Any advice on labour, newborns, prams, baby essentials and best place to purchase items in dubai?

Sorry to jump on the post bandwagon, but just wanted to ask HelloAgainKitty about the hypnobirthing thing. I'm not pregnant yet but we're starting to think about where & when (here or home) and am very keen to read up on anything that will put my mind at ease about labour! No problem! I only came to know about it quite late (like half way through my second pregnancy!), but reading the Mongan Method book, it just seemed to confirm in print how I already felt, so it wasn't like learning some weird theory and learning to believe it, so to speak. There were things in the book that I thought cheesy and I didn't really do the breathing, nor listen to the CD (some would argue that I didn't really do it properly at all then! lol), but when you break it down, it's just a way of thinking... or a way of approaching labour and birth that's been eroded in the last 75-odd years. In essence, it reaffirms that we are made for bringing babies into the world and gives you the confidence and tools to actually work with your labouring body, rather than resist it. Of course, some case studies will say they had a completely pain-free birth, which, unless they had, er, a down-below used to passing melon-sized objects, is imo utter tosh... and that's me saying that I had a relatively pain-free labour, but hey, there ain't no way the crowning of the baby's head isn't going to smart a bit! Anyhow, the point is, the hypnobirthing method won't guarantee a pain-free birth, nor a natural birth, but it gives you a positive perspective to feel in control of whatever situation may present itself and just take it in your stride. It's also a good philosophy to take with you through to breastfeeding - trusting your body enough to not question or interfere in what it's doing. Anyhow, so, yes, have a look online for it and read through it, even if you're not pregnant yet - or in early days. Every man and his dog will love to regale you with horror stories as soon as you announce you're pregnant, so it may be helpful to know that really, it doesn't have to be that way.

if you have relatives in the UK who are planning to come over around the time you give birth, get them to bring EVERYTHING you need. It's sooooooo much cheaper in the UK - as in 25-50% cheaper. Seriously, you'll be missing a trick if you buy in Dubai when you have the UK option. Hardware from Kiddicare.com, clothes from Tescos/Asda/Sainsbury's plus a few nice outfits from Boots/Mothercare (but people will always gift you nice outfits)... heck, I used to fill my suitcases up with wet-wipes (69p/pack vs 15aed for some decent ones(the Chub ones)), sugar-free (and now colourant free) medicines, teething powders... gosh. really EVERYTHING! As for labour, I'm apparently a bit of a freak because I loved it. Try to clear your mind of any expectations, relax and think of your birth plan not as an actual plan of action, but rather as a set of preferences or guidelines. I read up on hypnobirthing, which seemed to work for me, in that my labour was so pain-free (in relative terms) that I only needed a couple of paracetamols. Read up also on the pain-fear-tension cycle... but also don't research every minute detail too much... Work out how you feel about it all and don't listen to anyone who wants to surround you with negativity. At the end of the day, it's your pregnancy, your body and your labour - YOU are going to deliver your child and you are going to raise it in the best manner [i'>you[/i'> see fit. Have the confidence to forge you own path, trust your body and your instincts because they are rarely wrong! There, parenting in a nutshell. Job done! ;) Sorry to jump on the post bandwagon, but just wanted to ask HelloAgainKitty about the hypnobirthing thing. I'm not pregnant yet but we're starting to think about where & when (here or home) and am very keen to read up on anything that will put my mind at ease about labour!

if you have relatives in the UK who are planning to come over around the time you give birth, get them to bring EVERYTHING you need. It's sooooooo much cheaper in the UK - as in 25-50% cheaper. Seriously, you'll be missing a trick if you buy in Dubai when you have the UK option. Hardware from Kiddicare.com, clothes from Tescos/Asda/Sainsbury's plus a few nice outfits from Boots/Mothercare (but people will always gift you nice outfits)... heck, I used to fill my suitcases up with wet-wipes (69p/pack vs 15aed for some decent ones(the Chub ones)), sugar-free (and now colourant free) medicines, teething powders... gosh. really EVERYTHING! As for labour, I'm apparently a bit of a freak because I loved it. Try to clear your mind of any expectations, relax and think of your birth plan not as an actual plan of action, but rather as a set of preferences or guidelines. I read up on hypnobirthing, which seemed to work for me, in that my labour was so pain-free (in relative terms) that I only needed a couple of paracetamols. Read up also on the pain-fear-tension cycle... but also don't research every minute detail too much... Work out how you feel about it all and don't listen to anyone who wants to surround you with negativity. At the end of the day, it's your pregnancy, your body and your labour - YOU are going to deliver your child and you are going to raise it in the best manner [i'>you[/i'> see fit. Have the confidence to forge you own path, trust your body and your instincts because they are rarely wrong! There, parenting in a nutshell. Job done! ;)

Congratulations! Must haves are lots of baby grows with and without feet, they are the most comfortable for bubs and easiest to get on and off. After 3 babies I've learnt not to buy too many clothes before they are born as their size isn't guaranteed? A cute going home outfit is nice for pics, With all three I couldn't live without my plastic changer that has a baby bath and shelves for nappies, clothes soaps etc. I bought it from baby shop. A good car seat. I take my babies everywhere so wanted a pram that my car seat would clip into. Cot I like the cot beds from mother care either with the cheapest mattress or a mattress from baby shop as the expensive one I think is too soft and makes noise when baby moves around. Labour: as hard as it maybe try to relax and don't forget to breathe. Have someone with you who will support you. Have a plan but come to terms with the fact that those plans could change. As long as you and baby are healthy it doesn't really matter how baby came out. Get lots of rest and sleep now as you'll never be able to sleep the same again no matter how good a sleeper baby is.

hi there, Ive just had my first baby , also at City hospital. very good experience, excellent hpospital and staff! For buying stuff, I understand the dilemna, I was also completly overwhelmed with all the choice out there. But in the end, trust me, whatever you get, it will do, just make sure to get all the essentials and do not worry too much abt getting the 'right' buggy ect... they are probably all good! just consider your budget and what you like and if its handy (not too heavy) we got a middle range price one (a travel system ) called the sola from mamas and papas, its working out fine! and its easy to put up/down, lift in car as its not too heavy. We did not get the pram, only the pushchair which is suitable for newborn as lies flat. Oh yes, and dont go overboard with lovely newborn clothes! Some may look so sweet ect, but beware of items that go over the head, in the first weeks you l+ baby will be happier mainly with babygrows that dont go over the head, and no silly frills ect.. baby does not care and neither will you. And also, remember you wll probably have to change your baby about 4/5 times a day some days (epsecially in the beginning due to pee accidents (specially boys!) Another bit of advice get yourself a few 'newborn pieces for the 1st couple of weeks - but you may start needing 0-3 month items very shortly after birth - but that depends on the size..) If you plan on breastfeeding, get yourself a proper breastfeeding cushion (mothercare has a couple) - I made mistake of buying one from baby shop but it was too thin so a bit useless for supporting baby. so many tips to give , but basically i shopped mainly in mothercare and mamas and papas. plenty of blankets, TONS of cotton wool pads (for changing baby) - the top and tail bowls from mothercare come in v handy for me, use it every day as your baby will be a bit messy and handy to give a quick sponge bath rather than full bath all the time! good luck!

Okay, I've sent the checklist to you so you can remove your email address from the thread if you like. I'm delivering at City Hospital and bringing along a Doula and my DH. I chose City based on all of the good feedback I'd read on the forum here. We went for the tour last weekend and will take some of the ante-natal classes there too. I feel good about our choice although I didn't look at any other hospitals either.

Congrats! I'm due April 5th so just a day after you. This is also our first and we've been reading lots and keeping fingers crossed. Just be reassured that your baby won't know if you make a mistake, they won't judge you. The Toys R Us at Festival City has a Babies R Us section and until February 18th they have a special promotion that if you spend 500dhs you get a coupon for 100dhs to use on your next shop. I'd suggest going there to look for and possibly buy your pram/car seat. That's where we bought ours. They also have lots of other stuff. My DH and I made a "Baby Items Checklist" of all the things we needed to buy and have worked our way through that. I found it helped a lot to stay organized and keep track of what we have and what we still need. I broke it down into categories of: Big Ticket Items, Linens, Clothing, Changing Supplies & Toiletries, Feeding Suppies, Small Things, Medical Supplies, Diaper Bag & Contents, For Me During Breastfeeding and Miscellaneous/Optional. I can email you the checklist to use if you'd like or just to look at. I've bought things from a variety of sources but found that MCC has a good selection of babyshops. Also Pottery Barn Kids has some of the fitted crib sheets on sale for between 10dhs up to 65dhs! Good quallity and a great price. Just Kidding had the biggest selection of diaper bags that I've seen. Destination Maternity has overpriced their diaper bags and you can get the same ones for 200dhs less at other shops. I've basically shopped at Mama's & Papas, Baby Shop, Babies R Us, Pottery Barn Kids and Mothercare plus a few things from Just Kidding but I do find them to be expensive. You can also find some great deals on things through the Dubizzle Baby section because as we know, babies outgrow things so quickly and they are hardly even used! Lastly, don't get too overwhelmed with how much there is to buy as you can always pick up things once baby arrives and some items you won't even need/use until bubs is 2 months or older. Checkout the Breastfeeding Q&A group for Dubai on Facebook. I went to a workshop they offered at Al Wasl and it was really helpful, they also meet weekly.