Mother, Baby & Child February 2019

ISSUE 95 | FEBRUARY 2019 | DHS15

SUSTAINABLE

«WIN«

LIVING

WORTH OVER

DHS4,000 IN PRIZES

WAYS TO LIVE AN ECO-FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE

MEET

Natasha Bajaj

THE WOMAN WHO WENT FROM MARKETER TO MUMPRENEUR

GETAWAYS

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ESCAPES

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR: Michael Jabri-Pickett mjp@cpimediagroup.com EDITOR: Nicola Monteath nicola.monteath@cpimediagroup.com ONLINE EDITOR: Glesni Holland glesni.holland@cpimediagroup.com FASHION CORRESPONDENT: Sarah Radwan sarah.radwan@cpimediagroup.com

ADVERTISING

SALES DIRECTOR: Mathew Tharakan mathew.tharakan@cpimediagroup.com

MARKETING

Isabelle Mills marketing@cpimediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS info@cpimediagroup.com

DESIGN

Sarah Radwan

FOR OTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE VISIT: motherbabychild.com FOUNDER

Dominic De Sousa (1959 - 2015) PRINTED BY

Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing LLC, Dubai

PUBLISHED BY

Head Office:

Media City, Building 4, Office G-08 Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 13700 Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 Email: info@cpimediagroup.com

EDITOR’S LETTER H

ello Mum, It’s February. The month of love. I know, love doesn’t have to be celebrated just one day of the year, and there are many out there who don’t believe in the occasion, but it’s nice to see love in the air, even if it is a commercial celebration. Whether you believe in celebrating Valentine’s Day or not, use it as an excuse to escape to these resorts for a bit of rest and relaxation (page 62). And if you do want to your treat your partner to something special, we’ve got a great gift guide to take the stress out of shopping (page 52).

This issue also focuses on living a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.

We discuss tips to teach your children (page 42); why you need to shop for natural or organic clothing and items for your kids (page 46) and reviewed an eco-friendly resort to enjoy a staycation at (page 66). This month, we also explore ways to help your child deal with exam stress (page 30), and why learning Arabic should be made easier for children living in the UAE (page 32).

As for our gorgeous mum on the cover, Natasha Bajaj, turn to page 22 to read about her career switch, how she raises her three-year old, and what she does to make sure she’s the perfect role model for her son.

Happy reading!

A publication licensed by Dubai Production City, DCCA © Copyright 2019 CPI Media Group FZ LLC. All rights reserved.

While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

cpimediagroup.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 03

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2019

22 30 48 68 FROM MARKETER TO DEALING WITH EXAM-STRESS A MUMPRENEUR

GO NATURAL

COMPETITIONS

Editor’s Letter.................................................................. 03

Green Living...................................................................41

On Our Radar................................................................. 06

Eco-guide to parenting................................................... 42

Things To Do ................................................................. 07

Go Natural.......................................................................46

Parenting .......................................................................14

Clean Living.....................................................................48

What to Expect When You’re Expecting.........................16

Good Living....................................................................49

24 Hours in The Life of a Mumpreneur ...........................18

What’s in Store?.............................................................. 50

Mom’s Little Black Book..................................................20

My Darling Valentine: For Her......................................... 52

From Marketer to a Mumpreneur.................................... 22

My Darling Valentine: For Him........................................ 53

Education ......................................................................26 Dealing with Exam-Stress...............................................30 Learning Arabic is Fun....................................................32 Health ............................................................................34 Dealing with Anxiety....................................................... 36 Spotlight: Early Pregnancy..............................................38 Wellbeing Talk ................................................................40 04 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

The Beauty Edit...............................................................54 Style Files:Lady in Red.................................................... 55 Style Files:Play with Prints............................................... 56 Dining in The City............................................................58 Tried & Tested Spas....................................................... 60 Valentine’s Escapes........................................................62 Family-friendly Staycation............................................... 66 Competitions .................................................................. 68

These adorable Polly Plume shoes are perfect for school-runs and shopping.

Dhs1,375 at shopbop.com

I’ll be treating myself to this incredible Valentine’s Day package which includes an Oriental massage using argan oil infused with rose or honey aromatic oils, and a facial.

Dhs485 at Steigenberger Hotel

This Nicola Turnlock bag is cute and functional, with just enough space to fit essentials. For more stylish red items, turn to page 54.

Dhs1,600 at Kate Spade

A new streetwear fashion label, A for Anonymous, has launched in the GCC and we’re loving their unisex debut collection. The 100 per cent cotton tees, designed in Saudi Arabia, feature language and poetry, with an eclectic combination of hand-painted motifs, graphics and calligraphy to signify what the brand embodies - unconditional love.

ON OUR

Following the success of the Beauty Blender, the brand has recently launched a velveteenmatte finish long lasting liquid foundation, Bounce, that glides on effortlessly and gives skin a subtle glow. The vegan, lightweight foundation - available in 40 shades - is infused with hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich white birch extract, to keep skin smooth and protected.

Dhs170 at Sephora

Editor’s RADAR

Allure tee, Dhs249 at General 3am, Dubai Design District

Yes, this Cat Snackies box is meant for kids.

But who says adults can’t carry one? I’ll be packing mine with baby carrots and hummus, or maybe even a few chocolate truffles for midday snacking.

Dhs105 at LittleWren.com 06 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

I’m loving the coin trend in jewellery pieces. Pair this chunky statement necklace with a simple black or white top for an edgy, yet elegant, look.

As the seasons change, so does the scent at home. This Mor Home Diffuser Kit in Blood Orange doesn’t only look gorgeous, it smells great too!

Dhs265 at Virgin Megastores.

Ted Baker’s SS19 collection is quite a Dhs2,084 at Roberto Cavalli refresher, with the designer moving away from the bold floral print that’s synonymous with the brand. We highly recommend a look at their collection inspired by arcade games, pastel silk dresses, and scarves. This mint one in particular will add a subtle pop of colour to a chic ensemble.

Available at Ted Baker

things to do IN FEBRUARY

SMASH IT!

The Smash Room has introduced a Family Smash Package, and it’s a great stress-reliever for mums, while the kids have fun. Serving as an alternative party and play destination, kids are free to destroy glasses, TVs and DVDs under the supervision of their parents or guardians.

The Smash Room has always been safe for kids, and the introduction of the Family Smash Package as a separate offering as a result of growing demand from parents seeking adventurous activities for their kids to partake in. Since the launch, The Smash Room has hosted over 100 young kids and their family for smashing sessions, equipping them with smaller and lighter tools to make it easier for children between the ages of 5 and 16 years to have fun in a controlled environment.

The individual packages start from Dhs99, while group packages for two or more people are priced at Dhs399 and above – which includes smashing 30 glasses and two electronic items! Contact +9714 339 7810

ENROLL YOUR KIDS FOR AN MBA PROGRAMME The KidsMBA programme, a two-day intensive course targeted towards children between 12-16 years old, is now available in Dubai. Designed to complement and enhance pre-school leavers’ education with a real-world taster of the life skills, the program opens up the concept of self-employment and business management to young people. The KidsMBA covers various business topics including: Marketing and Sales, Bookkeeping and understanding basic accounts, Business Plans, Raising finance, Leadership, Corporate Responsibility. The programme was founded by Professor Mark Watson-Gandy, respected barrister specializing in insolvency, and Special Lecturer at Cass Business School EMBA program and Visiting Professor at University of Westminster - where he created and taught LLM in Corporate Finance Law. The next session takes place on February 8th and 9th, for Dhs2,800 per student. Visit thefutureminds.ae MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 07

things to do IN FEBRUARY

GET THE TURTLECARD If your constantly on the lookout for activities for your children, sign up to the TurtleCard to save time and money.

Parents can browse the app by category, activity, age, distance and date, and book

at the click of a button. Offering a wide range of activities including ballet, chess, KidZania, music lessons, swimming, football, tennis, robotics and more at great rates. The app also offers regular

promotions for members, on their range of credit plans.

Sign up for free on turtlecard.ae and choose your plan: City Explorer (Dhs179), Globe Trotter (Dhs299) and Space Rover (Dhs499)

CHECK OUT THE KEMPINSKI CONCERTINI Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates are promoting local talent in the region with a series of mini-concerts known as Kempinski Concertini.

Take your children to watch young artists perform and impress the audience with their renditions of Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Strauss, Beethoven and Debussy.

The first event took place last month and saw Imogen O’Connor from Jumeirah College playing the recorder.

The event is free to attend and takes place monthly at the lobby lounge. The next concertini will take place on February 10th 08 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

FASHION STROLLERS FURNITURE ACCESSORIES CAR SEATS

Go Places, Big and Small Designed for your daily adventures and exciting excursions, the MINU offers modern conveniences in a portable, lightweight stroller. Go where you want, how you want – there’s nothing extra holding you back.

UPPABABY MINU NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE & IN JUSTKIDDING® STORES!

Al Safa 1, Dubai +971 4 346 6050 Gold & Diamond Park, Dubai +971 4 341 3922

Town Square, Al Forsan Village, Abu Dhabi +971 2 556 9935

The Gate Mall, Doha +974 4 407 7174 Mall of Qatar, Doha +974 3331 3480

Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi (Inside House of Fraser)

Doha Festival City, Doha

+971 800 5878

(Inside salam KIDO store)

+974 7758 3701

JustKiddingMe @JustKiddingUAE www.justkidding-me.com

things to do FEBRUARY IN JANUARY

HEAD TO THE YAS KIDZ FEST The annual festival for children is back this February. From February 21st to 23rd, take your children down to du Arena Yas Island to enjoy outdoor adventures, imaginative play, and entertainment. Your kids can get creative, dance, explore, discover, cook, and watch live entertainment shows. This year, the festival includes an Interactive zone, Little Chef Zone, Soccer and Fitness zone. There’s something for every age

group, with a play town and baby land for those between six to 18 months. All activities are organised by age for babies, two year olds, three to four-year olds, and children between five to ten. You can literally leave your kids at the zones or let them dance the night away at the fun Kids Silent Disco.

Free for kids below 18. Dhs30 for adults. Select rides and activities will have a minimal charge. Visit kidzfest.ae.

JOIN THE DUBAI CANAL RUN

Oman Insurance Company (OIC) and Bupa Global have partnered with Race.ME to launch the first ever Dubai Canal Run. You can participate in the 1k, 5k or 10k routes, while 10 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

enjoying the views of the canal.

The run takes place on February 15th . To register for the Dubai Canal Run, visit dubaicanalrun.com

FACE TO ME

SLEEP & DREAM

IN THIS LOVELY AND COSY COT, NEWBORNS WILL FEEL SECURE AND AT EASE FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.

W THE ORLD

RMANY GE

D N

VED AROU LO

IGNED DES IN

things to do IN FEBRUARY

PARTICIPATE IN DAMAN’S CHALLENGE TRIYAS

The challenge is back for the ninth consecutive year, with the inclusion of a brand-new Super Spring category and separate female and male ProFIELD Category which comprises 10 of the best local professionals and international competitors. Other course details include the KidsTri (for kids between 9-16 years) where they can compete in a 100metre swim, 6km cycle and

HAUCK

1.5km run; 200metre swim, 9 kiloemetre cycle and 1.5km run, or a 200metre swim, 9km cycle and 2.5km run, Super Spring, Sprint and Olympic category (1,500metre swim, 38km cycle and 10km run).

Visit yasmarinacicruit.com for more information and a free four-week training programme

SPONSORED CONTENT

– ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE

Solutions for indoor and outdoor equipment right from the start up to kidergarten age!

The hauck company has been looking after the wellbeing of entire generations of babies since 1923. As a parent, you give your baby love, warmth and affection hauck looks after the rest.

Range hauck is there for your child, at your side, from the day of birth up to kindergarten age. It shares your delight in watching your baby grow and offers a wide range of products to fullfil your needs in each stage of life. Bit by bit, the hauck product range has been extended.

The collection now offers stroller sets, double buggies, buggies, high chairs, car seats, travel beds, rockers, safety gates and accessories. Since 1992,

that products have been offered on all continents in over 86 countries.

Safety When a baby is to be born, many new items are purchased. Parents want to know how and if the baby products were tested.

The company assure you that all our products were tested by renowned national and international testing institutes, such as TÜV, SGS, LNE etc., and comply with international safety standards.

All range’s products comply with the highest safety standards. This is particularly dear to the company because the children’s safety is of utmost importance. hauck – We make babies happy!.

04 239 88 55 info@babico.ae

12 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

FRO M

AED

TO

25 FOR EVERY AED100 SPENT

DUBAI MALL +97 1 4 325 3913 DUBAI MARINA MALL +971 4 399 7042 YAS MALL +971 2 565 1856 AL WAHDA MALL +971 2 447 0225 DALMA MALL +971 2 557 5756 MIRDIF CITY CENTRE +971 4 888 0891 TERMS & CONDITION: EXCLUSIVE TO MOTHER, BABY & CHILD READERS | REDEMPTION PERIOD FROM 15TH MAR. TO 14TH APR. 2019 | CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER VALID FOR FULL PRICE SELECTED MERCHANDISE ONLY | ONE VOUCHER PER TRANSACTION ONLY | ONE VOUCHER PER CUSTOMER

N A T U R E

|

Find out how modern women, and pregnant mums, manage work-life balance.

Our cover star discloses her journey and tips

14 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

N U R T U R E

|

L I F E

We provide newborn and toddler care in the comfort of your own home, for any length of time and at any time of day or night. Each of our Babycare assistants holds a degree in Midwifery / a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is trained in Pediatric First Aid and certified by Highfield U.K. Our private drivers pick up and drop off the Babycare assistants to and from duty.

IDEAL FOR: ∫ New parents or first-time parents ∫ Those who are ready to go back to work post delivery ∫ Parents in need of an extra pair of hands ∫ Anyone who wishes to get a good night’s sleep

Highly recommended by HEALTHBAY CLINIC For more information, please contact us: +971569009118 @elitebabiesandtots info@elitebabiesandtots.com

parenting

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE

Expecting About to become a mother for the first time? Here’s an honest month-by-month experience from a gorgeous mum-to-be July

Although married for seven years, having met in University, the husband and I have been together for a whopping 16 years.

Family has always been very important to both of us but being directly responsible for adding to that population always seemed a daunting prospect. However, not getting any younger and having ticked most bucket-list items it was time to take the metaphorical plunge. Not knowing how long it could take to become pregnant and not wanting to learn of potential complications too late we set to the task in hand. Turns out we were pretty good at it as things ended up progressing far more quickly than we could have imagined.

August

Nicole Mears

is the founder of She Dined in the Sun a food, travel and lifestyle blog 16 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

This month saw us on a few different trips including a holiday in Sri Lanka, where I think the penny finally dropped that I may be pregnant. The sore boobs, the irritability (poor husband!), the vivid dreams, and then the realisation that it must have been about five weeks since my last period. The day after we landed home I hastily headed to the chemist and sure enough saw a very positive result, twice! I couldn’t contain the news so asked my husband if he could get out of work to meet me for lunch. An excruciatingly long couple of hours pursued while I waited for him to finish his meetings. I picked him up and he obliviously continued to tell me all about his morning, on arrival to the restaurant I had some far greater news. A wonderful moment that will stay with me forever, I’ve never been good at keeping secrets.

I couldn’t wait to spend some quality time with all the family who were desperate to see the bump September

A last-minute unscheduled work trip back to the UK gave me the perfect opportunity to tell all our closest friends and family the good news despite only being about 8 weeks pregnant. The shock on everyone’s faces, particularly my parents who I think had all but given up hope of becoming grandparents, was incredible. Being so far away from home this couldn’t have worked out any better.

I knew it was early and most people choose to wait but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tell them all face to face.

October

Back to Dubai and with reality starting to really kick in, I went through a month or so where I had persistent evening sickness (I was never actually sick, just felt constantly nauseous). During this period, I went off some of my favourite foods: steaks, mushrooms and truffles.

In fact, October saw me pretty much vegetarian as the smell of any form of meat or fish turned my stomach. Bizarrely, it became so acute that a trip down the meat aisle in the supermarket was a very unpleasant experience. I lived off eggs and avocados, oh and weirdly bacon.

Bacon was good.

November

We were well over the 12-week period and began sharing the news with wider friends and family. I was expecting be sporting a bump by now but actually my tummy continued to conceal its secret until after week 20. I’m tall, so my doctor put it down to that and the fact that I work out quite

a lot, so my abs were doing a good job of holding it all in. I was back on chicken which helped a bit with my protein intake, but this month, baby was mostly all about the cake. There were multiple trips to Hummingbird bakery for their red velvet cupcakes. Oh, and what is up with pregnancy insomnia?

December

Flying home for Christmas was an exciting time this year. I couldn’t wait to spend some quality time with all the family who were desperate to see the bump (well what there was of it) and to feed me up.

About halfway through December, the bump decided to make an appearance, just in time for Christmas, and I spent the holiday season indulging in all my favourite British treats. Being able to see everyone for the last time before the baby comes was special and helped them to feel more connected and involved.

January

Three months to go and it’s all getting very real. I’ve been ordering a lot of the essentials we need for our impending arrival (picture me googling and relentlessly researching breast pumps, bottles, teats, etc.) The nursery looks like a bomb site. I’ve just booked to start our antenatal classes at Health Bay in February, we are visiting our (hopefully) chosen hospital and doctor for the first time and starting to get into the nitty gritty of birth plans. Despite working out a lot throughout my pregnancy, I also decided to join the MamaBFit Pre-Natal Fitness classes that take place at Smart Fitness.

I wanted to make sure everything I was doing was safe for me and my baby. I’ve been loving it so far and have met a great group of people and it’s really helping me to mentally as well as physically prepare for labour and delivery. Exciting times indeed!

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 17

parenting

24 HOURS

in the life of a Mumpreneur 5:30 – 6:00AM

I have always been an early riser and weirdly love waking up at this time. It gives me a chance (more so peace and quiet) to gather my thoughts, plan my goals for the day, read emails and any alerts on plastic pollution and actually enjoy a coffee. Oh and check in with social media.

7:00 – 7:30AM

ALANA SOROKIN Founder of Joseph & Alexander (Sustainable childrenswear fashion label)

On a good day, my kids wake up anytime between 7–7.30am. Breakfast is already on the table and we start our family day the school the boys attend have breakfast prepared but I choose for them to eat at home – this means we get to spend the mornings together and it gives me time to drop them off to school.

18 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

9:00AM

School drop-off complete. If anything, I have learned over the years, it’s time management. Mothers have this amazing ability for time management and organisation to run naturally, even if we do secretly panic if something is not on time by 9.30am. I’m at my desk responding to emails and making my way through my target list.

9:30AM – 1:00PM

The core focus of my day is typically spent on emails, calls, research, social media, managing consultants and general admin.

If I have a social meeting outside my office, I tend to book this towards the end of the week as I am more focused on getting more done throughout Mon-Wed. Fashion is seasonal so depending on the months – I could be planning/approving/finalising new designs or samples, to fun stuff like marketing material, photoshoots and dealing with manufacturers. Honestly, there is always, always, something to do!!

1:00 – 2:00PM

If I'm not on a call or have an urgent deadline that is running over, I make a point to leave at exactly 1:00 pm for lunch. I am utterly regimented and am back at my desk by 2:00 pm. Lunch is always something fast and easy, but I make a point to get fresh air.

It's 2:15 pm and I'm running through my last bit of emails before I sign off and start dinner prep, so I have to leave by 3 pm.

I try not to be on my phone but naturally check in and scan/read for things and categorize what I need to attend to before I sleep.

Mum’s Tip

7:30PM 5:00 – 6:00PM

3:30PM

Every night we “fly” to bed or I call it a destination. The boys are obsessed with airplanes so I am Pilot Mummy (the boys love this game and it actually works in getting them to bed). I choose a destination and along the way (to the bedroom) I would give them a fact about the country we are flying to. We are running out of countries, but the great thing is repetition, with kids and weirdly enough they have remembered some (not all) of the facts.

8:00PM

Other than the sound of silence and freshly brewed coffee my heart chooses this time of the day. There is nothing better than seeing the excitement from your children's face when you are there to pick them up from school. It doesn’t matter if I am having a good day or a bad day, one thing I love for sure is seeing that smile when I pick them up puts everything into perspective and motivates me!

4:00PM

We are home and I spend this “downtime” discussing their day and mine,depending on the day. My eldest has afterschool/extra work so we complete that together. If there is no homework we pop out for a walk along the riverside or sometimes (go for a treat)

I call this “calm down time." If only, it never really works and takes a good 10 minutes to settle in for dinner. Both kids are truly yin and yang. One eats anything you put in front and the other takes his time. If he had it his way, he would finish his plate in six hours. I would love to say they are not fussy eaters but I would be lying. Sometimes it’s a struggle to have them finish their meal. I feel like I'm negotiating with a politician.

7:00PM

Bathtime. I try very hard not to plan any calls around this time (when dealing with different time zones) simply because I suspect it would not be productive with the high pitch laughter and splashes in the background.

Unless the person has children in which they may well understand.

Silence. I have a minute to compose and breathe. Depending on my schedule, I try and head out one night a week, just to feel alive or human and reward myself.

This could either be meeting a girlfriend for dinner or going for facial/massage. If I’m not out, I cook myself dinner – checkin – emails, social media, finalise the day with things I need to get done, then try and switch off. Switching off for me is a good book. I'm currently reading Mindset

by Dr. Carol Dweck. Can't put it down.

11:00PM – 12:00AM

My body is programmed to make me sleep at this time no earlier. I'm usually knackered at that point but before I sleep, I still take a moment to reflect on the day. My achievements, where I could improve, what is motivating me, what can I do better tomorrow, by which point, I'm out!

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 19

parenting

MY LITTLE

BlackBook Nisreen Karachiwala

PR Professional and mum to a three-year old, with a baby on the way Favourite coffee-shop

His favourite play area

Limetree Cafe. They serve amazing coffee and cake.

Dig It and Cheeky Monkeys are high up on the list. When the weather permits, we prefer heading outdoors to a park for fresh air and fun.

When I relax, I head to…

A coffee shop with a book, or sometimes the spa to completely unwind.

Gadget I can’t live without…

Décor store you love for your child’s room Pottery Barn all the way!

I thought really hard for this one. I did not want to write my mobile phone. However, I could not think of anything else apart from that. It has everything I need, contacts, things to do list, on the spot search for restaurants, shops, and so much more.

Favourite store for kidswear

When my son is asleep, I find myself…

I don’t stick to specific brands however; I find myself visiting Obaibi-Okaidi and Oshkosh often. I also like Babyshop and Mothercare for the essentials and daily wear.

At home, catching up on Netflix and feasting on chips and cookies (the stuff you hide when your toddler is awake).

Books I’m reading to my child...

Most of the Peppa Pig series, and anything to do with trucks, firetrucks and cars – he’s obsessed!

20 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Advice for expecting mums If you are a first-time mom - sleep as much as you can. Don’t believe everything the internet tells you about pregnancy or motherhood. Listen to your gut and follow your instinct at all times this usually seems to work for me.

parenting

Words by Nicola Monteath Photos by Maksym Poriechkin 22 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

From Marketer to

Mumpreneur Natasha Bajaj, Founder of N&J, a maternity and breastfeeding fashion label, has altered the way mums dress during pregnancy. Here she tells us how her life changed along the way

B

orn in warm and sunny Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) and raised in Mumbai, Natasha Bajaj grew up being the youngest from three sisters. She claims she wasn’t pampered, and that she was in fact the most adventurous from her siblings, spending her time climbing mountains and going hiking whenever possible.

Having backpacked pretty much the entire Southeast Asia and parts of Europe and India, Natasha found herself moving to Singapore at the age of 18 to acquire a Marketing and Communications degree from NTU. Always the independent kind – she had four jobs while studying and loved every one of them – Natasha found herself living by her mum’s motto “End what you started with all your heart and always give your best shot.”

Now a mother of a chatty and adorable three-year old boy, Avi, she hopes to pass on her way of living to her son. His undying spirit for sport and the Chelsea football team is a clear indication that he’s following in his mum’s footsteps.

Prior to relocating to Dubai four years ago, Natasha pursued everything she wished too. She studied film making and made a couple of NGO movies, worked at Mediacom – GroupM and Y&R and helped launch Nokia in Singapore, was a creative strategist at Yahoo, followed by a stint at an ad network company that introduced Facebook to India. Through her journey, her passion for designing and selling clothes never waned.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 23

parenting On the day we met at her home in Oud Metha, the yummy mummy was waking up her son from his midday nap. “From a corporate addict to becoming an entrepreneur or a mumprenuer, it has not been easy. But it was a lot of fun and still is. There are times when I miss the structure of an 8-5 routine, but then I am thankful that running my own firm gives me flexibility with my little one,” she tells me as we discuss her maternity and breastfeeding fashion label N&J (Nats and Jun). “Running a company is like looking after a child, it has mood swings, sleepless nights, tantrums, crazy hours and heaps of hard work, but at the end, there is a sense of achievement and pride,” she goes on to say as Avi wakes up startled by the camera and lights.

It takes a bit of singing along to Baby Shark, chatting about football and basketball – his grandmother was a state level player – and claiming we love Chelsea’s football team to get him to strike a pose. Natasha continues her story by telling us the reason she moved here. “Well, I got married and was supposed to shift back to Singapore or work in Tokyo, but my husband did a pretty good job in selling Dubai to me.”

Her first experience in Dubai wasn’t the best for a newcomer though. “When I came here, I got my dream job as senior marketer at a renowned retail house. Cut to the scene, and mentioning I was two months pregnant – not knowing what they would think – I was asked to complete my pregnancy and join them after. I was shocked and even taken aback with a gesture like this.” This opened many doors for Natasha, making her realise how pregnant women were treated in the corporate word. As a result, she started diverting her energy towards designing again, and as she says, “magic happened.”

“My designs started selling fast and that’s when I realised there was a void in the market. We live in a fast-paced environment, so everything has to be quick and easy, and coming from a marketing background I knew how to market the products,” she says. Through N&J, she wants to educate mothers about the essentials of breastmilk, making them comfortable to breastfeed in public without feeling awkward. “I always say the person who designed breastfeeding-wear was a man, as he did not understand 24 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

also receives a letter from the mother they have helped indirectly by purchasing our dress.”

Ever since she had Avi, Natasha’s life has transformed drastically. “Motherhood is a choice you make every day to put someone else’s happiness and wellbeing over yours. Sometimes I can’t decide if I need a hug, a double shot expresso, or just two weeks of sleep, but on a serious note, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the chaos, the madness it comes with it. I always say I have three babies – My husband, my little one and work. There are days I feel I need more then 24hrs in a day.” That said, Natasha tells us she feels mothers are way too hard on themselves, and that if anything motherhood has taught her, it’s to be patient, manage time better and enjoy the little things in life.

That obviously comes with a lot of experience and a change in routine.

Natasha’s days begin at 5.30am when she hits the gym, wakes up Avi for nursery, makes breakfast, plans her day and leaves for work, where she is at until 1pm when she picks up her son from school to eat lunch with him and hear his super imaginative stories. Natasha heads back to the workshop, comes home by 5:30 to feed him dinner and for playtime, replies back to emails until 7:30, and tucks Avi into bed while reading a bedtime story. “If I have a little time and no events to attend, I watch Netflix or read a good book and knock out by 11pm.” No matter how busy the day gets, Natasha makes sure she is there for him after school and in the evening during playtime. “He is my biggest project and adventure. I love the madness, so I find it fun. I thank my husband too, who takes equal responsibility when it comes to Avi. We try to divide our time with him, so it makes life easy and simple.” As a mum, Natasha tells me it’s important to be resilient, patient and prioritize things.

how a woman’s body changes after giving birth. Every woman likes looking good irrespective of whether they are pregnant, feeding or have several kids,” says Natasha. The brand’s USP is that it caters to all occasions. Mums can find something to wear at home, for work, or a party. The dresses come with hidden zips that are apt for mums who are breast-feeding. “If you take a closer look

at the N&J logo, you will notice that the ‘&’ symbol is of a pregnant lady with a needle. N stands for Nats and J stands for Jun. I conceptualised the brand when I was pregnant, so I named it after the initials of me and my husband,” she says.

The profits from each dress goes to an economically challenged mum during her pregnancy and after giving birth. “We put back what we earn. At times a customer

How does she manage motherhood and her brand? Natasha says “Follow the four C’s in life. Concealer, caffeine, confidence and cuddles. I always say if we women collectively decide that we will not procreate, there will be no civilization or human race. So, we should never undermine the power of being a woman, and especially mothers. Each one of us needs a pat on the back for having unique super powers. If you can raise a little human, you can do everything. Did I mention I am a bit of a feminist?”

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 25

L E A R N I N G

|

D E V E L O P M E N T

Take your child's education in your hands with advice from these professionals

26 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

|

P E R F O R M A N C E

Regent, The Greens (04) 391 8886

education

MEET the TEACHER ADVERTORIAL

A performer turned teacher with a Masters in Dance Education from London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dance and more than 16 years’ international experience, Heather Bloy’s professional career in the world of dance and theatre includes credits as a choreographer, teacher trainer, examiner and university lecturer.

In 2017, a dramatically different – and new – role at Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba saw her take on a challenging brief to develop an innovative Creative Performing Arts curriculum.

She says: “Our approach at Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba is underpinned by one simple value – that the Arts is not an elitist area where success should be enjoyed by the few but is a space where every child should be able to experience success.”

Heather Bloy

Teacher of Creative Performing Arts at Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba, raises the curtain on the importance of the Arts as part of a well-rounded curriculum

Weekly lessons are structured around creation, performance, and appreciation with the curriculum designed to develop and nurture theatre and dance skills, students’ understanding and use of the language of the Arts, as well as articulate personal growth.

According to Heather, this approach “ensures that students retain creative ownership of their work and also fosters the development of the whole child through encouraging creativity, originality, collaboration, reflection and communication.”

Her own professional journey from performing artist to teacher and leader was shaped by a desire to nurture student enjoyment, understanding and motivation to study the Arts.

“Like all Kings’ teachers, I’m a strong believer in extending our students’ For more information go to kings-edu.com/nadalsheba

28 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

learning experiences beyond the classroom. An extensive Arts programme is fundamental to a child's development and that of a supportive, adventurous school community. All our children are given numerous opportunities to stand out and be celebrated throughout the year."

Barely two years on, the school has been shortlisted in the Creative and Performing Arts category for the 2019 Top School Awards, and she reports that Kings’ students have wholeheartedly embraced the Creative Performing Arts curriculum. “They never cease to amaze me in their ability to ‘go for it’ and try their hand at everything and anything.

“This is fostered through our nonjudgmental lesson environment, which means that children are playing, exploring, creating and performing in a safe place. As a result, they are achieving far beyond what is expected for their age.”

A favourite moment for Heather, to date, was a Year 4 National Day student performance of ‘‘The Falcon Dance’. She explains: “The piece was devised by the children themselves and watching the parents’ faces and seeing that realisation of what their children were capable of as the piece unfolded, was truly rewarding.

“There was something special about this performance, in that it shattered some perceptions about the values of the Arts and what our students are capable of. The fact that this is still being spoken about in our school community illustrates the power of the Arts and is a great source of personal pride.”

education

Dealing with

EXAM STRESS

Mums, how do you help your child during the exam period? Marc Karam, CEO of taddrees (a tutor-matching mobile app based in the UAE) offers advice so that parents can be of assistance 30 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

It’s funny how as you grow up and school becomes a distant memory, the torturous memories of exam-related stress fade into the past too. You’ve been through all the same things your child is going through, and yet how often do you hear, “Mum, dad, you just don’t understand!” But you do understand. You just tend to forget.

You remember the good times like they happened yesterday, but you tend to block out the pre-exam panics, the frantic nights spent revising and the dread in the 24-hours leading up to exams.

The fact is, no matter how much times change, and testing technologies and school and college expectations change, exams are still a tough time for most students. As parents, you want to do as much as you can to help make it easier for them. The severity of exam stress may vary between cultures, curriculums, and countries, but all in all, it's stress, it’s usually spread over a few weeks if not months, and it's not good for your children.

As a parent, you might unknowingly be adding to that stress sometimes by putting down expectations, comparisons and even developing study plans that might not necessarily be realistic or suitable for your kids. Here are a few things you can do to help your child manage the stress well, and carry the load a little more comfortably: Encourage good lifestyle habits all year round It is vital that you encourage your kids to eat well and get plenty of sleep and exercise, all year round. Try to help them establish a study plan and schedule so they're not cramming in late hours of the night during exams. It really helps to establish these habits outside of just exam-time to get them comfortable in the good patterns, rather than divert their mind with these lifestyle changes when they’re already coping with a study overload.

Create a study-friendly space A study area full of books, learning resources and a sturdy study-desk and chair help children learn better. It’s the same idea as having a home office for yourself. Sitting down at their study desks triggers productivity mode, and students will feel more focused and energetic. If the opportunity presents itself, or if this is something you can consider right now, let your kids help pick their desk and chair, and play a part in making their study space special and more personal. It’s likely that

they would use and enjoy a space they helped create much more than just sitting at the dining table with their homework.

Identify their learning style Learning styles are a key aspect of every students’ journey through school. Identifying how your child likes to learn best is a great way to make learning more fun and alleviate the pressure of ‘studying’ for exams. If you enjoy the subject matter, chances are you’ll retain it and be able to apply it better. Your child might be a visual learner, aural, verbal or kinesthetic.

A great private tutor is a great support system Private tutors are, in many ways, undervalued. Yes, they can help fill gaps in understanding and ensure better grades, but a great tutor instills a much deeper, more positive relationship with learning and test-taking on the whole. If exams are a challenge for your child, speak to their private tutor and let them know that that’s an aspect that needs attention. A good tutor will help your child cope better with academic challenges and remove the blocks that make exams stressful for them – at least in the subjects they teach, if not across the board.

No expectations and ultimatums So many parents are guilty of this, most of them unknowingly. Weighing your

child down with your expectations and ultimatums changes their motivations for learning, studying and excelling at school. They start to want to do well because ‘somebody wants them to’ or because ‘someone will be unhappy’ if they don’t, rather than developing a more sustainable, self-accountable approach.

Once you have given your kids all the tools and aids to help them do well, your job is to teach them to do their best and forget the rest. That philosophy takes a lot of undue pressure off of students and they grow to enjoy academic success rather than rebelling it, or worse, fearing the outcome of falling short of your expectations. In the long run, it matters that a students’ learning is meaningful.

Think back for a few moments: Chances are that you remember even the most complicated lessons taught by a teacher whose lessons you loved but tend to forget all the things that you were forced to cram the night before an exam.

Dreading exams is never going to allow that meaningful learning to happen.

Teach your kids a new perspective – help them see that exams are just a way to clear one milestone and move to the next and that learning is a life-long enjoyable journey. Exams are just a few stops along the way to make sure they're getting along alright. Watch the stress melt away once you help them see that.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 31

education

LEARNING

ARABIC IS FUN

An engaging and interactive approach can result in better learning outcomes for students. Fabio d’Emilio, Service Delivery and Publishing Director at Pearson Middle East shares simple ways native and non-native speakers can be better engaged to learn Arabic

32 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

A 2017 survey carried out by the UAE government showed that only 68 per cent of students in the UAE were highly skilled in Arabic, according to national tests.

This is no surprise – most parents in the UAE today complain that their children do not show the same levels of progress in Arabic as they show in other subjects, especially if they are non-native speakers.

Indeed, an estimated 83.5 per cent of the UAE population is made up by expats. As younger students continue to struggle with literacy in the Arabic language, schools in the UAE are being urged to dedicate more time to teaching Arabic reading and language comprehension skills. A big reason for this is the teaching methodology widely used across schools. Most educators would agree that traditional ways result in teachers having trouble engaging children in the classroom.

While the Internet and online resources have changed the way other subjects are mastered, Arabic is still taught primarily through older practices.

Schools, therefore, need to promote a new approach – and one that will engage kids better, make learning fun, and ultimately result in stronger Arabic skills. An interactive approach can boost learning by leaps and bounds. Here Fabio d’Emilio, Service Delivery and Publishing Director at Pearson Middle East shares some simple ways in which both native and non-native speakers can be better engaged to learn Arabic more easily.

Use of creative characters that children find appealing Educators and researchers have found that a child’s enjoyment of learning directly relates to their desire and willingness to learn. In other words, the more enjoyable learning is, the more likely a child will be engaged. The use of engaging characters enormously transforms the learning process for kids and is likely to result in better outcomes.

Inquiry-based approach This type of learning encourages students to engage in the process of looking for data and to independently seek answers to their questions, rather than being handed information. Not only does this method of teaching help children to gain a better understanding

and retain knowledge better, but it also puts them in control of what they learn, developing key 21st-century skills such as collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

Blended learning can make a big difference This style of education combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional classroom face-to-face teaching. Programmes such as Pearson’s bilArabi (a new Arabic language program for K-9 students in the

UAE for UK and US curriculum schools) are based on a blended learning approach, where children can access their Student eBook through the digital component, and take part in online practice activities, such as quizzes to test their Arabic language knowledge and understanding. This suits traditional and more technologically advanced schools. It also helps parents and teachers support students to achieve their potential, and seamlessly progress to the next level of learning, through the effective integration of print and digital content and activities.

The use of photo and video A learning program which uses a blend of illustrations and real-life photos along with course content will engage students better. There should also be a seamless link between the print and digital components, helping students focus on learning activities and teachers deliver lessons with ease, thereby improving the overall learning and teaching experience.

Literature-based An interactive and quality Arabic learning should include a comprehensive range of informational and literature reading texts which ensure children are fully immersed in reading and writing from the beginning of the course. This allows them to become better readers, writers and thinkers. Stories which are engaging accelerate language proficiency and progress.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 33

N U T R I T I O N

|

W E L L B E I N G

|

V I T A L I T Y

Everything mums need to know about healthy eating, pregnancy and wellbeing.

Turn over for expert advice

34 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

R U O T N A W E W !

K C O R O T S K C O L How about a hair care range that’s tough alps? One that’s packed on tangles but gentle on sc redients. full of naturally derived ing le for sensitive SKIN It’s so gentle, it’s even suitab BE PRONE TO eczema. and SAFE FOR PEOPLE WHO MAY childsfarm.com

health

DEALING WITH

Anxiety

For many women who have just become new mothers, feelings of anxiousness are more common than feeling ‘blue’. Yet there is greater awareness about antenatal and postnatal depression than there is about anxiety. Nicola Beer shares her advice

F

eeling anxious is a normal human trait that plays a crucial role in situations that may be dangerous. When we are faced with a dangerous situation, our bodies react physically. We release adrenaline, our breathing changes and the fight or flight response is triggered. The difference between experiencing anxiety when you face danger and when you are suffering from an anxiety issue is that you will likely experience these same symptoms (adrenaline and breathing rate) when there is no threat or danger to yourself or loved ones. This physical reaction creates emotional and mental stress too.

When a woman becomes a mother, it is completely natural that she is going to have feelings of apprehension as everything is new. Anxiety is a problem when the feelings become overwhelming and tend to intrude on her daily life.

SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AFTER CHILDREN ARE BORN Women who are extremely anxious during their pregnancy or after they have given birth usually present the following symptoms: • Feeling on the edge all the time • Restlessness • Irritability and finding it hard to concentrate. You will get annoyed easily, snap at people and will not be able to concentrate on anything she does or tries to do 36 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

When a woman is experiencing anxiety, her behaviour will also likely change and certain habits/ occurrences will become present. These can include excessively worrying about everything from her child’s health to her own, obsessive cleaning or checking in on the baby, panic attacks characterised by heart palpitations, sweating, hot flushes or chills, trembling, feeling dizzy, breath shortness and discomfort in the chest area.

7 TIPS FOR WOMEN WITH ANXIETY

Eat Well

I used to hate the saying you are what you eat. But it's true and having a great nutritional diet will impact your mood, energy levels and ability to deal with internal and external stress. Caffeine is well-known to be an anxiety inducer, so best to stay away from it as much as possible. The same goes for alcohol.

Your feelings of anxiety may be so overwhelming that you might feel the urge to have a glass of wine or two to help you relax. Although this may work in the short term, alcohol actually changes the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, making your symptoms worse, especially the day after. I didn't realize it until I started helping people with anxiety that not drinking enough water can make your anxiety symptoms worse too.

Dehydration can cause all sorts of stress on the body which leads to stress on the mind. For example, dehydration can actually cause heart palpitations, which can lead to feelings of panic, that may trigger an anxiety attack.

Write it out

One of the worst aspects of anxiety is not knowing why you feel nervous in the first place. You could be lying on an idyllic beach with the ocean waves lapping in the distance and still feel worried for absolutely no reason. That’s when writing can help. It can be an effective way to explore how you feel, especially if talking

“

adrenaline. Walking outside in the fresh air can also improve your well-being, especially when done in nature. There is something about connecting to mother earth.

Turn off your phone

If your

Being constantly plugged can be a cause of stress for many, feeling they need to reply to people quickly and be available.

Don’t be afraid to turn off your phone once in a while. Use it as a chance to practice mindfulness and be really present in the moment.

feelings of anxiety are

making it hard to function, you should speak to a

Hypnotherapy

professional you can trust

“

• Sleep issues. You will not be able to fall asleep or stay asleep when she desperately needs to • Muscle tension. Feeling sore, aching and unable to really move with ease • Changes in appetite and weight - either not wanting to eat at all or eating too much too often.

out loud feels impossible. Studies show that keeping a journal is actually a healthy way to deal with negative feelings and can help reduce stress. Another study found that anxious test participants who wrote a few notes before the test, about how they were feeling and what they were thinking, performed better than those who didn’t.

Talk to someone you trust

If your feelings of anxiety are making it hard to function, you should speak to a professional you can trust. Talking to friends can also help, depending on their ability to listen patieintly and not judge.

Adopt a mantra

Positive affirmations can help shift your mood. Having a mantra, you repeat to yourself when you feel anxious like “This feeling is only temporary” will support you to feel calm.

Walk it off

Sometimes, when you’re experiencing anxiety, it’s because of a buildup of adrenaline. Exercise, even if it’s just a walk, can help use up that extra

Hypnosis is a natural state of deep relaxation. In 1955 it was recognised as a legitimate therapeutic technique by the British Medical Association and is now considered an accepted part of health treatment. As a counselor and coach, I use hypnotherapy for mothers who have anxiety over money, their children and their relationships, as well as people with social anxiety. Hypnotherapy can change your life for the better, and the great thing is you don’t even have to believe that it will. You can be skeptical, and it can still work as it has been scientifically proven to make changes when you listen to the track repeatedly which is why I create a special track for each person I work with and record it for them, so they can listen to each night for lasting results.

Plan ahead

Reflect on what currently makes you feel anxious and take the necessary actions to reduce the things that stress you out. For example, if seeing your house in a mess causes you anxiety, it can be a good idea to get someone to help. Another important thing to consider is what helps you to relax? If you don't have any ways to relax then perhaps now is the time to write a list of things that can help you switch off. If you are struggling right now, do reach out to someone you can share your feelings with in confidence, where you won't be judged. Many wait for time to help but sadly anxiety often gets worse over time when left to escalate.

Nicola Beer is an Individual and Relationship counselor in Dubai. Visit nicolabeer.com for free e-books, podcast audios and to book a session

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 37

health

ADVERTORIAL

SPOTLIGHT:

EARLY PREGNANCY Have a friend who’s pregnant, or just found out you may be?

This early pregnancy guide may come in handy. Being away from family at this point of your life can be tough, and sure, there are plenty of books out there, but it’s always best to get advice from an expert. Here, Dr. Mariam Georgette Awatai, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dr Sulaimanv Al Habib Medical Centre, discusses do’s and don’ts for mums in their first trimester “Pregnancy is not a disease. When women find out that they are pregnant, it is important for them to meet their medical practitioner for an assessment and pregnancy planning.

This allows the woman and her carers to set out an agreed pregnancy schedule and share the journey together. We do not want women to feel that their pregnancy is a medical condition requiring multiple medical interventions”, says Dr Mariam Georgette Awatai, Consultant and Head Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road. Here Dr Mariam answers essential questions for women in their first trimester.

What to ask your medical practitioner?

One of the most important ways of optimising pregnancy outcomes and ensuring a positive experience for the woman and her family is to visit the Obstetrician and Gynaecologist for preconceptual counseling. This occurs at the time the couple are planning or considering a pregnancy. In the preconceptual period, a full and detailed medical assessment can be performed, and risk factors identified, including any significant pre-existing medical conditions the woman might have.

This allows women to embark on pregnancy with confidence, greatly reducing the risks in early pregnancy.

advice on having a safe and well- informed pregnancy experience. Some of the questions include - “how do I keep my baby healthy in early pregnancy? What do I avoid?

How do I prevent common early pregnancy complications?, What is a healthy diet in early pregnancy? What types of tests will I require? Will my baby be screened for chromosomal, genetic or structural problems and when?

Women can ask as many questions in the early pregnancy as they require, with the aim of providing them reassurance and

The medical practitioner should be asked to set out a clear pregnancy schedule of appointments and map out what the woman

38 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

should expect in her antenatal period. The expectations of the mum-to-be should be explored by the medical practitioner and following full risk assessment a care plan can be agreed for the pregnancy and delivery.

Most Obstetricians would agree that by the 8th to the 10th week, all pregnant mothers should have visited their medical practitioner for a review where women can ask about any of their concerns for the pregnancy. Having practiced for over 25 years in the field, I advocate that

ADVERTORIAL pregnancy should be normalised as much as possible for all women, even those who have high risk medical or obstetric complications. The woman’s experience can be positively enhanced with good communication, support and staying always watchful for changes during the pregnancy. Promoting an open-minded approach to the pregnancy and not over medicalising women are associated with best outcomes for women and their families.

What is normal in the first trimester

Firstly, the body goes through a lot of physiological changes in pregnancy and women must be prepared for this and understand that these changes are normal. They may experience nausea, mild vomiting at any time of the day, not just mornings, feeling full and bloated, constipation, heartburn, breast tenderness, increased sleepiness, frequent urination, swelling in the vulva and bluish discoloration from dilated veins in the vulva and lower legs.

If these symptoms are exaggerated such as excessive nausea and vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, severe constipation with hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding, severe heartburn with vomiting of coffee-like granules or blood, pain when passing urine or pain in the calves from severe varicosities in the veins, then the woman will need to seek medical assistance.

What other body changes can a mum expect?

Physiological changes in pregnancy start from the beginning of the first trimester and vary from woman to woman. They are as a result of the effect of pregnancy hormones Beta HCG and Progesterone causing vasodilatation and relaxation of smooth muscles. There is also the effect of increased blood volume which occurs to accommodate for the baby. Therefore, the other body changes include increased sweating, fatigue and breathlessness.

There can swelling of the feet and ankles, darkening of the areolar area around the nipple, increased pigmentation on the skin.

I recommend to women in general that if they are not sure of changes that occurring or have any concerns regarding physiological adaptation they must seek advice from their medical practitioner.

Are there any red flag symptoms?

There are a variety of ‘red flag’ symptoms in early pregnancy that women should be aware of and seek medical assistance early for. These symptoms are associated with early pregnancy complications such as threatened miscarriage, missed miscarriage, septic miscarriage, molar pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and other co-existing problems in early pregnancy such as ovarian cysts, fibroids and medical co-morbidities. They include symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, shoulder- tip pain, vaginal bleeding, pain when opening bowels or passing urine and fever. Excessive vomiting in pregnancy with inability to drink fluids also should be a red flag for mothers to seek medical assistance. Lastly, the sudden cessation of normal pregnancy symptoms is a red flag and should prompt the woman to seek medical assistance and assess the well being of the early developing baby.

Should mums be taking specific supplements in the first trimester?

All mums-to-be should be on folic acid supplementation in the three months leading to her pregnancy and during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. This is proven to reduce the risk for neural tube defects in the unborn child such as spina bifida (a birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the spine and membranes around the spinal cord).

For a healthy mother who has no pre-existing medical conditions, who is not vegan and eats a a balance of plant and animal protein as well as who is not affected by excessive nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, additional supplementation is not required in the first trimester. Supplements such as iron, calcium, omega 3 fatty acids and iodine do not need to be started in the first trimester and may lead to increased nausea and gastric symptoms such as constipation.

These supplements mentioned can be started in the second trimester and would improve compliance and tolerability.

The importance of a healthy and balanced diet in pregnancy cannot be overemphasized and cannot be replaced by dietary supplementation.

Is there anything a mum should avoid in the first trimester?

The main concerns in the first trimester is

to avoid exposure to situations which could affect the early fetal development and cause malformation. There are a range of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological things to avoid.

As mentioned earlier drugs which may have been used to treat pre-existing medical problems in the mother must be reviewed such as anti-convulsants, some anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic medicines, lipid-lowering preparations and anticoagulants. By having a pre-conceptual visit with your medical practitioner these medications will be reviewed and the potentially harmful ones will be stopped and replaced.

Avoidance of x-rays is well known in the first trimester or the use of abdominal shields where it is unavoidable is recommended.

Certain foods which are associated with an increased risk of infections like Listeriosis should be avoided such as un-pasteurised dairy products, pates, soft cheeses like Brie etc. Generally, foods should be prepared and cooked thoroughly before consumption.

Fish and shell-fish can be consumed in pregnancy but in reduced portions such as one serving a week to avoid the inadvertent exposure to mercurial chemicals and other toxins applicable to both farmed and fresh seafood.

Avoidance of direct contact with young children who have unexplained fevers or rash is advised in pregnancy due to inadvertent exposure to infections such as Rubella, Chicken pox, etc. in non - immune mums. For mothers who are pet-owners, it is advised to avoid handling pet litter to reduce the risk of infections like Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy.

Avoidance of fever and dehydration in early pregnancy is important with the advice to use simple cooling remedies and/or take simple paracetamol 1000mg stat in the event of a temperature of over 37.8 degrees and stay well hydrated. If the temperature does not settle, mums should seek medical assistance immediately.

Travel in early pregnancy is usually fine in the absence of any complications. Mums need to use simple precautions like staying well hydrated, wearing travel socks and in long haul flights staying mobile with regular bathroom breaks. The risk for venous thrombo-embollism or blood clots in the legs or lungs is increased significantly after the 28th week of pregnancy and air travel is generally discouraged at this time.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 39

health

WELLBEING TALK

The latest in health and fitness

FESTIVAL ALERT

TRY THIS:

RealRyder at Surge Body Fitness

The Yas Fitness & Wellbeing Festival is back for two days on March 1st and 2nd at Gateway Park South, Yas Island. Mums, head there with the family for fitness classes, an obstacle course, a spot of shopping, to let the children enjoy at the Kids’ Zone, and relish nutritious food. This year, you can also unwind at the relaxation zone, try yoga and Pilates, attend workshops, and participate in women-only and family-friendly classes.

Free entry, visit fitfest.ae to register and view the schedule

GEAR UP

Puma, A.C.E All Me leggings, Dhs230 at Namshi

Continental 80 low-top leather sneakers.

Dhs475 at Adidas stores

40 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

If spinning is your go-to class, you will love these tilt bikes for overall body toning. Head to the relaxed fitness studio to try the RealRyder bike, which moves from side-to-side to simulate an outdoor bike ride. The studio features neutral hues where you instantly feel energized, and once done, you can head to the changing room facilities that are fully stocked with luxury grooming and skincare essentials.

Three-month packages are available for Dhs2,000, while annual packages are Dhs6,000. Book your class through the Mindbody app

Looking to up your Vitamin D3 intake?

Add Koita’s Organic strawberry milk to your post-workout shake. The 100 per cent pure cow’s milk is free from artificial preservatives and made with 100 per cent pure cow’s milk.

Dhs5.50 at leading supermarkets

#HEALTHTREND ASHWAGANDHA

This medicinal herb, classified as an adaptogen (helps your body manage stress), has been used in Ayurveda for over 3,000 years. Known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry, it helps relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration. In addition to this, ashwagandha may help reduce blood sugar levels, cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, and aids with constipation, insomnia, fever and gastrointestinal issues. Add the powder (dosage of 450mg to 2g) to smoothies, coffee or tea, or have it as a capsule. Please check with a medical practitioner if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

F A M I L Y

|

F A S H I O N

|

L I F E S T Y L E

Read through to find out how you and your family can live an eco-friendly lifestyle

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 41

good living

ECO-GUIDE TO PARENTING As a parent, we want to give our kids the best in the world. However, while taking all the efforts, we sometimes forget that kids mostly learn from their parents. Amruta Kshemkalyani, a sustainability and green-building consultant and founder of sustainabilitytribe.com offers advice to parents looking to bring positive changes to their family lifestyle

42 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

W

hen it comes to taking care of our environment, it’s important to expose children to good practices early on in life, so that they don’t need to re-learn the good practices in their adulthood, like most of us. An earthfriendly or sustainable lifestyle begins with small actions. From my experience as a mother, once we adopt small changes in our daily routine, our kids automatically start following our steps. Here are a few to begin with:

on their plate. They will understand why they shouldn’t waste food. This is also a great way of connecting with nature and yourself.

Enjoy cleaning up outdoors

Say no to overconsumption

Say no to plastic bags, straws and disposables

This is the most important thing we can teach our kids. Don’t let them litter anywhere and make it a point you are not doing this yourself. If you keep this rule loose or bend it conveniently, kids will learn to bend rules conveniently. So, every time you are outdoors, at the parks, desert or beach, clean up before you leave.

In our family, we don’t just clean up our garbage, but we make it a point to clean up other areas, so that our son can learn the importance of taking responsibility.

Grow your food It’s important to understand the adverse impact of disposables and plastic waste on our health and the environment. Plastic waste, for instance, those that are lighter in weight like bags and straws end up in sea and create garbage patches in the ocean. This garbage doesn’t just harm sea-life but also dissolves and ends up on our plate, not only through seafood but also in the form of salt. Therefore, it’s essential for each of us to make a habit of saying no to disposables and start using reusable items like bags, water bottle, and tea mugs. It’s better not to hide these facts about waste from kids, maybe you can tell younger kids while playing with their toys like turtles or sea creatures, on how plastic waste can harm these animals.

If children see their mums shopping all the time, and buying plenty of clothes and shoes, they will feel overconsumption is the norm. Mum, it’s time to audit yourself to see if you overconsume anything? It could be electronics, cosmetics or even fast food. We don’t want our kids to get lost in material things, we want them to have a healthy body and mind in a livable environment. And so, we need to say no to overconsumption. Today’s overconsumption is tomorrow’s waste.

Overconsumption is also waste of our planet’s precious resources. It’s important to teach kids needs vs wants early on.

Reuse and Recycle

Involve them in gardening. Once they see the effort that goes into one single fruit, like a tomato, and when they feel the joy of seeing the fruits of their labour; they will automatically understand why they need to respect plants and even food MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 43

good living

When kids want to throw something out ask them if they can make something new out of their unwanted item? If they want to buy something, ask them instead of buying, can they make it at home out of waste material? This is when they will learn how to reuse. To teach them how to recycle, involve them in sorting recyclables before storing them, and make it a point to take children with you when going to the recycling stations.

Ask them to help you drop recyclables in segregated bins too. If you are composting at home, involve them in this activity as well.

about the environmental impact as well as health benefits of wooden toys, and talk about adverse effects of using plastic.

Be kind to people, plants and animals

If you spend your weekends being a couch potato, your kids will never know the joy of spending time outdoors. Make sure to take your kids outdoors, to parks, the beach, desert or farms, and a wildlife park, where they can learn more about the natural eco-system. On holiday, make it a point to spend time outdoors and let you kids understand how natural systems are different in various parts of the world.

In the UAE or while travelling, go camping with your kids and enjoy the great outdoors without any luxuries.

Give back/volunteer

We teach our children manners, but it’s important to teach them kindness too. Don’t just limit it to people, but also extend it to animals and plants. When kids are hurting animals for fun, point out that they are being unkind to the animal.

When they run over shrubs, let them know that they are actually hurting the plant.

Be caring towards people, plants and animals and while doing that, talk to your children about why you are doing so.

They learn from your actions. Make it a point to teach them about helping others as well.

Spend time in nature

Use natural material and local produce While shopping for anything like clothes, bags, stationery and toys; select natural materials and talk to your children about this, where they come from and why they are better. For example, ask them to go for wooden toys over plastic. Inform them

Teach your kids to give back or volunteer, this is the best gift you can give them. Through research, scientists have discovered that volunteering or contributing selflessly leads to happiness.

You could get your children to sign up for an environmental cleanup project, tree planting or a social cause.

Over the last ten years, Amruta has been sharing her knowledge and experience of living, travelling sustainable, green parenting and raising awareness through Sustainability Tribe. She has also been instrumental in allowing corporates to reach their sustainability goals and is a keynote speaker on topics related to sustainability.

Amruta is also the founder of the #ZeroWasteUAE initiative.

44 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

good living

GO NATURAL Nicola Monteath interviews Sofi Chabowski, Owner of Eggs & Soldiers (Dubai-based store and online shopping platform stocking international and locally-sourced natural baby products) to explore why parents should make the switch 46 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Should parents consider natural/ organic products for their babies?

the products. Choose smaller, more niche brands, whose entire ethos (and livelihood) is devoted to the quality of their product.

The rule of quality, not quantity, also applies here. Often natural/organic products last much longer than standard products.

They are often made with more love and the consumables often last longer, as you generally only need to use a very little bit.

Nowadays, through clever marketing and stretching regulations to max, it’s quite frankly scary what is actually in some of the products we assume are good quality and safe to use on ourselves and our children. There wasn’t anywhere near the same level of chemicals used in our day-to-day products in the past as there are today. Nothing was labelled ‘organic’ this or that, but most products were organic, as that’s just how things were grown.

In recent years, there has been a huge spike in allergies, auto-immune problems, additional learning needs – the list goes on – and one of the suspected culprits is the vast array of chemicals we are now exposed to.

By choosing natural and organic products, we can minimise our exposure to these very harmful things.

Do you have any tips for beginners trying to make the journey to natural/organic?

One step at a time. Don’t try to change everything at once, it will overwhelm you, and it can be expensive too. Do your research so you can be sure you’re not being conned by clever marketing and are spending your money wisely. Keep it simple, you don’t need a gadget or a cream for everything. Many things have multiple uses.

Is it important for children to wear organic or natural clothing?

Personally, I would say, natural, yes. Organic, when possible. I always prefer to choose natural fabrics for myself and children rather than synthetic fabrics. I find them more comfortable, breathable, and often cooler for the warm climate. Of course, synthetic fabrics are engineered to suit and therefore you can get cooling fabrics, but to me, they just don’t feel right on. Why swap a natural, breathable fabric like cotton for a sweaty synthetic fabric with ‘air holes’ in it to keep you cool? As for organic, that simply refers to the way the crop was grown before it was made into a yarn. This mainly applies to cotton (bamboo naturally grows organically but it’s a very chemically intensive process to turn it into a yarn, which negates the ‘organic’). Cotton requires a lot of pesticides and water to help it grow successfully. The farmers are generally underprivileged, and don’t adhere to chemical safety precautions (if there are any in the country they are working within) and, as a result, the mortality rate is very high.

So, standard cotton becomes a controversial product. For this reason, I much prefer organic fabrics, but the reality is that it is often more expensive to buy organic, so not always feasible for a family.

It can be quite expensive to revamp a wardrobe. Is it fine to buy secondhand or use hand-medowns?

Absolutely! Hand-me-down is my middle name, particularly when it comes to kids’ clothes. They generally fit into their clothes and shoes for such a short time, so by the

FIVE KEY PIECES TO BUY

Skin care essentials – shampoo, body wash/ bubble bath, moisturiser.

time they’ve outgrown them, they are still in very usable condition - especially for babies, when clothes sizing is usually a three-month age range. Passing items around or buying and selling though groups on social media is a great way to bag a bargain. Also, the Baby Bazaar market is my go-to place for secondhand shopping. You can get some real gems, often with labels still on, for bargain prices.

What should you keep in mind when shopping or buying natural/ organic gifts?

Beware of clever marketing. The words ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ can be used very loosely. An item containing one organic ingredient can be labelled ‘made with organic ingredients’, but the rest of the ingredients could in fact be chemicals. In general, I steer away from the mainstream brands, as many have jumped on the current organic trend, and will often do the bare minimum to comply with regulations to pass

Nappies - babies wear them 24/7. My preference is cloth nappies, but some ecodisposables are low-chemical too. Again, don’t be fooled, some eco-disposables are no different to mainstream nappies. I love the Bamboo Nature eco-disposables we stock at Eggs & Soldiers. They carry the Nordic Ecolabel certification, which is really hard to get and guarantees sustainability. They’re dermatologically-tested, great for sensitive skin and incredible soft too.

Food ware – ditch the plastic. Instead opt for metal, glass or wooden items. Silicone is a great alternative to plastic and much safer, chemically speaking.

Clothes – a lot of fashion brands focus on the look rather than the feel or comfort of clothing, which is vital for babies and children. Ignore cartoon character clothing with plastic transfer designs and opt for natural fabrics.

Kids don’t need loads of clothes, so go for quality over quantity.

Bedding – babies sleep a lot. Regular mattresses contain some scary chemicals including formaldehyde, which is emitted into the air the baby then breathes in for hours on end. Opt for a natural mattress made from coconut husk, natural latex or organic sheep’s wool (naturally fire retardant).

The Eggs & Soldiers store is located on the Ground Floor of Times Square Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road. You can also shop online at eggsnsoldiers.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 47

good living

Clean Living

Natural products for you and your child For clean, organic and nutritious meals for your infants, look no further than Chubby Cheeks Organics. Catered towards children between six months to three years, the meal delivery service offers packages for weaning, or according to your child’s age. Your child can savour fruity yoghurt parfait, avobanana, veggies and lentils, lasagna, cauliflower pizza, beef stew and plenty of other mouthwatering dishes.

Betadine have expanded to launch a Natural Defense range with natural antimicrobials and herbal extracts to kill 99.9 per cent of germs. The range features hand and body wash products that are apt for mums looking to protect their children from harsh chemicals. Choose from fragrances including manuka honey, tea tree oil, pomegranate and eucalyptus oil.

Available at leading pharmacies and supermarkets in the region

The packages are available from Dhs366, visit chubbycheeks.ae

This gentle nappy formula from Fifi & Friends creates a durable barrier and contains zinc oxide, an astringent which reduces the loss of tissue fluid.

Protective Nappy Formula, Dhs75 at leading supermarkets and mumzworld.com

Little hands need cutlery that’s easy to grip. This adorable Done by Deer YummyPlus cutlery set is free from PVC, BPA and phthalates, and available in three colours. Let them pick their favourite colour to make meal time all the more enjoyable.

Since your baby’s skin is quite sensitive, use WaterWipes to clean their hands, mouths after meal time, or during nappy-changes. These wipes are free from all the nasties and made with 99.9 per cent water and 0.1 per cent grapefruit seed extract. Mums can even use it to take off make-up. We highly suggest keeping a pack in every handbag.

Dhs80 at littlewren.com

Dhs21 at leading supermarkets and pharmacies

48 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

F A M I L Y

|

F A S H I O N

|

L I F E S T Y L E

Read through for the latest in dining, spas, beauty and fashion. This section is all about catering to mums, and modern women, so we've highlighted only the best MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 49

good living

GOOD NIGHT’S sleep Ensure your baby gets a restful sleep with the ClevaMama ClevaFoam Baby Pillow. Combining comfort and support, this pillow is scientifically proven to reduce pressure on the back of your baby’s head by 50 per cent, and increase support by 80 per cent, thereby helping to prevent flat head syndrome.

The lightweight, breathable fabric and foams are hypoallergenic, PH balanced and toxin-free for babies who suffer from asthma and allergies, and ideal for babies to use from birth until 12 months.

Dhs79 at Mothercare and Clevamama.com

CANON E0S M50

This sleek white exterior Canon camera is apt for mums looking to capture those special moments. Lightweight, and compact in size, the camera is easy to pack into just about any large handbag. The easy-to-use interface offers extensive control over the settings, and the quick and accurate

autofocus function makes sure you get the shot and begin filming in a matter of seconds – we all know how swift we need to be when it comes to capturing a child’s first steps or a smile on camera. Some of the key features include 4k video recording, fully-articulated touchscreen and ease

50 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

of connectivity. Furthermore, the image quality is excellent. You can connect the camera to your phone via Wifi or Bluetooth, using the Camera Connect app for Android or iOS, and share your photos instantly to upload your favourite shots on social media.

Dhs2,189 at uaestore.canon-me.com

WHAT'S

IN STORE

CATCH ‘EM ALL All-time favourite kid’s TV show, Pokémon, have release a new collection of plush toys for imaginative play, to stimulate their senses.

Choose from 8-inch basic plush toys including pikachu, Torchic, Riolu, Banette, Eevee, large plush toys such as Gengar and Snorlax, poke plush ball, plush toys such as Blastoise and Pikachu, and clip-on plush keyrings.

From Dhs59 at Virgin Megastores, Toys R Us, Kiddy Zone, Borders, Hamleys, The Toy Store, Carrefour, Babyshop and Early Learning Centre.

MAKE IT FANCY Trying to get your kids to eat their sandwiches without kicking up a fuss?

Use these Citron sandwich cutters to give their meals an animal theme. The 29-piece set includes nine sandwich cutters, eight vegetable cutters plus two holders, and ten animal food picks for spearing snacks. Make cheese-and veggie-loaded dinosaur sandwiches, or peanut butter and jam-filled butterflies, the possibilities are endless.

Dhs82.95 at Souq and Mumzworld

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 51

good living 1

8

7

2

3

My Darling Valentine

FOR HER 6

1.Love Moschino Pom Core Logo purse, Dhs532 at Namshi

2. Coin pendant earrings, Dhs79 at Mango 3. La Marquise necklace, from Dhs3,000 at Dubai Mall, MOE and Gold Souk 4. Rose cupcakes, from Dhs21 at Magnolia Bakery 5. Wedgwood Wonderlust Blue Pagoda three-piece set, from Dhs960 at Bloomingdales Homes Dubai

4

6. Linda Meredith Haute Coutour facial, Dhs650 at Coya Spa 7. Makeup gift set with power perfection BB cream, creamy touch lip liner and two mono cube eyeshadows, Dhs164 at The Face Shop 8.Elizabeth Arden Red Door perfume, Dhs135 at Glambeaute.com

52 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

5

1

3

2

My Darling Valentine

4

FOR HIM

5

1. Bronze collection beosound 2, Dhs8,465 at Bang & Olufsen 2. Pauly duffle Dhs6,440 at Bally

3. Ultra-thin red suede timpeice, Dhs1,083 at D1 Milano 4. Grown Alchemist Hydra shaving kit, Dhs205 at Namshi.com 5. Aetherson Pale cufflinks, Dhs209 at Namshi

7

7. Cashmere chevron scarf, Dhs3,150 at Berluti 6. Wedgwood Wonderlust Blue Pagoda photo frame, Dhs417 at Bloomingdales 8. The Ritual of Samurai Refreshing Ritual gift set, Dhs184 at Rituals

6 8

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 53

good living

VANITY

ESSENTIALS Flawless in a Flash Don’t you just love it when a make-up product smells divine? Filorga’s latest Flash-Nude collection instantly reminded us of Chance by Chanel, and we’re glad the products lived up to the scent too. The new line is best used as their three-step process, focusing on the Time-Flash primer to smoothen wrinkles with the unique Lift and Blur technology, and the Pore-Express to smoothen pores and offer a matte-finish in seconds. Follow this with the tinted Fluid for a nude-effect look which boasts Adjustable-Cover technology containing “skinfusion” micro-pigments in an ultra-fluid galenic formula that literally melts into the skin. The fluid contains SPF30 making it ideal for everyday use. Finally, finish off your look with the HD Finish Universal Powder that protects skin with botanical ingredients such as sunflower and tara tannins, both of which are equivalent to the antioxidant power of Vitamin C. Each product is priced individually and available at Boots and other leading pharmacies

Skin-saviours and lust-worthy buys

THE BEAUTY BEAUTY EDIT Top Shelf

New and trendy products to try Looking for an everyday lipstick shade? We love the Hue me? by K7L that lasts all day long with just one single application.

Dhs72.50 at boutiqaat.com or K7LCosmetics.com Fenty Beauty by Rihanna recently launched new matte shades across their longwear Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch concealer line. The medium to full-coverage concealer is as “light-as-air” helping to conceal blemishes, spots, redness and dark under eye circles, without settling into fine lines or pores. It’s sweatresistant making it ideal for women who head to the gym after work.

SAY NO TO ANIMAL TESTING

If you love drinking coconut water and are aware of the health benefits, why not try some for your hair too? The Coconut Water Weightless Volume collection from Hask features a shampoo and conditioners, packing in electrolytes and antioxidants to keep locks hydrated without excess oil or build-up.

Making a stand this year? Look no further than The Face Shop for your skincare essentials. The brand offers a wide range of products with ingredients derived from nature, such as jeju clay to cleanse pores, aloe vera, pearl, Tibetan mushroom, mango seeds, chia seeds and more. If you’re unsure on where to begin, try the Jeju Volcanic Lava collection comprising a soothing gel, nose strips, mud pack and toner to purify skin and give it radiance.

Dhs29 each, at glambeaute.com

From Dhs19-37 at The Face Shop

Dhs115 at Sephora

54 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

STYLE

Jacket, Dhs539 at Desigual

Dress, Dhs1,025 at Gerard Darel

Top, Dhs2,340 and trousers, Dhs1,450 at Alice & Olivia

Sweater, Dhs118, at Promod

Lady in

Purse, Dhs11,200 at Philipp Plein

RED Stylish picks for the month of love

Dress, Dhs259 at Sfera

Adam Selman sunglasses, Dhs437, at shopbop.com Block heel pumps, Dhs429, at Steve Madden

Snake-effect belt, Dhs99 at Mango Red Jeans, Dhs149 at Stradivarius

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 55

good living

STYLE Shirt, Dhs219 at Desigual

Blouse, Dhs139 at Okaidi Obaibi

Dress, AED47 at Babyshop

Riva Kids Sandals, Dhs399 at sophiawebster.com or Level Shoe District

Play with Prints

Boys baroque print t-shirt , Dhs485 at River Island

Il Gufo River Island T-shirt, Dhs95 at Ted Baker

Bag, Dhs510, at Karl Lagerfeld

Blouse, Dhs89 at Zara Knit top, Dhs119 at Zippy

Molo Baby Girls Cotton Dress,Dhs211.5 at Childrensalon.com

56 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

T-shirt, Dhs130 at Zara

good living

Dining In The City Fa m i l y - f r i e n d l y h o t s p o t s

Relaxed Saturday

LE CIRQUE, THE RITZ-CARLTON DIFC

Saturdays are meant for relaxing. At Le Cirque, thankfully they understand this, with their latest launch, the Saturday ‘Brunch Act’, being a laid-back affair where every dish is brought to the table as you listen to classic tunes from the singer. You don’t have to budge from your seat at any given moment, unless you want to take a walk around the terrace in between courses. The menu features Italian dishes with Parisian flair, with a curated menu comprising hot and cold appetisers, egg dishes, main course options,

table-side service for the meat course, and dessert. We highly recommend beginning your meal with the octopus carpaccio with red pepper sorbet; creamy burrata with pesto and tomato; and beef tartare with pungent horseradish and beetroot cubes.

For the next course, the scrambled eggs with salmon and truffle steals the limelight, and you can also try a goats cheese with asparagus frittata, poached egg and French toast. From the hot dishes, don’t miss the seabream mariniere with potato and leek

for a nutritional kick, alongside the pumpkin risotto with truffle and almond. And when the trolley rolls by, take a slide of whole roasted striploin, no matter how full you are.

The succulent meat is served medium-rare, with peppercorn sauce and béarnaise. The meal ends with lemon meringue pie, coffee profiteroles and carrot cake - decadent and divine with an espresso or tea.

Details: From Dhs205-695 per person, contact +9714 372 2444

Family-friendly brunch

THE FISH HOUSE,

INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY For an elegant brunch that’s apt for a bevy of friends and those with children, this eatery that boasts plenty of natural sunlight, fresh fish on display, and enough room to dance along to tunes, if you want to, is one to head to. The laid-back concept of food brought to the table is present here too, beginning with a selection of fresh olives, peppers with feta and bread to begin with. The main attraction, and one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, the fish tower is served for appetisers.

The tower showcases seafood and fish in dishes such as quesadillas, kebabs, shrimp cocktail, sliders, and bisque, with plenty of clams and mussels to embellish the dish. For mains, take your pick between slow-cooked glazed veal, peri peri chicken and their selection of fish – barracuda or bream. I had the latter with a chimichurri sauce, which was quite a large 58 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

portion. All mains are served with fresh veggies, salad, mac and cheese, and rice. If you love desserts, leave a bit of space, as the tahini cheesecake is sublime, especially when paired with the sesame ice cream..

Details: From Dhs199 for adults and Dhs75 onwards for children. Contact +9714 701 1127

Asia on a plate

TOSHI, GRAND MILLENNIUM DUBAI You can tell a venue is authentic by the people who dine there. When we arrived at Toshi on a Friday afternoon, the venue was packed with Southeast Asians, a clear indication of the traditional culinary offerings Toshi is known for. The buffet begins at the cold seafood and crustacean counter filled with fresh oysters, followed by a range of salads including a Thai shrimp and Asian chicken salad.

The counter that followed was probably my favourite, with over eight sushi types on offer, with everything from shrimp tempura to California rolls, veggie options, spicy tuna and sashimi. Don’t forget to try their selection of sauces and dips: teriyaki, sweet chili, spicy mayo.

That’s not all for appetizers. Head to the hot foods section for crisp and crunchy spring rolls, incredibly mouthwatering spicy fried chicken, dumplings and empanadas. For mains, noodles, curry, rice and a stir-fry are available to choose from. While my dining partner dove into mains, I headed back for a second round of sushi and irresistible fried chicken. The dessert bar has plenty to satiate sweet tooth cravings, whether it’s pudding or fresh fruit.

Details: Contact +9714 429 9999

Neighbourhood eatery

BRAMBLES, METRO CENTRAL HOTEL

Pastel hues, pink décor and wholesome food on display makes dining at Brambles a great catch-up spot with the ladies, or even for a lunch meeting and coffee. This neighbourhood eatery in Barsha Heights highlights the farm-to-table ethos, with nutritious dishes to choose from. My dining partner opted for the Pretty in Pink signature tea made with rooibos and almond milk, to begin with, while I chose the Energise juice showcasing beetroot, pineapple, apple, cucumber, mint, ginger and acai – a refreshing, healthy concoction indeed. To whet our appetite, shakshuka breakfast tacos were ordered to share. Each soft taco was packed with scrambled eggs, roast potato, feta, cilantro, pickled onion and shakshuka sauce for a punch of flavour. The avocado pizza, a signature special, is worth trying too. Pumpkin seeds, chilli oil, garlic, tomatoes, and radish add a host of textures to the creamy mashed avocado, making this vegetarian option apt for those on the healthy eating bandwagon. If you do have a little space left, or in the mood for dessert and coffee, try the kale brownie.

It’s dense, chocolate-y, and here’s the best part, it’s kind of healthy, as the guilt-free treat is packed with antioxidants. Whether you’re in the mood for a light meal, something preferably substantial, or just a great smoothie, tea or coffee, you’ll find it at Brambles.

Details: Contact +9714 452 9529 MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 59

good living

Tried & Tested Pamper yourself and enjoy ‘me-time’ at the spa

Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation

The treatment: Tear trough treatment

The verdict: After years of constantly blaming my dark circles on lack of sleep, stress and a poor diet, I realised the darkness and deep hollow under eye circles were more likely a genetic condition.

As usual, I came across the Tear trough treatment while scrolling through Instagram, instantly realizing this may be the solution to getting rid of those dark under eye shadows and circles. “I want to use less concealer and look fresh, all the time,” was what I told Dr. Hardik Ganatra when we met.

A quick photo session for ‘Before’ images of the eye area, and I was ready to begin the treatment. I headed over to the room to have a chat with Dr. Hardik about my expectations and why I’m going ahead with this procedure and find out how he can help.

The area was cleansed, and I started to get

a bit nervous before I was pricked with the hyaluronic filler. To be honest, the initial prick is discomforting for a second – it doesn’t hurt at all after and you don’t feel soreness in the area either - after which the doctor proceeds filling the area to give your deep under eye circles an instant lift. The results are immediately noticeable, instantaneously

giving you a revived appearance. Dr. Hardik prefers conducting the treatment in two sessions – the second after a five-day gap to achieve perfect results.

The Tear trough treatment is available for Dhs1,390 (usually Dhs2,000) during the Beauty Festival taking place throughout February.

Visit cocoona.ae

The Ultimate Spa Day at Address Downtown Grab your girlfriends and head to the beautiful Address Downtown to enjoy a tranquil, luxurious spa day this month, inclusive of lunch and a 60-minute treatment.

Our Swedish massages were booked for 5pm, so we spent the day relaxing by the hotel’s stunning five-tiered infinity pool, where we also used our Dhs150 F&B allowance. The pool bar menu features a selection of delicious sushi rolls, flatbreads, sandwiches and salads – perfect for a light lunch bite.

After a day in the sun, we went to enjoy the sauna and steam room, which acted as the perfect pre-treatment relaxation. Be sure to try the rainforest shower; it features

lemongrass and mandarin.

On the massage table, my therapist trickled hot oil onto my back before beginning to apply medium to firm strokes, as she untangled the tensions that we know all too well from sitting in an office chair, five days a week. She placed hot beanbags onto my back before moving onto my legs, which is done to ensure that the muscles are completely relaxed and not retaining any tension after manipulation. four settings to reflect different rainfall and pressure, complete with sound effects and colourful lighting to match the mood.

In our dimly-lit treatment room, we began with a foot soak before choosing our massage oils; I opted for ‘refreshing’ – an almond-based oil with infusions of

60 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

The treatment finished with a head massage, before I slipped back into my robe and enjoyed a cup of hibiscus tea, as the curtains were drawn back for us to enjoy a fabulous view of Downtown Dubai at dusk.

The Ultimate Spa Day package is priced at Dhs650 inclusive of a 60-minute massage and Dhs150 F&B voucher.

KIDS GO FREE!

THE BIG BASH FOR LITTLE PEOPLE du Arena, Yas Island 21 - 23 February 2019 2pm - 9pm

TICKETS

THE BIGGEST WEEKEND OF ADVENTURE, FUN AND EXCITEMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

KIDS UNDER 18

GO FREE

AED30

EXPERIENCE A WEEKEND FULL OF ACTIVITIES

FOR ADULT TICKETS

• Kiddies Cooking • Kids Shows • Arts & Crafts • Silent Disco • Kids Fitness • Bouncy Castles • Carnival Rides • Face Painting • Sand Pits • Games • Food & Beverage and much more

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY WWW.KIDZFEST.AE Official Destination

Official Venue

Activity Partner

Theme Park Partner

Official Parenting Magazine

Official Vehicle

OfficIal UAE Cartoon

Official Magazine

Little Chef Zone Co-Sponsor

Media Partner

good living

Valentine’s Escapes A resort by the ocean, in the middle of the dessert, or amidst lush greenery, take your pick from these dreamy getaways

ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND

This lavish desert resort is the ideal escape for couples, and even those with a baby or toddlers. Peacocks, gazelles and Arabian oryx greet you at you on your terrace, as you lounge by your outdoor pool. A safari at the Arabian Wildlife Park is one of the must-do activities when here, where you can spot giraffes, cheetahs and hyenas in their natural habitat. There are over 10,000 free roaming animals, and it’s a marvelous site for all ages. This month,

those checking into the Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort for two nights can get early check-in, late check-outs and discounts on F&B offerings. Throughout the month, the spa is offering a therapeutic massage session offer for couples, where the both of you can enjoy a jacuzzi milk bath in a semi-outdoor setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf, while sipping on a surprise drink. Arabian rose oil is used for the deep relaxation massage, and this is followed by an express facial.

62 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Abu Dhabi

On Valentine’s Day, book the Dine by Design at Al Yamm Villa Resort, where you and your partner can make a roast at your candlit dinner table overlooking the ocean. The menu features grilled lobster, and tiramisu or panna cotta.

Details: The massage is available for Dhs1,810 per couple, while the dinner is Dhs815 per person. A two-night stay starts from Dhs1,950. Visit sir-baniyas.anantara. com

TRAVEL

CONSTANCE PRINCE MAURICE

Mauritius

Escape to Mauritius for a quick sun, sand and beach getaway. Imagine strolling on the private beach, delicious food, land-and water-based activities, and spa treatments to help you unwind. The hotel is set amidst lush greenery, and you can spend your days with a good read in your villa, by the infinity pool, or enjoying a round of golf. Take your pick from the wide variety of experiences. This Valentines, Constance is offering an Exclusive Offer of five nights for the price of two, including airport transfers, daily 45 minutes massage for two, meal plan on half-board basis, and a departure cake for you to leave on a sweet note.

Details: Visit constancehotels.com for more information

THE GLASSHOUSE, EDINBURGH

Scotland

Head to this Scottish hideaway where you can take in the stunning views across Calton Hill and enjoy a picnic filled with Scottish delicacies at the hotel’s two-acre rooftop garden.

Meryl Streep, Jessie J and Gordon Ramsay are just a few of the celebrities who indulged in a stay at this cosy hotel, voted Edinburgh’s Most Romantic Hotel by the Scottish Hotel Awards 2018. Guests can choose between the Romance package including a one-night stay, chilled bottle of bubbly, three-course dinner in the The Snug, romantic turn-down service with rose petals and a special breakfast in bed; or the Suite Romance package including everything from the previous package, a private three-course dinner at The Snug or your suite, a onehour in-room couple’s massage, and upgraded stay.

Details: The Romance package is £370 (approximately Dhs1,770) per night, while the Suite Romance package is £700. Visit theglasshousehotel.co.uk for more information MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 63

good living

>>>>>

TRAVEL

A splurge-worthy Valentines!

GALLE FACE HOTEL Partnering up with luxury tastemakers, Quintessentially, for a three-day Valentine’s experience, means only the best for couples looking for a romantic getaway packed with culture, fine dining experiences and history. The experience begins the minute you arrive at the airport, where you are transferred back to your hotel in a Cadillac marque that was once used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.

You will then be escorted to The Empress Suite where freshly shucked oysters and bubbly is kept at the ready. Relax a bit and head out to get outfitted by local designer LOVE Ceylon in Sri Lankan sarongs. The evening continues on the terrace of the suite, overlooking the ocean, where you are

treated to dinner. The next morning, wake up to a bespoke breakfast, followed by a blissful 90-minute couple’s Wild at Heart Signature Spa treatment.

If all that isn’t enough, get ready for a private helicopter ride over the majestic ruins of Polonnaruwa and the enchanting Angammedilla National Park that’s home to leopards, elephants, monkeys and more, before arriving at the EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa to board your launch for a safari on the lake. Glamping is taken to a whole new level with your accommodation at The Queen’s Suite, where HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh once stayed. After a Wild at Heart tropical breakfast, bid farewell to the leopards and get ready to head back to your helicopter

64 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Sri Lanka in a Jaguar F-PACE, to return home on your private jet.

Details: This experience is only available from February 14-16, from $99,000 (approximately Dhs363,640). Contact +94 541 010 or email romance@gallefacehotel.net for more information

good living

Family-friendly Staycation Escape to Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, the capital’s newly launched eco-friendly luxury resort

66 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

STAYCATION Saadiyat Island is surrounded by natural beauty, fresh air, slight breeze and sea life. At this lavish beachfront resort that boasts a simple monochrome glass façade – it may remind your child of the Avengers HQ - you can experience island life at its best. Your eyes meet the jellyfish and sea creature glass fixtures upon arrival, as you gaze at the crystal-clear waters in the distance.

After a quick refreshment, or qahwa and dates at check-in, each guest is given a complimentary re-usable plastic bottle to eliminate single-use plastic bottles. Guests are encouraged to refill their bottles at the water stations.

seating, and alcoves beyond which you can find interactive live cooking stations for chicken tortillas and tikka. Everything from hummus to sushi, dumplings, curry, lamb roast and stir-frys are available to tuck into. At breakfast, the relaxed space is a peaceful spot to begin your day.

Make your own smoothies, enjoy freshly prepared eggs and Indian dishes such as dosa, or try dumplings, Asian specialties such as conjee, and fresh bakes or fruit.

ACTIVITIES ACCOMODATION Neutral hues are prevalent throughout the Ocean Deluxe King Room, with views of the pool, ocean and dining outlets below. A plush bed, sofa-bed – great for those with little ones – and comfy terrace seating, are just some of the elements of this spacious room. If you, like me, judge rooms by the bathroom, you will absolutely love the colour scheme here.

The gorgeous space features a large white stand-alone tub with a brass faucet, and a rain shower, apart from the requisite bath robes, slippers and toiletries. Water is placed in glass bottles, in keeping with the green theme.

While the weather permits, enjoy a stroll on the 400 metre untouched beach, take your children to see the Hawksbill turtles and dolphins (around 7-8am), try a Bodyism yoga class, or head to the spa for a Moroccan Hammam treatment, hydrotherapy, or to use the steam and salt rooms. After taking a few laps at the adult pool, we spent most of our day at the temperature-controlled family pool (set at 31 degrees), which also features a swimup pool bar. Children can head off to the kids and teens club on site, or children’s pool for a quick splash.

Book Now:

DINING There are five restaurants to take your pick from when the hunger pangs kick in.

Tean offers a taste of the Levant, while Mare Mare serves up authentic Italian fare. We opted for the buffet at White, which is hands-down one of the most stunning all-day dining restaurants we’ve ever come across. This chic, all-white interior eatery offers indoor and outdoor

Rooms are available from Dhs1,075 per night.

Visit Jumeirah.com for more information

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | FEBRUARY 2019 | 67

COMPETITIONS motherbabychild.com/competitions

WIN!

Double teeth whitening sessions and aftercare at The Smile Bar, worth DHS700

The Smile Bar, an exclusive dental whitening treatment centre for men and women that offers top-notch services in an elegant environment has launched its first-ever store in the UAE at the Palm Strip Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Dubai. After launching successfully in Hong Kong, Bangkok and the Philippines, The Smile Bar has opened its’ doors to offer residents a simple yet effective teeth whitening treatment that takes no longer than 20 minutes per session.

Relax back and listen to your favourite tunes while the treatment takes place. The treatment is safe, painless and long-lasting.

WIN!

A gift voucher for scaling and polishing service from Drs. Nicolas & Asp Clinic, worth DHS650

Since 1994, Drs. Nicolas & Asp has grown to be one of the largest private dental clinics in Dubai. Over the past 22 years, the clinic has gained the trust of thousands of local and expatriate families. As a result, they have extended their services to include medical and aesthetic services

to complement their exceptional dental services, allowing our patients to enjoy a full spectrum of healthcare under one roof. One lucky winner can get their teeth scaled and polished, to experience one of the services at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Clinic.

*Terms and conditions apply. CPI Media Group employees are not eligible to enter. Winners will be selected at random from correct entries.

68 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

FREE ENTRY!

YAS

FITNESS & WELLBEING FESTIVAL

1-2 March 2019 9am-7pm Gateway Park South, Yas Island

Join us for a celebration of fitness, health and wellbeing as the festival brings together a community dedicated to showing you how to live a healthier lifestyle. Take part in interactive exercise classes and learn top tips from fitness and wellbeing experts.

Fitness Classes . Kids Zone . Healthy Cooking Challenges . Family Friendly Classes Obstacle Course . Climbing Wall . Outdoor Gym . Wellness Workshops . Relaxation Zone Yoga Zone . Women Only Fitness Classes

REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY AT FITFEST.AE Official Destination

Official Magazine

Official Food Magazine

Official Parenting Magazine

Media Partner

Media Partner

COMPETITIONS

Mini golf for four people WIN! and a meal at Jones the Grocer Express,worth Dhs600 Enjoy winter in Dubai with a round of mini-golf at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Take three friends or your family along and play a game before heading over to the newly launched Jones the Grocer Express next door for a hearty Australian meal.

The winner will receive a Dhs400 dining credit voucher.

WIN!

A months’ supply of Sensible Portions snacks, worth DHS500

A One-week Toddler Package from Organic WIN! Baby Food delivery service, Chubby Cheeks Organic,worth Dhs545

Apt for busy moms and those who want to give their baby the very best when it comes to weaning. Chubby Cheeks Organics has come to the rescue, offering fresh meals made from premium-quality organic ingredients. Food for your baby and/or toddler, between the ages of six months to three years, is delivered daily, so that they can enjoy delicious meals too. Some of these include chia seed pudding, fruity yoghurt parfait, beef stew, cauliflower pizza, veggies and lentil, and a lot more.

WIN!

A Trio spa package (90 minutes treatment) at SwissĂ´tel, worth Dhs499

One winner who loves to snack will get to enjoy non-GMO, gluten-free goodies made with wholesome ingredients. These crunchy veggie straws are made with garden-grown potatoes and ripe vegetables, packing in flavour, with 30 per cent less fat compared to leading potato chips brands. Your kids will love snacking on them for lunch too.

Unwind with an indulgent treatment at this luxurious spa, where you can choose three treatments from a list including a 30 minutes mineral body polish, olive body scrub, sublime radiance express facial, energizing back, neck and shoulder massage, foot massage, and/or head and scalp massage.

You can use the facilities: sauna, jacuzzi and steam room before or after your treatments, and relax at the lounge with refreshments once done.

*Terms and conditions apply. CPI Media Group employees are not eligible to enter. Winners will be selected at random from correct entries.

70 | FEBRUARY 2019 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

T-SHIARETD

19