M | ExpatWoman.com
 

M

M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 August 2013 - 21:22
We always take ours on board. Prior to getting to the gate, we zip it up into the carry bag and take it on board. It fits into the overhead cabin fine. The only time we have had any issues was when we zipped it up right next to the gate and of course got lots of push back but insisted as technically it complies with carry on requirements. We have flown numerous times with it including just last week. It's the best thing ever especially when you don't want to be carrying a tired toddler!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 July 2013 - 16:00
We took our Priori on board in economy and had no problems. The flight attendants were all very positive and eager to help. We didn't get asked about the brand of the seat on any of the flights we took.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 10:34
Add more fiber like whole meal breads and pastas. Try to increase her water intake. More exercise and time running around. Thanks for your suggestions; she is extremely active, drinks a lot of water (no juices) and had previously taken whole meal breads and pastas which is why it is all so strange.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 09:02
Hi M, Our youngest daughter (now 4y), had more or less same problem when she was 2.5y old. We also tried the duphalac and movicol, but nothing seemed to work. When we gave her the suppo, it was heartbreaking to see her ..crying, moving, crawling, screaming her lungs out etc.. I am not saying your DD has same problem, but in the end it turned out, she was not constipated as such, but is was a 'fear' of doing number2.. We really struggled to have her potty-trained..she was always afraid..apparantly it is very common with kids of that age..they hold it and hold it..because they are too afraid... Not saying it is the same in your case, just saying what we been through..so it was not medical problem, but we had to focus on her mind.. Maybe you are in the process of potty training and that frightens her?? Hi Nathalie2 - yes, we have also considered that this might be all in her mind and that she is holding it in. When she strains, she doesn't want anyone coming near her and gets really upset if you try to help her bend or squat. We are not yet potty training but I have being bringing the potty out just to encourage her to have a seat when she is straining but this has been only once or twice per week and she usually just walks away from the potty. Thanks for your suggestion, it is really helpful. How did you overcome the issue with your DD? I hate the suppository too - as a result DD flips out any time she is getting her nappy changed because she thinks she is getting one popped in : (
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 20:19
Hi, yes I have been on thyroid meds for several years and didn't have problems. Might be worth getting an opinion from docs who also consider t3 and t4 tests not just tsh. Dr Duha at Dubai London clinic is very good in this regard.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 20:18
Hi, your pediatrician can endorse the photo and they don't have to be Aussie to do so.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 20:09
I got mine from asos.com - cheaper and nicer styles
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 October 2012 - 20:07
Most airlines will let you take a car seat or stroller right up through to boarding and will then stow them on the plane alongside normal luggage. Where you are able to pick your items up from depends on the airline and destination. We have for example had to pick up our items from the baggage carrousel when arriving. This does not usually count as weight and we have never had our items weighed anywhere we have travelled. You can take your usual baby bag on board with your own personal hand luggage. I would really recommend you consider a baby carrier too as you might be faced with a long walk to customs or long queues and this is where everything can become really heavy and tiring.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 20:42
Hi Beth I'm in Dubai but would certainly recommend purchasing big ticket items in the uk and shipping them over as they are most certainly going to be more expensive in the UAE. Be sure that you have medical insurance which goes maternity otherwise you will either need to pay or use the public system (don't know what that is like in Abu Dhabi). You can make an appointment in advance but you may wish to sort out the insurance before you do.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 20:58
We had the same situation - two week holiday with an advance on her other two week annual leave entitlement. Contract gets renewed end of this month and she has asked for four weeks in march which doesn't suit us at all. We are considering allowing her two weeks but it is entirely up to you whether or not to give holidays in advance.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 20:37
its kinokuniya at dubai mall, fashion parking, dubai mall medical centre level, near virgin store. @ M: i also want to try hybrid method. i don't like CIO but at the same time i have a high demand baby who does not comes under control just by AP. how did you follow? We waited until she was about five months old and used a gradual approach of holding until she was sleepy and then putting her in the cot basically standing over her and doing a cuddle in cot until she fell asleep. Each night was less and less contact, then leaving her in the cot whilst sitting next to her, still visible and patting. Over time I would move away until she couldn't see me. She would often cry and I would let her cry for no more than two minutes before I let her know I was there and patted her a bit. We used a dummy which really helped and it was her cue that it was sleepy time. It would often take her 20 minutes to fall asleep and then I had to leave the room without making a sound which was often difficult! She also has a comforter which I think helped. The whole process took about three months but I think it was worth it. By about 9 or 10 months, we would simply put her in the cot and leave the room. She would be wide awake and standing up but was able to put herself to sleep. In our experience it was a gradual process - no magical cure I'm afraid but we have a happy baby who now tries to climb into the cot herself when it is sleepy time and falls asleep almost immediately. The one thing I cannot get her to do is fall asleep in public so if you have any tips I would be glad to hear them!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 20:14
Try the sensational baby sleep plan by Alison Scott wright - like Gina ford but a bit more flexible and realistic in my view. Gina ford was great in terms of establishing a routine but I too was not interested in cry it out. In the end I improvised and came up with a hybrid approach of controlled crying but with lots of reassurance. Also try the babysleepsite.com which offers a wealth of free advice.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 06:54
Kooky, our baby bjorn is outward facing and parent facing.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 20:32
We have a barely used baby bjorn active which has netting on the sides for hot climates. Bought this in Australia and happy to sell it to you email Magdalena dot suder at gmail dot com
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 20:30
We have a bamboo wedge made for cots which we bought from premaman. Happy to sell it to you - email Magdalena dot suder at gmail dot com
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 07:51
Oh I feel your pain as I suffered significant joint pains and actually grew about 2 to 3cm taller whilst I was pregnant - really weird but the doc said it was a case of bones stretching etc. I found pregnancy Pilates really helpful, I found a video online and did it every second night. I developed cankles - you know where you can't tell the difference between you calves and ankles, my feet would not fit into my flip flops. The good news is that it all came off about 3 weeks after delivery but my bones were stretched and I sustained a foot fracture 6 weeks after delivery just from walking. The only thing that helped in the office was a box under my desk to rest my legs and regular movement. Ask your doc if you can take calcium supplements such as the tablets that fizz in water, I had to take these post delivery to help with the bones aching and wonder if it could help during pregnancy?
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 07:41
Na115, just to clarify, there is no nutritional difference between "fresh" milk and UHT milk except the temperature at which the milk is treated to kill the bacteria, have you checked the labels? The calcium on the brand of UHT we use is higher and the sodium is lower. I would also take into account other factors within the milk production company's supply chain which may interfere with the "freshness" of the milk. I'm glad you found camel milk to agree with your LO but for those of us using UHT, it's not necessarily a worse option than local milk.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 20:20
Hi, our DD has been on Elle & Vire UHT for months and is absolutely fine. I found the local milks made her constipated and were generally runnier than overseas brands.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 20:16
Thanks for your advice ladies. She went for her first nep at 11.30 today for two hours and another for 15 minutes in the afternoon so the signs are looking like she's ready to go with one. We'll take it day by day I guess! Many thanks : )
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 17:32
Hi stovetop If you can, purchase a seat for your LO and take the car seat with you. We just did a flight to Europe and I am convinced taking DD's seat made the difference. DD does not sleep in public, only in her cot so you can imagine our anxiety before the trip. We bought a cheap luggage trolley from Carrefour and strapped the car seat on which made it easy to get around. On board, once strapped in, DD was comfortable and relaxed a bit to the point where she actually napped! We took a iPad with The Wiggles and this helped keep her occupied when she was a bit energetic. We also sat in bulkhead so I put the blanket on the floor and let her play with her toys for a bit. Other things that worked for us were snacks, her dummy her lovely. I have my fingers crossed that the trip back will be ok! We also took our quinny zapp which made it a lot easier to get around. Good luck!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 19:12
champagneblonde - can you let me know which Aussie brand you have found in Geant? BEDH - we also went through this a few weeks ago. We went from baby formula to trying follow on milk formula for a month and then cows milk. Re the latter, we tried all the local brands but I found they weren't as thick or creamy as the milk I was used to from Europe or Aus so I found a UHT type from France called Elle & Vere Le Lait which I always find in stock at Spinneys. DD also doesn't take much milk, she stopped drinking from the bottle around her first birthday so we mix a lot of milk into her food and also give her other dairy products.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 July 2012 - 20:06
Hi SG, we are travelling with our seat next month with Etihad. We gave them the seat model and fingers crossed it will be ok (we are not going to Oz though). NSW RTA has a page on their site that explains the new rules that were implemented in 2010: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/children/childrestraints/index.html Also, there is this website which lists approved seats and their ratings (according to Oz standards): http://www.crep.com.au/crep-results.php take care M
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 July 2012 - 07:47
Hi CitronKB - yes, we took over 100ml both here in Dubai and also in Sydney. I expected a load of problems in Sydney but they let us through without any questions.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 July 2012 - 07:31
We've never had problems taking milk, formula, hot water, cold water, purees etc.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 20:40
We have a live out maid and did a lot of research on this when we hired ours. Basically, the rule of thumb for a live out is 800 dirhams on top of regular salary for accommodation. This is what most agencies will quote you too. You need to consider though that you will also be paying for the maintenance of the apartment whereas if she was living elsewhere, she would in her rent be paying for things like electricity, gas, water etc. Another consideration is whether or not you supply food. Are there any cheap supermarkets where you live? Our maid purchases her food where she lives and I am sure the prices there are less than the inflated prices one pays at the more expat-popular supermarkets. We pay our live-out 2,700 per month all inclusive. We let her drinks our beverages but she brings her own food. Hope that helps!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 20:33
Dr Ibrahim at City without a doubt. Many others have posted about him before : )
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 20:32
I saw them in Babies R Us at Times Centre on SZR three weeks ago. We are also travelling but have opted for the Phil and Teds Wriggle Wrapper which I bought on eBay - it takes lest space.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 19:21
Hi andrealopes You can only sponsor domestic workers of certain nationalities, Europeans are not included. One way around this is to have the person sponsored by a company as an employee. A friend has an eastern European nanny sponsored by her employer. If you or your husband work, you could try asking if they will be able to do this for you. Essentially the nanny would be considered an employee of the company and would be hired out to you.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 July 2012 - 14:50
I remember DD went through a phase at around the 3 to 4 month mark where she refused the dummy despite normally relying on it throughout the day and night. But this was a short phase and she gradually returned to crying for it. We also swaddled her because she would wake herself otherwise and it wasn't until about 7 months or so where she properly figured out how to find it in her cot and put it back in her mouth. Like Kiwi, we have got her down to using it as a sleep cue only. I haven't tried taking it away recently and may do so since she has recently decided she no longer wants to drink from a baby bottle - who knows, she may forget it!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 20:15
Thanks everyone, it's been interesting reading your replies. Funnily enough, since posting this a week ago when hubby walked in on her napping in the play area, the nanny hasn't napped once .... And? Is the above some kind of victory. Its as if the aim was to stop her sleeping, not provide her with a place to have a nap. Just how was she to have a nap if there's no place for her to have one? If a person is desperate for work they'll agree to harsh conditions such as a very long commute - it doesnt mean they dont find the going hard once they start the job and have to live the very long day. Is it really in your daughters best interests to be with someone who's putting in a really long day without the chance to have 40 winks a few times a week even if its a power nap. You can get camping chairs that fold up to something next to nothing, a person cant lie down on it, but they can get comfy by lying back a bit. They're available on C4. I'd get one and put it in the kitchen and just say to my husband that whilst the wee one is sleeping the maid will be having a snooze so pls dont go in their for half an hour. edited by DesertRose1958 on 03/07/2012 DesertRose - the whole point of this post was because I was looking for advice on how to accommodate her because I agree that she needs a rest and have been open to her taking a nap since she has been looking after DD - I think it is in my DD's best interest to have a nanny who is well rested. I was sharing an anecdote about the situation as I had so many varied replies to this post from people with different view points - no need to suggest this was a victory, just a simple observation. Thanks for your tip about the camping chairs, hadn't thought of that.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 20:45
Thanks everyone, it's been interesting reading your replies. DD is 1 year old so she is still firmly crib-bound for now at least. The nanny used to take a short nap in DD's room up until recently when I decided that for sleep training purposes, DD should be left alone in her room (otherwise she gets curious and doesn't sleep). The nanny ONLY ever took naps when DD was napping and she had the Angel Care monitor switched on. She took the job on knowing the hours and the commute. We discussed this at length at her interview. I was keen to hear whether any other families had similar situations with regard to space and how I might be able to accommodate her taking the odd nap here and there, particularly when she is quite tired. Funnily enough, since posting this a week ago when hubby walked in on her napping in the play area, the nanny hasn't napped once ....
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 11:01
Oh I totally get you with the whiplash LOL! My hubby at one point seriously thought DD had ADHD or something because he kept comparing her to all the other babies at the mall until someone reminded us that parents with really hyper babies probably avoid going to the mall and the ones you tend to see are the more chilled babies!! No, we just have one at the moment. I am however totally convinced that if we ever have another then he/she will be extremely chilled out and relaxed! Actually on the flip side, it is very rewarding having a curious baby : )
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 17:39
Im sorry but I actually find this a bit (!!) ridiculous, lol. My hubby works far longer hours then that and you don't see him napping on the office floor! She knew the hours when she started did she not? If she is in charge of your daughter she should be awake! Sorry, but this is my opinion, and you did ask. I would think being awake is a pretty major part of any job. I take it she is live out? Does she eat a good lunch? Have coffee etc? If yes then she is clearly not sleeping enough at night. Perhaps she has another job? Hi Purple - thanks for your response and you are right, I did ask. I want honest feedback so thank you. She doesn't have another job in the night (I hope) but it does take her 2 hours to get to our place (2 buses and metro) and you are right, she took on the role knowing what the hours would be. I know she shares a room with three other women. Initially I was ok with the concept because I wanted her to be fresh and not tired when looking after DD. I also work long hours and don't get a nap! Good food for thought : ) <em>edited by M on 27/06/2012</em>
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 16:07
We have a live out nanny who works long hours, 8am until 6.30pm but is compensated well. I totally appreciate she needs a break during the day and when DD was younger, nanny would take a nap in the nursery with DD. DD is now a year old and is good at falling asleep on her own. In fact, if you are in the room and try to hide, the clever little ****** knows it. So, nanny has been kicked out. We live in a villa but there is no space for nanny to have her own room or area. Hubby works from home so it's a bit awkward if she is snoozing on our couch. Today he arrived home to find nanny sprawled out in DD's play area in the lounge room. I feel bad. I'd like to give her some space but am not sure where/how. Does anyone have any suggestions please?
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 15:59
I've also read both but decided that another book, "The sensational baby sleep plan" seemed more flexible and made more sense, to me. You can buy copies of it at the bookstore in Dubai Mall. Author is Alison Scott Wright. She also has a website. Every now and then I do check GF's book to see how we are tracking! I couldn't do CIO either and in the end invented my own sleep training which was very much focused on LO's needs but largely based on controlled crying (never more than 2 mins though!).
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 13:15
Hi flydiver11 I used a combination of cuddling and controlled cry it out but not until DD hit 6 months. It took a total of 3 months to get her from only falling asleep when rocked (in our case bounced on the gym ball) to completely falling asleep on her own in her cot etc. I think I could have overcome the unwillingness to fall asleep in public with practice. I was going out with her a lot in the first three weeks of her life and she did sleep then but she got really sick after that and we virtually spent the next three to four months indoors without many outdoor trips which I think stopped her from learning to fall asleep. But then again it could just be that she is one of those really curious babies (we sing the Inspector Gadget theme song for her) because she is just so interested in everything and never stops looking around or interacting - she's been like that since birth. Other than when we have traveled overseas, I have never taken her out of the house during what would be a normal nap time for her. Hubby and I are too scared!!!!!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 19:15
Hi Niccy01 Is this recent or has it been happening for a while? Could it be something else like teething, food item she doesn't agree with, gas? My DD is also 12 months old and sleeps a solid 11 hours at night without break and settles to sleep on her own. She takes a nap in the morning which can go from 1 hour to 2 hours and then a nap at around 1.30 / 2.00pm. She usually sleeps for 1.5 to 2 hours in the afternoon. However, on occasion, she has slept for only 30 minutes in the afternoon but she doesn't really wake up crying when she has these occasional short sleeps. But when she does wake with a cry, it's usually because she is missing her dummy or something has woken her and then she cries until I come in give her a pat, maybe sing a little to her and then walk out and close the door again. She is too big to be picked up and rocked to sleep. That all said, there is apparently a 12 month sleep regression which can affect day time naps and some parents take this as a sign that the baby is ready to take one nap per day but not all babies are ready to transition to one nap at this age. Like the 8 month sleep regression, it can last 4 to 6 weeks : (
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 20:30
Do you mean the glucose fasting test? I get these done on a regular basis and also when I was pregnant. I go to Dubai London Clinic. Most large clinics should be able to perform this test for you : )
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2012 - 10:41
Hi flydiver11 - my 1 year old sleeps on her own in her own room and refuses to sleep in public including in the car or in the stroller. She slept in my arms during a 15 hour flight to Sydney but she cried herself to sleep even then. The only thing that has worked for us is our BabyBjorn carrier but now that she is 12kg+, don't think that is possible anymore. We have holidays planned too and we have booked a serviced apartment as opposed to a hotel room as it gives us more space. We have made sure they supply a cot for DD to sleep in. Friends who have stayed in one-room hotel rooms with their LOs have told me it was quite restrictive and they basically sat there quietly reading books, watching movies on laptops with headphones etc. Ordering room service was the main issue ... I think some hotels let you book adjoining rooms at a lesser rate if you ask.?
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2012 - 10:34
Yes - we had to because they wanted to put the carrier through the x-ray. Extremely annoying so be prepared!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2012 - 21:09
Hi sherryd Reading your posts brings back memories of the sleep regressions issues we faced, as I mentioned in the earlier post. I can't comment on the food as we didn't have this problem but I did try increasing DD's intake of dinner to see if that would prolong her sleep and most nights she got grumpy which I knew was a sign of tiredness. Also, when she was waking at 4am-ish, she refused to take milk so I was guessing she was having enough food during the day. Like you, I was living a life of waking at 4am and having to hold her and shush her until she fell asleep and when I tried putting her back in the cot, of course she would wake. I couldn't fall asleep again and had to get ready for work. Eventually I found that no matter what I did, she would even refuse to fall asleep in my arms in the mornings. At that stage I sought some advice and almost everyone recommended brining her bedtime forward. So for the first week we brought everything back by 15 minutes and then the following week by 30 minutes so that she was being put in her cot to sleep by 6.30pm. This made a big improvement and she started sleeping through to about 5.15am. She also stopped waking up throughout the night. This age is difficult because not only can they be teething, they might also be ready to drop their afternoon nap. Our DD would drop her afternoon nap every second day for about 2 weeks before deciding to drop it altogether. By about 9.5 months she was having two naps a day. Finally the only other suggestion I can make is that if you haven't done so already, consider trying to sleep train her so she learns to fall asleep on her own. We did a mixed approach to controlled crying. I would sit with her and console her if she cried in her cot but didn't pick her up unless it was a distressed cry. Each day I would let her cry for a little longer and then as she got more comfortable laying in the cot on her own, I would stay out of sight but in her room until she fell asleep on her own. Eventually what ended up happening was that if she woke at 4am or so, she would fall asleep again without my intervention. Since about 10.5 months, DD has been going to sleep between 6.30pm to 7.00pm. She sleeps through the night without a break and if she does wake, she falls asleep on her own and within minutes. She usually wakes between 5.30am and 6.30am which is fine with us because we have an early morning routine with work commitments. In the past few weeks we have even got to the stage where we put her in the cot, say good night and then walk out and shut the door. These things take practice and lots of hard work. good luck : )
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 10:40
Hi sherryd We went through the same thing with our DD at this age. I remember posting about it and asking other ladies the same question as you are now! There is something called the 8 month sleep regression - Google it to learn more. There is also the issue of teething and side effects can include constant waking and poor appetite. We found with our DD that every time she has a tooth coming through. Check with your doc though if her appetite doesn't return.
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 15:48
hi M! i don't know definitely but check with customer care.i recently read an article and US and canadian flights do allow maxi cosi priori. http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com/ Wow manibhadauria! Fantastic website, thanks for sharing : )
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 11:00
If not keen on cows milk...you can mix a Weatabix with natural yoghurt and add some purée of fruit like pear or peach or even mash a banana in it....my kids love that.... Also Cheerios and cornflakes just given dry are handy if they are being fussy and they can munch on them there selves... Thank you!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 17:40
Thanks SG : )
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 19:50
Great suggestions indeed - thanks ladies. Love the freezing idea SG - you should see my freezer now - thank goodness you and the other ladies convinced me to prepare meals - saving a lot of $$$ and making sure DD is healthy. Can you use formula for freezing? I've only tried small doses of cows milk so far as DD had tummy problems early on with some brands of formula. <em>edited by M on 12/06/2012</em>
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 19:46
We bought our Zapp from Babyshop at the last sale and got 50% off. I think they may be having a sale again now?
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 10:09
Which brands of cereal do you recommend for a one year old? TIA
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 12:46
Does anyone know where I can buy a top / dress / onesie that says "1st birthday" or similar? TIA!
M
332
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 20:21
It totally sucks doesn't it? I saved up my annual leave and took that in addition to maternity leave. Are you governed by Dubai proper rules or are you in a free zone? Some of the free zones adhere to better maternity leave rules than others. In terms of returning to work, we also had a nanny who commenced with us a month before I was due to return. I taught her the routine and how I wanted things done. I found it really helpful to write everything down as in what time the baby should feed, nap times, bath time etc but of course allowed flexibility too to allow the nanny to meet DDs needs but on the whole the nanny kept to the schedule. The schedule was adjusted as the baby grew. Our nanny is a live out so she starts at 8am and finishes at 6.30pm. Because of the long day, we let her take a nap when the baby is napping and she still managed to find the time to do some house work which is a great help. You will also be allowed to take two half hour nursing breaks - this is the law. I was able to combine mine and leave one hour earlier. Your employer might be generous (and sensible) to let you combine this with your lunch break thereby letting you leave two hours earlier. You are entitled to these two half hour breaks until your baby is 18 months old but on the condition that you are "nursing" so don't tell anyone you are no longer breast feeding if you have stopped!!! Regarding sleep - yes this is definitely an issue! The only way we were able to cope was by going to sleep really early ourselves - sometimes at 7.30pm! I was lucky enough to have DD down to one feed during the night before I returned to work. It will be tough but the time will fly very quickly. People who had been through the same situation kept telling me there would be a light at the end of the tunnel and it's what kept me going! Around the 6 month mark, things really settled down for us. Wish you all the best : )
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing