Cleo4e | ExpatWoman.com
 

Cleo4e

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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 18:32
Is Al Zahra the hospital right off of Sheikh Zayed by any chance? Near opposite side of the Gems School? (or am I way off)
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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 15:45
I'm actually in the process of hiring a live out filipina maid myself. She used to work for a cleaning company- and would come to my home 3 times a week. I'm pregnant with #2 now, and I just feel I need someone a little more 'available' to do tasks that she cannot possibly complete in the 4 hours that she's here for. I'm also really huge on privacy and feel like i need my alone time so this is the best solution for me and my family. She will be starting with us in May, and I'll keep you updated on how it goes :)
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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 15:03
Hi guys- thought i'd pop in and see how everyone is doing. I've hit 10 weeks today, and the nausea hasn't let up just yet :( Some days are better than others. I got a really bad cough and cold which also doesn't whelp. Still so hard for me to go into the kitchen-at this point- i'm just looking forward to getting my energy and my appetite back. Thanks for the advice on flying as well. Ill be returning home to Canada at 21 weeks and will stay there until my delivery. I've never flown while pregnant before and any advice is so useful. I'll look into getting compression stockings for sure. With my 1st, I looked like I was about to pop any minute at 21 weeks, and i'm just dreading an uncomfortable 14 hour flight back home while being so huge *sigh*. I would be totally up for a meet up- as soon as I feel human again lol
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Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 11:29
She's definitely fighting something if she had a fever that high. I would also recommend getting a second opinion.
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Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 11:19
We are also from North America and I fortunatley haven't witnessed any bullying to that degree here...yet. I did ask what the position was on bullying at my daughters school, and I was told it was zero tolerance. I know from my dd that accidents happen and kids are left to manage their battles but if its serious that parents/teachers do get involved. I think thats fair as there will be times when kids need to sort their own issues out but if its "bullying" as we know it, then teachers should be involved. We are lucky so far that we haven't had to deal with this here with my two girls. I was bullied for about 5 years by the same girl growing up (grades 5 to 10) and despite my parents speaking to the school repeatedly, nothing was done, (the school made up excuses which I have no idea if they were true about her home life being troubled, low parental involvement etc) until I was in my teens and my mum threatened to involve the police. Having said that once the police were threatened she never bothered me again. Thank you so much, for your feedback! I totally understand that accidents definitely happen, and children need to figure their stuff out on their own as well, and i'm totally for that. I don't get involved in my sons little 'issues' and prefer he learn to deal with it on his own. I'm just a little weary that in big kid school- the little issues and fights don't become bigger and more serious. I'm happy to hear that your school has zero tolerance on bullying. I'm just curious to know what kinds of measures schools take to make sure that things stay 'under control' (for lack of a better word). Do they speak to their students about it? Do they create awareness about the issue amongst the student body? ect...
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Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 10:10
thank you all for your suggestions! i'm just so sick and tired of being sick and tired, and it's the cough that's really killing me. I've tried everything (safe) under the moon but the cough is so persistent. And thank you for the liquorice root information. I guess that's out for me for now too lol
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Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 10:28
Good morning ladies! Hope you all are well. So the time has come for me to accept the fact that my little boy will start school soon- and as a mother my biggest concerns about school has to do with bullying. I grew up in North America and went to school there- and bullying was a fact of life. It would happen daily and schoolyard monitors seemed oblivious to it but life went on. I have however, been a witness to how bullying can affect a child's self-esteem, character and his/her overall life. So many young children have been bullied to the point of suicide. I don't mean to sound like a paranoid mother hen, and I know he needs to grow up and face life on his own- but bullying is not something I can tolerate well. When I think of sending him to school, I think of how he will handle these kinds of situations. I don't know what the general school environments are like here in Dubai. I'm confidant he will be just fine- but I guess I just need a bit of re-assurance that schools here have anti-bullying policies, that teachers and monitors are vigilant about it-or if they have zero tolerance policies for it. For all you moms who have school going children- have you had to deal with bullying situations? How did you handle it? How do the schools handle it? Do you find there is a difference in how this issue is dealt with in your home countries vs Dubai?
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 10:55
[ Thanks Cleo! Congrats to you as well ;). I'm due on October 12th! Yeh! BTW is it just me or is it becoming difficult finding new cloths? Too fat/bloated for many of my regular clothes but don't have the cute pregnant tummy for pregnancy clothes yet :( No shopping for me in the next weeks I guess, at least my hubby is happy about it.... Woohoo, practically same due dates! Awesome. As for clothes...I have what I like to call "residual tummy" lol Residual- from my first c-section and pregnancy 2 yrs ago, so I've had trouble fitting into pants for a while now lol (despite my serious workout efforts). I'm just pulling out my yoga pants and leggings and living in those until I deliver lol
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 08:00
I just used House of Cakes for my sons 2nd birthday and was very happy with the cake and service!
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 07:59
I'm so excited- It means I can do my groceries straight after nursery drop off, woohoo
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 07:56
I see Dr Elsa at City and I love that woman! Cant say enough good things about her.
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 07:53
Dr Syed Ahmed at City Hospital. I have a very difficult son, and he's incredibly soft spoken and gentle- and even sings to the kids. Yesterday he got my son singing along with him- and NO ONE can do that lol
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 07:44
I got mine after 36 weeks -And when I got them I got them bad :( Mostly on the underside of my belly, and around my thighs. I had a c-section and had massive water retention and swelling afterwards, my legs looks like tree stumps and I ended up getting some after the delivery, down the inside of my legs and under my arms... I know It sounds bad, it was. Thankfully they've lightened up... but i am self conscious about the ones on my legs :(
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 07:39
Ditto with everyone else here! I had my son 2 yrs ago, when I was 27. And I got the same comments as you: life over- no more travelling- no more sleep ect... ect... It was in one ear and out the other. My mom gave me fantastic advice right before I gave birth: don't become a part of the babies life- make your child become a part of your life. Some may or may not agree with this statement but it worked for me and my husband. We have a baby so what? We still travel, and we travel frequently, we still go out (i have never once left my child at home), I have no maid. Yes I did the sleepless nights, but it goes by so fast and before you know it, your baby isn't a baby anymore. Parenthood is a frame of mind, if you set yourself up to dread it- you will. If you choose to enjoy it then you will. It's simple. My son has been a blessing in my life and he's never impeded me from doing anything I wanted to. I thank God for him everyday...
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 07:32
Hi Pichon! Welcome :) and congratulations on your pregnancy!When's ure due date? I'm October 13th!
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Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 13:27
Ihad a c-section with my first 2 years ago in Canada and may have a second one when I deliver in October. I'm see in DR Elsa at City Hospital in Dubai and she's fantastic!
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Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 13:23
I cannot say enough good things about http://www.dawnventuras.com/. We took our son there and I could not be happier. Excellent teacher, excellent coach with fantastic and convenient locations.
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Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 17:45
What about going to a salon that uses Lycon wax? Isn't that supposed to be a lot less painful? I'm personally a huge fan of the Lycon wax. Not only does it get all the tiny hairs, but I mentioned to someone here before that I find it's less painful than strip waxes and goes much faster. My brazilian wax takes a total of 5-7 mins. The skin is smoother as well. I use Savitha at Sisters Salon at Dubai Mall, and I really like her.
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Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 17:39
I still have hope for your #3. Honestly I believe God makes women forget about the nausea when our babies are born! Otherwise we'd never willingly put ourselves through it! The first time for me I was all like "This is terrible! I can't understand how there are so many babies in the world! Women are crazy! I'm never doing this again!!!" Lo and behold I'm having another (and you as well :-). We forget how bad it is and we think "Oh it wont be so bad" YEAH RIGHT!!! LOL you're right...Although I didn't forget the nausea of the 1st- I was just kinda hoping it wouldn't be so bad this time around hahaha BOY was I sooooo wrong lol Let'se see- I say no #3 right now...I'll let you know after I deliver if my opinion is still the same lol
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Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 14:19
Hi Cleo, congrats on your pregnancy!! I tried to get in with Dr. Elsa but she's booked up until July :-( I'm looking to have a successful VBAC as well insha'Allah and Dr. Elsa seems like the best choice. I did make an appointment with her in late June just in case I decide its best for me to switch doctors :-o Right now I'm scheduled to see Dr. Britt later this month, hopefully all goes well and I don't need to switch doctors that late in my pregnancy. In regards to the Bikram Yoga, its designed to keep the room temp and your body temp at 98 degrees. Everything that I've read says that as long as you aren't increasing your body temp you're fine. Its just like taking a bath or getting in a heated jacuzzi or sauna, anything over 100 is not recommended as that is increasing your body temperature and while you can sweat and cool down, the baby cannot. So as long as you aren't increasing your body temperature you're fine :-) Please let us know how you like the Pregnancy Project videos. I've never heard of them going to look them up now.... Awww thanks so much, I'm excited for #2. I always wanted 3 kids... but I think after this one I'm done. This nausea is really taking it's toll on me :( As for Dr.Elsa, I know, she has a long waiting list - it's unfortunate. I waited almost 6 months to see her last february when I wasn't pregnant just to make sure that when the time came, it wouldn't be a problem. I hope it works out with DR. Britt- and if you do decide to switch Dr's in the end, well at least you will be in good hands, and there's no doubts about that. I wish you luck on your VBac, I hope it goes well for you. Thanks so much about the info on Bikram. I got back into shape (somewhat) after having my son, with Bikram, and a place near my house just recently started offering classes that I was dying to try, but scared to because I was pregnant. I'll give them a call now lol The Pregnancy Project DVD's are great so far. They're low impact simple, yet very effective exercises. I'm only on month #2 CD right now, but the workouts are definitely beneficial. I just wish I could do them more often.. but again the nausea is just getting in the way :(
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Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 14:57
Hi Guys!! Joining in your group :P I'm 8 weeks pregnant with #2, being followed by Dr. Elsa at City hospital. I had a c-section with my son (who is now 2) and really really hoping for a VBAC now and Dr. Elsa is so supportive of that. (i love that woman). I'm not sure if I will end up delivering in Dubai...may go back home to Canada for that, just so I can be around family, but we'll see. Pregnancy is elhamdullilah going well, except for the horrible morning/all day sickness. I'm really hoping this will pass soon. I don't know how much more of it I can take :( I saw someone mention Bikram Yoga, while pregnant. To my knowledge, I didn't think it was safe, just because Bikram Yoga is also known as "hot" yoga and exposing your body to very high temperatures is bad for the fetus? That's what I was told anyways... With my last pregnancy i gained over 60lbs!!! Im''m determined NOT to do that again. It was my first- I wasn't careful and thought being pregnant meant lying around and eating. Boy was I wrong! I ordered this set of workout DVD's called the Pregnancy Project. It's 9 DVD's for the 9 months of your pregnancy with workouts to suit each stage. I just need to muster up the energy to start doing them lol They're done by Tracy Anderson. I'm also going to look into regular pre-natal yoga classes-should help with the pregnancy aches and pains :) <em>edited by Cleo4e on 04/03/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 11:00
For bikini and brazilian wax, i'm personally a huge fan of the LYCON wax. I find it leaves your skin smoother and gets all the tiny hairs- and not mention a wee bit less painful. But that's just me. The only salon I found here that uses Lycon is Sisters at Dubai Mall (there may be more), but I like the technician there who does my wax, Savita is her name :) Pastels also use LYCON wax! I agree with you Cleo...slightly less painful and gets all the tiny hairs! That's awesome!! If pastels is cheaper- I might just try it out there too!
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Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 10:00
For yellow toned skin, I love the Bobbi Brown stick foundation/concealer. It's small and compact and lasts for months. It has a very natural coverage and lasts me all day. Love it, love it!
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Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 09:58
For bikini and brazilian wax, i'm personally a huge fan of the LYCON wax. I find it leaves your skin smoother and gets all the tiny hairs- and not mention a wee bit less painful. But that's just me. The only salon I found here that uses Lycon is Sisters at Dubai Mall (there may be more), but I like the technician there who does my wax, Savita is her name :)
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Latest post on 05 February 2013 - 17:53
I send my son to Blossoms Nursery in Umm Al Sheif and he gets all of his meals there. They have a 7:30 am early birds service which provides breakfast and then the children get snacks and lunch afterwards and even afternoon 'tea'. All meals are healthy and my son loves it!
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 19:54
we just got back from Eid holidays spent in Tuscany and DH and I miss the food...so on the menu tonight, a tuscan dish lol Baked chicken breasts in some olive oil, salt pepper, rosemary, thyme, dried sage, some Italian seasoning and minced garlic and baby spinach salad, with strawberry's, pecan and mango and some balsamic vinegar:) (hubby and I need to start eating clean) <em>edited by Cleo4e on 04/11/2012</em>
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 12:14
You can drop me a line at facadesbyfarhat@gmail.com, I'll be happy to send you the driver's number!
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Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 12:13
My little guy takes swimming with Dawn Venturas, and she's brilliant. She begins with baby swim but also works with older kids and I do believe she holds classes in AR. You can visit her webiste http://www.dawnventuras.com/ . Best decision we made was going with her.
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Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 18:12
I just sent the number via e-mail to all those who mailed me requesting the number :) I hope it works out for you guys. Been with them 2 months and so far no complaints!
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Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 12:39
So a little late with my reply but here it is: I currently use the services of a driver company. Anytime I need to go anywhere I just call them up a few hours before or the night before and let them know at what time I need a driver and where I need to go. Sure enough the driver is always waiting for me on time. (It's not usually the same driver every time). They install my sons car seat into the car- take me wherever, help me with my groceries ect... The cars are clean and usually some model of a Lexus. They are mostly all pakistani and indian drivers but speak english pretty well. I pay them hourly from pick up time to drop off time- and if you like you can send me an e-mail @********@gmail.com and I'll be happy to pass on the number to you! <em>edited by Cleo4e on 29/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 30 December 2011 - 23:44
Thank you soo soo much for the tip about the Chamomile, I had read about it as well. I will also get the necklace you're speaking of- I've seen lots of little one's wearing them but was always skeptical about wether they actually worked or not. Iwill definately give it a shot. I'm really happy his sleeping is back on track- at least now I know what the problem was :)
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Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 23:27
wow thank you guys so much for the warning!! We've just been in Dubai a couple of months and this would be our first nye here and we knew there would be crowds but had no clue about the kind of chaos you guys are describing. We will definately be re-thinking our plans (if any at this point).
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Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 12:24
i'm in the same predicament with my 10 month old- we were thinking of seeing the fireworks after dinner in Dubai Mall by the dancing fountains?
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Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 10:44
Thank you guys!! Sure enough a few days ago his first tooth sprouted! And here I was thinking I had a spoiled baby on my hands *sigh* lol
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Latest post on 15 December 2011 - 11:12
thanks so much smilies for sharing your experience. Nothing at all negative has ever happened to the little guy in his crib. I had lowered the matress a few weeks prior just because I feel he can start standing up in it now and could potentially climb out. Maybe he's not comfortable sleeping lower than he used to? In fact he used to quite enjoy sitting in his crib and babbling and playing with his stuffed toy. I have tried to let him cry it out- but he can go on and on without stopping...and i don't know how comfortable I am leaving him to cry for nap times. sometimes I think it would counterproductive? if he starts associating crying and being misearble with his crib? I'm a first time mom, so I don't know what the correct way to do this is :( The passed 2 days have been a little better- i'm taking him out on long walks about an hour after breakfast (I run my errands) and when we get home he has his lunch and goes to sleep for at least an hour. At least now he's getting in one nap during the day and is not waking up at 2 am anymore... If I can stretch out his nap time for 2 hours I will be happy...i guess i just need to tire him out more *sigh*
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 12:57
my pleasure :)
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 12:45
I didn't get a clip on one- I got more of a booster seat; one that sort of fastens onto a chair (any chair) highly portable and light, and once the mini seat is fastened onto your chair- you fasten your baby on the high chair :) Mine is by this italian company and it's Called Pali-Up and it grows with your child. You can get a good couple of yrs of use out of it. I got it from the dubai mom and baby show but I have seen it at the Organic Shop's baby section in Dubai Mall. Booster seat style ones are much safer too. Those that go directly on the table can make the table really unstable depending on leg strength and placement etc; and they don't fit on every type of table. The handysitt is brilliant and can be used for children up to 5 yrs old. (the 'clip on' versions will barely take a 12 month old baby) [url=http://www.urbanbaby.com.au/epages/ecomm5000.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/UrbanBaby/Products/MIHS-DETAILS'>HandySitt[/url'> They used to be available at Organics... Greenish- I think the Pali Up model I got is very similar to the handysitt! and I agree with the safety aspect of it. It's actually fastened to a sturdy piece of furniture and not the table where the child is somewhat suspended in it. It's been very useful for me- as I don't really like to use restaurant high chairs (breeding ground for germs) and it's been a wonderful investment.
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 12:11
On al-sufouh road between marina and jbr walk- if you're comming from the Westin Hotel Side you will keep on al sufouh road, and go over the bridge. Then on your left you will see the Park Island towers. This is exactly opposite the first turn towards JBR walk (you will see a sign for Boutique 1) and the Royal Meridien Hotel.
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 12:03
Right beside platform 3 gym in the Park Island Towers :) man...are those cupcakes amaaaaazing!
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 11:46
I didn't get a clip on one- I got more of a booster seat; one that sort of fastens onto a chair (any chair) highly portable and light, and once the mini seat is fastened onto your chair- you fasten your baby on the high chair :) Mine is by this italian company and it's Called Pali-Up and it grows with your child. You can get a good couple of yrs of use out of it. I got it from the dubai mom and baby show but I have seen it at the Organic Shop's baby section in Dubai Mall.
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Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 11:39
my mom and sister are both comming right around x-mas time and we had no issues getting their visas for them :)
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Latest post on 13 November 2011 - 18:47
Dr Elsa, shes well worth waiting for. I've incredible things about her so I am willing to wait for a good doctor :)
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 23:57
My vote for Dubai Mall as well. You can find every shop there and get pretty much everything you need :)
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 23:55
We're currently taking lessons with Dawn Venturas- she's not in Lakes- but may do private lessons? We absolutely adore her and she's extremely knowleadgeable . www.dawnventuras.com
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 23:42
I called recently to get an appointment with Dr. Elsa and she's booked until FEB!!!! Will have to go with someone else for the interim *sigh*
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 23:34
Exile- do you remember how much you paid for your cosmelan peel? belle femme on jbr walk is charging 1,900 AED for face and neck and 800 for face, plus the cosmelan cream for 750. Was just wondering if cosmesurge is cheaper.
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 23:30
I finally found Obagi Medi Spa at Dubai mall that was relatively more reasonably priced and had the lasers I was looking for. Really liked the laser technician as well and she told me she was pushing to have the prices further lowered.
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 23:20
I'm so relieved to hear that all of you guys did so well! I've been deathly afraid of uterine rupture and so was waiting until lo was a year old to start trying again. 8 months later and I still sometimes feel slight pain especially during my period around the area where the incision was made -so I always felt maybe I wasn't healed enough yet. Will check with my doctor but I am definately anxious to get started on #2...I'm not getting any younger *sigh*
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Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 23:20
Lots and lots of successful VBAC stories out there and lots from the UAE (although it's a bit harder here because it is a very medical system). I am a VBAC mama. I'm pregnant with my second baby due in March. My daughter is 13 months and I got pregnant at 8 months. My midwife (from the UK) didn't say anything about waiting a year. There are some great books out there like 'the Silent Knife' and the 'VBAC Companion'. Best way to ensure your chances of a successful VBAC here, and anywhere really, is to hire a doula. If you want to chat about anything VBAC feel free to email me at brookelynnbauer@gmail.com. :) You are soo soo sweet and I appreciate it! I will definately drop you a line!
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Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 16:40
I believe I saw some at Homecenter- but I wasn't specifically looking either :S