mbds | ExpatWoman.com
 

mbds

mbds
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 22:29
Nope didn't think of Carters, will check that! Thanks :) Most shops are out of swim wear saying they're getting in the winter stock! Will check at Hyatt Plaza this weekend, thanks. Got the huggies disposable diapers! Thanks. Hi Mbds, For baby swimsuits did you try Carters? I haven't looked recently but I think from memory they start their swimsuits sizes from 3 months. There is a Carters at Hyatt Plaza. With the swim diapers, were you wanting disposable or the fabric ones? In the past Mothercare has stocked the fabric ones (that is where I bought mine from). Carrefour at Villaggio Mall has the disposable Huggies swimmer nappies (diapers).
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 22:28
Are the ones from baby shop and mothercare good quality? I was hoping to get from MS but the one in landmark is closed so waiting on that to reopen. Try Boots for the swimming nappies, they sometimes stock the smallest size. It can be really hit & miss though. Also try Carrefour for swimsuits, their sizing runs quite small. Nursing bras - M&S, Mothercare or Babyshop edited by tamieg1 on 05/09/2014 edited by tamieg1 on 05/09/2014
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 20:46
i believe traffic was bad but now its otten better as theyve opened up part of the road. Join the THE PEARL LADIES NETWORKING page on facebook maybe someone there can provide you first hand info on the commute. Trying to look at different areas that would be suitable for my husband to live. He hasn't moved yet so it's a bit tricky. Would anyone know what the traffic is like from Viva Bahriya to the Sheraton? (his office will be in the Doha Tower). Also has anyone any info on the quality of Zig Zag towers? All the info on them is pretty old in other forums. Much appreciated!
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 20:39
YES didnt realize the toilets weren't airconditioned. oh boy was it hot!! when you say nurse in cafes you mean where they have sectioned off ladies area? i cant imagine nursing her out in the open here? i have a nursing cover but still wouldnt feel comfortable in public. I went to the prayer room in villagio used my cover and nursed which was ok. my babes also a fussy and loud eater so it did get a bit awkward in the prayer room as it was super quiet hahah Hi mbds, Babyshop in City Centre mall and probably the other branches as well have a mother and baby room where you can nurse. Unfortunately the baby room in Mothercare Landmark is often used for stock so not always available. But upstairs in Opera cafe, Landmark, there is a screened off ladies section which is great for nursing. I also would sometimes go to the toilets in Circusland, Landmark and sit on the cleaning lady's seat to nurse (if she wasn't there of course). You can also use the women's prayer rooms, but I've never really felt comfortable doing that myself. In Ezdan Mall there is a bench in the toilets near WHSmith, which I also used to sit on to nurse. As Tamieg said you don't have to hide away to nurse if you don't want to. Personally though as I had a fussy feeder I didn't feel I could be discrete enough, but feeding in the toilets especially in summer isn't much fun!
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 20:36
hi - you should join DOHA MUMS they have lots of activities and networking opportunities for mamas and babies!! google them.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 20:33
its called THE PEARL LADIES NETWORKING PAGE. There are some very resourceful women there who should be able to help you out! good luck. The is a facebook group called "The Pearl ladies Network" which is a good place to ask questions. There is a beach in Porto Arabia, a very close walk from towers 30 and 31 (PA). Porto Arabia is the best option as far as being able to walk places on the Pearl. I was unable to locate this group on Facebook. I could only find Pearl Ladies Bookclub. I am a Facebook-phobe, however, and might not be searching in the right way. edited by 2nd_opossum on 03/09/2014 edited by 2nd_opossum on 03/09/2014
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2014 - 14:56
Haven't had a chance to join Doha Mums yet - will be doing it soon hopefully. I didn't know mothercare had nursing areas, thats great to know. Will wait and see if others reply for the other malls. I'm okay with nursing my baby in the bathrooms but how am I expected to do it - standing? They don't have any seats. Thats what I meant when I asked about nursing areas. I know IKEA has a really nice baby nursing/changing area and I thought the malls would have the same but i guess not.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2014 - 17:25
She was really nice and good at the services. I got a full body wax (make sure to clarify whats included as i assumed full body means everything but it wasnt!), threading and hot oil treatment. Thanks for the reference AJA. Hi mbds I use a lady who comes out to my house for waxing and other beauty services. Please send me an email at and I will give you her contact details. Please let me know when you have noted my email address and I can remove it. edited by AJA on 26/07/2014 <em>edited by mbds on 03/09/2014</em>
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2014 - 17:23
So since my babe is already 3 months we couldn't get the BCG right away. We saw Dr.Atiya Khalid at Al Ahli (Was quite impressed with her and will likely be moving from Dr.Ghassan to her). The policy in Qatar apparently is if the baby is over 2 months they need to undergo the TB skin test first to see if they've been exposed and then they determine when to give the vaccine. The TB skin test is done once every few months (apparently the next one is in early September) so we're currently waiting to get that done then will do the needful. Hope that helps! Thanks for the recommendations. I've also received a few recommendations for a Dr Samer at al Ahli hospital. Has anyone gone to him? Mbds the twins have not received the bcg vaccination yet as they do not give it in the US but I had no idea they couldn't just get it done at a regular drs office nor did I know at what age it's generally given. Let me know how you made out with that!
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 19:27
Thank you! You're right. Will evaluate all my options before making the decision. Was panicking but the doctor today told me not that important to get right away also b/c TB isn't a disease that the baby can catch easily and since she's not in daycare and at home with me for a year I think we shoul be okay. dear mbds, as it is not mandatory to vaccine your baby, you might take it easy and wait a bit, or at least do not get stressed if you delay the vaccine a bit. Consider which are the chances that your kids are exposed to TBC, and consider on the other side the risk to stimulate their immunitary system at this early age. There are so many autoimmune illnesses that are coming out in these recent years, and scientific research cannot explain the cause. I am not saying that they depend from vaccines, and from early vaccinations, but I will not tale the risk if I could. Some years ago I had a serious auto immune illness correlated to the flue vaccine. Anyhow, we started to vaccine our daughter from the age of 1 an half year, not before. The BCG vaccine, anyhow, is considered useless by many medical doctors, as it is an old vaccine, not much effective, and because TBC must be defeated in other ways, e.g. giving to the population better living conditions. Thanks. Just did our third round to Doha clinic to try to get the darn BCG done. Were told now that the nurse only sits on Thursdays. Wonder why the 4 times we called and 3 times we showed up they couldn't give us that exact information regardless of us specifically mentioning the BCG! Wouldn't have minded the wild goose chase as much if it wasn't 40 degrees outside. Poor baby is all red from the 1 minute runs from apartment to car, car to hospital and back!! Sorry for the rant. I realize its not mandatory but i'm a bit paranoid and thinking it's better to get it done than not. Will try Al Ahli tomorrow.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 19:26
Thank you!! Will try them out. Prices seem decent compared to the other hotel spas i saw earlier. This may just be it!! Have a lady coming to my house this week to groom me (easier when you have a 3 month baby) but will go check Christy out for my hair. THANKS :) Desert Princess is very nice and pretty reasonable in comparison to the hotel spas. It is run by Brits and I have always thought it to be very clean. They have a hairdressers and do nails, massage, waxing, spray tan etc. If you get your hair done there I recommend Christy for colour or cut, she is very good and always does exactly what you ask for. I can't comment on the other stylists as I haven't tried them yet. It is just south of Salwa Road, they have a decent website which lists prices, just pop the name in to google. Hope this helps. <em>edited by mbds on 19/08/2014</em>
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 14:29
Thanks. Just did our third round to Doha clinic to try to get the darn BCG done. Were told now that the nurse only sits on Thursdays. Wonder why the 4 times we called and 3 times we showed up they couldn't give us that exact information regardless of us specifically mentioning the BCG! Wouldn't have minded the wild goose chase as much if it wasn't 40 degrees outside. Poor baby is all red from the 1 minute runs from apartment to car, car to hospital and back!! Sorry for the rant. I realize its not mandatory but i'm a bit paranoid and thinking it's better to get it done than not. Will try Al Ahli tomorrow.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 14:25
Thanks thats useful information. We were hoping Madinat Centrale apartments would be released soon so we could try to grab something there instead of QQ (due to the fact that it's most likely going to be less of a ghost town than QQ bc of all the shops/restaurants). Unfortunately when I called the builder they couldn't give me a date for when to watch out for them and we need something by the end of September. Will wait and see. VBs were really nice but like you mentioned quite far (the ones that agents told us were available at least (VB22/23)). Seems like PA is the only option if you want to be able to walk around. Do all PA's have dishwashers? Ive heard only 2-3 bedroom apts have dishwashers. All 1 beds, regardless of where they are in the Pearl don't. We would love to get a place with one too!
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 14:20
Thanks - had no clue. I guess the salary system for maids is the same as it is for the rest of the jobs in the Middle east - based on the passport one holds! No surprises there. Is Maya still available? Sorry not to hijack this post but just wondering what the salary usually is for a live-in maid? Does it depend on how many people in the household/amount of work or is it something that is fixed? That's quite an interesting topic, salary does not depend on the numbers of family but it depends on the nationality of the maid. Sorry if it seems to sound kinda bit racist, but this is like living in a twilight zone. :) There's an FAQs about that on this webpage. How to hire a maid . FYI here are the embassy designated salaries: Embassy Set Minimum Salaries: Indonesia: QR 700 Sri Lankan: QR 800 Filipina: QR 1,400 CHEERS!
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:27
Looking for a nice, clean and REASONABLE salon/spa to get myself groomed. 3 months post baby and oh boy do I need it!! Please recommend. I'm looking to go somewhere where I can get everything done - wax, nails, massage, hair treatments like oil massage or protein). I want to emphasize reasonable since most place i've looked up cost an arm and a leg!! I want to find a place that I can regularly go to. I've been seeing some deals on QGRABS but not sure if those salons are clean and worth it. Thanks in advance. <em>edited by mbds on 16/08/2014</em>
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:24
Anyone currently living there? My husband and I, with our 3 month baby are planning to get a place there next month. Wanted to know first hand from someone currently living there if it's a good area and worth the $$. Any pros and cons? If someone knows of a good real estate company and/or someone vacating a 1 bedroom there please let me know. Thanks <em>edited by mbds on 16/08/2014</em>
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:21
This guy is great. My husband used him for work and airport runs, always shows up on time. Faisal: 33650018 or 74443365
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:19
Hi - not sure if you're using something in the shower but i've been told to use a filter shower head. I believe LG sells them (I've seen it at City Centre). The name escapes me now but i've been told those are good (I cant use them currently bc it doesn't fit on my shower head). I guess it's worth giving it a shot.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:16
I went to the one near the old airport (off main airport road) near Oryx Rotana. It is open 24 hours and was empty whenever I went (went twice). I went during the afternoon.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:15
People use qatar living. Try that but be careful lots of "interesting" people on there too! Good luck :)
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:13
Hi all, recently got here from Canada and need to get my 3 month old her BCG vaccine. The paed has recommended going to any of the big hospitals to get it since it's given at birth to babies in Doha and individual docs don't carry it. I'm wondering if anyone else had to do this for their little ones and which hospitals you went to (if you had a good experience). I'm considering going to DOha clinic.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:11
WELCOME!! I recently got here too (with my 3 month baby) and someone recomended Dr.Ghassan at Al Hayat Medical (in Al-Waab) to me. He's a syrian gentleman, i've taken my daughter to him a couple of times. Seems to be good. Also wondering if you've arranged/gotten your twins their BCG vaccine? Hi everyone... So we finally made it to Doha a few days ago, with our nearly two month old twins and two older children. Does anyone have a pediatrician they wold recommend? Ideally someone close to Y Village area and someone who won't prescribe antibiotics every time the kids sneeze. Thanks!
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2014 - 02:06
Sorry not to hijack this post but just wondering what the salary usually is for a live-in maid? Does it depend on how many people in the household/amount of work or is it something that is fixed?
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2014 - 12:20
Emailed you - pls respond. Thanks
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 July 2014 - 12:19
November! Just when the weather starts getting better in Toronto ;) hehe On a positive note that delay may be a blessing, things cool off here too by then so it will be a much better time to move. We were also given a bags allowance so ended up moving our entire life into 6 suitcases. Yes, my house is bare!! I'm hoping to slowly bring in my decoration pieces, paintings and such per trip to Canada. Things aren't as bad here as my previous post may have seemed, you get a lot of things here so you don't need to stock up if you havent already. Plus Dubai is nearby so if you find things too pricey or not much choice here you can justify a shopping trip to Dubai :) (although i think DXB is also expensive but you still get a lot more options). I just got back from Toronto so am stocked up on Canadian supplies, thank you for the offer :) Do get in touch once you're here.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 17:50
Sorry to jump in but does anyone recommend any ladies that possibly come home to wax?
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 17:49
Don't be surprised, things seem to move super slow here so get used to it lol Also i think right now things are delayed because of ramadan so hopefully now that its come to an end you will get your visas sorted soon enough. If you have a shipping allowance I would recommend bringing whatever you can ship in. In my experience things here are quite pricey and you have less options/variety. There is an IKEA here that sells reasonably priced pieces so if you're okay with furnishing your house with that then don't bother shipping your stuff from Toronto. We brought nothing but clothes and ended up finding a furnished place so didn't have to worry about buying stuff. Although must tell you finding a nicely furnished place was really tough and now our lease is coming up we're moving to a semi-furnished unit which means buying furniture!! Also, do you have a place sorted or will you come here then look for one? I can suggest some real estate companies if you need them. Be prepared for the desert heat, it's HOT! Good luck with everything :) Let me know if you have any other specific questions.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 18:49
Looking to purchase some nice quality furniture to furnish a 1 bedroom apartment (we are a couple and a 2 month baby). Not sure how long we will be in Doha so dont' want to invest in expensive pieces but something we can buy now and sell off easily a few months (maybe a year later).
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 18:46
sorry a bit late now, not sure if you've already moved. Made the exact same move myself some months back so msg me if you still want answers!
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 15:50
Does Al Ahli give you a DVD or photos of the 3d/4d ultra?
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 15:46
What agencies are you ladies going through? I'm also interested but dont know where to start looking.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 14:16
Hi there, have you tried propertyfinder.qa ? Maybe you can find something on there. I think just asking your friends about where they live can be of assistance too. Al Fardan properties are all good to live at & they have several apartments, condos & villas all over the city. We found it is best to just go up to a building & ask, don't know about villas as we didn't investigate any. Good luck. Yes, we've been looking on property finder but nothing seems to excite us. I think the best bet is to just show up to the building and hope we can find someone to talk to. I'm interested in apartments, not villas.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 14:15
Hahaah true, i think it's a GCC problem. Charge and overcharge for everything!!
mbds
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Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 18:10
Yes I had one there at 27w in my first pregnancy. It was definitely worth it as it was covered by our insurance, but I believe you can get them cheaper at Dr Mariam's (search on here for details) if you don't have insurance. Think they spent about 20 mins, but there was quite a bit of waiting around as it was Al Ahli!! I'm sure you know this but after 26w airlines will require a "fitness to travel" certificate - Al Ahli charge extra for this! Also didn't know they charge extra for the travel certificate - thanks for telling me. I spoke to my Doctor about it briefly this visit but she never mentioned anything! SIGH. Do you know how much?
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 18:09
Thanks all - I'm going to call Dr.Mariam's tomorrow and find out the details/availability. Al Ahli said I would have to pay 200 QAR as my insurance covers regular ultrasounds so I would only have to pay the difference which I didn't think was bad at all. I just wasn't sure if they would be thorough and give me enough time to be satisfied with the session. The last time I had an ultrasound at the radiology dept the technician barely spoke or said anything. @kiwispiers - I thought the ultrasound is done at the radiology department and there isn't a difference between Consultant/Specialist there? My regular monthly ultrasound is done through the Ob/Gyn clinic and I gather there is a distinction between the doctors sitting on there (Specialist vs. Consultant). Can you explain? Thanks again.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 20:43
Emailed you both :)
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 20:42
Congrats! Great to know you had a positive experience. I'm in the process of looking for a new gynae as my doctor (Dr.Maha Laham) just resigned. Will try to check out your Doctor.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2014 - 20:15
i found almond breeze original and milk at Lulu hypermarket.
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 January 2014 - 21:38
Thank you. I don't plan on delivering here just need someone to do my monthly checkups and hand me my medical certificate to fly before I head back home for delivery. I will check both these doctors out. Thanks again!
mbds
40
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2014 - 14:04
I'm wondering if there are any agencies in Doha that offer services to help new moms take care of their babies or does one need to sponsor and bring in a full time maid for such services? I'm hoping to get some help in the summer but want to start researching my options from now. First time mom to be and the paranoia is setting in!!!
 
 
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