Girl or Boy: Which Gender Is 'Superior'?

Zakwan Shah
January 02, 2025
4 min
The battle of the sexes has been going on for centuries.

Boys are supposedly stronger but too aggressive, while girls are said to be smarter but too emotional.

When it comes to parenthood, a husband and wife may each have their own preferences when it comes to the gender of the baby.

Some may even go so far as to keep trying until they conceive a child with the gender of their choice.

But does it really matter if you’re expecting a boy or girl? When it comes to which gender is better, here are the actual facts.

Why Are Some Parents Obsessed with the Gender of their Baby?

From dietary changes to fertility superstitions, humans have resorted to many dubious practices to influence the sex of their baby.

In many traditional Asian cultures, for instance, having a son may mean good fortune and wealth and having a girl is 'bad luck'.

But even among modern families, gender preferences are rampant. With one or both parents preferring one gender over the other when it comes to their unborn baby.

However you rarely see mothers have that much of a problem with their baby’s gender so much as the dads.

The ones who usually want to 'try again', more often for a boy, will be the father.

This is not only unfair to the female partner, who has to actually go through another pregnancy, it is also harmful to the previous child(ren) who may believe they are unwanted or unworthy of their parents’ love.

Moreover, 'trying again' can be futile because it’s all genetic.

This study found that the amount of sons and daughters a couple has depends primarily on the father’s side.

If a man has more sisters than brothers (or only sisters) the chances he will have a son are slim to none.

The Parenthood Dream

Many parents may have romanticised the idea of raising sons and daughters.

Mums may dream about the tea parties and playing dress-up with their mini-me. Dads may look forward to teaching their little man how to play catch or ride a bicycle for the first time.

This is human nature, we desire those tender moments that cement our identity as the parents we want to become.

So, what happens when the baby comes and it’s not what you’re hoping for?

There is some level of narcissism as well in all of this.

We see so much of ourselves in our kids. We beam with pride anytime our sons or daughters mimic our traits or habits.



We look for our features and quirks in their complexions and mannerisms.

But to prefer one gender over the other really undervalues the entire concept of parenthood.

Here’s why parenting is about so much more than the gender of your baby.

Why Your Baby's Gender Doesn't Matter

The Miracle of Life

Take a second to really contemplate exactly what it takes to build a human from scratch. Beyond intercourse, beyond conception.

A woman’s body goes through a literal transformation to create flesh and bones and hearts and lungs. Alchemy. Magic.

I think if all parents embrace this miraculous process, they’d have a much deeper appreciation for their baby.

Gender suddenly becomes secondary. While fathers may not be able to relate as much to this experience, mothers know it intimately.

Gender Norms Are Disappearing

The younger generation is becoming less and less concerned about traditional gender norms.

No matter how much you may try to drum them into your kids, they will always find a way to challenge or break those stereotypes.

Boys may wear makeup and become fashion designers now, and girls may have short hair and play extreme sports.

Instead of trying again and again for the gender that you want, embrace your current child for who they are. And don’t impose expectations on them solely based on their sex.

If your son wants to have tea parties, buy them all the tea sets they want. If your daughter wants to play sports, enrol them in a team.

Parenthood Is a Privilege

People have children for many reasons.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting your own biological family. But doing so comes with a lot of responsibility and a lot of privilege.

With the rise of living costs and inflation, fewer and fewer people are becoming parents.

On the other hand, those who can afford children may suffer from a slew of fertility issues that make it impossible for them to conceive.

So, remember, the fact that you’re able to afford a child, or even have a child at all is a miracle on its own. What gender they are should be the least of your worries.

Providing for their growth, education, and happiness is the only thing that matters at the end of the day. Not how you can live vicariously through your kids, or how your kids can fulfil your parenthood dreams.

Girl Vs Boy: Both Wins!

Gender is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to having a baby.

Yes, those essential parenting milestones are important for building a bond. And there are certain experiences that you may never have with your child simply due to gender differences.

Fathers with deeply embedded toxic masculinity may have trouble bonding with their daughters as a result. This is why its so important for married couples to truly heal their generational trauma before becoming parents.

Everyone is amazing and gifted in their own way, even those who who are non-binary, genderfluid or agender. There is more to a child than their birth-assigned sex. You simply have to be willing to see it. Congratulations on being a parent to your wonderful child!

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Bo Lui? Prosper This CNY and Save Money with These Hot Tips

Zakwan Shah
January 20, 2023
3 min
Everyone overspends a bit when the holidays come. Whether that’s on food, decorations or gifts.

But for important, large-scale celebrations like Chinese New Year, the tendency to be a shopaholic can be greater.

Especially with so many sales and promotions, it can seem impossible to save money.

If you’re born in the Years of the Dragon, Dog, Rat, Monkey and Tiger, you may be in experiencing some financial woes this year.

So, here are some ways you can save money for the New Year, without drying up your rainy-day savings.

How to Save Money During Chinese New Year

Rearrange Furniture

Nothing says wealth like home renovations or even a new change of furniture. This can put quite a strain on the bank account.

Instead of investing in a million-dollar home makeover, move things around to refresh the living room.

If you want to maximise prosperity for the New Year, make sure to follow the important Feng Shui principles. This way you don’t just end up saving money, but also draw in more wealth.

Another way to refresh your living room is to buy new furniture covers. These do require some spending but a lot less than if you bought a new sofa or coffee table.

Make sure to buy them in lucky colours like red, gold and yellow to boost your ong!

Look for Cheap Cleaning Services

Most cleaning services charge a lot to get your home spick and span.

But there are relatively inexpensive companies that can offer you basic housekeeping for half the price of regular cleaning services.

This is a list of affordable but quality cleaning services in Klang Valley.

Many of them match you with talented specialists in your areas so that you save up on the distance fee.

Payments are upfront and involve no surcharges other than maybe a deposit or insurance.

Just be sure to book in advance, there will be plenty of people looking for quick cleaning services as Chinese New Year rolls around.

Shop Locally

This goes without saying, but if you want to really save money, opt for small businesses and local wet markets for groceries on a dime.

But some superstore chains also offer relatively inexpensive merchandise.

Dollar stores, for instance, tend to have crazy discounts for regular household items that we use every day. Items never go beyond RM6 and can range from food to household to appliances.

But have a budget and shopping list anyway. We all have a tendency to stray off track at the slightest glimpse of a holiday discount on the product aisles.

DIY Your Decorations

There are so many cute rabbit figurines and artwork on sale this Chinese New Year.

People buy them both as decoration and Feng Shui cures to draw in extra luck and abundance for the Year of the Rabbit.

But if you’re short on cash, you can always make your own rabbit-themed house decors. Introducing some rabbit elements in your home can help draw in the blessings of the year into your home.

The Year of the Rabbit is predicted to bring in plenty of prosperous, healing and loving energy.

You can easily make rabbit ornaments from paper, clay, or other everyday household items. They can also be a great family bonding activity your kids can join in on.

After all, if it’s one thing kids love, it’s arts and craft.

Organise Potlucks

If you’re hosting the Chinese New Year reunion dinner this time, there’s a way to save some money on cooking and food.

Instead of cooking (or ordering) your menu items, ask your guests to bring one dish for each of the courses. From the appetiser all the way to the deserts.

This ensures that everyone contributes fairly to the meal and so that everyone can taste each other’s cooking.

Protect Your Ong and Save Money This CNY

For many of us, prosperity means abundant living. Splurging on the finer things in life.

After all, nothing says scarcity like being a miser. But there is also virtue in protecting our wealth.

Money may come easily for many this year, but without discipline and perspective, all that wealth can disappear just as quickly.

Don’t let this Chinese New Year be the reason you lose your ong.

With inflation and rising prices, it’s important to live well below our means. For our future and the future of our children.

The holiday season comes and goes, but when things get back to normal, remember, we'll all still have bills to pay.

Motherhood wishes you and your family a Happy Chinese New Year full of love and prosperity, Gong Xi Fa Cai! 

 

Wisdom for Wealth: What the Year of the Rabbit Has in Store for Your Money

Zakwan Shah
January 20, 2023
7 min
We’ve given you a general 2023 forecast based on your Chinese zodiac animal.

But this time around, you’ll be getting the complete low-down on what the Year of the Rabbit truly has in store for your wealth and good fortune.

We’ve also included some Feng Shui tips including lucky colours, numbers, day, directions and amulets to add an extra oomph in your ong this year.

Financial Forecast for the Year of the Rabbit

Booming Business

The Year of the Rabbit brings abundant good fortune for Horses, Rats and Goats.

Those who are business owners, CEOs or with some form of side hustle or small venture can expect an influx of revenue from sales.

Profits are expected to double and there are plenty of opportunities to expand and make more money.

For those who are thinking of finally launching their business, now’s the time to set the date.

Buyer Beware

For Dogs, Monkeys, Dragons and Rabbits, the risk of overspending is high this year.

This may end up negatively affecting your finances. Especially if you’re not making all that money back as quickly as you spend it.

Curb your inner shopaholic by reigning in your expenses. Avoid online stores, catalogues, and shopping malls.

Steer yourself away from the path of temptation.

Bang for your Buck

Those who could benefit from exercising a little control in their expenses this year include Dragons, Monkeys and Rabbits.

This includes creating a budget and sticking to it. Buy only what you need and plan for expensive purchases so you don’t end up regretting them later.

Shop at dollar stores, thrift shops and bargain basements. Shop locally. Use coupons.

Forego those luxury items unless you know you’re financially secure.

Friends in High Places

For Snakes, Rabbits and Horses, good fortune may come in the form of a benefactor or mentor.

Industry giants, experts and gurus who may be attracted to your potential. Wow them with your talents and it may just open the doors of wealth.

Salvation from financial troubles may also come from close acquaintances or even strangers.

Don’t be afraid to accept a helping hand when it comes to making or saving money.

Increase your networking efforts and go to career and business events. Promote your work and ventures and make friends in your industry.

Rainy Days

It’s not looking to be a good year for Dragons, Tigers and Rats, financially at least.

Unexpected expenses may leave your emergency fund dry.

Medical bills can pop up out of the blue, so pay attention to your wellbeing.

You may be the victim of scams or frauds, leaving you high and dry.

Keep your guard up and don’t trust people too easily with your money. Avoid loans and investments.

Slow and Steady

Roosters, Dogs and Oxen can expect an uneventful financial year in 2023. Not bad but not great either.

Stable finances all year around with little to no improvement.

Continue working hard to make money but avoid unnecessary risks, keep your head down and stay humble.

Put any wealth-making efforts on the backburner for now until your lucky stars are perfectly aligned once more.

Lucky Tips to Help You Get by in the Year of the Rabbit 2023

Regardless of how The Year of the Rabbit will affect your fortune, there are still ways to smoothen the kinks in your financial luck.

Here are the lucky numbers, colours, dates and amulets associated with each Zodiac animal.

Just in case you need a little stroke of luck during those trying times.

Rabbit

• Lucky colours: blue, green, pink


• Lucky number: 3, 4, and 6


• Lucky directions: east, south and northwest


• Lucky days: the 26th, 27th, and 29th of every Chinese calendar month


• Lucky months: 1st, 4th, 8th, and 11th Chinese calendar months


• Amulet: Carry or wear lucky dog trinkets.

Dragon

• Lucky colours: gold, silver, white


• Lucky number:  1, 6 and 7


• Lucky directions: east, north, south


• Lucky days: the 1st and 16th of any Chinese calendar month


• Lucky months: the 3rd, 4th, and 7th Chinese calendar months.


• Amulet: Wear lucky phoenix trinkets.

Snake

• Lucky colours: yellow, black, red


• Lucky number: 2, 8, and 9


• Lucky directions: east, west, and southwest


• Lucky days: the 1st and 23rd of Chinese calendar months


• Lucky months: the 1st, 8th, and 11th Chinese calendar months


• Amulet: Wear lucky monkey-related trinkets

 

Horse

• Lucky colours: red, yellow, green


• Lucky number: 2, 3, and 7


• Lucky directions: east, west, and south


• Lucky days: the 5th and 20th of Chinese calendar months


• Lucky months: the 4th, 9th, and 12th Chinese calendar months


• Amulet: Wear lucky tiger-related tokens

 

Goat

• Lucky colours: orange, red, purple


• Lucky number: 2 and 7


• Lucky directions: north


• Lucky days: 7th and 30th of any month according to the Chinese calendar


• Lucky months: N/A


• Amulet: Wear lucky pig items.

Monkey

• Lucky colours: white, gold, blue


• Lucky number: 4 and 9


• Lucky directions: north, northwest, west


• Lucky days: the 14th and 28th of any Chinese calendar month


• Lucky months: the 8th and 12th Chinese calendar months


• Amulet: Wear lucky rat-related trinkets.

Rooster

• Lucky colours: yellow, gold, brown


• Lucky number: 5, 7, and 8


• Lucky directions: south, southeast


• Lucky days: the 4th and 26th of any Chinese calendar month


• Lucky months: the 2nd, 5th, and 11th Chinese calendar months.


• Amulet: Wear lucky dragon-related trinkets

 

Dog

• Lucky colours: red, yellow, brown


• Lucky number: 3, 4, and 9


• Lucky directions: east, south, and northeast


• Lucky days: the 7th and 28th of every Chinese calendar month


• Lucky months: the 6th, 10th, and 12th Chinese calendar months


• Amulet: Wear lucky rabbit-related trinkets.

 

Pig

• Lucky colours: black, yellow


• Lucky number: 2, 5 and 8


• Lucky directions: east and southwest


• Lucky days: the 17th and 24th of every Chinese calendar month


• Lucky months: 2nd, 7th, 10th, and 11th Chinese calendar months


• Amulet: Wear lucky fish-related trinkets.

Rat

• Lucky colours: blue, gold


• Lucky number: 2 and 3


• Lucky directions: west, northwest


• Lucky days: the 4th and 13th of every Chinese calendar month


• Lucky months: the 2nd, 5th and 9th Chinese calendar months


• Amulet: Wear lucky ox trinkets.

 

Ox

• Lucky colours: yellow, brown, white, golden, silver (avoid blue)


• Lucky number: 1 and 4


• Lucky directions: north, south


• Lucky days: N/A


• Lucky months: N/A


• Amulet: Wear lucky turtle trinkets.

 

Tiger

• Lucky colours: green, blue, grey


• Lucky numbers: 1, 3, and 4


• Lucky directions:  east, north, south


• Lucky days: 16^th and 17^th of each month Chinese calendar months


• Lucky months: the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 11th Chinese calendar months


• Amulet: Wear lucky deer trinkets.

Wishing You a Prosperous Year of the Rabbit

There you go mums, your financial forecast based on Chinese astrology as well as some lucky things to boost your financial wellbeing in the Year of the Rabbit.

Hopefully with these tips you’re able to coast 2023 with a pocketful of coins, a fat wallet and a happy bank account!

Motherhood wishes you and your family a Happy Chinese New Year full of love and prosperity, Gong Xi Fa Cai! 

 

Money-Drawing Feng Shui Secrets for the Year of the Water Rabbit. Ong Lai!

Zakwan Shah
January 24, 2023
4 min
Happy Chinese New Year! There is no better time to harness the auspicious energy of the new year to increase abundance and prosperity in your life.

And a good way to do this is through the art of Feng Shui. A practice that channels the natural life energy of your environment for well-being, wisdom and wealth.

By focusing on the bagua areas of your home, you can help attract more luck, more fortune and of course, more money.

This also includes implementing elemental symbols, lucky colours, amulets, remedies and even living plants to help draw in abundant chi.

For the Year of the Water Rabbit, the two important elements are wood (because the rabbit is inherently a wood elemental) and water (which is the element of the 2023 Chinese calendar cycle).

Taking all this into account, here’s how you can use Feng Shui to make 2023 the most auspicious year for you and your family yet.

Pinpoint the Power Centres

Your 'power centres' or bagua directions are where your fortune lies. While all sectors should equally be cared for, you should ideally only activate 2 or 3 at one time.

Experts suggest that the three most important sectors to focus on are your personal elemental sector (based on your Chinese zodiac), the lucky direction of the year (in this case, North), and the wealth sector/southeast (if you’re interested in bringing in more prosperity).

If you want to solely work on your wealth sector (which also represents abundance) you can dedicate a special table or altar.

Because southeast is associated with the wood element, fill this area with living plants, the colour green, and pictures, figurines, etc. that represent nature (like a wealth tree).

To boost the chi in that area, add any water element you have on hand too (because water feeds wood).

Just be sure not to overwhelm the primary element (wood) with the secondary element (water).

Another lucky direction for the Year of the Rabbit is South, which is associated with the fire element.

Know Thy Element

Each of has our own astrological element assigned to us at birth according to the year we were born.

Those born in the year of the rabbit in 2023 would have water as their lucky element, for example.

Learning the generative and destructive properties of the Eastern elements can help you both enhance and remedy your feng shui in various ways.

While introducing your own native element is important, it’s also good if you add another generative element into the mix.

For instance, fire is good for earth, and earth is good for metal.

If your lucky element was water, your lucky direction would be north, your lucky colour would be black and your lucky shape would be undulating/serpentine (wavy) patterns.

But your generative or complimentary element would be metal.

So, while you can put water elements (aquariums, glass, marine landscapes) in your north sector, you can also boost your general luck in your lucky direction by adding metal elements like coins, bells, wind chimes, etc. and using the colour white and incorporating round objects (because metal supports water in Feng Shui).

Fill Your Life with Colour

One of the easiest ways to implement Feng Shui is through colours.

Because the lucky elements for the Year of the Water Rabbit is both water and wood, the colours of blue, green and black are most auspicious to bring in your home.

Similarly, metal (which is supportive of the water element) can also be incorporated to bring in Rabbit energy. The lucky colour of metal includes silver, grey and white.

A good way to implement colour Feng Shui is through table cloths or runners, crystals, and flowers.

Sectors that can benefit most from Rabbit energy include family (east), wealth (southeast) and of course the career sector located in the north which is one of the luckiest directions in the Year of the Water Rabbit.

Just be sure to avoid any unlucky colours this year as per your zodiac forecast.

Trinkets, Talismans and Tiny Treasures

Aside from colours, you can also make use of special Feng Shui talismans to attract more of that lucky Rabbit energy into your home.

Talismans associated with the Year of the Water Rabbit include anything rabbit-shaped placed in the North sector. These can be rabbit figurines, metallic rabbits, wooden rabbits, rabbit art (in blue or green).

On the first day of the Rabbit Year of 2023, place a Laughing Buddha in the dining room to attract blessings and prosperity all year round.

Next, make yourself a money bowl to place either next to the front door of the house, or in the northeast side which is the lucky direction of the year.

Some good things to put in your money or prosperity bowl include semi-precious stones (your lucky gems), Chinese coins, and a wealth tree.

Other symbols and amulets that you can add to your home include: bronze dragon (power, courage, honour), jade money frog (wealth), Green Pi Yao (good fortune), Fu Foo Dogs (protection).

Plants are Your Friends

Another way to bring in good chi into your home is through plants. We’ve written an article on some good Feng Shui plants that will attract abundance and good fortune in the Year of the Rabbit.

When placed at strategic bagua points in the house they boost the energy of those sectors.

For instance, a jade plant in the north can help boost your career, and a money tree in the southeast corner can increase your financial luck.

Fuel Your Fortune with Feng Shui Power

Feng Shui is more than just about home decorating or organisation. It’s a way to maximise the flow of natural energy through the home.

But we can understand why these tips may be a bit overwhelming for a first timer.

If you’re just beginning in your Feng Shui journey, implementing just one or two changes is enough.

Keep your home uncluttered, clean and smelling nice. If you do, then there is absolutely nothing for you to worry about.

The lucky energy of the Rabbit is abundant and available to everyone. All you have to do is hop into whatever good fortune that comes your way!

Motherhood wishes you and your family a Happy Chinese New Year full of love and prosperity, Gong Xi Fa Cai! 

Panasonic and Byond28 Provide Purified Indoor Air Quality for Mums & Their Newborns

Sarah
January 16, 2023
2 min
Panasonic Malaysia and Byond28 launched their partnership at the confinement care centre in Cheras yesterday through Panasonic’s latest technology; the ziaino™ air treatment in the efforts to establish a purified, controlled and hygienic environment for mothers and newborn babies.

This alliance with Panasonic is part of Byond28’s efforts to provide and improve the indoor air quality for their residents—mothers and their newborns to enjoy a better quality of life.

The collaboration will kick off with the installation of Panasonic’s ziaino™ air treatment in selected confinement rooms and common areas to ensure a clean and safe environment for everyday activities around the centre itself.

“One of the most significant matters being drummed into expectant Asian mothers is the importance of confinement care. A traditional confinement period generally begins immediately after delivery and lasts for at least 30 days. Modern confinement practice involves staying in the hospital after delivery for 2 nights and an additional 28 nights in a confinement centre immediately after being discharged,” said Sally Peh Chen Woon, Centre Manager, Byond28 Confinement Care.

She added, “Byond28 Confinement Care not only follows traditional confinement practices, but also prioritises on educating parents during these 28 days of confinement on the crucial aspects of parenthood regardless of if they have already become parents. The objective is for these parents to familiarise themselves with their newborn during this recovery period. We want to provide a controlled environment for mothers to safely rejuvenate and for newborn babies to grow healthily during this confinement period. Incorporating Panasonic’s ziaino™ contributes to this controlled environment by mitigating indoor pollutants and strong odours”.

Benefits of ziaino™

1. Effective in large spaces up to 93m² (1000ft²)


2. Inhibits pollutants on air and
   adhered on surfaces


3. Deodorises strong odour


4. Safe to use as hypochlorous acid is
   produced using naturally derived
   salt and water


5. Tested & Verified by external party - Test Report - Panasonic Malaysia

 How ziaino™ Works

Managing Director of QAFL Business Promotion Office, Panasonic Corporation, Ichiro Suganuma said “As one of the leading air quality solution providers, we are ecstatic to kick start this partnership to push forward on emphasising the importance of indoor air quality with our air treatment. Our ziaino^TM air treatment unit is also tested and their effectiveness has been certified by external parties giving this product a much stronger verification of its usage in manned and large spaces in a facility. Through the space purification technology made with naturally derived salt and water, residents at Byond28 will be able to enjoy quality air during their stay at the centre during the mothers’ period of recovery and their newborn babies first 28 days in this world through the sophisticated technology of ziaino™ in the comfort of their own room and spaces.”

ziaino™ is Panasonic’s first air cleaning technology utilising naturally derived salt and water to generates hypochlorous acid to effectively inhibit pollutants and to deodorise large spaces where people are present.

ziaino™ is officially launched in Malaysia through collaboration with Byond28 though it has been widely used in Japan for the past decade in different industries such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, large offices etc. where purification and deodorisation are required.

ziaino™ offers one of the best combinations to achieve ideal balance between effectiveness and safety.

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