sydneygal | ExpatWoman.com
 

sydneygal

sydneygal
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 12:28
bump...anyone? Any nice breakfasts in any of the hotels?
sydneygal
488
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 10:23
I just wanted to add my words of support Redrec - you will get there! I totally sympathise with kiwis post...my baby is almost 6 weeks now and we are only just getting there - I agree the pain was way worse than anything to do with my c-sec and there were many times I was feeding and crying at the same time! You never imagine something so natural can hurt so much! In my case my baby wasn't latching properly yet at the same time with really strong suction so my poor nipples we just compressed and shredded to the max! vasospasm, blisters/blebs, cracks you name it. He was doing fine though, putting on loads of weight luckily, it was only Mum suffering! I got through it with the help of a fab LC who at times had me expressing the more traumatised side as it healed and bottle feeding and breastfeeding with the other side which thankfully posed no confusion for DS. It is still not entirely pain free but it's getting better every day, so perserverance and support is the key. If you are in Dubai I strongly recommend Paula Miller at Cooper Clinic - she was such great help. best of luck! x
sydneygal
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 15:45
for anyone wanting to go to a clinic, I would really recommend Dr Rosalie Sant, she is fantastic as is all the staff at Primavera Medical Clinic. I never felt rushed at all. SHe also delivers out of American, Welcare and City so you can choose. x
sydneygal
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 09:19
thanks ladies...and they dont stick?
sydneygal
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 17:35
My hubby and I went to Synergy on Al Wasl Rd...they do a Pediatric First Aid class once a month on a Sat morning. Was about 250AED from memory. There are also classes at Healthbay but they were quite a bit pricier plus were during the week so that didn't work for DH. HTH
sydneygal
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Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 10:55
no personal experience, but my sister and some of her friends and kids are staying here in Oct...looks lovely, butler service and all! http://www.villajumah.com/index.php
sydneygal
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 14:54
Tell me about it! Oh well, got induction set for Sunday night if nothing happens earlier, so he'll be here soon, one way or another! Send me some labour vibes! xoxo
sydneygal
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 14:30
Hi Evenstar :) Thank you so much for your kind offer! Her current visa runs out on the 20th, so the 13th is close-ish, but as we want her to stay as many days as possible to help out with bubs it's probably a bit early. Yup, realise it's 2 lots of 30 days - she's already been here about 2 and a half weeks (we all thought this baby was coming early but alas he is now 1 week overdue!!). My hubby is hoping the PRO at his work will be able to help us extend her visa but if they can't we'd still rather just go to an office and pay for the extension than have to do the whole trip/visa run thing... So if anyone knows where this has to be done, please let me know. Again, thanks Evenstar, really appreciate your offer :)
sydneygal
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 09:11
Hi ladies, My mum is here from Australia and wants to stay for 2 months to help me with my new baby (once he decides to make an appearance!), however only has a 30 day visit visa. Where do you go to extend the visa? Can you do this at the airport or is there a specific office? Doing a Hatta run is not really feasible with a new baby. Also - she flew into Abu Dhabi on Etihad, so would we have to do the extension in AD or can it be done in Dubai? Hoping someone can help! Many thanks x
sydneygal
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 19:47
LOL that is funny, I'll have to try out some edamame on my boy! Do yours eat them, or just play with them?
sydneygal
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 19:45
I do reiki and would love to help you out but am due with my first bub any day now...already a week over! Hope someone else can help! Enjoy the experience :)
sydneygal
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 19:10
brilliant, thanks BNBH!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 11:17
LOL - yes maybe should get the breast pump out!! Hello.Again.Kitty - if nothing happens I go in Sunday night and they do the gel I believe and keep you in overnight. If nothing by morning they sweep membranes and then I think get you on the drip quite quickly...seems to be the AH procedure. I personally don't believe bub is giant either, but it can be hard to argue with the docs! Just really hoping I go into labour naturally and don't have to worry about making that choice. Doc is going to measure bub on Sunday morning again and see if she thinks he is too big in which case she'll recommend c-sec vs induction...not sure what I'll do then as I have to trust my doc ... Anyway had acupuncture this morning and feeling quite crampy so fingers crossed something will happen before Sunday!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 08:16
Nenni I know what you mean - I am due any day now and my cat is so attached to me too! Feel sorry for the poor mite, he doesn't know what's coming! Although foodwise he's the opposite...lately he's become so fussy! No matter what wet food I try him on he turns his nose up....or he might eat it one night but then not the next. Refuses any other treats too like roast chicken etc, however goes absolutely nuts for greens - esp basil, lettuce, spinach and chives! Oh and he likes toast too - weirdo! So we mainly just have him on dry food now which he picks at through the day.
sydneygal
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 08:08
tell me about it....I am 41 weeks tomorrow and so over it! Have tried lots of walking, pineapple juice, raspberry leaf, curry (all I got was reflux) and 2 rounds of acupuncture (having a 3rd and final round today)...the thought of s*x is just a no go for me...can't even begin to imagine that LOL! Hoping something happens this weekend as doc wants to induce Sunday night at the latest and is now also talking possibility of c-sec as baby apparently has a very big abdomen which according to her could mean big shoulders which could mean stuck shoulders? Ahhh....!Please all send me some labour contraction vibes ladies!! xo
sydneygal
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 17:04
thanks for that info KittyKat :) He had his vaccs a few weeks ago so we'll schedule him in for the RNAT test soon. We have no idea when we're going home and certainly have no immediate plans - but just want to be prepared for any eventuality!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 11:21
Just wanted to add in my 2 cents worth too - I did some volunteer work with SCEA and they are a great school, specialising in autism but also aspergers. The lady who runs the school is lovely - glad to hear more people are finding out about SCEA.
sydneygal
488
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 11:17
My mum just flew in from Sydney on Etihad as it was cheaper and I've flown home with Etihad too. Not sure about stopovers though. Check it out - there's also a free coach between Dubai and Abu Dhabi either way.
sydneygal
488
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 14:15
Dress your first child in a tshirt that says "older brother" or "older sister" and see how long it takes for family/DH to notice! :)
sydneygal
488
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Latest post on 23 April 2011 - 12:12
pixiesuae - sorry to hear that....I've never had any issues with the staff at Primavera...they have been wonderful and have always been great with any issues I've had, even when I've called the emergency line in the middle of the night. I also never have to wait more than 15 mins for an appointment. What happened to you and did you pass the feedback to Dr Sant - I'm sure she would appreciate it. [b'>pixiesuae replied : I have found Primavera clinic to be the most unprofessional in Dubai, Dr Sant is lovely but the staff are terrible. I am not sure if Dr Sant was aware of my situation and choose not to take a few minutes to make a phone call to reassure me or if her staff never inform her of problems but I would never recommend them to someone who needs a reliable doctor after my experience[/b'>
sydneygal
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 20:58
ref: Chocs comments, it depends if he's playing acoustic or classical....if fingerpicking vs strumming, your dominant hand DOES alot of work, but if just strumming with a pic it's a different story. Why don't you just see what he feels more comfortable with?
sydneygal
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 20:56
Depends if you're talking electric or acoustic/classical... My sister and I both played classical guitar for years and my sister was a lefty and always played that way which was what came naturally to her. Early on it was just a matter of putting the strings on upside down - it doesn't make much difference. Later when we bought more expensive instruments she had one especially made left handed but you can definitely just switch strings on a normal acoustic/classical guitar. Electric is a different story as there are various buttons and bits and bobs (not an electric expert...can u tell?!) Would def recommend he go with what works naturally for him, I'm sure he could learn right handed but probably would never be as proficient as what he would be if it was lefthanded... Obviously he wouldn't be able to play someone elses guitar but is that a big deal?
sydneygal
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 19:20
manubhadauria - I am so sorry to hear that....sending you a big hug and praying for you :( [b'>manubhadauria replied : Better go and see any good obs. If she has previous complications and is married and has kids then it's only unto doctor to decide whether pregnancy is harmful or not. Then it Can be terminated. Hurry then at least you have option of going home for termination. And here I am scheduled for d&c for sat coz my baby has stopped growing [/b'>
sydneygal
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 13:53
yeah we were also thinking of doing that, and building up a relationship with a good paed. Can I ask where you had your boys done? Was it done using the plastibell?
sydneygal
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 13:33
thanks Appletiser, will chat to doc tomorrow. She's not an AH doc though as she delivers at several hospitals hence just wanted to see if anyone had any recent direct experience :)
sydneygal
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Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 08:17
I did the pediatric first aid/cpr course at Synergy Medical Centre on Al Wasl...they do it once a month on a Sat morning from 9-12 and the whole thing costs 250 AED pp which is alot cheaper and I do feel like everything was covered. The other thing was that it was held on a weekend morning which made it easier for my DH to attend, I think the HB ones were during the week? HTH PS - I do know someone who did both the CPR and First Aid via Healthbay and she also said it was excellent.
sydneygal
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 14:12
Hey lovely...when we got the Cameleon it came with: chassis with wheels/seat and carrycot frame, mosquito net, rain cover, seat fabric and carry cot fabric (you basically just swap over the carry cot to the seat using the same chassis), underseat bag and 1 tailored fabric set which includes a sun canopy, seat cover, carrycot apron...so pretty much everything! The Quinny Buzz comes with less....I think from memory it didn't include the carrycot and once you added everything in as per the bug it was not that much cheaper. But if you don't need the carrycot it could be a better buy for now? xxx PS lovely to see you earlier :)
sydneygal
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 13:50
Wow congrats Cats! Good size too :) You must be over the moon!! How did you find the American Hospital? We're also going there anytime now...37 weeks tomorrow and bub is measuring on the large side too...hoping he can hang on until my Mum arrives on the 20th! x
sydneygal
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 20:22
Livelytrish wrote: "[b'>It is quite simply much, much more time and motion effective than having shoppers do the dance between loading the conveyer, and dashing to the other end to pack.........especially when it's an anally retentive "everything in the right bag" customer[/b'>." I may be "anally retentive" but prefer that to having bread or soft fruit squashed by heavy items, or eggs broken when thrown in the bag or food placed with cleaning products...all of which have happened to me when I haven't packed myself...anyway I like to think I don't hold up the queue...have a system where hubby places all the items on the conveyer belt (in the right order) and I wait at the other end with my cooler bags and other bags ready to pack! :) The packers always look at me like I'm mad though LOL! <em>edited by sydneygal on 04/04/2011</em>
sydneygal
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 20:12
thanks Wuffles!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 18:35
hmmm thanks Wuffles...it's very confusing! I guess the thing is whether one has much lead time in deciding when to return home which may not always be the case - if a job is lost for example... I've read a few more threads and it seems that once the rabies test is done the longer it is before you go back to Oz the the less amount of time they need to spend in quarantine which makes sense. Question is, if you have no idea when you're going back but are just trying to be responsible for the future in case an emergency arises, should you just do the test and have it ready to go? Secondly, how long is it valid for and do you need to repeat this process and wait out the time yearly, or once it's done are you OK as long as the rabies vaccs are kept up to date? Hope that makes sense!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 17:50
Corkshelly - good for you for saying something...some people are just plain lazy and rude! I have to say I am completely OCD about packing my own bags - hate having things squashed or not packed EXACTLY how I like them! I'm always telling the packers that I don't need help thank you very much (nicely of course!) :P
sydneygal
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 19:57
perfect makes sense! x
sydneygal
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 19:34
hehe, well maybe it is dependant on weight then - wow already over 8kgs :) Cutiepie! Gosh no idea about Oz I have to say....actually sorry to digress but did you take your maxi cosi to Oz when you went and was that ok to use as I think the law there now is a 5 point harness?
sydneygal
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 19:25
shell - think the next size on from the Maxi Cosi Pebble is the Pearl which is forward facing...not sure on whether age or weight comes first...I know Jo has just put A forward facing in the last month or so as he was getting too big for the rear facing?
sydneygal
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 18:30
DC - Check out the Honda Garage on Sh Z road too - I'm sure they have the Pearl there. We bought the Pebble there and it was about 815 compared to 1200 in other places...x
sydneygal
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Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 10:08
Hi LIL, Totally understand how difficult it can be...I had a M/C when I first fell pregnant after coming off the pill but then it took about 2 and a half years before I conceived again. I'd pretty much given up and was about to go start fertility treatment at Conceive clinic in Sharjah when I finally got pregnant. Have faith! Not too difficult to get an appt with Dr Sant, she is in her own clinic which helps and the waiting time is never very long. When you did the ovulation tests, what days were you ovulating on? And did you also notice how long your luteal phase was (days after ovulation)? Anything under 10 can indicate a problem with the luteal phase and progesterone. Would highly recommend you read TCOYF and also try doing the temping, it really does help identify any potential issues (and is cheaper than using the ovulation kits!). I also did acupuncture with Dr Ou (she comes to your house and is very knowledgeable about fertility) and she helped me sort out my cycles and she could see the problem spots on my charts (temps rising slowly after ovulation and late ovulation). I would also recommend cleaning out your diet as much as possible, eat lots of fruit and veg (organic if possible), lean proteins and whole grain carbs and PLENTY of water. I pretty much also cut out alcohol and caffeine too. Both you and hubby can also take a good multivitamin. The last thing I did was a self-fertility massage in the 2 months before I became pregnant which was easy to do and done from end of period to ovulation. I would be happy to email you the instructions if you like - just email me on caterina underscore strano at yahoo dot com dot au. Not sure if it helped or whether it was a combination of all the things I was doing...or simply divine timing but I do believe it helped. Try and stay positive if you can - you will get there. LOADS of baby dust your way. x
sydneygal
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Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 10:08
Also if you can't get a copy of TCOYF you can borrow mine - I'm in JBR.
sydneygal
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 09:46
You could try Dr Rosalie Sant at Primavera Medical Clinic just round the corner from City: http://primaveraclinic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage She's fantastic and delivers out of City, American and Welcare. HTH
sydneygal
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:47
weeee!!!!!!!! How exciting DC, just sent u a msg on FB :) Huge congrats!!! If you're worried I'm sure you can get a check up pretty soon to check for the HB etc... xxxx BIG HUGS!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 11:13
Hi LIL, I would highly recommend my ob/gynae Dr Rosalie Sant at the Primavera Medical Clinic in Healthcare City - http://primaveraclinic.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage When I was still trying we went through a range of testing, starting with blood tests on Day 3 (FSH/LH) and the Progesterone test (7 days after ovulation). I also did the HSG you described below (to check tubes) and an AMH test which is blood test which is more accurate than FSH in showing your ovarian reserve. It is also work checking your DH and his sperm count early on as alot of the time this can be the issue and is alot less invasive than the tests we have to go through. Are you doing anything else for your fertility like basal body temperatures? I would also recommend doing this (check out the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility) as this could also show you if you are ovulating and just simply not doing it at the right time of the month. Having a few cycles to show the doc can also really help with identifying any potential problems if there are any. HTH!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 17:10
fairycakeyumm - can I ask who your doc was? I'm delivering end of April in American and am still not sure if I have to have a C-sec (low lying placenta issues which hopefully will resolve themselves in time). I will definitely be putting on my birth plan and also discussing with docs/midwives that I still want skin to skin in the event of a c-sec...if there is any medical reason baby needs to be taken away, then Dad will always go with the baby. I will also be requesting that no immunisations be given straight away, I will take care of that later as I don't believe a BCG needs to be done immediately! Besides I know 2 people now who had it done immediately and either it didn't take or wasn't done properly as they had to get them redone later on!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 14:41
thanks moonkitty - will be interesting to see what the doc says when I go through my birth plan with her! Anyone else with any personal experience/advice?
sydneygal
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Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:11
umm...didn't watch it on the tele....:P
sydneygal
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Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:08
yes I agree WM - definitely about the sister-wives :) I had a feeling during that scene in the church that something would happen to Bill, but never would have guessed it would be Carl! Wonder what ever happened to Joey and Wanda??
sydneygal
488
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Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:05
hey sophia07 - finally..someone else who watches Big Love!! Thought the finale was great...really going to miss the Henriksons!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 19:36
I loved their take on Spain by Chick Corea - a jazz classic which showed off all the musical talent in the group!! But I guess not everyone would appreciate it if they were only wanting pure Stevie...
sydneygal
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Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 16:45
thought Stevie was FANTASTIC, and his band were also just incredible. I agree, it could have started earlier and the grandstand seats were quite uncomfortable (esp being 34 weeks pregnant!), but the music was faultless! Agree on the people drinking, we had a group of middle aged south africans in front of us (by no means a comment on south africans by the way!) that just drank and drank and then were being so rowdy and obnoxious, esp one guy who kept commanding all of us around to "get up and dance" ....aarrgghhh so annoying!! PS - how funny was the proposal at the end, what was that guy on??!!
sydneygal
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Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 16:39
Hi ccdoha There are a number of tests you can do to check fertility - from memory they also do tests on Day 3 (FSH and LH) and then progesterone on day 21, or 7 days after you ovulate. So the day 21 test is great if you ovulate on Day 14, but not everyone has standard 28 day cycles. So if you know when you ovulate it's better to go in 7 days after rather than just on Day 21. Another great blood test to do is the AMH test which tests your ovarian reserve and is much more accurate than just looking at the above. This will tell you what your reserve is like which can help you decide how long to try naturally vs whether you are "running out of time". Not sure about these tests in Doha as at the time i did this in Dubai though.... HTH
sydneygal
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Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 11:54
I went recently for a baby shower and this was at the Palace Hotel at the One and Only in the lobby area. Think it was about 90 AED per afternoon tea which was enough to share between 2 as they are very generous in bringing out second helpings. HTH
 
 
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