked mid-way saying that I was lucky I had all the help to push the baby out, as most mothers have to spend hours in labour. It made me feel better about all the external pushing that was going on.

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What helped you get your groove back after being pregnant?
A network of mama friends to exchange war stories. They have been a great source of encouragement and sanity.

Any local businesses (or websites) that made your pregnancy journey easier?
RedMart for groceries and Pupsik Studio for baby gear. 

What are your hopes and dreams for your baby?
To be a kind hearted soul and to be happy.

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Thanks Noeleen! And huge thanks to family, lifestyle and storytelling photographer Kerry of Red Bus Photography. To learn more about Kerry and her services, click here

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