DivineBeet | ExpatWoman.com
 

DivineBeet

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Latest post on 10 November 2015 - 20:23
I was under the impression that the "baby bassinet" charge is just the patient (baby) lodging or accommodations charge, not for the actual plastic tub the baby is sleeping in.
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Latest post on 24 April 2015 - 17:45
For shows, if you want something different, I think Fuerza Bruta is a really unique experience. The theater is on Union Sq. I've been twice and completely enchanted each time. But there are also so many broadway shows to see as well! So many little cafes and hidden restaurants, that its hard to recommend without knowing your taste. Half the fun is getting lost and finding what appeals to you. If you want to get away from the generic, the windy streets of downtown/village are great for exploring. Go on a boat ride in Central Park (you rent a boat and row yourself) - first stop at Whole Foods on Columbus circle, to load up on some nice picnic-type eats to bring with you. Ground Zero is a must, and while you're in the neighborhood, stop in Century21 dept store, for some discounted designer shopping. Bryant park in midtown offers free movie screenings outdoors (bring a blanket!) and there is a great little bar right inside the park if you'd like some drinks first. Do a round trip on the Staten Island ferry from downtown Manhattan.It is free and offers great views of Statue of Liberty, just avoid rush hour. Overall, with the exception of visiting some notable places like Central Park, Rockefeller Center, etc, I think there is a whole lot more to do and see in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. The great thing is, unlike in Dubai, every establishment/venue/event has a website and explicit information listed (I mean, even food trucks have websites!). Enjoy!!
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Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 12:16
I bought one at my local Carrefour yesterday- didn't even notice that it was personalized until i brought it home. "share a coke with Namrata"
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Latest post on 20 April 2015 - 18:41
I've always put 00000 when zip is required, whether I am getting it delivered to PO Box or to my home and it has always made it.
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Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 11:45
Technically, a tax cannot be applied to a service that did not take place. Unfortunately, I don't know if this is explicitly stated anywhere.
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Latest post on 25 March 2015 - 11:01
If you apply at the store, just go to Customer Service, they will ask you to fill out some basic information (name, phone number) and will give you the card right away.
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Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 15:57
Vanessa - FTM here, delivered with Dr. Yamini in October. I too had trouble reaching her and felt ignored by her nurse when requesting call backs. It bothered me enough that I considered switching doctors/hosptials. I am glad I didnt though, in the end, my labor experience at Al Zahra and w/ Yamini was excellent.
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Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 15:51
When someone says they "[i'>could[/i'> care less", when expressing that they don't care about something... if you could care less, it means you care!!!
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Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 17:34
Just to clarify - I was referring blood testing for HIV, varicella, hemoglobin levels, and others, for which the mother & baby would possibly need to be treated during pregnancy and/or require special precautions during labor & delivery. No, no one can force medical care on you, but you came here asking for price of prenatal care and these tests are an important part of that care. These tests are done to screen for[i'> preventable[/i'> but potentially devastating issues. Genetic testing is elective.
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Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 18:35
Hi abet, I delivered at Al Zahra in October and can try to help. It was my first baby, so I am not sure what a baby bag is.. is it a bag of products given upon discharge to take home? If so, I wasn't given anything. At the hospital, diapers and changing supplies are provided while you're there, a nose bulb syringe, and J&J bathing products for bathing the baby, but nothing additional to bring home with you.
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Latest post on 19 December 2014 - 18:22
If you already have all the blood tests, then it might the cheaper to pay-as-you-go for the pre-natal care at Al Zahra. You can bring your previous tests results and the doctor will not need to repeat them. However, if you are missing any of the tests, or a long time has passed since you had them done, they will require that you have blood work done, as a possibly undetected condition can be a danger to the baby. This is true for most doctors/hospitals. I gave birth at Al Zahra in October and cannot recommend it enough!
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Latest post on 12 December 2014 - 23:17
I did a tour at Al Zahra over the summer, and subsequently delivered there in October. If I remember correctly, the tours are conducted twice a week. Just call the main number for the hospital and they will let you know the times. Husbands are welcome. The tour is lead by a midwife and she will answer any questions you have, such as what is provided. If you decide to go with Al Zahra for your delivery, you will be able to schedule a personal appointment with a midwife closer to your due date, to go over your birth plan and ask in more detail about what to bring, etc.
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Latest post on 12 December 2014 - 00:37
Might be best to check directly with the airline on this. However, I believe that since you are not traveling with a child, it will be treated as regular piece of baggage and will have to be checked. Babies get their own baggage allowance (stroller being one), even if they do not have their own seat.
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Latest post on 28 November 2014 - 14:12
I'm lactose intolerant and drink goats milk regularly, in case anyones interested in trying additional alternatives. Full fat and skimmed always available at Carrefour and Spineys, in the shelved milks isle (possibly other stores as well, but thats where I get mine). Just want to add - there are those with intolerance that will have a reaction to all milks, camel or goat included, but those two are great natural alternatives, and goats milk has been working for me for years now.
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Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 16:02
Ah yes, at 31 weeks the full package is definitely not worth it. They have another package, from 28 weeks, but depending on what you have already had done with previous doctors, you might be better off just paying as you go. After the initial 425aed consultation fee, the subsequent appointments have all been 375. Also, if you have had some blood tests done earlier in pregnancy (or even before pregnancy, like blood group type, varicella immunity, etc), bring copies of the results with you, as it will save you money. I brought some with me, and although some were done in a different country, and some before I was even pregnant, I didn't have to repeat them. Urine test are cheap, 25dhs, but the blood tests can really add up quickly. As a side note - I have heard great things about Dr. Jozsa, a friend of mine delivered with him earlier this year at City Hospital.
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Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 11:06
Its a bit difficult to answer your question without knowing the cost they quoted you for the first consultation. I have been seeing a different ob/gyn at Al Zahra, but at the first appointment I paid about 40dhs for admin fees to have a file started as a new patient, 425dhs for the consultation, and about 250dhs for ultrasound. Not sure if the prices vary by doctor. I was 8 weeks pregnant at the time and there were no blood or urine tests done during the first appointment, however if you expect to be getting them done, it will be in addition to the costs above. If you plan on staying at Al Zahra for the duration of your pregnancy, I do recommend purchasing their antenatal package. It includes up to 12 visits, and all the basic scans & urine/ blood tests. Its 5000dhs, paid in advance. I would recommend getting the information about the package before your appointment (they usually have the brochures right in the lobby), so you can decide if you want to purchase it and if you do, you can avoid having to pay the itemized bill for the first visit. If you want to try out the doctor first, you may want to ask him not to do any scans or blood tests until you do purchase it. Hope this helps!
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Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 17:10
I bought it about 6 months ago at Safestway. I believe I might have seen it at Lulu in the past as well. However, not sure if either store has it in stock currently.
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Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 18:43
Yes, he can increase after just one year now. He must notify you of the increase at least 90 days before your current contract expires.. and/or of any other changes he wants to make, such as number of cheques, service charges, etc. If you have less than 90 days left, he can no longer make any changes (unless you agree to them as well). He can only raise the rent within the limits of the RERA calculator (if your area becomes listed), you can refuse anything higher.
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Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 13:25
Sorry, don't have solid advice, but have you tried contacting MOL (I am assuming thats where the decision was granted) and explaining your situation? They might be able to advise you on this or provide you with some document that will exempt you from having to pay anything to immigration. I am sure you are not the first to be faced with such a situation. Good luck.
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Latest post on 05 October 2014 - 11:09
I think some of the larger supermarkets sell them in the baking section, but as with everything else, it might the hit or miss depending when you check. I have recently seen Xanthan Gum specifically, at the Organic Foods & Cafe in the Greens and at Lulu in Al Barsha.
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Latest post on 04 October 2014 - 16:28
It would be really difficult for any of us to evaluate what the dentist did, and who is right, as every situation is different. I have had a lot of dental work done, so have tons of experience. Often filling even the smallest cavity can cause pain, even if the tooth gave you no problems before, because the dentist has to remove the bad tissue, therefore creating a bigger hole that needs to be filled. If they feel like the drilling is getting close to your nerve, they should typically let you know, so you can expect some pain after (which is normal, and could take a couple of weeks or even months to settle down)... but not all will. Yes, the first dentist might have drilled too much and then put too much filling, biting down on which might have caused the thinned walls of the tooth to crack.. but its just as possible that they did a proper job, and the deteriorated state of your tooth was bound to crack anyway (again, just because you had no prior pain, does not mean it wasn't in a bad state). The fact that she was not able to catch the crack afterwards, does tell me that she is either not good, or that she's hiding her bad work. Sometimes a filling is the first course of action, when a root canal/crown was needed all along. If I were you, I would collect the X-ray from the first dentist, so a new dentist could compare the "before" and "after". Ask for the new dentist to point out to you the original cavity and compare to what it looks like now with the filling/crack. If the cavity was really small in the first place, you might have some case against the first dentist, although it would still be pretty difficult to prove and still not definitive. Also, you should be aware that you might need a crown only, not a root canal if there is enough tooth matter to support the crown, so ask the new dentist. Unfortunately you are your best advocate and being educated and asking lots of questions is important to ensure you get the right care. Even then however, you can't always protect yourself from bad dental work. Good luck.
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Latest post on 01 October 2014 - 18:45
I second WifeOf777's recommendation - the Gaspa line at Ikea is particularly nice, yet affordable. Sateen-woven 100% cotton.
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Latest post on 30 September 2014 - 11:19
This made me think of your post - https://7daysindubai.com/dubai-expat-accused-using-hidden-camera-look-womens-skirts-mall-emirates/
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Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 01:35
Thankfully I haven't had to deal with this, but do know someone that had the same problem. The building maintenance guys checked the AC ducts and found a point that they were able to seal off (by simply taping with duct tape) and it completely stopped the problem. Obviously every case might be different, but definitely worth having someone take a look. If the building wont respond, may be get in touch with the landlord? And as a last resort, if its really bothering you, might be worth paying out of pocket to get someone to take a look.
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Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 11:55
Same here - also bought my Black & Decker Dust Buster at Carrefour, at Mall of Emirates.
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Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 01:01
Dubai Shopping Festival has been announced and it will be from Jan 1 till Feb 1 :) Can't wait!!! :) Have you been to DSF before? Is it really worth holding out for DSF for buying big ticket items? We'll need a TV, and probably some furniture too (I'm assuming we'll be renting an unfurnished apt) - if the discounts are decent then we can hold off buying a lot of that stuff. (Apologies for hijacking your thread, confused1975) Personally, I don't think the DSF is worth it at all. It feels like stores participate as a marketing campaign, to get customers in the door, but the actual discounts are minimal on small portion of their stock. There are some exceptions, but this has been my experience for the most part. I think the sales during October Eid are much better for big ticket items, and I've generally found better deals overall at that time.
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Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 13:10
I just emailed the seller, she won't combine the different items to ship together. The shipment cost for single item is so much higher than the item itself. Sigh. Not worth it. Ugh, sorry you've come across such a difficult seller. That really rubs me the wrong way, having been a seller myself, its really not that difficult to satisfy buyers when the requests are within reason...
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Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 13:07
You can always get in touch with the seller and give specific instructions on shipping, whether its a carrier preference, if you need the phone number to be included right on the package, if you don't want prices to be shown on the packing slip, or whatever else. If its not a huge mass-seller ebay store, most will be happy to to accommodate. You can even ask the weight and dimensions of the package, and purchase the shipping label yourself (through DHL's website, or whatever service you prefer), then just email it to the seller.. that way you can be satisfied that the package will be sent exactly as you need and possibly get a better rate than the seller charges. I used to sell a lot on eBay, and international buyers would often contact me with such requests. Just be sure to ask in advance, so they can be prepared to make the change as needed.
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Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 10:10
Forgot to add - if you use the search function on this forum and look up previous threads about delivery/hospitals, you can read about different experiences various ladies have had at the different hospitals in Dubai.
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Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 10:07
Since you still have a lot of time, I would start booking tours at different hospitals (many have them weekly), so you can see the maternity wards and hear about their practices. You will receive all the financial information during these tours, as well as get a feel for the environment. Once you pick the hospital you like best, or narrow down to 2, you can get recommendations for doctors. Personally, I just believe that the hospital you pick is more important than the doctor you end up with for delivery. There are plenty to choose from, such as City, American, Al Zahra, Mediclinic Welcare Garhoud, and others. You might want to choose based on specific needs, for example, if you have pregnancy complications some hospitals are better equipped for high risk... distance from your home, cost of delivery package, size of room (in case you plan to have many visitors), etc. I am due in October, and until last week was deciding between City Hospital and Al Zahra. I ended up choosing Al Zahra because its only a 5min drive from my home, and I don't want to worry about traffic when I go into labor. I've heard a lot of good things about it, but it also a very new hospital and seems to still need to work some things out. However, if I had any pregnancy complications or lived on the other side of town, I probably would have chosen City. Al Zahra's normal delivery package (2 nights stay) is about 12,000-13,000. Good luck!
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Latest post on 12 September 2014 - 19:54
They might be sending the invoice electronically to DHL, so DHL would have a record of the value of the order. Good point - especially for insurance purposes when its over a certain value.
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Latest post on 12 September 2014 - 19:52
Stix is absolutely right - no VPN needed for Skype or FaceTime.
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Latest post on 12 September 2014 - 15:21
Good post - I too would like some advice on this!
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Latest post on 12 September 2014 - 15:19
The 5% duty is on anything over 1000AED, regardless of carrier, so approximately $270. Sometimes they miss it though and a larger shipment might go through without being flagged. As for iHerb specifically, as part of their "green" initiative, they do not include a packing slip with your order (email only), so I don't know how DHL calculates the value. I guess if the order is large, they just assume its over a certain amount..?
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 12:18
Sorry, dont have advice on buying vs renting, I guess it depends on your budget and the type of pump you would like to use & how often you plan to pump, but - Are you looking to pump because you will not be around your little one to breast feed? Or just to build up a stock of breast milk, so dad may feed, etc? If its the latter, you should wait until at least 4 weeks to start pumping, to allow your milk supply to establish properly. This will also give you time to see if your supply is sufficient and in need of a pump.
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Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 00:02
zappos - so many clothing and shoe brands available, and 365 day return policy.
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Latest post on 06 September 2014 - 18:07
I agree with the PPs below, Victoria's Secret is a good starting please. If you plan to shop at VS, they're really good and will even come into the fitting room with you and let you know what modifications you might need (bigger/smaller cup, different shape, tighter straps, etc) as you try on different bra sizes and styles. (However, at I've found the sizes as identified by the VS ladies don't always translate the same way to other bra brands. May be thats just me though)
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Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 12:19
Not sure if you mean on computer, tablet, smart tv, or some other device, but if you google "record live stream", you will get many options of programs that do this.
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Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 16:38
I have done a couple different classes (at hospital and with independent midwife),and the "best" really depends on what you're looking to get out of the class. When picking a class you should consider things like whether you'd like a focus on labor & delivery or on baby care, quick general overview, something more in-depth, whether you want natural/med-free birth and need to learn about pain management techniques (which can be an entire 2-month course on its own), and so on. Taking a class at the hospital where you will be delivering is great because you get to know the policies and know what to expect. They cover off all the essentials from a medical stand point, as well as after care and baby care. Non-hospital classes are also really great because you can pick someone who is most in-line with your birthing philosophies and the "topics" you're most interested in. AND since they're not hospital staff, you get to learn things hospitals might not tell you about (like how to negotiate with doctors to get exactly what you need, or which procedures are necessary and which are done because its the "standard", etc). If you do a one-day session, I believe it is recommended to do it at after 30-32 weeks, so you're a bit closer to your due date and don't forget everything you learn. If you do multiple sessions, I think its recommended that you schedule them in such a way that you finish everything before 36 weeks. However, if you are interested in Hypnobirthing classes and similar, you can start much earlier since there is a lot of practice you can do on your own after. Final advice - in Dubai, the classes seem to book up quite quickly, so I would suggest reserving a spot in whatever class you pick way in advance!
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Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 10:53
I agree with Izzy and others. Although you are [i'>saying[/i'> you want to have friends and meet up with people, you also seem to be using any excuse not to - whether its "nap time" or not wanting to "make the effort" to go to a party that a friend invited you to (btw, I think they made the effort by inviting you in the first place). I obviously don't know you, but from the little bit here, I think you might not realize that you're making too many excuses and preventing yourself from having friends. People pick up on it quickly and tend to stop inviting/offering/reaching out when you have a habit of rejecting their attempts at connecting with you. <em>edited by DivineBeet on 31/08/2014</em>
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Latest post on 28 August 2014 - 18:19
Do check your current lease for notes about the renewal costs. In our original lease, there is a 400AED admin charge for renewals noted, so we're stuck paying this fee at time of renewal to the realty representing the landlord. If you don't see anything like this in your lease then I do not believe the landlord can force you to pay it. If he notified you of this additional charge 90days prior to re-signing, and you agreed then you might have to.. As previous posters have said, there is no such thing as a non-renewable lease. If you sign such a lease, this clause will not be legally recognized. The landlord can however serve you with official eviction papers at the start of your new lease (using one of the reasons mentioned below), so you would not be able to stay past those 12 months. We're in this situation now - we're renewing this month but were told that we will be served eviction papers at time of renewal.
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Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 21:58
Daquiri and LizaP - I just had my 32 week appt this week, but the OB didn't mention any special scans. Is the 32 week scan you're both talking about routine or in case of complications? I am curious now. (Good luck Liza!)
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Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 15:50
Wanted to note for the ladies interested in Hypnobirthing, following the Marie Mongan method, who are planning to do self study - the books are not always easy to find here, or at least that was my experience when I started looking earlier this summer, but I saw that Kinokuniya at Dubai Mall just received a big shipment (I was there on Sunday) of the official book with CD.
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Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 15:44
JJBAUS - Thanks for the Zen review, disappointed to hear that. Glad you mentioned it though, as I was thinking of asking for their next class. Sorry you wasted an afternoon :(
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Latest post on 26 August 2014 - 15:42
I am in the Marina, just off the Walk - I am pregnant with my first and the little one will be here in October. I don't drive so the scheduled coffee mornings will not be easy for me to get to. Would love to meet other moms in this area, so I wouldn't have to travel far.
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Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 01:26
Crate & Barrel have some good ones.
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Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 15:59
I suddenly started getting these holes all the time (and I mean ALL the time, in brand new clothes even, since I wash before I wear!) and discovered it was happening in the washing machine. Not having to do so much with what other items were in there (zippers, bras, buckles, etc) but the washing machine itself seems to be snagging the clothes somehow. The washing machine is about 2 years old but belongs to the landlord, so instead of investing any money on trying to fix, I started using mesh sacks to wash my clothes, the type recommended for lingerie, and ever since then no new holes. Not sure if this could be the reason behind anyone else's holes, but the washing machine turned out to be the culprit behind mine.
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Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 13:59
Hi Divinebeet, The class is this friday afternoon, at zen yoga media city. They emailed a flyer to me, so maybe call one of the locations and ask for more details. Maybe ill see you there! Jjb Unfortunately its completely booked :( Do let me know how it goes - may be they will have another!
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Latest post on 10 August 2014 - 16:21
Are you referring to the floating water park? If so, here is a link with more info - http://www.timeoutdubai.com/aroundtown/features/53067-blow-up-waterpark-on-jbr
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Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 01:15
Hi Divinebeet, Zen Yoga is holding a prenatal yoga class combined with intro to hypnobirthing next Friday 15 August. Its very affordable and for you and hubby to attend, so that might help you make your decision. All the best! Thanks! I tried to find more information on their website, but don't see any mention of it. Would you know where I can learn more about the class or at least which Zen Yoga location this would be?