I had to call a few times to get though to someone human to speak to on my appointment. The phone line always ended with the fax dialling tone. Understood that no reminder would be given prior to the appointment date. And, to settle on an appointment date and time was not easy as they were quite fully booked, surprisingly even on weekdays.
The place was in a well developed area. The interior gave me a close to nature feel, with lots of wood around.
Greeted by the lady boss and she asked if I wanted to upgrade my facial to a full facial instead of just a face SPA, which I firmly rejected. Checked also if I would like to upgrade my massage oil to a better quality one, which I also rejected.
The Balinese massage was done by an Indonesian lady. I noticed that there was only her and her lady boss around. So, asked her if there was any other people around. She said that she was the only one as 2 of her colleagues had recently quit. The lady boss had been advertising the massage plus face SPA service at a very low rate and the number of customers they got was too overwhelming. Each masseur had to massage for at least 8 customers in a day and on top of that, perform the face SPA as well. That was why her colleagues quit recently. No wonder weekdays were fully booked. I was the only customer at that time. Even lunch time, the lady had to serve customers.
Face SPA was really quick. Also, the Indonesian lady told me that they usually charge customers for the facial sponge as they only use the facial sponge once due to hygiene reasons. The lady boss did not inform in advance.
Fixed next appointment with the lady boss and I never returned. Felt bad for the poor ladies working there, exploited to the max.
Just recently I saw the advertisement again for similar package. BOYCOTT!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Ardo Calypso - Satisfaction BUT..
Apologise for the delay in posting up my review on Ardo Calypso. Well, to start with, I am pumping with it now as I blog.
AND my twins are exactly 1 year old today! Finally we have reached the 1 year milestone set in my breastfeeding journey and we are still going strong. My twins are a pair of boy and girl and they are now about 8.8kg and 8.2kg respectively. Happy boy and girl!
Ardo Calypso has been a great pump so far, in terms of the performance versus the price. I bought the pump with some complimentary items, i.e. bag, ice packs, bottles, etc..
I like the design as it is light weight enough for travelling and the colour - cheerful green and beige seems like perfect combination, though some commented that it looks like a toy to them. The pump comes with 2 difference sizes of flanges. I am probably not the best judge on which size to use but I am comfortably using the bigger one.
No problem adjusting the pump to suit my needs, in terms of the suction level and speed. The suction is quite good. It has a total of 8 suction (vacuum) levels and usually I use level 5 or 7. There is also a total of 8 speed levels. To stimulate let down, I usually adjust the speed to about 6 or 7. Once milk is flowing, I reduce the speed level to about 5.
Each session for me usually lasted for about 20 mins minimum to about half an hour maximum. When my twins were less than 11 months old, I was able to consistently get about 10-15oz each session with 5 hours interval in between during working hours. Sometimes, even 18oz - after some durian-booster session the night before.. :) Now that my twins are older, I can only manage to get about 8-12 oz each session, which is sad but still, enough to fill them up in between solid meals. So, still a good balance of supply and demand.
As I travel for business quite regularly, I pump outside alot. At malls, in the car, plane, office, home, even restaurants. It was quiet enough for me to pump discreetly under nursing cover.
BUT, it is a problem when I am at places where no electrical point is readily available. Ardo Calypso has no built in battery. Can be used with electrical supply, battery and car adapter (it fits Ameda's). Best is with electrical supply and on "stable ground". When used in car with car adaptors, the pump will show the error light if I accidentally shake the pump. The low performance alkaline battery is only enough for 1 pumping session, whereas, Energizer can last longer but still, the suction seems lower than normal which is not enough for me since I am used to high suction levels.
The pump unit will also show error light when used at high suction, high speed levels for single side pumping, in other words, when not used for double pumping. Due to this reason, I got my pump unit replaced once, after about 3 months of usage.
The next time I got my pump replaced was because the pump just would not come alive no matter how I tried to revive it. It just went dead.. and it died on me when I was on an outstation business trip. Lucky I did bring my manual kit along.
The manual kit was bought from Singapore. I did not manage to find it in Malaysia. It consist of only 3 parts and you can fit it onto the existing flange. In Malaysia, I found shops that only offered the full manual pump set.
In conclusion, I like Ardo Calypso BUT too many technical problems. This is the upgraded version bought in year 2012 but I think they definitely has to work on the reliability of the pump and at least, extend the warranty up to 2 years from child's date of birth rather than only a year. MY PUMP WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRES TODAY!!! Due to the problems, I have to survey for a spare pump to keep me company for another year.
P/S:- I wish to breastfeed my twins till they are 2 years old. Wish me luck!! :)
AND my twins are exactly 1 year old today! Finally we have reached the 1 year milestone set in my breastfeeding journey and we are still going strong. My twins are a pair of boy and girl and they are now about 8.8kg and 8.2kg respectively. Happy boy and girl!
Ardo Calypso has been a great pump so far, in terms of the performance versus the price. I bought the pump with some complimentary items, i.e. bag, ice packs, bottles, etc..
I like the design as it is light weight enough for travelling and the colour - cheerful green and beige seems like perfect combination, though some commented that it looks like a toy to them. The pump comes with 2 difference sizes of flanges. I am probably not the best judge on which size to use but I am comfortably using the bigger one.
No problem adjusting the pump to suit my needs, in terms of the suction level and speed. The suction is quite good. It has a total of 8 suction (vacuum) levels and usually I use level 5 or 7. There is also a total of 8 speed levels. To stimulate let down, I usually adjust the speed to about 6 or 7. Once milk is flowing, I reduce the speed level to about 5.
Each session for me usually lasted for about 20 mins minimum to about half an hour maximum. When my twins were less than 11 months old, I was able to consistently get about 10-15oz each session with 5 hours interval in between during working hours. Sometimes, even 18oz - after some durian-booster session the night before.. :) Now that my twins are older, I can only manage to get about 8-12 oz each session, which is sad but still, enough to fill them up in between solid meals. So, still a good balance of supply and demand.
As I travel for business quite regularly, I pump outside alot. At malls, in the car, plane, office, home, even restaurants. It was quiet enough for me to pump discreetly under nursing cover.
BUT, it is a problem when I am at places where no electrical point is readily available. Ardo Calypso has no built in battery. Can be used with electrical supply, battery and car adapter (it fits Ameda's). Best is with electrical supply and on "stable ground". When used in car with car adaptors, the pump will show the error light if I accidentally shake the pump. The low performance alkaline battery is only enough for 1 pumping session, whereas, Energizer can last longer but still, the suction seems lower than normal which is not enough for me since I am used to high suction levels.
The pump unit will also show error light when used at high suction, high speed levels for single side pumping, in other words, when not used for double pumping. Due to this reason, I got my pump unit replaced once, after about 3 months of usage.
The next time I got my pump replaced was because the pump just would not come alive no matter how I tried to revive it. It just went dead.. and it died on me when I was on an outstation business trip. Lucky I did bring my manual kit along.
The manual kit was bought from Singapore. I did not manage to find it in Malaysia. It consist of only 3 parts and you can fit it onto the existing flange. In Malaysia, I found shops that only offered the full manual pump set.
In conclusion, I like Ardo Calypso BUT too many technical problems. This is the upgraded version bought in year 2012 but I think they definitely has to work on the reliability of the pump and at least, extend the warranty up to 2 years from child's date of birth rather than only a year. MY PUMP WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRES TODAY!!! Due to the problems, I have to survey for a spare pump to keep me company for another year.
P/S:- I wish to breastfeed my twins till they are 2 years old. Wish me luck!! :)
Friday, May 25, 2012
My New Breastfeeding Gadget - Ardo Calypso Dual Breast Pump
Finally I managed to get the new upgraded Ardo Calypso Dual Breast Pump as soon as it was released in the market. Although this retailer has an online website (http://www.enjoybreastfeed.com/) where all their items can be easily purchased with just a few clicks, I went all the way to the Enjoy Breastfeeding showroom in Klang just to test out the pump last Saturday.
The shop was pretty small and had 2 staffs assiting the boss and lady boss, Michelle. The shop was basically swarmed by mummies. Some were getting advice on breastfeeding and some were looking for breastpumps for their coming bundle of joy. I went straight to one of the staffs and requested to test out the Ardo Calypso Dual Breastpump.
She explained to me patiently on the pump and I also managed to ask questions on the Ameda and Medela Freestyle breastpumps.
Ameda is great as well and is from the same manufacturer as Ardo Calypso. However, I heard from a friend of mine that it is a hassle when it comes to pumping at weird places like toilets since she cannot think of a suitable place to place the pump unit and the bottles. So, this will also definitely be a problem for me as I travel alot.
Medela Freestyle.. wow.. I must say that I was not pleased at all with the sound that was emitted from the tiny machine. It was loud compared to the pump that I previously bought, Avent Single Uno. AND it sounded weird to me, kind of funny too. However, in terms of size, it is a plus point since the pump unit is smaller than Ardo Calypso's.
Ardo Calypso.. affordable, weight wise is about the same as Medela Freestyle to me. Size of the pump unit is two times the Medela Freestyle's which is big. It is as big as my novel as shown in the picture below:
There is a hook on top of the unit which makes it convenient for me to put a string so that I can hang the unit while pumping. This eliminates the need to look for a suitable spot to place the pump unit while preparing or pumping.
The pumps is also really quiet! This is good. At least I can more discreet when I pump.. :)
Below picture shows what I get from the whole package - The Dual Pump, 3 Ice Packs, 8 Bottles, 1 Bagpack and a free bottle of Fenugreek! Good deal at RM976.
The below show how the pump fits into the bag - Of course I will not be bringing all 8 bottles out at one time, so the pump funnels and bottles will go here:
The pump unit and adaptor will be placed at the bottom of the bag:
Shall look forward to commenting on the performance when I start using it later.. Next week! Soon..
The shop was pretty small and had 2 staffs assiting the boss and lady boss, Michelle. The shop was basically swarmed by mummies. Some were getting advice on breastfeeding and some were looking for breastpumps for their coming bundle of joy. I went straight to one of the staffs and requested to test out the Ardo Calypso Dual Breastpump.
She explained to me patiently on the pump and I also managed to ask questions on the Ameda and Medela Freestyle breastpumps.
Ameda is great as well and is from the same manufacturer as Ardo Calypso. However, I heard from a friend of mine that it is a hassle when it comes to pumping at weird places like toilets since she cannot think of a suitable place to place the pump unit and the bottles. So, this will also definitely be a problem for me as I travel alot.
Medela Freestyle.. wow.. I must say that I was not pleased at all with the sound that was emitted from the tiny machine. It was loud compared to the pump that I previously bought, Avent Single Uno. AND it sounded weird to me, kind of funny too. However, in terms of size, it is a plus point since the pump unit is smaller than Ardo Calypso's.
Ardo Calypso.. affordable, weight wise is about the same as Medela Freestyle to me. Size of the pump unit is two times the Medela Freestyle's which is big. It is as big as my novel as shown in the picture below:
There is a hook on top of the unit which makes it convenient for me to put a string so that I can hang the unit while pumping. This eliminates the need to look for a suitable spot to place the pump unit while preparing or pumping.
The pumps is also really quiet! This is good. At least I can more discreet when I pump.. :)
Below picture shows what I get from the whole package - The Dual Pump, 3 Ice Packs, 8 Bottles, 1 Bagpack and a free bottle of Fenugreek! Good deal at RM976.
The below show how the pump fits into the bag - Of course I will not be bringing all 8 bottles out at one time, so the pump funnels and bottles will go here:
The pump unit and adaptor will be placed at the bottom of the bag:
Shall look forward to commenting on the performance when I start using it later.. Next week! Soon..
Week 33 - Pre-Natal Check Up at HUKM
Yippie! Hubby managed to take leave from work and he could accompany me for my check up this time! Easy, he just dropped me at the entrance and meet up with me after parking the car. We reached early with our McDonalds breakfast in hand.
Needed to pay RM40 again this time for the check up and ultrasound scan. As usual, got my waiting number, took my Blood Pressure, Weight, Urine Test and then waited for my turn to do the ultrasound scan.
The waiting took quite a while but it was okay since we took our breakfast while waiting for it. Read a bit of the newspaper and then it was my turn. A young man did the scan for me this time. Hubby was allowed into the room with me. Little boy was head down whereas Little Girl's head was at the top of my belly. They were both about 2.1kg each now.
After a short while, it was my turn for Doctor's consultation. This time, Doctor commented that the level of amniotic fluid for my little girl was okay whereas my little boy a little more, borderline. The shocking thing at this appointment was that, the Doctor asked if I would like to consider vaginal delivery. Never came across to me since my first appointment with my Gynae at the Pantai Cheras Hospital that I would consider vaginal delivery. He told me from the very first appointment that I would have to go for C-Section for my twins' delivery since my 1st Little Jen was delivered via C-Section and the fact that I was carrying twins made it riskier to consider vaginal delivery. However, of course, I was delighted at the thought of having a chance to deliver my twins vaginally.
The Doctor scheduled me for my next appointment 3 weeks later which would be the 36th week. Hmm.. carrying twins.. I thought appointments shold be closer now but he scheduled to see me only 3 weeks later and that week, he would look forward to an answer from me on my decision to either deliver vaginally or through C-Section.
Needed to pay RM40 again this time for the check up and ultrasound scan. As usual, got my waiting number, took my Blood Pressure, Weight, Urine Test and then waited for my turn to do the ultrasound scan.
The waiting took quite a while but it was okay since we took our breakfast while waiting for it. Read a bit of the newspaper and then it was my turn. A young man did the scan for me this time. Hubby was allowed into the room with me. Little boy was head down whereas Little Girl's head was at the top of my belly. They were both about 2.1kg each now.
After a short while, it was my turn for Doctor's consultation. This time, Doctor commented that the level of amniotic fluid for my little girl was okay whereas my little boy a little more, borderline. The shocking thing at this appointment was that, the Doctor asked if I would like to consider vaginal delivery. Never came across to me since my first appointment with my Gynae at the Pantai Cheras Hospital that I would consider vaginal delivery. He told me from the very first appointment that I would have to go for C-Section for my twins' delivery since my 1st Little Jen was delivered via C-Section and the fact that I was carrying twins made it riskier to consider vaginal delivery. However, of course, I was delighted at the thought of having a chance to deliver my twins vaginally.
The Doctor scheduled me for my next appointment 3 weeks later which would be the 36th week. Hmm.. carrying twins.. I thought appointments shold be closer now but he scheduled to see me only 3 weeks later and that week, he would look forward to an answer from me on my decision to either deliver vaginally or through C-Section.
Week 31 - Pre-Natal Check up at HUKM
This time's check up, I had to go on my own again. That meant driving to the hospital and go through the check up and then drive home on my own. Too bad Hubby could not accompany me since he had to work. Okay, I thought, I could do this, not a problem. I woke up early, sent my Little Jen to my mother in law's place and drived through McDonalds on the way to get a set of breakfast meal with an additional ala-carte egg mcmuffin. Planned to take my breakfast while waiting at HUKM.
Unfortunately, it took me A WHOLE HOUR to look for a parking spot! I finished the Hash Brown in the car since I was already too hungry to wait. I was basically stuck in a merry go round in the parking lot for the whole hour looking for parking spot and the whole area was jammed with cars!
My appointment was at 10am and i reached the parking lot at 8.45am. Usually, the patients will arrive half an hour to an hour earlier than their scheduled appointment to drop their appointment book and wait for their turn. I arrived on the dot this time.
Paid RM40 for the check up and ultrasound scan, got my waiting number, took my Blood Pressure, weighed myself and took the Urine Test. While waiting for my turn to do the Ultrasound scan, I took one of my McMuffins. This time, a young lady did the scan. She asked me to lie down and then, she went out to speak to her colleague on something. I had to sit up while waiting since I could not lie down for long, my belly was just too heavy and I could feel cold sweat on my forehead already. That was not too nice, by the way. Oh.. and no ultrasound pictures for mummy too..
Waiting for the check up after the scan took really long. Finished my other McMuffin while waiting since I was already hungry. It was already past noon and I was still waiting. The Doctor said that I had too much amniotic fluid and that might be a sign of diabetes. So, despite having a negative glucose test in the previous check up, I had to go through another round of glucose test. Both my twins are at about 1.7 and 1.8kg now. Very close to 2kg! Great.. just hang in there for few more weeks..
As they were worried about my high amniotic fluid level that they said might lead to premature labour, they scheduled my next appointment 2 weeks later.
Unfortunately, it took me A WHOLE HOUR to look for a parking spot! I finished the Hash Brown in the car since I was already too hungry to wait. I was basically stuck in a merry go round in the parking lot for the whole hour looking for parking spot and the whole area was jammed with cars!
My appointment was at 10am and i reached the parking lot at 8.45am. Usually, the patients will arrive half an hour to an hour earlier than their scheduled appointment to drop their appointment book and wait for their turn. I arrived on the dot this time.
Paid RM40 for the check up and ultrasound scan, got my waiting number, took my Blood Pressure, weighed myself and took the Urine Test. While waiting for my turn to do the Ultrasound scan, I took one of my McMuffins. This time, a young lady did the scan. She asked me to lie down and then, she went out to speak to her colleague on something. I had to sit up while waiting since I could not lie down for long, my belly was just too heavy and I could feel cold sweat on my forehead already. That was not too nice, by the way. Oh.. and no ultrasound pictures for mummy too..
Waiting for the check up after the scan took really long. Finished my other McMuffin while waiting since I was already hungry. It was already past noon and I was still waiting. The Doctor said that I had too much amniotic fluid and that might be a sign of diabetes. So, despite having a negative glucose test in the previous check up, I had to go through another round of glucose test. Both my twins are at about 1.7 and 1.8kg now. Very close to 2kg! Great.. just hang in there for few more weeks..
As they were worried about my high amniotic fluid level that they said might lead to premature labour, they scheduled my next appointment 2 weeks later.
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