Milk Flow

http://www.mobimotherhood.org/MM/article-milkflow.aspx

Breastfeed Tips 1

Credit: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/infants/25064

Every breastfeeding situation is unique - even mothers who have more than one breastfed child will find this to be true. Breastfeeding can come naturally, but often mothers find that it's a learned art, and there are some things that can help make learning easier. I'd like to share some breastfeeding tips, mother to mother, that I found to be useful with both of my children.

1. You might be amazed at how often newborn babies need to nurse. It can seem like they nurse "all the time"! The American Academy of Pediatrics says that newborns should be nursed at least 8 - 12 times in 24 hours. Babies need to nurse often for various reasons: frequent nursing helps your milk "come in" quickly, lowers the chance your baby will become jaundiced, helps prevent and alleviate engorgement, and, because breastmilk is made on a supply and demand basis, frequent and unrestricted breastfeeding helps assure that your baby gets enough breastmilk.

2. A healthy full-term baby will let you know he needs to nurse (unless he is too sleepy). Some of the ways a baby shows he needs to nurse are as follows: squirming, increased alertness or activity, making rooting motions - moving his head back and forth with his mouth open in an "O" shape like a little bird, snuggling or rooting at the breast, clenching his fists by his face, putting his fist in his mouth, sucking on his hands, making sucking sounds, crying - but try to feed him before he cries. The American Academy of Pediatrics' policy on Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk states, "Newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger. . . . Crying is a late indicator of hunger." Babies should be nursed before they become too hungry because a really hungry baby may get too frustrated and have a difficult time latching on. Nurse him whenever he seems to want it as long as it's at least 8 - 12 times in 24 hours. 

3. If, perhaps to assure yourself that your baby nurses often enough, you want to keep a record at first of how often your baby nurses, it might be helpful to know that the time between nursings is figured from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of the next. Newborns commonly nurse approximately every 1 1/2 to 3 hours, but is it natural and normal for a baby to want to nurse every hour - sometimes more, and sometimes less. Many mothers find that clocks add a lot of unnecessary stress and feel better not watching a clock.

4. Nursing is an excellent way to calm a baby - even if you "just" nursed him. When baby starts to whimper, many mothers find that quickly offering their baby the breast helps to keep him content. 

5. Many breastfeeding experts and breastfeeding mothers warn against offering a newborn a bottle or a pacifier. Artificial nipples are different from your nipples, and using them can cause "nipple confusion." Some babies get nipple confusion, and some babies don't, but using an artificial nipple even once can cause some babies to have nipple confusion. 

Nipple confusion can make it hard for a baby to latch on correctly and baby and mother both may become frustrated and mother may end up with sore nipples and a low milk supply. It also can make a baby "lazy": liquid comes from a bottle nipple much easier than it does from the breast, and he can end up prefering the ease of the bottle and may even refuse to nurse. Also, if your baby satisfies his sucking needs elswhere than at your breasts, your breasts receive less stimultation, and less milk is made.
It is especially important for babies who have slow weight gain to suckle often at the breast rather than suck on a pacifier or anything else because the more often a baby nurses, the more milk there will be. Supplementation is rarely necessary for a healthy full-term baby and can be harmful to the breastfeeding relationship, but if for some reason your newborn needs formula or expressed breastmilk, consider using a medicine cup or a dropper instead of a bottle. (A lactation consultant can show you how to feed your baby with a cup or dropper.) 

6. Instead of watching the clock to see when you should switch sides, let your baby nurse until he pulls off himself. Let him finish the first breast before offering the second. The first part of the baby's feeding consists of more watery foremilk which helps to quench his thirst (so if he's just thirsty, he may choose to take a quick sip on one breast, in which case you may want to offer the same breast first at the next feed). The last part consists of rich hindmilk which some have equated to dessert. Letting your baby nurse as long as he wants on one side helps assure that your baby receives the higher calorie, fattier hindmilk which will will help his tummy to feel satisfied longer. 

7. Make sure your baby is latched-on and positioned correctly. Consider asking a lactation consultant or La Leche League leader to check to see if they are correct. Baby should open his mouth really wide and grasp a lot of your areola (the dark part around the nipple) in his mouth - remember, it's breastfeeding, not nipplefeeding. When using the cradle hold, baby should be positioned facing you with his tummy to your tummy. 

Incorrect latch-on and postioning can lead to inadequate milk supply and sore nipples. Mild tenderness is common even when latch and positioning are correct, but nursing should not be painful. If it hurts, ask for help. Many mothers use Lansinoh to help soothe and heal their sore nipples. Also, putting a little expressed breastmilk on sore nipples can help them heal quickly. Breastmilk helps fight germs, so it will help protect a cracked nipple from getting infected. Plus, the fat content in the breastmilk provides moisture.

8. Breastfeeding in public can be done discreetly. Practice at home in front of a mirror. You will notice that very little shows and that it appears as if your baby is simply sleeping in your arms. Nursing shirts make it easy to nurse discreetly, and they can help shy moms have the confidence to nurse in public. When you want to wear a dress, nursing dresses provide great convenience, but tops and skirts can work well, too. When nursing in a non-nursing shirt, look for loose-fitting shirts that lift easily from the bottom. Your baby's body will cover any exposed areas. Also, you can nurse your baby in a sling - this provides extra privacy plus you can walk around while nursing. If you still want or need to nurse in private when you are out of the house, good places to nurse are in your car or a dressing room.

9. Make a comfortable nursing station. Set up an area with snacks, drinks, a nursing pillow, stool to sit your feet on, and good books to read - anything you might need or enjoy having while nursing. If you have another child, include a basket with special toys he can play with only while you are nursing and books you can read to him.

10. Learn how to nurse while lying down. This has been a lifesaver to me! One way to do it is to lay on your side with your baby next to you lying on his side facing you. Putting pillows behind you to support your body and putting a pillow between your legs will make it more comfortable for you. Lie with your bottom arm above you and your lower arm curved around your baby to hold him close to you. Nursing while lying down can help when your baby is fussy and won't nurse any other way, can give you the chance to take a nap during the day, and can help build your milk supply especially when you nurse and sleep at the same time. Plus, it makes night-feedings easy!

11. Build a nursing support system of people you can turn to for encouragement and information. Attend La Leche League meetings or other breastfeeding or attachment parenting supprt group (La Leche League encourages mothers to begin attending their meetings before baby's birth if possible). Keep helpful phone numbers in a safe place - for example, the phone numbers of your Le Leache League leader, a good lactation consultant, and other breastfeeding mothers. Join breastfeeding support groups on the Internet and also be sure to check out La Leche League's website at http://www.lalecheleague.org.


(Note: Do not put expressed breastmilk on your nipples if you have thrush. . . the breastmilk will feed it.)

Lactating Remedy - Fenugreek Capsules

Credit: http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-fenugreek-capsules-for-more.html

Homemade Fenugreek Capsules, for more milk - Confinement Month # 1

Last time, when I had Lydia, I didn't know much about breastfeeding, and yet the inexperienced me didn't do much to have more milk. Now don't tell me, the more the baby sucks, the more I'll have. Oh yes, but I do believe that comes to a certain limit for different individuals. I've one relative whose baby has never suckled and yet can pump 6 oz of milk on first attempt, and thereafter 2 bottles each time. The baby never suckled for at least 3 months because the baby was the the incubator. She had so much milk that the milk was all thrown away due to super excess. How I wish I had that much.

When I had Lyanne, I was determined to give her more, and knowing of my past mistakes, I certainly did better. But to me, how I wished I still had more. I then searched on the internet on ways to increase my supply, and one of the methods is to consume fenugreek.

Fenugreek is a cheap and common spice. Used in making curries and Asian dishes like nasi dagang. My MIL told me, her sister uses this and make an infusion with hot water as a cough remedy. So, it's something pretty common, nothing to be scared of.  I got to know that to buy this ready made in capsule form from supplement shops, it's pretty pricey, compared to the cost price.

Few weeks before I was due, I bought 100gm of fenugreek seeds, for only RM1.60 and 300 gelatin capsule shells for RM5.40. I made 270 capsules for less than RM7. Cheap? Yes.
So, was it effective? I'll be glad to say, it worked for me the last time. I was from barely enough to slightly more than enough after comsuming for a few days. I read it gives about 20% increment, and so that's about 20% for me, quite true.
I won't be consuming all 270 capsules. The amount is shared between 2 sister in laws and me. Just take until you achieve your desired milk flow. Won't need to take this forever.

Mike's friend took Domperidone, a prescribed drug all through her breastfeeding, something of which both of us detest to. It's actually used to treat vomiting and nausea and having more milk will be the side effect of that drug. Mike would rather buy formula than for me to use Domperidone. It just feels weird to consume the drug for its side effects throughout breastfeeding. No stopping!

How many fenugreek capsules should one take? Some sites I read says 3 capsules 3 times a day, meaning 9 capsules/day. I was worried it might be too much, so I just take 3/day. It was sufficient for me. . I read that as long as your body starts to smell like maple syrup, then it's enough. Yeah, 2 days into taking and I became a walking pancake around the house, LOL. This time I took 3 capsules each time, twice a day and I still don't smell like maple syrup, so you have to make your own adjustments.

So, for those of you who are interested to make your own or as a gift for someone, here's how I did it.

1. Take some fenugreek, spread it out on your palm, checking for bits of sand or impurities.

2. Grind it in your mill (the short thing that comes with your blender). At this point I wished I had a Blendtec. The machine that can be used to blend Iphone, LOL.

3. Use a not too fine sieve and sift it. Repeat milling process with those that are too coarse. Actually there's nothing wrong with comsuming coarsely milled fenugreek, but isn't it easier to digest if it's finer.

4. Fill into capsules and keep them in a glass jar. Do not fill them into containers that can absorb smells like Tupperware. The smell stays forever, even after 3 years. Yes, the Tupperware I kept the milled fenugreek during Lyanne's time still smell like fenugreek until today.

Notes:
Use the fenugreek raw. As heating will change its compounds to Niacin, a type of Vitamin B. It can be very heaty to consume too much Vitamin B. Read here.
When I consumed this during Lyanne's time, I roasted it at 150C for 10 minutes in a preheated oven before grinding. It was more effective with only 3 pills and I absolutely smell of fenugreek in the armpits and urine. Milk flow was obviously better BUT, it was very very heaty. I had to stop after consuming for 2 weeks, as I was having a very dry throat. The throat took 3 weeks to moisten up again.
This time, I consumed 3 in the morning, and 3 more at night, and I do not smell that strong of fenugreek. Milk flow is not as great as consumed roasted, but I can consume it for longer periods of time without being "overheated" by the Vitamin B in the roasted fenugreek.
I'll update more later. I plan to do another batch roasted again, at a lower temperature, to see it effects. Please stay tuned.

Do not consume fenugreek during pregnancy as it can cause early contractions .

Lactating Tea

Credit: http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/2011/05/lactating-red-date-tea.html

Lactating Red Date Tea 发奶红枣茶

Haha, Yeah, I'm all into anything that gives me more milk. Just anything!!!


This time around I changed my red date tea formula. After reading on the internet about galactagogues, I got to know a common Chinese herb is one of it. It's astragalus root , 黃耆 or  北耆. My mom will sometimes put this into her soups. And then I went searching for 发奶茶 (lactating tea), and got to know another herb that is used, which is Rice Paper Pith, 通草.  It is commonly found in herbal teas that promote urination like "Hui Sap Sui 去湿水".

When I went to the Chinese herbal shop to buy my bulk of herbs, the herbalist asked me why am I buying so much rice paper pith.


He said, "What do you want to  通(toong, meaning unclog) ??


Well, they have never encountered anyone buying 150gm of it. It sounds little, right? But it's so light weight that 150gm is one big plastic bag of it. Almost like the size of a basketball.


I told him, "I want to make 发奶茶 (lactating tea)."


Then to my surprise, the male herbalist said slumberly, "Oh, you want to unclog your breasts!" (Oh, Lei yiu toong nin, in Cantonese).


His female workers' eyes went big (while sheepishly giggling) and so did mine. I never expect him to use such a word. I almost wanted to burst into laughter. There was no sexual tones there, but the words he used was totally unexpected, to be do direct. Much to the surprise of all the women there. He just went on with his work while his workers packed my bulk of herbs. I went back to the car like Santa with his bag. That much of stuff for 1 month's red date tea.

This is the formula I did this time.


Lactating Red Date Tea
Recipe source: Wendyywy

Red Dates        红枣           : 90gm
Black Dates      黑枣           : 60gm
Dangshen         党参           : 30gm
Dried Longan flesh 龙眼肉  : 30gm
Wolfberry         枸杞子       : 20gm
Astragalus        北耆          : 10gm
Rice Paper Pith   通草        ：6gm

1. Remove seeds from red and black dates. Rinse dates.

2. Rinse dangshen in water to remove dirt.

3. Give wolfberry, rice paper pith and astragalus a quick rinse.

4. Put everything into a pot together with 4L of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for at least 2 hours.

5. Consume this throughout the day.

If you want to consume this for 20 days, then calculate the amount needed and purchase from Chinese Herbal Shops. For me, I drink this from the day I am discharged until full moon. 

About Ricepaper Pith (tong cao)

http://www.tcmtreatment.com/herbs/0-tongcao.htm

Ricepaper Pith (tong cao)

Medulla Tetrapanacis

Properties: The herb is sweet and tasteless in flavour, and slightly cold in nature.It cats on lung and stomach channels. Being sweet and tasteless for inducing diuresis and excreting dampness, and slightly cold for clearing heat, the herb can ensure proper downward flowing of heat to treat stranguria, and clear breast channel to stimulate milk secretion. It has the effects of clearing heat, inducing diuresis, promoting Qi circulation and stimulating milk secretion. The herb is indicated for stranguria due to heat, galactostasis and other syndromes.

Effects: Clearing heat and dampness and stimulating milk secretion.

Indications:

1. The herb can be used in combination with plantain seed, raw liquorice root, fringed pink and other herbs for inducing diuresis and treating stranguria, to treat damp-heat in the lower-jiao, scanty dark urine and dribbling urination with difficulty and pain; and with umbellate pore-fungus, poria, areca seed and other herbs of inducing diuresis and alleviating edema, to treat edema, abdominal distention and dysurial. 2. The herb can be used in combination with cowherb seed, pangolin scales, bupleurum root, globethistle root and other herbs for promoting blood and Qi circulation and stimulating milk secretion, to treat puerperal galactostasis due to stagnation and obstruction of the breast channel; and with Chinese angelica root, astragalus root, cowherb seed and other herbs for invigorating Qi, nourishing blood and stimulating milk secretion, to treat galactostasis due to deficiency of Qi and blood.

Dosage and Administration: 3-6g.

Breastmilk Booster: Fenugreek Capsules

http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-fenugreek-capsules-for-more.html

Note: Do not consume fenugreek during pregnancy as it can cause early contractions.

Nourishing Confinement Tea

Dates Tea
Ingredients:
50g black dates
50g nan dates/ nan zhao
150g red dates
50g dried longan
1500ml water

Method:
1) Rinse dates and flatten. Remove the core.

2) Cook dates with water until boiling. Simmer over low heat for approximately 2 hours.

3) Remove from heat, strain well and serve hot.

4) Place the remainder into a thermos flask and drink throughout the day


Fried Ginger Rice Tea
Ingredients:
300g white grain rice
150g fresh ginger (shredded finely)

Method:
1) Stir-fry the rice and shredded ginger in a pre-heated dry wok until dry and golden brown.

2) Remove and keep in a bottle

3) Soak 1tbsp in a cup of boiling water. Cover for 30 minutes. Serve hot. Can be taken everyday.

Food to Avoid on Confinement

‘Cooling food' for example: 
banana, cabbage, cucumber, coconut and Chinese cabbage
Contribute to mother's poor blood circulation and stomach ache in the baby if you are breastfeeding. Salt as a condiment and salty foods in general are to be rejected, too, in the belief that use reduces breast milk production

‘Acidic food' for example: 
pineapple, mango, lemon, lime
Contribute to excessive lochia in the mother and diarrhea in the baby.

Too much ‘Heaty food' for example: 
chilli, pepper, spices, tonics, spirits and medicines.
Contribute to diarrhea in the baby and maternal headaches

‘Windy food' for example: 
jackfruit, tapioca, pumpkin, onions.
Contribute to baby being colicky and may cause indigestion for mother and baby.

Poisonous food such as:
prawns, shellfish, crab, eel, ginger
Delay healing of the mother's wound and may cause allergies and eczema in the baby. These foods may cause stomach upsets and vomiting

Some food does cause the baby to become 'windy' or have loose stools. If you find that your baby is suddenly quite unsettled, try and think of what you ate during the last 12 hours. Avoid that food for a few days and then try again. If the same happens again, then you should avoid that particular food for a while and re-introduce it into your diet by taking a very small amount and see how baby reacts then slowly increase the amount so that baby gets used to the food.

Confinement Recipe 2

Fish Dishes:

Stir Fried Sweet Peas w/ Fish Maw
鱼瓢炒甜豆
*Dried fish maw contains essential amino acids. It helps mend worn-out cells and prevents the degeneration of muscle mass.

Steam Fish w/ Sliced Ginger & Qi Zi
姜丝，杞子蒸鱼
*Qi Zhi helps reinforce the liver and the kidneys, replenish vital essence & improve vision.

Chicken Dishes:

Double Boiled Polygonum w/ Chicken Soup
何首乌炖鸡汤
*Polygonum replenishes the liver & the kidneys with vital essence & blood; blacken hair & strengthen the tendons & bones.

Double Boiled Angelica Chicken Tonic Soup
当归，北芪炖鸡汤
*Angelica enriches blood, promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, relieve pain & induce laxation.

Dang Shen, Qi Zhi w/ Black Chicken Soup
党参，杞子乌鸡汤
*Dang Shen rids of clot blood, pain, invigorate blood, breakup blood stasis, for dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, palpable tumors, angina, heat bi, restlessness and insomnia, irritability, swollen spleen, pain in digestive system.


Black Chicken w/ Huai Shan & White Fungus Soup
淮山，木耳黑鸡
*Huai Shan - anti aging & improves digestive system


Sesame Chicken w/ Sliced Ginger
姜丝麻油鸡
*this dish helps to promote blood circulation, provide nourishment and stimulate energy.


Pork Dishes:
Pig’s Trotters & Peanuts Soup
花生猪脚汤
*this dish purifies the blood, alleviate wind & dampness, improve blood circulation.

Pork Ribs w/ Papaya & Peanuts Soup
木瓜，排骨花生汤
*the papaya & peanuts enrich the milk glands.

Pork Ribs w/ Lotus Root Soup
莲藕排骨汤
*cooked lotus root turn into warm nature and is good for strengthening the spleen, stimulating the appetite and benefiting the blood.

Pork Knuckles in Ginger & Vinegar
猪脚姜醋
*this dish helps to purify the blood, alleviate wind and dampness, improves blood circulation.

Double Boiled Ginseng w/ Pork Ribs Soup
人参炖排骨汤
*Ginseng reinforces qi, rescue collapse, restore the normal pulse, tonify the spleen and lungs, promote the production of body fluids and tranquillise the mind.

Double Boiled Ba Zhen Pork Rib Tonic Soup
八珍滋补炖排骨汤
*Ba Zhen invigorates the spleen, replenishes your vital energy, promotes blood flow & regulates stomach functions.


Black Beans & Red Dates Pork Ribs Soup
黑豆，红枣排骨汤
*Black beans promote blood circulation and has detoxification effect.

 Black Pepper w/ Pig’s Stomach Soup
黑椒猪肚汤
*Black pepper acts as an antioxidant, a pain relief agent.

Vegetable Dishes:

Stir Fried Kai Lan w/ Sliced Chicken
芥兰炒鸡丝

Stir Fried Broccoli w/ Sliced Fish
西兰花炒鱼片
*Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, and fiber.

Stir Fried Broccoli & Cauliflower w/ Carrot
西兰花，椰菜花炒红罗卜
*Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, and fiber.

Steam Enoki Mushroom w/ Oyster Sauce
耗油蒸金针菇
*Enoki Mushroom provides an excellent source of iron and are good sources of fiber, protein, & vitamin C.

Stir Fried Spinach w/ Anchovies
银鱼炒波菜
*Spinach is low in calories, yet extremely high in vitamins & minerals.

Stir Fried Spinach w/ Qi Zhi
构杞炒波菜
*Spinach is low in calories, yet extremely high in vitamins & minerals.

Stir Fried Celery w/ Minced Meat
西芹炒肉碎
*Celery provides an excellent source of vitamin C & fiber
*Kai Lan is rich in iron, calcium, manganese & potassium.

Stir Fried Asparagus w/ Carrot
芦笋炒红罗卜
*Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, niacin, phosphorus, protein, & iron.

Stir Fried Lean Meat w/ Capsicums
灯笼椒炒瘦肉
*Bell peppers are a good source of phytochemicals, providing exceptional antioxidant activity.

Stir Fried Snow Peas & Mushroom
甜豆炒香菇
*Snow peas are rich in proteins.

Stir Fried Broccoli, Carrot & Black Fungus
西兰花，红罗卜炒黑木耳

Credits: 
http://confinement-meals.com/media/Confinement%20Package.pdf

Top 4 Confinement Myths

Top 4 Confinement Myths

Many mothers or mothers-to-be are often puzzled about the traditional confinement rules and taboos. Here we discuss the Top 4 Confinement Myths and provide further scientific reasonings and suggestions.

Confinement Myth #1 - To Bathe or Not to Bathe
New mothers are advised not to bathe or wash their hair for a month after childbirth to prevent catching a chill and suffer from rheumatism in later part of their lives. However, there is no scientific reasoning to this and it could also be due to the living conditions in ancient China whereby women had to fetch water from rivers to bathe.
Furthermore, in tropical country like Singapore, in order to observe good personal hygiene, bathing is necessary to prevent build up of germs and sweat or any infection. It is recommended to take warm baths and dry yourself quickly or take hot sponge bath to remain fresh and clean.
You wouldn’t want to be sweaty and smelly when breastfeeding your baby. New mothers should also be encouraged to wash their hair only when they are more stable on their feet after giving birth.

Confinement Myth#2 - Keeping Warm with Food and Alcohol
It is believed that alcohol promote blood circulation and warm the body. However, alcohol can be transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding and it is proven that drinking excessively during nursing may result in delay in development in the child.

Instead, have a healthy and balance diet to provide your body with the necessary nutrients. Recommend oatmeal, brown rice, wholemeal bread, plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and calcium-rich food. Gingers are also commonly used to get rid of ‘wind’ in the body as the stomach and bowels, which are compressed during pregnancy, are now expanded causing organs to swell up with air and fluid.
Confinement Myth #3 - Saying “NO” to Air Condition
Many believe that new mothers should not come in contact with direct wind and this is true as after childbirth, women tend to be weaker. To keep health and body in tip-top condition, new mothers should avoid receiving direct wind from fan or air-conditioner.
However, the room should be sufficiently ventilated with adequate lighting so as to feel comfortable. In fact, air conditionings are allowed but temperature should not be too low. It is recommended to keep temperature between 25oC – 27oC.

Confinement Myth #4 - Eight Glasses of Water Per Day, No?
It is believed that new mothers should not drink water during confinement as it may cause water retention in the body.
However, sufficient fluid is essential to replace the lost fluid produced during breastfeeding. It is usually recommended for new mothers to consume longan and red date tea but it may not be adequate.
Hence, do consume plenty of longan and red date tea but also not forgetting to have plain warm water at times as well.

Source Credit: http://www.todaysmotherhood.com/2010/08/top-4-confinement-myths/

Food to Avoid During 1st Week of Confinement

These are food known to be avoid during  first 10 days of confinement / first 10 days after given birth.

Chicken

Ginger
Whether fresh or in wine, as it can delay healing of any wound and if baby has jaundice it can make it worse.

Spicy Food


*Alcohol
It is best to cook the alcohol before having it in your diet.
Alcohol evaporates when cooked so the amount in breast milk is very little to cause any harm to your baby.

* Use appropriately

Confinement Recipe 1

Following tonic or soup should on be consumer on week 2 onwards after labor.

 八珍补血补气排骨汤
Double Boiled "Ba Zhen" Pork Rib  Tonic

何手乌炖 鸡汤
Double Boiled "He Shou Wu" (Polygonum)  Chicken Soup
(It benefits the liver & kidney, blackens the hair and defies aging)


杜仲排骨汤
Duzhong (Eucommia Bark) Pork Rib soup
(Eucommia Bark is one of the best herbs for strengthening the kidneys . It also help to lower blood pressure and is specially beneficial to those who suffer from high blood pressure during pregnancy)

猪脚醋/ 醋排骨
Black Vinegar Trotter / Pork Rib
(The Chinese believe that black vinegar purifies the  blood & cleanse the arties while the old ginger drives out the wind. As a precaution against the vinegar being  too acidic & therefore weakening the stomach, the  glutinous ligaments and collagen of the pig’s trotters   are in the dish to serve as a lubricant)  

天麻鸡汤
#Double Boiled "Tian Ma"Chicken" Soup
(This soup benefits the liver, expels wind, eases anxiety and tonifies the blood)


准山芡实煲瘦肉开胃汤
Double Boiled Lean Meat w/Dioscorea  Yam Soup    


credits: http://www.natalessentials.com/conf_menu.html