twin_butterfly | ExpatWoman.com
 

twin_butterfly

twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 09:23
No Catholic British priest in Dubai - the closest is Italian, at the Jebel Ali church. We ended up getting married at Christchurch (Anglican) who has a British unconvencional priest - all the guests, including our Muslim friends - loved him cos he made he ceremony quite light and fun.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 08:45
Brilliant – I can walk then :) Thanks!!! Re: access to car park, we have received a letter from Dubai Asset Management saying that whoever does not have the new remotes on 17 July will not get in, so hopefully they mean it ...
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 08:33
Qasr Al Sarab is the nicest hotel in the Liwa desert but it is also a fair drive from Liwa town where the festival takes place. If you don't want to drive too long this is not the best option. The Liwa Hotel is very basic but the most convenient if you want to go to the festival. There is also the Tilal Liwa hotel - you might want to check with them what is the distance to Liwa town.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 16:39
Fab - thanks pentel!!!
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 16:11
RebeccaS, where did you do it?
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 15:56
Thank you Ladies. What I meant is whether they allow you to take them into the cabin at all - not necessarily as a seat adaptor for the baby but for keeping in the overhead compartment during the flight, so that we can use at the other end of our trip.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 15:28
Yes you can drive - about 2.5 hrs. On the road to Abu Dhabi you need to take a left turn at Shahama I think but you can also ask the hotel to send you a map with the directions. Edited to read Shahama, not Samaha :) edited by twin_butterfly on 12/07/2011 <em>edited by twin_butterfly on 12/07/2011</em>
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 15:26
Thanks Amelia! Which building is that in? Happy to walk if not too far from the Abu Dhabi end of JBR, otherwise I can try and park nearby as I know they are going to start restricting access to all car parks in a few days. I would prefer this to having to drive to Springs/Meadows or Al Wasl Rd :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 15:07
Qasr Al Sarab - been a couple of times and friends also went last weekend to celebrate their anniversary. On the pricey side but worth every penny...
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 15:31
well, not surprising ... that type of blank looks is just so typical Dubai! Do you know where the recycling plant is? I have found threads talking about Springs and Meadows Town Centre but was hoping to have the shortest drive possible :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 15:27
kiwi, carseat IS a maxi-cosi :( shellly, thanks! but how can they allow on certain flights and not others? They certainly allow some people to carry all their and the neighbours belongings with them!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 15:11
Great pentel - thanks!!! How often do they have this promo on?
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 14:26
I started with S26 for preemies, then switched to S26 1 which made DS squirm and scream after each meal. The Dr said it was reflux and we should switch to S26 AR (anti-reflux) which made him throw up lots after each meal. Then when visiting my home country we saw a paed there who said the baby's tummy did not agree with cow's milk - in her words: cow's milk is for cows :) so she recommended a brand with hydrolised milk which worked wonders for DS but when we came back to Dubai we could not find here, so: we tried Aptamil which seemed to work (although it contained fish so it naturally smelled of fish - quite offputting) but alas! the new cans had a new formula which did not have hydrolised milk and again DS was not burping and had lots of gas. Now on recommendation of a user on EW, we tried NAN HA which seems to work and we know we can find at both my and DH's home countries when we travel home. So, problem solved for us - finally :) What I am trying to say is that every baby seems to be different and you may need to find out by trial and error (sadly).
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 14:07
So, so, so sorry!!! My thoughts are with you - I know exactly what you are going through as my sister has been through quite a few cycles over the past few years, all equally unsuccessful and heartbreaking. But don't give up! Think that you are healthy and there are many days ahead of you. The best would be to relax, take a nice holiday and try again when you are ready. With these things it is always the same story: the more relaxed you are, the better results. Have you no chances at all of conceiving naturally? This is the most fun method ;)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 13:57
So happy to learn the whereabouts of Dr Luthra! She was my Dr for a number of years and then left Welcare and did not know where to find her - very professional, no nonsense type. However, if this is your first baby and need to have a Dr who will take that into consideration and entertain your questions and your need for advice, I would highly recommend Dr Jennifer Karsisky (not sure if that's the right spelling of the surname) at Welcare Hospital. She delivered my DS when my Dr was out of town and I have now switched to her as my regular gyneco - answers all your questions, very understanding and supportive. What I liked most about her was that she has a very strong human side rather than just being your doctor. AND she came into the hospital just to see me before being discharged (after delivery) on her day off!!!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2011 - 01:35
Thanks for sharing - not going to bed without reading this :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2011 - 01:25
Thanks v much Ladies and especially HAK for the links and factual info. I have talked about it with some friends and family too and everyone seems to have different opinions - this is too confusing! I think you are right: I will do some more research and have to make my own decision. The paed did not want to advise one way or the other, she just said it is up to me. The one I think I will definitely rule out is MMR - have a case of autism in my family and have already decided not to take the risk. Too bad to read about TB in Dubai only now - LO had a huge reaction on his arm and has been carrying a massive lump filled with pus (which a nurse emptied and taken the capsule out twice for us) for 6 weeks. Luckily it is dying out now but I just hope it does not leave him a large scar.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2011 - 01:15
cp80, I cannot say how sorry I am to hear about your loss. But think bright and think about the future! I am sure you will manage to make a beautiful and healthy baby. Whichever doctor you decide to go with, make sure you are comfortable asking all the questions you need. I also had a high risk pregnancy and was not happy with my Dr who was a good doctor but just did not seem to like me asking lots of questions which is normal of a first-time mum-to-be with the added high risk. It may be a good idea to see a couple or three and then settle with the one you are happiest with. I ended up delivering via emergency cesarean while my Dr was out of town and ended up loving the Dr that happened to be on duty and who delivered my baby, so now I have switched to her. I regret not having looked into switching at the first signs of not being happy with my gyneco. My thoughts are with you and I wish you much luck
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2011 - 00:54
The hospital belongs to the same group as Welcare where I delivered so I presume they will provide pretty much the same - they also gave the slippers, disposable underwear and pads (but these were not very nice at all, so you may want to take your own). Do not forget your mobile charger (with the stress of the early contractions I did) and a camera for the big moment! Are you having c-section? If so, you will be admitted for 4-5 days so you may want to think about entertainment - I took books about baby care, etc and my iPod, as there is only so much TV you can watch and people tend to visit in the evenings once they get off from work so you have quite a few hours to kill. You can also look at the thread I started on the same topic when I was planning my delivery - have a look in case you find more ideas that suit you :) http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=125666
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 19:05
Great! Thank you Ladies. I suspected Organic F&C might stock them but had not got around to checking it. Will also check Spinneys. Happy baking!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 07:59
Thanks, will definitely try :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 23:51
hmm, I see ... so I should just schedule visits with the midwife? But if they only measure him and check that he is doing OK, am I not wasting my time? I have all the charts and a baby scale at home... DH is adamant that we should take him monthly to the paed ... With regards to vaccinations, when he was discharged from the NICU at Welcare Hosp, they gave him BCG and Hep B which everyone back home was a bit stunned to hear. Now the next round is due (according to the plan given by the hosp + the paed who is not a Welcare doctor) and I think I would rather follow the European plan but how do we know all residents in the UAE have really been tested? By the same token, I am afraid of just going by what the doctor here says - from what I have seen, most doctors in the UAE are very happy to write prescriptions as if they were giving away sweets and there seems to be very little interest in contesting conventional medicine...
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 17:50
Thank you BFC - I will drop you line. Cleo4e, may I ask what are your home remedies? :) Not sure I want to wait for the 'more milk please' tea to be (if) delivered. Thx!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 13:50
That was BRILLIANT kiwispiers :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 13:46
Great, great, great :) Paed's monthly visit due this week but needed to put my mind at ease in the meantime! Thanks Ladies!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 13:44
I should add I already had a period!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 13:42
Thanks BFC! This will come in very handy now that I have decided to try and bring my milk back and breastfeed. DS is now almost 9-weeks and has only had little breast milk through expressing as I was a bit worried he would not drink enough (was born pre-term, had jaundice and would never finish his bottle feeds at the hospital + when we brought him home he took a while to have proper feeds), with the rest being numerous formulas. After a hectic month of house-move + 2-week trip home to meet his grandparents, my milk has almost disappeared as was not consistent at expressing. Now that he is on his 6th type/brand of formula, I am very determined to give him more of breast milk as he does not take the commercial brands well at all (always throws up, wriggles, etc so has a very difficult digestion). Is it too late to try and breastfeed? At the moment have only managed to get 60 ml a day through 2 expressing sessions (started expressing again just before the weekend). TIA!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 12:52
Emma, savour the moment! My DS also slept for a whole 8 hrs last night for the first time - could not believe it when I woke up at 7am and he was still quietly sleeping! So the first thing I did was pray he will repeat tonight and for many nights to come :) Must say we have increased the volume in his feeds by 30ml so this may have helped. Talking of paranoid first-time mums, I woke up poor DH in the middle of the night a few nights ago, screaming in histerics that DS was not breathing. He (literally) jumped out of bed - find it funny now but was not at the time - and picked up our LO from the cot. Poor little thing woke up at all the commotion and (of course) was breathing normally. I had checked 3 times and could have sworn he was not breathing ... lol ...
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 10:41
Oops!!! It was meant to read 1.5 cm NOT 15 cm Need my coffee this morning ... :\: I must add he is now just over 8 weeks old (was born 5 weeks preterm).
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 09:31
Thank you Ladies for the further directions! Just a word of warning for those using Aptamil Comfort: Danone seems to have changed the formula, as the can we bought at Life has Hydrolised whey protein concentrate and the cans we bought from Choithram’s (with a later expiry date) have whey protein concentrate (no mention of hydrolised). The old cans say they contain fish and the newer ones do not. Saga has continued with LO taking the old formula well although it did smell of fish but once we opened the newer cans from Choithram’s he started throwing up at most feeds, which is how I realised that the 2 sets of cans have different ingredients. He took it better yesterday so it could have been just the adaptation period to the new formula. If he throws up again, we will definitely go to HA. Turnip, thanks for the offer but I would not like to give him something that tastes that awful. However, there seems to be a user who is moving to Dubai and is looking for Neocate so both kiwispiers and myself already referred her to this thread.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 09:11
Sorry kiwispiers, did not open your link before replying ... duhhh :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 08:57
There is a thread started by me a few days ago (subject: Hydrolised formula) where some users have recommended it and one has even offered her unused stock of 13 cans.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 08:55
From what I have experienced with our 8-week old baby is that he sleeps best when the AC is off and the room temperature is at 26C although this makes my DH suffer as he likes the cooler temperatures, so occasionally we have the AC on at 24C to meet half way. When we do have the AC on I always make sure DS wears long-sleeved onesies. I stopped wrapping him up as he did not seem to like it anymore, at about 6 weeks old and now he is very happy to just have the blanket over him and tucked under his arms when he sleeps on his back. However, he seems to sleep longer when he put him on his tummy - although I know some people are nervous about this, but he has his head turned to one side 99% of the times and when not, he seems to realise very quickly when he is not breathing and turns his head accordingly. Hope this helps!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 01:05
Thank you Sant! We ended up buying 3 cans of Aptamil Confort at Choithram's as the cans in Life Pharmacy seemed to have a very close expiry date :( I did notice that they contain soy and fish which I did not like at all but I was unable to find Neocate anywhere. I must say that DS has no reacted as well to Aptamil Confort as he did to the formula we bought back at home which worked a treat! Now I wish I had brought lots with me but we had enough luggage to bring back and the formula was very dear: EUR 22 a can! Sadly my DS's paed here in Dubai was unable to give me names of brands for hydrolised despite being a highly reputed doctor and also highly recommended here on EW. I had wondered about the HA formula so great to know - THANKS. So once we finish this lot of Aptamil will give the S26 HA a try and see how he handles it. Just out of curiosity, in which branch of Life did you see Neocate?
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 00:01
I had mine on a yacht althought the limit for number of guests on board was 36! I do know the same copany were receiving a new boat for 50 passengers I think. Took it out of Dubai Marina and captain docked just below Burj Al Arab - the guests that flew from overseas were blown away! We chose our own caterers and brought our own booze from RAK as they have licence for you to do so. You can also take your own music if you wish. So you end up paying the same you pay at a hotel and give the guests more of an experience - and for us the bride and groom it was pretty magical too! As you cannot wear shoes onboard, you can call the dress code 'barefoot black tie' :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 23:10
Churros are most definitely Spanish - streaked tubes of light and fluffy dough deep fried and dipped in warm chocolate sauce just before eating. Everyone in Spain has them as 'breakfast' just before going to bed after a big night out. They are readily available from street vendors who sell them in paper cones (just like the fish and chips type). If you are after the real thing, you probably won't find it in Dubai, although not sure this is what you are refering to.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 22:57
I love pottering. It's not wasting time or being lazy. In fact, I'd say that it's the potterer who turns a house into home! So, sooo right!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 02:19
sarahk, I agree with happymommy that there never is the right time when you are a career woman so maybe this is the little push you need to do it - I needed my push too and delivered a beautiful baby 2 months ago; could not be happier! Best of luck - you are doing the right thing!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 02:11
Thank you Ladies!!! Been doing a fair bit of driving around today. Went to Carrefour but did not look too good, Debenhams' are OK and IKEA's were a bit too soft... Finally friend recommended InterCoil next to Bur Dubai Police Station (opposite MOE) and they seemed to be the firmest, so we have ordered one (they all seem to need 3 days to deliver, except for Debenhams who had our size in stock but somehow did not feel as dense as the one at InterCoil). Thanks again, Hubby can't wait to receive it and I can't wait to have a lovely Hubby again:)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 01:49
Le Meridien Dubai (by the airport) used to run L'atelier des Chefs where they had different themes/ingredients in each session (e.g. asparagus, scallops, etc). Not sure of they still do it but it's one of those where you cook lunch during the class and then get to eat it :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 01:46
I do love going out and meeting people, going places etc but I belong to the 'love-the-pottering-around' club too. Been working full time (with loads of overtime and loads of entertaining clients, so very little time at home) up to a few months ago, and now I can't have enough of pottering - love it, love it, love it!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 01:36
Oh no!!! Had been away and have had so much going on since we came back last weekend that I had not realised it was not there anymore. Can't wait for next season either!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 11:56
Thanks amalzd! Which Home Centre would that be? We were at the one in Mall of the Emirates yesterday but all they had were mattress protectors.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 11:30
Does Hamid know how to cut western designish clothes? I also have some very nice silks that I bought recently for an evening blouse and an evening dress, so trying to find someone who knows how to cut and stitch western styles.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 23:19
Have not found Neocate, but Aptamil Comfort. Can anyone give feedback on this formula? Thanks!!!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 10:01
Thank you Ladies! I will check the pharmacies in the area but any more names are welcome just in case this one is not available now - as it seems to be the case sometimes :\:
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:11
Great - thanks Ladies! Bassinette is confirmed - only bummer is that they won't confirm a seat for hubby and I together as they only give 1 seat at front row! We had discussed the option of buying a baby carrier but concern was then what happens once we take a car at the other end of our trip - I think in Europe they will be pretty strict about the usage of baby car seats. What did you do when you travelled? Good to know the airlines allow to take them into the cabin anyhow as I had serious concerns about checking it in after the way I see them handling suitcases! Hello.Again.Kitty: are you saying that if I take the dry powder formula they will make me have half of it? :\: Also, I have seen the families travelling with their whole house as well as their neighbours' - that is not us though :) Guinness, thanks on the advice of boiled water - will do some research on it.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 11:57
Just wondering whether the April mums at JBR are still meeting (regularly?). My world since my baby was born has become a bit ... let's say limited :) Would love to exchange tips/experiences etc Travelling for a couple of weeks but would love to join once we are back.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 11:04
Travelling to Europe over the weekend and just wondering about facilities for small babies onboard: Do planes have boiled water for babies' feeds or do airports allow mums to take baby bottle with water already boiled in it? Where can one change the baby in the plane? Been told by airline that stroller has to be checked in and that we only get the stroller provided by the airline in the connecting airport. Does everyone else just carry the baby in their arms to the plane or has anyone been allowed to take stroller frame + baby car seat through to the plane? Any other tips and advice welcome. Thanks Ladies!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 14:20
NOBODY at Welcare - great obs/gyn doctors but on the paed dept there is a serious shortage of doctors and a poor attitude. There are only 2 paed and the nursing staff there have a could-not-care-less attitude. Our son was born 1 month preterm and was in NICU for 5 days - we had to chase the doctor to get updates as the many nurses and registrars always gave us contradictory information. We were charged AED 750 a day for the paed's visit yet he was nowhere to be seen and everytime we asked when he was expected nobody seemed to know. When I insisted in talking to him on the 4th day of trying to talk to him, I was literally sent around the hospital to look for him after having had a C-section. We have had one visit since and all he did was take weight and check his chest, as well as answer our questions - the visit was under ten minutes after having waited outside for half an hour while he chatted to one of his colleagues, and when we were finally asked in, he was on the phone to somebody else (!). Trying to find another doctor elsewhere now so also looking for recommendations.
 
 
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