starsouthern | ExpatWoman.com
 

starsouthern

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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 21:29
I am due September and moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in July. We are thinking of having the baby at Corniche hospital, but is it true your husband can't be there for the birth? I am hearing good things about Al Noor too - does anyone recommend either of these? This is my first and I really don't want to be pushed into a C-section (not sure if either hosp pushes these?) Also, would you see an Ob/Gyne in Dubai or find one in Abu Dhabi from now? Can anyone recommend a good one at either Al Noor or Corniche? Have been seeing someone at Dubai Mall but still deciding if to continue there... Thank you Ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!! i would always go for corniche, they are the most experienced hospital here in the uae, and they have the best faciltities. yes downstairs antenatal is like a cattle market, but then i hear its so much better nowadays than when i went there 12 years ago!!! but once you get upstairs much much better. and yes your husband can come in they sometimes do not let him in if its an emergency with a general etc but dependant on the doc i think. if there are any problems with baby or mum and you have them in another hospital such as al noor, if they do not have the equipment which they didnt a few years ago, they will rush you over to the corniche and what with abu dhabi traffic i wouldnt trust it. so i would say go with corniche, but then of course, some insurance will not cover it or if you have a good pregancy then you could go elsewhere. back in the days when i was having ds2 i had had major probs with ds1 so i had no choice i had to go with corniche, it was touch and go whether to go back to the uk to have him but looked into it and i stayed here. the only problem back then was there was no epidurals etc when the sun went down, now they are 24 hours. all the midwife upstairs are usually western and have been here years. I had my son at Corniche 7 years ago, it was a fantastic hospital then, and my care was fabulous! 7 years ago husbands were allowed into the delivery room so I don't think that would've changed. Back then husbands were only allowed in at certain times for check ups downstairs.
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 21:08
I had an epidural with my first baby 7 years ago. The doctor said "breathe in and out ok we're done". I was amazed as I didn't feel anything. With my second baby 2 years ago it was a completely different experience. I really wanted an epidural since the first experience was so fantastic. I felt every needle go in, it was extremely painful. When the first needle went in I felt a massive electric shock over my whole body then lost all feeling from the neck down. The feeling slowly started coming back with pins and needles. I thought that the doctor had paralysed me! A year later I was having a massage and the therapist put a little bit of pressure where I had had the epidural, I got the smae painful feeling as when having the epidural done, I passed out then the pins and needles feeling and all feeling came back. Now baby no.3 is due and I have decided no epidural as I'm terrified that there could've been permanent damage done and a third needle may cause paralasis.
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 19:04
What is happening to these children is scary! It is abuse and in other countries you would report said people to the authorities. I think the salary posting is relevant, AED 3000 a month for a maid is a high wage and not that many people in these times pay that kind of salary. I would also think the abusive maid has revealed her salary to boast and to me it sounds as if the underlying message is silly people look what I do and see how much they pay me! I would assume that the employers are paying this much so that their child is well looked after, and like many of us think that if maids are paid on the higher end then our children would be in better hands than with someone on the average end of the salary scale. I hope the parents of these children or their friends see the post and contact Lora.
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Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 22:18
Had both my kids here, docs were fab, no tearing/ripping.
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Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 11:48
Question to those who complain about human rights issues etc etc... will you still be using this company now, when, shock, horror, you found out that they don't pay their staff much? The same as maid agencies....... Will they also stop using taxis? They have the same conditions if not worse and have to pay for their own housing unlike safe driver.
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Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 09:59
I have a friend who really didn't want children, her husband really did. It got to the point where they seperated over it during their seperation she discovered that oopps she was pregnant. They got back together 4 children later are the best parents in the world! She loves being a mother. Says it's the best thing she's ever done.
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Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 09:50
We use them all the time and have only had good drivers too. Is the whole company gone or just the department that lost the Emirates contract? The way I read it was that they are getting rid of the employees they hired to work on the Emirates contract. I could be wrong though. Shame if it's gone it was a really handy service.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 22:03
My friends bought carpet grass from the plant souk behind dragon mart and it cost them AED11 psm they charged aed 100 to deliver it to the Springs and their grass is lovely. My husband however got dupped into plugs and it still hasn't grown properly 6 months later even though it's been fertilised.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 17:15
There's some good tips in What to Expect the First Year page 177. They say to limit day time naps to 3-4hrs each and to stimulate her when she is a wake. If she sleeps in her room during the day keep it light and don't limit noise, at night do the opposite keep it dark and quiet. Don't turn lights on at night when feeding her, don't talk to her at night.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:36
Does anyone know if, with the Bugaboo Donkey, when it has 2 toddler seats on it can both be facing me? On all the demos it doesnt show this option. Both bassinets face rear but i don't know about seats. I've seen pics with the toddler seat facing mother and the bassinet facing mother together so don't see why both toddler seats can't face you.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:26
Starsouthern do you know how much the city select weighs? I just got the citi mini jogger which weighed approx 15kg and found a company that would ship it from the uk for approx 100 pounds - in the end my dad was able to bring it but can give you the number of the company I contacted if you are interested. Amazon.com says that the shipping weight for the stroller plus second seat is 55lbs so I guess round 25kg. I didn't check how much it would weigh with the bassinet as I don't think I need it. <em>edited by starsouthern on 03/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:23
The ICandy Apple is lighter than the Pear. Of course it is, because the Apple is the single version of the Pear. I started off with the Apple (nice buggy) and then got the "pip" converter to transform it into the Pear. I wouldn't go for either of these if you're flying regularly though because they dismantle into bits and there's no carry bag, so you then have to strap them all together and hope they don't get lost or damaged (which mine did). The Cherry (single) is the lighter option and *I think* they've brought out a double coveter for it. There's also the "Peach" which may be a double. I'm now a great fan of the P&T, but this isn't good for twin newborns. Sorry ment the ICandy Peach Blossom was lighter and is a twin stroller. http://www.icandyuk.com/products_detail.php?id=peach_twin <em>edited by starsouthern on 03/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 11:38
If you can find the lactation consultant called Paula Miller she will be able to help. My son had to have his clipped but this was 7 years ago and there was only 1 doctor who would do it and she was based in a hospital in Sharjah. The procedure itself was quick it took about 30 seconds and DS didn't even cry. He latched on straight away after it was done with no problems, before it was done he couldn't latch on properly and feeding was extremely painful.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 11:30
The ICandy Apple is lighter than the Pear. I've fallen in love with the Baby Jogger City Select. Now how to get it here? Aramex Shop n Ship is going to cost around AED 1700 and that's just the pushchair with the second seat not the bassinet and other bits.
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 21:23
No worries :)
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 21:04
They rent out from about 55k-65k per year. They don't have a garden, study or maids room. They are more like apartments than villas really from the ones that I've seen. Other people who live in the area would definately know more about them though.
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Latest post on 02 April 2011 - 12:05
What do you do about kids who are 2-4 that no longer fit into the rear facing seats? Their normal seats are so heavy and a lot don't fit with the taxi belts.
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Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 13:37
agree VP, lil miss was sitting on the toilet for fun and games very early, and I havent been to the loo by myself for over 6 years now so she knew full well what it was for. They get ready when they get ready. Just shouldnt be a stressful time for anyone, but a natural progression i think. Yep so true, the more you stress the more they are unlikely to go! Both my two were self lead toilet trainned at 2 and 2.5yrs old. My DS had at least 1 accident a day for about 3 weeks where as my DD only had a couple of accidents on the first day that she decided no more nappies.
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Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 13:18
My understanding was that Townhouse is usually attached or semi detached, and a villa is undetached/stand alone.
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Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 13:14
Hahaha I saw the ad this am on the EW Classifieds. Thought it was a joke! In six years I've never seen Crocs for kids that cost AED 300. Brand new that style are AED150 bought a pair the other day.
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 18:24
thanke everyone! I'm off to Medcare to inspect it tomrrow and have my first scan with my Obstetrician on thursday morning - eeek! Good luck to you all as well! Just a heads up for when you go to MedCare, they tend to make you wait for an hour or more for your first appointment. No idea why, after my first appointment the longest I've had to wait is 15 mins.
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 18:15
It could be that we were just sick of paris by the time we made it to disney. We found the people there very uptight and unfriendly. We stayed in paris and took the train to disney for the day. On the way there my daughter put her foot up on the seat in front of her and some guy started freaking out and yelling at her. We could not figure out what in the world was the problem, then a lady told my daughter to put her foot down because we were disgusting and french people don't do disgusting things like this. Seriously, we had no idea it was some cultural no-no, and would have been happy to put her feet down, but they really didn't need to humiliate us like this. I think that experience tainted the entire day, and we will never return again. That sounds awful! I do think that the characters at Disney Paris weren't as eager to please as their US counter parts, however when you stay in the Hotel you don't get exposed to all of what you experiencced above. We've been to LA, Florida and Paris. I would say LA and Paris were on a par with each other. We had a fantastic time! Another tip is not to eat at the fast food bars in the park as they are awful and expensive. We ate at Planet Hollywood which was still pricey but no more than what you would pay here. Friends of ours who went in the Easter Holidays before us went to the near by village to eat and said the food was delicious and much cheaper. We didn't have time in the three days to try it though. <em>edited by starsouthern on 28/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 17:34
have you tried IKEA?
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 17:23
I saw them in the Pharmacy in Madinat Jumeirah, it was a while ago though so not sure if they still have them.
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 17:00
We went last year for 3days, and stayed at the Disney Hotel. It was worth paying the extra money as you can walk to the park and come in and out as you please. Have a rest then go back again. All the characters come for autographs and picture opportunities. We had a fab time but thought it wasn't long enough. Our days were pretty packed up trying to fit everything in. My DS was six at the time and he loved it but was exhausted by the end of it.
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 10:22
Most hotels allow 2 adults and 2 children but you need to check with the particular hotel you are booking with.
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 10:20
It's the mall that's right next to Mercato. If your coming on Beach Rd from New Dubai direction then it's just before Mercato after the Choithrams on Beach Rd.
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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 15:06
I had my hair done the other day by Brian @ Saks in the Palace Hotel, and it's fab. Have had loads of compliments from everyone. Even hubby noticed I'd had it done and loves it!
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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 14:39
I had one at 8 weeks then 12 weeks then 20 weeks and haven't had any again. Doc said will only have another one if movements become less frequent or I'm worried about baby.
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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 07:46
They also had them in the Stroller store on the first floor at the Outlet Mall. Didn't see how much they were though sorry.
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Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 19:39
Ok, so today is the last straw with my maid.....so far she has broken my rice cooker, my pancake factory and the the glass stove top is full of chips, which she blames my DD for..BUT today I get the Le Crueset out and the enamel is chipped to the @@@@ house! Now, I'm a patient woman but I'm so sick and tired of the "Oh sooo sorry Madam!!!" I'm thinking of taking some money out of her pay just to let her know that I'm not super rich and buy quality items which are very dear to me. A friend of mine advised me to do this once, I was reluctant, but had a similar story to you. Maid broke my vacuum cleaner (again) and I went out, bought a new one and deducted it from her wages and gave her the receipt and said this is the receipt for the replacement vacuum you broke, and she never broke anything again....
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Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 19:15
I haven't gone to the municipality yet - I've been super busy since my eldest son has the week off. I've got four kids to look after, including twin babies, which is how I lost Guinness in the first place. I keep thinking someone is bound to call. She's a beautiful dog, but the first time they have guests and she jumps all over them incessantly, surely they will want to send her home! Anyways, tomorrow I'm going to call around to all the vets and the municipality and hope someone knows something. Can I suggest you place a post on the Facebook site of K9 friends? there's a few people who go up to the municipality on a regular basis and they might be able to check if he's shown up there.
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Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 17:04
Hi there, no experience with rhinoplasty, but he's a really fab doctor IMHO, I went for a consultation with him about two procedures I was considering after seeing his work on a few friends, and he was really informative went through exactly what each procedure would involve and flat out told me I wasn't a candidate for one of the procedures I wanted (in a nice way and explained exactly why). I recommended a close friend of mine to him for a breast reduction, which she went and had with him, and the results are fantastic. She was really happy with him, and he had given her his mobile number to call before and after the op if she had any questions about the operation at all. He was really good with aftercare as well, and made sure she was happy with everything. I would say though, he is a bit more cautious than some other surgeons you find here, and I know a person who was unhappy with him because he had told them he wouldn't do 3 different procedures in 1 operation (for this particular person he said they were too risky to do all three at once) but she had gone to another doctor who had said he would do it no problem, so she went with him instead. I haven't had anything done myself, but if I were to I would go to him as what I've seen he's done is really good, and I like his manner and think he's not all about getting top dollar no matter the consequences.
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Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 08:22
Thanks Ladies for all your help. Am now waiting for some companies to get back to me from the States as the buggy with all the trimmings is about 1800dhs there. Have also contacted the NZ site so waiting for them to email back. Thanks Kellsbells for your lovely offer! I have shop n ship already but think hubby may kill me if I use it to ship the stroller :) Will let you know how it works out :)
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Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 19:37
Thanks Meals! You don't remember what site by any chance? Can the Dash take the double kit and car seat, all at once ? I have a 7 year old and a two year old and now baby coming along so defo need something that will fit in the two little ones for school runs and general running around! I looked at the Kolcraft one today and it's MASSIVE!
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Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 14:46
Sorry meals did you just have it delivered to your PO Box here then pick it up from the post office? SS
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Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 14:30
Thanks ladies, was looking online last night. The States are cheaper than the Uk and the NZ site from P&T is down. Didn't even think to try and ship it here! Just thought it would be a hassle! had a look at a couple on Dubizzle but they're not the explorer and quite shabby. I want the explorer coz you can use the carseat and back seat at the same time. I'll have a 2.5 year old and a new born at the end of June. It just seems like the best pushchair to accomadate both of them at the moment.
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Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 08:46
Hiya anyone know where I can buy the P&T Explorer here? MotherCare in Dubai Mall has discontinued P&Ts.
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Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 22:32
have tried tahm... he jumps back to our bed.. or wakes up at night crying. Hi Shaf, it took us nearly a month to get our DS out of our bed at night. He didn't have a problem with going to sleep in his own bed but would wake up crying and then come into ours. It took a month of us taking him back to his own bed every time he jumped into ours. If we were lucky we could catch him at the door and turn him round. Some nights one of us had to lie with him so he could go back to sleep. After a month of putting him back he stopped getting up.
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Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 09:28
If you're going to Fujairah and not Dibba or Al Aqah, you'll need to turn right and not left at that last roundabout. Pretty sure It's signed both ways. edited by BFC on 18/03/2011 ooops typo i did mean right :)
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Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 09:22
It's a la carte. We normally get a complete breakfast this includes 1/2 baguette with jam and butter, crossant, omlette, hot drink and fresh orange juice for around 50 dhs. They have other breakfast stuff on the menu too.
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Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 09:18
Don't know if this is too late but here goes: From AR go onto Emirates Rd. Take exit 44 Dubai Al Ain Rd Keep going straight until you get to the Dubai By Pass Rd 611 take this exit and follow the signs to Sharjah. Keep driving straight on 611 Take the Al Dhaid exit You keep driving straight on the Al Dhaid Rd You'll get to a massive round about, you go left here and then take your immediate right turn. It's almost like a slip road before the next round about. Keep going straight on this road heading towards the mountains. You'll go past the Friday markets and then get to a T junction, at the T Junction turn right. Keep following this rd till you get to Fujeirah. Hope it helps! Drive safe! edited by starsouthern on 18/03/2011 <em>edited by starsouthern on 18/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 06:40
Arabian Ranches, Falcon City and The Villa would be the easiest places to live I think. They're about 20mins away from the school.
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:12
Noted down, you can remove email address now :) Question: Is it y mail, not g mail? yep y mail not g mail. Thanx :)
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Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:09
I also recommend Dr keith Nicholl, having seen Dr Rita and Dr Loubser also. Dr Loubser is very good but the problem is you can't get in to see him no matter how sick and urgent it is - once the urgent slots are gone, theyre gone. With keith Nicholl if I say DD is really very sick he will see her no matter what - thank you!! He also calls to see how baby/child is doing if they've been really sick when they've come in to see him. However if we keep telling people how wonderful he is he may not be able to squeeze everyone in anymore ;)
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Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 22:24
Thanks Kermi may take you up on that :) Will let you know when I have the pebble. :) Do you want to note down my email address? If you like you can email me when you're ready to sell. <em>edited by starsouthern on 14/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 17:54
Thanks Kermi may take you up on that :)
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Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 17:42
We had the same problem in Springs 15, had Emril in and they put a water pressure regulator thingy that cost AED 650. Haven't had a problem since.
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Latest post on 12 March 2011 - 20:42
Did you contact the seller? Maybe just a mistake? Never bought from dubizzle, only through contacts from here. Hiya yep contacted the seller and she didn't answer the phone, so sent her a txt message and no reply. I realise it's my fault for not checking it properly but it's so annoying. I have to throw it out now coz not sure if it hasn't been in an accident and wouldn't feel comfortable selling it on to someone else since I don't know the history.
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Latest post on 12 March 2011 - 09:15
Becareful, as I just bought a cabriofix from Dubizzle, stupid me didn't check it properly coz I had my 2 year old with me! Anyway got it home to find that all the polystyrene inserts were missing!