Zoes new love - baby Brayden
March 2, 2005
Zoe Tay met the press this afternoon for the first time since the
birth of her baby son Brayden on Feb 24! The gorgeous and radiant
mum spoke to us about her labour pains, confinement period and
erm
how breastfeeding makes her feel like a cow!
Zoe was absolutely glowing with motherly bliss when she met more
than 40 members of the press this afternoon at The Pines Club. In
tune with the joyous mood, the room was specially decked out with a
shimmery silver backdrop, floating silver and blue balloons, and
half a dozen congratulatory Its a Boy! balloons.
After a wait of close to an hour, the newly-crowned mummy finally
appeared, swathed in a resplendent flowing turquoise Mani gown and
a chunky necklace.
Apologising for her tardiness, Zoe explained she had to bring her
baby to the doctors for a routine check-up. Its the first time
we brought him out, so we fumbled and took longer than we
anticipated, she smiled. Naturally, all is forgiven for adorable
little Brayden!
Yup, dear readers, he is no longer known as just Zoe Tays son;
the most famous baby in Singapore now has a name! Meet Brayden
Chionh, the week-old darling of MediaCorps Ah Jie Zoe and her
husband Philip. Brayden, meaning brave in Gaelic, has yet to have
a Chinese name.
Explaining her husbands choice of the English name, Zoe said, We
hope that he will grow up to be brave, courageous and healthy.
Braydens a male, so I want him to have his own character and be
decisive. We didnt decide on a name right away because we wanted
to observe his character first. The doctor said the baby is
strong-minded and knows what he wants because he hooks on fast
during breastfeeding.
The Queen of Caldecott Hill then proceeded to answer the medias
numerous questions, laughing and waving her hands around animatedly
throughout the 45-minute interview.
In labour for 11
hours!
Zoe was admitted to Thomson Medical Centre on Feb 24. She was in
labour for a whopping 11 hours, not because little Brayden refused
to meet the world, but because Zoe wanted to wait for Daddy Philip
to reach the hospital. Unable to get an earlier flight out of
Korea, Philip could only reach Singapore after midnight. Zoe hung
on for as long as she could, but eventually, she took an epidural
and out popped the baby.
The contractions were very frequent and painful. The pain is
indescribable. The labour process was quite scary, but Im glad it
was smooth. I called my husband in between my contractions and
because I sounded calm and at ease, he didnt believe I was in pain
most of the time! she smirked playfully.
Zoe was exhausted after the birth, but was still very energetic.
Probably because of the excitement, she claimed. And Baby Brayden
has been an absolutely darling baby so far! She said, Im still
adapting (to being a mother), everythings quite good. Im not as
kelan kabut (Malay for bumbling) as I had thought I would
be!
Breastfeeding makes Zoe
feel like a cow!
Zoe understands fully the benefits of breastfeeding and is intent
on nourishing her child this way for as long as it takes. Providing
antibodies and other nutrients, Brayden will grow up faster and
healthier. Mommy Zoe rattles off that breastfeeding will also help
to shrink her uterus and lose weight faster, and tighten her
skin.
Breastfeeding helps to bond mother and child. But it keeps me very
busy; I keep on feeding and I feel like a cow! I feed him every 3
hours, lasting 1 hour each time. I only have two hours left for
myself, she groaned, delight evident in her voice and face
nevertheless.
The confinement
period
Zoe will be sticking to the ways of the traditional confinement
period all because of vanity! She believes this 1-month period,
where mothers undergo a lifestyle and dietary change to force out
the chills in their body, will strengthen her body, prevent body
aches and improve her complexion.
Just how extreme is Zoe going? She enthralled us with her current
lifestyle: I dont shower, but Im not smelly, dont worry! I wipe
myself clean twice a day with a mixture of rice wine and herbs. I
wrap myself up with no air con and no fans, so Im always carrying
a handkerchief to wipe away the perspiration. I can change my
attire up to 10 times a day. Friends call me crazy!
Besides wearing the girdle that her husband gave her since her
delivery, Zoe has also just started the traditional Indonesian
massage to tighten her skin today. Diet-wise, she eats only
home-cooked food, and drinks what she brought from home, like
ginger tea and milk. Cold food and drinks are strictly a big no-no.
Best pals and fellow artistes Pan Lingling, and Huang Shinan had
also brought the traditional dish pig trotters in vinegar for
Zoe.
Zoes mum, mother-in-law, her Indonesian maid and a confinement
helper are now currently assisting her in taking care of Brayden.
Philip will be returning to Korea for his work duties in a few
days. In the meantime, Zoe intends to fully enjoy her entitled 3
months maternity leave. She'll be endorsing Similac Follow-On milk
formula. Her next baby? Oh, Zoe's not thinking about having another
one now, but when the day comes, she hopes it'll be a girl to
complete the perfect family!
