Yay, Baby No. 2 is finally here for celebrity couple Joanne Peh and Qi Yuwu, and it’s a …BOY!
Daddy Qi Yuwu has been quoted by Today as saying, “In the past few days, the baby was kicking a lot, and we would sing to him. We are very happy to welcome him today.”
Congratulations!
Joanne Peh’s second child
The baby was born on Friday, April 21, at Mount Elizabeth Hospital after a long and arduous 16 hour labour.
Mummy Joanne was apparently expecting a much faster delivery this time around, and Qi Yuwu has been quoted by Today as saying, “Many people told (Joanne) that the second time you give birth, it will be faster, smoother, and not as painful. She told me, ‘It’s not like what they said!’ She looked like she had been conned.” The baby weighed 3.1 kg at birth.
Meanwhile, Joanne did not use any pain relief during her delivery. She writes on Instagram, “Giving birth is hardly the easiest thing to do, especially when I believe so strongly in an au natural childbirth. I didn’t take epidural or laughing gas for my first delivery and at one point yesterday, I was presented with the option to do so, to help ease the pain and hence possibly allow me to dilate faster, but it was a personal choice for me not to go with it, and while it could have been one of the reasons why this turned out to be a long drawn journey for #qididi to meet us, I am thankful we made it!”
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/JOANNE PEH
“We are tired but ever so grateful for all the help and support from family, friends, my gynae and hospital staff. I’m excited to start my journey with two kids under two and us as a family of 4!”
Daddy Qi was beside Joanne throughout the delivery, and he has been quoted as saying, “this time, there was only me beside her to support and cheer her on.”
Joanne and Qi Yuwu are also parents to a little girl, Baby Qi, whose real name they have not revealed till now! Continuing the tradition of shielding their children from media glare, the new baby’s actual name has not been revealed as well. According to The Straits Times, Qi will give the boy his Chinese name, while Peh will choose the English name.
The new baby is currently being referred to as “Qi Di Di”.
Sibling rivalry?
Joanne has been previously reported as saying that this pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected. The couple currently have no plans for more children, but don’t rule it out completely either.
Qi Yuwu has been quoted by The Straits Times as saying, “It was very tough on Joanne after the first childbirth. But the second day after giving birth, she told me that she didn’t mind having a second child. She changed her mind really fast. So maybe the next time you ask me, who knows what Joanne will say.”
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/JOANNE PEH
They have also been preparing their daughter for the arrival of her little brother. According to The Straits Times, Qi Yuwu said, “We have been telling her that she will have a little brother. We are not sure if she understands, but sometimes our daughter would kiss and touch Joanne’s belly.”
And what would they do if Baby Qi got jealous of her little brother? Daddy Qi tells Today, “I will just take it one step at a time. I have no experience (in this). Joanne and I are learning. Joanne will read up (on the topic) and meet with experienced mums in order to get help in this area.”
Here are some tips from us then, on how parents can deal with the issue of sibling rivalry when a new baby comes along:
- Start young: Involve the child in the pregnancy and birth, so that it gets easier for her to able to accept her role as an older child and sister. Don’t forget to assure her of your love constantly too.
- Don’t neglect the older child: Plan one-on-one time with the older child(ren) whenever your baby doesn’t directly need you. Even 20 minutes every day will make a difference.
Be ready to expect an adjustment period. Some children display signs of regression (eg. bedwetting) and this is normal. Help the older child get used to the idea of “wait” as there will be many occasions when the immediate needs of the newborn will take priority. Be patient as (s)he adjusts to receiving less attention.
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/JOANNE PEH
- Encourage the kids to help out one another: Encourage your older child to help his younger sibling and vice versa. Don’t forget to thank both children for their help!
- Be lavish on praise: So the little one looks cute and adorable and helpless, but avoid obvious preference for the baby. Always see your children as individuals and compliment them when appropriate. Show your older child how proud you are of her. And don’t forget those hugs and kisses.
- Avoid comparison: Avoid comparison at all costs. Comparison can be damaging to your child’s fragile ego and emotions.
- Be patient: Things may take time, and getting the older child to help his younger sibling on his own initiative may take a while. Make sure they spend lots of fun times together, and get used to each other, and the bonding will automatically happen.
Also READ: 5 Reasons why Joanne Peh’s parenting style is AMAZING!
(Source: The Straits Times, Today, Channel NewsAsia)
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