Hospitals - which to pick

I was with Medcare in 2009 so not sure of up-to-date prices. I was with Dr Shiva. Very nice and pro-natural birth, but not overly informative and appts a bit 'in and out'. From the sounds of it, Dr Azza would be a good one. Don't forget if you don't like the ob or hospital, you can change, as long as that's within your budget/insurance constraints to do but obviously much harder if you signed up for maternity package. Like Moonbean, I find it easier to have it 'all under one roof'. Packages work out cheaper, although just check what they include as not all of them include the 12 week NT scan, 20 week scan and 32 week growth scan. The Medcare one did when I was there but may have changed and the packages varied between the obs too. The City and the American don't include those scans so are an additional cost. I didn't do the package this time as it's my second and I felt with the first I was constantly at appts having scans and felt a bit over-medicalised. I have kept appts to the minimum which has probably worked out more expensive though! Some people prefer the reassurance though of lots of visits, so it's all personal choice and whatever you're comfortable with. Medcare itself was clean and nurses, doctors and midwives lovely. I found the admin side to be a bit of a nightmare (but others have been ok, depends on luck I think!). You have to be on the ball with them and chase them to ensure everything is all booked and set up as things seem to get lost in the communication chain! The NICU only had 2 beds (may have changed) and is really only there to stablise babies. Any 'serious' care and they have to be transferred to Al Wasl or Welcare for example. Not used any of the other hospitals you mentioned. If you want to consider the American (and I know a lot of insurances don't cover this and if paying yourself can work out really expensive) I am with Dr Raj there and think she's great. Pro-natural birth and great sense of humour! I also had an appt with Dr Janaki at Welcare (couldn't decide between Welcare and American!). She was lovely too, very professional and caring. I also like the Welcare as a hospital as DS was transferred to NICU there and had great care. There are plenty of rooms and I felt I would be 'safe in their hands'. However, I chose Dr Raj and the American as I felt they were slightly more flexible and slightly less 'policy'orientated' than the Welcare. Hope that helps :)

I was with medcare from the beginning. Its just so much easier keeping everything under one roof if that makes sense? Yes the do offer a package. i think the price may have gone up. When I took mine out it was Dhs5000, but you need to check with them. the birth package was 8500 when I was giving birth, but they have increased it to 9500. The maternity package starts from 12 weeks and just about everything is included in it. And yes if you like me and insurance does not e=cover maternity at all then yes it is much better to do the package. How far along are you?

I also second Dr Azza, she is great and friendly. She delivered my baby just a few days ago and she was great throughout the whole time!!! I agree with moonbeem, she was caring throughout labour. She was also stroking my hair and legs. She fully encouraged DH to support me during contractions. Wish I could take her home!!!!

Hi I just gave birth at medcare less then 2 weeks ago. I was with Dr Wafaa, but changed to Dr Azza in the end. She is a lovely lady, very warm and joked with me throughout my labour! she made DH feel welcome and part of the action the whole time. She held my hands thorough contractions and told me at every chance she got how well I was doing and she was amazed how well I coped with the pain. Small things like that make a huge difference when you are in labour! Go and see her and decide for yourself. I know a few people who were and still are with her and are really happy!!