Mother Baby & Child - May 2017

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0 00 TS D 8 IF BY AE F G BA ER H O ND OV RT U A WO R YO FO

ISSUE 74| MAY 2017 | AED 15

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A NURSERY?”

FIRST TIME MUM Your Pre-Baby Bucket List

How to Dress During Pregnancy The Best Baby Gear

THE CHECKLIST Things to Do Before You Give Birth

POST-PREGNANCY

LIFESTYLE

Reclaiming your pre-pregnancy body and getting more sleep

PRENATAL CARE

YOUR BABY BUMP A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide & 10 Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy

Supported by:

Editor’s Note

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Dina Maaty

dina.maaty@cpimediagroup.com

ONLINE EDITOR: Emma Hodgson emma.hodgson@cpimediagroup.com

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR: Michael Phillips SALES MANAGER: Mathew Tharakan SALES MANAGER: Tara Cameron

mbc.sales@cpimediagroup.com MARKETING Isabelle Mills

marketing@cpimediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Rajeesh Nair rajeesh.nair@cpimediagroup.com

PRODUCTION James Tharian DESIGN Sarah Radwan ONLINE Ramir Toyado PHOTOGRAPHY Maksym Poriechkin

Loveliest mamas, we’re approaching exam season and there’s a lot going on in Education in the UAE! Education authorities are investigating the sharp fee increases among private schools. Here’s what they want you, the parents, to know: Schools which are considered weak aren’t allowed to increase their fees.

Make sure you’re aware of your school’s rating and that you’re receiving your money’s worth.

Speaking of money, if you’ve noticed that some of your apples, bananas and pears are a bit on the pricey side now, you’re probably right. The National newspaper has reported that some food item prices are set to surge after a ban on the import of fruits and vegetables from Egypt, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen amid fears of high levels of pesticides. Stay safe mamas; with Ramadan grocery madness coming up, we wouldn’t want to risk our families’ health. Oh, and don’t forget to read Mother, Baby & Child for kid and pregnancy-friendly recipes.

Happy Reading!

FOR OTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE VISIT: motherbabychild.com

WIN!

Four 1-2-1 Pre or Post-Natal Pilates Private Classes Worth AED 1,600

FOUNDER

Dominic De Sousa (1959 - 2015)

PRINTED BY

Printwell Printing Press LLC Published by

Head Office: Media City, Building 8, 2-03 Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

PO Box 13700 Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 Email: info@ cpimediagroup.com Publication licensed by Dubai Production City, DCCA © Copyright 2017 CPI Media Group FZLLC. 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

Phoenix Rising is a foundation led by a team of eight highly qualified yoga and Pilates professionals, helping mums-to-be stay strong, healthy and calm, preparing their bodies and minds for birth and balancing their health after their little bundles have arrived.

pheonix.rising

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 03

M Ay 2017

In the Kitchen

68

94

Competition Time!

in this issue Things to Do ...........................................................

Mummy & Baby ..................................................... 08

Toddler & Child ....................................................... 12 Older Child & Tween ..............................................16

Parenting ................................................................

20 habits of very happy mums ............................ 20

The pre-baby bucket list ....................................... 24 10 things to do before baby is born ..................... 30

Dear Expectant Mama .......................................... 31 Dressing the baby bump ....................................... 32 Mothers’ best parenting advice .......................... 34 Mini Style Stars ..................................................... 38

40

PJs and Sleepwear

Education ............................................................

Progressive parents, parent differently........... 54 Exam advice: for mama! ................................... 56 Too much homework? ....................................... 60

Finding the right nursery for your child ........ 66

Good Living .........................................................

Protect your skin from the dubai heat ............ 70 Post-pregnancy lifestyle .................................... 72

Pregnancy pampering ........................................ 74

Health ...................................................................

The importance of prenatal care ....................... 76 Eating habits start in the womb ....................... 80

Stay fit during pregnancy .................................. 82

04 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Your pregnancy, week by week .......................... 84 10 steps to a healthy pregnancy ........................ 88 Is the ‘mummy makeover’ worth it? ................ 92

ND34029

We asked our readers: What was the hardest part of being pregnant?

E STAR LETT

R

“The most difficult part for me was wondering whether my baby was safe or not. It's a life that you feel responsible for from the moment you see the two stripes on your test. Will sleeping on your right side stop blood flow? Can eating sushi really cause heavy metals to cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream causing complications? Can a hot day at the beach be bad for you?”

Jin, Dubai “With my girl — the hormones, irrationally crying over nothing then laughing as I knew it was ridiculous then crying again that my whole body including my emotions were taken over by pregnancy. With my boy — the heartburn, backaches and swollen feet.”

Lucy, Dubai “Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, leg aches, sleeplessness and I didn't have the extra-shiny hair that everyone had told me about.”

Neha, Dubai

Our Star Letter winner will experience a full pampering session: manicure and pedicure, hair treatment, scalp massage and signature blow dry worth over AED 600 courtesy WORTH of Be Bar, the fabulous AED Jumeirah Beach Road salon. #mumtastic

600

CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Holmes........................................................................................ is Mum to a 7-year-old boy and newborn baby girl. Lucy is a freelance marketing consultant, specialising in the baby and child industry.

Tasneem Rajkotwala .................................................................... is a Dubai-based food blogger. As a busy mum herself, she creates easy-to-prepare treats and mouth-watering seasonal dishes which celebrate the joy of cooking at home on her blog thoughtsoverchai.net for mums who have their hands full.

06 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

THINGS TO DO

CONNECTING WITH BABY: MUM AND BABY YOGA There’s a new trend in Mum world and it involves mama, baby and a mat!

Dubai-based Yoga Retreats offers baby yoga classes, a new concept which focuses on strong core work, rejuvenating poses and interaction with a community of other new mamas. Babies benefit from improved sleep patterns and the stimulation of their digestive and nervous systems.

Baby yoga classes are for mothers and babies ages six weeks to 16 months. There are also postnatal Pilates classes designed for all fitness levels which mums can take part in six weeks after birth.

yogaretreats.ae

CURLS, NAILS AND SELFIES FOR YOUR BABY SHOWER

Fancy a baby shower pampering extravaganza? Your Be Bar salon baby shower will include a signature blow dry and polish change for your whole group. For smaller groups, guests can indulge in a luxe hair wash and soothing scalp massage on lie-flat beds located in their tranquil shampoo lounge, before choosing from seven stunning signature blow dry styles.

Afterwards, you can all pick your desired nail polishes and kick back for a relaxing polish change alongside your nearest and dearest.

Larger groups can have just as much fun, enjoying the salon’s fabulous styling bar, choosing from a selection of beautiful braids, chic curls and on-trend up-do’s, finishing off your photo-ready finish with a nail polish change in the colour of your choice.

A Be Bar baby shower starts at AED 1,500 for one hour inclusive of hair, nails and exclusive use of the salon. mybebar.com 08 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Meet Our Women’s Health Team

Dr. KOULSHAN MOHAMMAD JAMEEL Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist

Dr. FIDAN NADMI NADIM AL-HURMUZI Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist

MOH Approval: TE26283

Our medical team includes experts in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Infertility, Urogynecology. The education and extensive experience of our physicians allow to provide unparalleled health care service in the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. SABIHA SABYASACHI BANERJEE Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist

Great way to prepare for labor and birth Antenatal Packages

When you are pregnant, it is important for you to have regular check-ups with a specialist.

Dr. REHANA ISHAQUE MOIN Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist

Dr. GUL E RANA Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist

Dr. RAMI MAHAFZAH Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist

- From 12 Weeks onwards - From 28 Weeks onwards

Delivery Packages

We are committed to providing quality care to help you stay in the best health and prepare you for the birth of your baby.

- Normal Delivery

*Epidural will be charged extra

- C-Section

The Hospital of Choice for Newborns Requiring Intensive Care (NICU) The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Canadian Specialist Hospital is proud to serve as a one of the best regional Level-III center. The Unit offers the highest level of care for Neonatal Diagnosis & Management.

• Respiratory Distress Syndrome • Sepsis (serious infections)

Dr. SHOAIB SHAHZAD KHAN Neonatology Specialist

• Congenital Anomalies • Respiratory Failure

ABU HAIL, DEIRA, DUBAI, U.A.E.

Email: info@csh.ae Website: www.csh.ae

Dr. RAMSEY MUSTAFA AL-OMARI Pediatric Specialist

• Trauma • Seizures

/cshdubai

For Appointments: +971 4 707 2222

THINGS TO DO

SHOP FOR BABY ON WADI.COM Wadi.com has launched its ‘Baby Care and Toys’ store. The new section includes strollers as well as nursery, activity, feeding, health, safety, hygiene and car products in addition to clothing from the likes of Chicco, Graco, GB, Babyzen, Kolcraft, Maxi-cosi, Philips and many more brands with a wide selection for parents with kids younger than three years of age.

AED 119 AED 69

baby’s bab ba by’ss closet

Babyshop AED 39

AED 39 Okaidi Obaibi AED 89

AED 47

MACY’S available at MALLOFTHEWORLD .COM AED 150

AED 109

AED 109

AED 49

Petit Bateau AED 89

AED 89

AED 505 S*ucette AED 435

AED 260 each AED 640

10 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

blushandbloom .com blanket was AED 395 AED 198

AED 29

THINGS TO DO

Toddler

EVIE

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&

Teatime with the Kids

Kids don’t really like tea, or lounges for that matter, but I was pleasantly surprised to see children giggling and playing with their toys upon entering the new Dilmah T-Lounge at Ibn Batutta Mall’s Egypt court. Yes, children playing at a very chic tea lounge, and being very open about it; I even saw (gasp) strollers!

The reason the place looked so child-friendly was that it’s such a welcoming space for families where mums can hang out with their children. Furnished with quirky décor, the lounge offers upholstered chairs for children and high chairs, with an attentive staff who’s ready for every request.

While mamas savour an extra-juicy burger or fourcheese sandwich, kids can also enjoy a healthy, delicious menu which includes a wide selection of savoury treats, beverages and desserts such as mini burgers, mini subs, waffles, as well as a selection of pastries, cakes and ice creams. Don’t forget to try their tea-infused shakes and juices! tLoungeByDilmah

time for zumba Fitness is essential for children’s well-being and, with ageappropriate moves and music, Zumba is the perfect way to encourage your little ones to kick-start a healthy lifestyle from a young age.

Al Forsan International Sports Resort will be offering Zumba classes for kids. Classes are available every Saturday at 4 – 5 pm for young Zumba fans between ages of four and 14, with classes priced individually at AED 45 and AED 375 for a package of 10 classes valid for three months.

800-ALFORSAN

12 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

THINGS TO DO

From Family Room to Theme Park

Mary Poppins: The Musical

Taking place at the Dubai Opera on May 1 – 25, this hit musical will transport your family to a ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ magical world. Get immersed in a world of magic, music, song and dance as the world’s favourite flying nanny makes her first visit to the UAE.

EVIE

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Tickets can be purchased on the Dubai Calendar app.

Three Dubai hotels have decided to make it easier for us to have a full family staycation! Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate has created new family suites featuring customised king-size beds and sofa bed, Dubai Parks and Resorts theme park tickets, children’s amenities and a PlayStation on request. Additionally, a shuttle service to the theme parks will run from Ibn Battuta Metro Station, which is only a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach will welcome kids with special amenities such as kids’ bathrobes and slippers. As for Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, it’ll be a great option for families who prioritise space. The Friday brunch at Nosh restaurant also features an engaging kids’ corner with games and toys.

At all three hotels, guests can look forward to experiencing ‘Power Bites’, a selection of nutritious meals for kids, prepared with healthy cooking methods and presented in a fun way. The hotels will offer online accommodation packages and direct ticketing options for visitors to MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, Bollywood Parks™ Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai and LEGOLAND® Water Park. movenpick.com

dubaiparksandresorts.com

Burgers, Rainbow Sprinkles and a Lost Aquarium

Atlantis the Palm’s Bread Street Kitchen is Chef Gordon Ramsay’s fourth outpost of the popular London Eatery and his biggest and busiest restaurant globally. Offering an informal dining experience with a British, European-influenced menu, you’ll find the kids getting messy trying their hand at the art of pizza twirling while parents enjoy a delicious food selection consisting of sharing starters, mains including the classic British roast or fresh catch of the day and a signature dessert selection all served to the table.

The relaxed brunch vibe is complemented by London busker-style live acoustic entertainment, an arts and crafts haven situated in front of the awe-inspiring Ambassador Lagoon as well as pizzamaking, cupcake design and ice cream workshops. Each family receives complimentary access to the underwater world of The Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to 65,000 marine animals.

AED 225 (non-alcoholic drinks) and AED 335 (alcoholic drinks) every Friday from 12:30 pm – 4 pm. AED 95 for children including complimentary entry to The Lost Chambers Aquarium and arts and crafts in the Beyond the Sea Activity Village.

04 426 2626

14 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

THINGS TO DO

Older &Tween

Transform Your ‘Real’ Pilates for Daughter into a

Juniors

To help children develop mind-body awareness at a young age, Real Pilates studio has devised a comprehensive ‘Junior Pilates’ programme that teaches children the importance of posture and basic exercises. The 10-week course promotes proper alignment and healthy joints while building core muscle strength, stability and coordination. Classes are open to any child, boy or girl, aged between 7-11.

Real Pilates JLT is located in ONE JLT, Al Sarayat Street. Classes start from AED 85 and packages are available. real-pilates.com

16 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Mystical Mermaid

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has welcomed a special group of enchanting guests to The Mermaid Reef for a limited time and is now offering a magical transformation area where mermaidsat-heart can become underwater sea creatures.

The enchanting transformation includes mermaid makeup, a mermaid costume dress-up session and dreamy mermaid hairstyling.

You’ll even get to take home an enchanted hair accessory and souvenir photo to remember your daughter’s time as a mermaid!

World-acclaimed underwater mermaid Performance Artist Hannah Fraser and Marina Kazankova, a world record holder and champion free diver from Mermaids of Arabia will also make an appearance at the main Aquarium tank for special underwater performances at 4 pm, 6 pm and 8 pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until May 13, 2017.

04 448 5200

for limited time period

Teachers Exclusive Offer ‫ﻟﻔﺘﺮة ﻣﺤﺪودة‬

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Terms & Conditions : Teacher should show his Teacher’s ID as a proof to get the offer Offer is not valid in conjunction with other promotions All Sparky’s Terms & Conditions are apply

: ‫اﻟﺸﺮوط وا ﺣﻜﺎم‬ ‫ﻳﺘﻮﺟﺐ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻤﺪرﺳﻴﻦ أﺑﺮاز ﺑﻄﺎﻗﺔ اﻟﻤﺪرس ﻛﺈﺛﺒﺎت ﻟﻠﺤﺼﻮل ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﻌﺮض‬ ‫ﻫﺬا اﻟﻌﺮض ﻏﻴﺮ ﺻﺎﻟﺢ ﺑﺎﻟﺘﺰاﻣﻦ ﻣﻊ ﻋﺮوض أﺧﺮى‬ ‫ﺗﻄﺒﻖ ﺟﻤﻴﻊ ﺷﺮوط وأﺣﻜﺎم ﺳﺒﺎرﻛﻴﺰ‬

w w w . s p a r k y s m e . c o m

For more info you can call or email: /sparkysuae

/sparkys_uae

infosparkysuae@alhokair.com

3rd Ride

4th Ride Valid on 28th May to 29th May 2017 Valid for Mechanical Rides Only One voucher per family per day

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4th Ride Valid on 21st May to 22nd May 2017 Valid for Mechanical Rides Only One voucher per family per day

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4th Ride Valid on 14th May to 15th May 2017 Valid for Mechanical Rides Only One voucher per family per day

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4th Ride Valid on 7th May to 8th May 2017 Valid for Mechanical Rides Only One voucher per family per day

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4th Ride Valid on 30th April to 1st May 2017 Valid for Mechanical Rides Only One voucher per family per day

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+971 2 491 4445

THINGS TO DO

Butterflies, Swings and Creepy Crawlies at Alila Jabal Akhdar

The opportunity to discover a little history, find a few fossils and spot butterflies and birds? With a scavenger map in hand, young explorers will be taken on a journey of discovery, learning new facts about the mountain and its inhabitants, and engaging in an array of fun activities along the way.

Picking up the butterfly trail markers outside the lobby, they can enjoy a 3 km walk without leaving the resort. On their expedition, they’ll look out for geological markers of the rising and falling of seas and see the results of how the slow, but persistent push of the continents has shaped the beautiful vistas of the Green Mountain.

The kids will also learn about the twenty species of butterflies and as many as forty species of birds which are residents of the mountain, keeping their eyes peeled for the different types of spiders, lizards and creepy crawlies hiding around and about. They can also enjoy a stop at the swings and climbing frame, try jousting on the balance beam or create their own symphony on the musical wall.

alilahotels.com

Plunge into the Heart of Nature at the Mall

Scheduled to open later this year, ‘Orbi’ will be a supercharged indoor nature experience and a first in the Middle East. Developed by SEGA Holdings and BBC Worldwide, Orbi will feature a custom-built theatre, innovative audio-visual technology and interactive walk-through touchpoints for kids to explore the mysteries of nature, seeing and hearing the planet.

Mirdif-City-Center

KIDS DINE FOR ONE DIRHAM Throughout May, little ones can dine on Italian dishes at Carluccios across Dubai and Abu Dhabi for only AED 1!

Mum and dad just need to purchase one main course (available from AED 39) to avail the deal and can dine with as many children as they wish.

18 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

ENTERTAINER DUBAI IS EVEN BETTER THIS YEAR Dubai 2017

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The Entertainer

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PARENTING

20 HABITS

OF VERY,VERY HAPPY MUMS Ask any psychologist and they’ll tell you there’s no such thing as a secret to happiness. Some people just seem to ‘have it’ and others summon happy feelings and thoughts with tools us mamas may not always have – like patience and a TV remote that never, ever disappears.

On a more serious note, we at Mother, Baby & Child think that happy mothers, which of course have the happiest of babies, follow certain habits we would just love to adopt.

Here are our favourites:

1 2 3 4

Never generalise. There’s good days and bad days. So nursing isn’t going well and you haven’t even left the house to do your grocery shopping – don’t exaggerate and start thinking there must be something wrong with your maternal instincts, it’s just one of those days.

Don’t become a ‘martyred mum’. You’ll miss out on so much of what life has to offer if you never ask for help.

Yes, it can get overwhelming, and if you don’t get family or friends to help you’ll get stuck in a fun-less rut.

Now you can finally say yes to movie nights with hubby…

Eat more chocolate. You’re trying to get your pre-baby bod back, and we totally get it, but if you don’t treat yourself you’ll soon come to realise how old kale salad can get. Ditch the green juice for a while and eat some chocolate, even if it’s a few pieces right after breakfast.

Breathe in, breathe out. Inhale deeply through the nose and let out a sigh of relief through the mouth. Yoga instructors recommend this for instant physical and mental changes; it’ll make you forget about how early you woke up today, we promise.

20 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

5 6 7 8 9 10

Get some rest. Being sleep deprived may be part of the ‘new mama manual’, but the sooner you figure out how to fix your sleeping patterns, the better life will get. Make sure you keep your breakfast healthy too.

Take a hot shower. We won’t say bath because we know that’s almost impossible, but hot showers can make awesome breaks to peace out from all the madness around you.

Savour the bigger moments. Some mums write every single milestone in the baby book, and others choose to remember the experience as a whole, with its all-encompassing sense of joy. Either way, you’re in the right, so don’t fret if you haven’t got baby’s first word down.

You still need to exercise. With the sheer amount of options you have in Dubai, why would working out even be a problem?

Embrace the mini splurge. We’re not asking you to go on a crazy shopping spree at The Dubai Mall’s rich-people Avenue, but make sure you treat yourself to something small every week, be it a new nail polish or accessory earrings.

Take that shortcut. You don’t need to do it all. You may not hate cooking, but what if you just don’t love it? You can try to convince yourself that you were made to work the baby food kitchen all you want, but if you go for jarred baby food because it’s easier, why not?

11 12

Dance with baby. Music has been proven to help children develop, and it’s a mood booster for mama too.

Cherish mum-andbaby time. Make baby’s nursery a ‘distractionfree’ zone. A laptop sitting on the desk will remind you of the office and a pile of laundry will keep your mind busy with chores.

Designate an hour every day to pure mama-baby time.

13

Accept the mess. You need to make peace with the fact that having kids will never leave your home looking like it’s

something out of Pinterest. There are things you can let go of, and you need to do just that.

14 15 16 17 18

Love what you have. It’s human to want more, but unless you’re grateful for what you have, true happiness will always be a dream. Stop comparing yourselves to other mums.

Play with monotony. There’s a meditative, almost relaxing quality to routine, so rather than brushing it off as one of the downsides of being a mum, focus on the true meaning behind such activities.

Keep calm. Baby will soon outgrow so, so many things. Stop trying to rush it all, he’ll soon be toddling away and you’ll miss it oh-so-much.

Expect the unexpected. So you had plans.

We all did. Part of being a parent is living the unpredictable lifestyle, and this is what you’ll go through as soon as you become a mum. The more you take the unexpected moments in stride, the happier you’ll be.

Hang out with other mamas. Friendship is a crucial part of motherhood. Who else will talk about uber-important topics with you? From finding those out-of-stock nappies to brainstorming lunchbox ideas, your mama friends have got your back.

19

Break the rules.

You have a system in place, but have you tried sneaking in a few treats?

An occasional break for the kids is good news for everyone; stop for that drive-through on the way back from school or leave the chocolate box on the kitchen counter. Just this one time!

20

Look ahead and enjoy the cuddles.

These times will soon be gone. Before you know it, your baby will be applying for a driving license.

So cuddle, have fun, laugh until you’re in tears and make the most out of motherhood.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 21

The World’s Purest Baby Wipe Babies’ skin is more vulnerable than that of adults.

Skin this delicate needs special care.

An infant’s skin is physiologically different when compared to that of an older child or adult in terms of structure, composition and function. When a baby is born, the outermost layer of their skin is incomplete, making their skin much thinner than adults.

An infant’s skin has a weaker barrier than that of an adult, so any product applied to the skin will be absorbed faster.

That's why HCP Margaret Merrigan Feenan recommends that only cotton wool and water or WaterWipes are used on newborn babies. WaterWipes are made with just two ingredients so they won’t irritate delicate skin; in fact, they may help avoid skin conditions such as nappy rash.

Baby’s skin is extremely vulnerable and needs special care and protec on.

Chemical-free with just two ingredients – 99.9% water, 0.1% fruit extract Suitable for a newborn baby’s skin May help avoid nappy rash A suitable alternative to cotton wool and water Awarded the National Eczema Association of America Seal of Acceptance and approved by Allergy UK

22 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE What’s in WaterWipes?

99.9% Water The wipes are purified through a chemical-free process which sterilises wipe material and alters the surface tension of the water resulting in a ‘soft feel’ and more effective cleansing.

0.1% Grapefruit Seed Extract A natural extract which has skin conditioning and moisturising benefits.

The WaterWipes Story When WaterWipes CEO Edward McCloskey became a father, like most parents, he chose to use baby wipes because they were so convenient. However, after his baby suffered from a nasty nappy rash, Edward looked more closely at the composition of these baby wipes and was really surprised to discover the synthetic chemicals and preservatives involved.

“I have always believed that you shouldn’t put chemicals on your baby’s skin if you didn’t have to. This was the impetus behind the development and launch of WaterWipes, the world’s only chemical-free baby wipes, which are made using just 99.9% water and a tiny droplet of fruit extract.

As pure and gentle as cotton wool and water, but as convenient as a baby wipe. Every day, in every corner of the world, new mums and dads are discovering the benefits of chemical-free, gentle and safe WaterWipes for their baby’s delicate skin.”

97% of Midwives recommend the use of WaterWipes*

WaterWipes are available at Spinneys and Waitrose and online on Mumzworld and Beautiful Brands.

Keep Cool and Clean with WaterWipes this Summer

Happy bum, happy baby

Hot, but not bothered As temperatures rise, it’s important to keep your baby’s delicate skin soothed and away from chemicals often found even in ‘sensitive’ wipes, which can cause irritation.

Formulated using unique technology, WaterWipes are able to clean effectively without the need for soap or chemicals, perfect for keeping your baby’s body refreshed and their skin calm in the hot weather.

Hotter temperatures can lead to sweaty, itchy skin on your baby’s bottom, which can flare up when it’s rubbed or chafed during travel.

When used regularly, these gentle and effective wipes may help prevent heat-induced nappy rash as not only do they ‘wash’ the skin with the abundant water in each wipe, but they also won’t leave any residue which can irritate your baby’s bottom when it’s hot.

*Spark Research Study of 102 Midwives, October – November MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 23

PARENTING

HAVING A BABY? THE PRE-BABY BUCKET LIST

So you’re pregnant again, congratulations!

Soon, you’ll have a wonderful new addition to your family, and you’re thrilled. There’s a lot to do, you probably have a lot of baby gear already, but you still feel the need to get organised to make room, physically and emotionally, for the new arrival. It’s of course worthwhile to do some essential planning.

Lucy Holmes

24 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

You may feel a little overwhelmed about any changes to your well-organised life, and even if you have help, you’ll need to make plans and prepare for this new bundle in more ways than one. There are essentially four people whose needs you’ll have to consider: Your other children, husband, baby and yourself.

Your children are bound to be excited, but also a little anxious about the new baby and their impact on your family. They may also not grasp how much things will change, and you as a loving mum will obviously be considering how to explain this and how you can ease the transition for them.

1 2

Talk, talk, talk: Explain and discuss the wonderful things about the new arrival, which is a fun and useful way they can help with the new baby.

3

Make time for them! Ensure special time now and when baby arrives; enjoy special trips out, perhaps a treat now and again; your husband can plan to take them on some special day trips once the new baby arrives.

DON’T watch any movies which portray the arrival of a baby in a negative way! It’ll increase their awareness of the changes, but not the way you’d want it to.

YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU TO CONSIDER (EVEN IF YOU HAVE HELP):

1 2

Food: Prepare meals in advance and freeze, this is an obvious and usual one, as you may not want take away every night.

3

Book your appointments: Make sure your children’s regular dates, events, appointments and various school activities are booked and paid for in advance, and written on a family calendar for all to see.

School run: Work out how to adapt to this if you’re one of the main taxi drivers for your family, especially if you’ve had a C-section as this will delay your return to the wheel.

4

Grandparents: If they’re visiting, plan accordingly and brief them to ensure they spoil the other children too, not just the new baby!

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 25

PARENTING

1

YOUR NEW BABY'S NEEDS:

Space in the house: There’s a huge list of baby requirements, some of which you may already have in terms of gear, but don’t forget to make way for the new stuff that’ll take up space in the living room – the bouncer, swing and play mat!

2 3 4

Some new items: Yes, it’s ok for baby to not have an entire wardrobe of hand-me-downs!

Baby shower or not? Perhaps you want to plan a shower or party after baby’s arrival.

Photoshoot: If you want to have a newborn shoot, arrange in advance; new babies sleep a lot, so plan and book this before they come.

YOUR HUSBAND’S NEEDS:

So he counts too, right? This is a challenge for all parents, but ensure you spend some quality time together so he gets to spoil you and you can relax.

1

A "babymoon": A lot of couples are opting for a small getaway; if you have other children, perhaps you’d prefer a staycation?

2

Nights out: Your social life is definitely going to change, so have some nice meals out, go to the cinema, see the new musical at the opera house and enjoy fun adult time.

1

YOUR NEEDS:

Prenatal massages and any other beauty treatments: It’s important to treat yourself and a prenatal massage is something more and more pregnant mums are doing to help them alleviate aches and pains, improve circulation and aid relaxation.

2 3

Quiet moments: Read a book, do some yoga or go have a coffee by yourself when the kids are at school or the nursery.

Finally, SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP! This is so essential: Take every nap you possibly can and fill your sleep bank. When the new one arrives, this is probably what you’ll end up missing the most.

26 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

CEL-NBP-51-Aug2016

A Nutrition Supplement Formulated to cover The Nutritional Needs of Pregnant, Breastfeeding and Women Planning to Conceive.

PARENTING

TOP 3 REASONS TO TREAT YOURSELF TO A LUXURIOUS 'BABYMOON' AT THE AT SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA

1

It’s one of the world’s most relaxing, oh-so-romantic resorts

For expecting couples looking to indulge in some rest and relaxation amid beautiful surroundings before the journey of new parenthood, the resort, located only 5 minutes boat ride away from Gan International airport, is the perfect place for babymooners to de-stress, get pampered and spend quality time with one another without interruption.

Retreat in style in one of the private villas perched atop the emerald green jungle or strung along the turquoise shoreline. Think indoor and outdoor showers, luxurious oval bathtubs and exquisitely-designed silver Jali-influenced ‘his and hers’ vanity counters.

The rooms are infused with elements of the Middle East and touches of India with warm, earthy tones and soothing turquoise accessories.

So, whether you choose a Water Villa or Ocean View Tree House, you'll get to share special moments in dreamy solitude, submerge into the tranquil waters or simply bask in the glorious sunshine while your every need is being taken care of. You can even enjoy an in-villa romantic dinner – just select your preferred menu and setting and the Shangri-La Villingili team will host the perfect evening.

For an ultra-soothing experience, CHI, The Spa offers a secluded sanctuary in its own right; eleven spacious treatment villas, five of which are designed for couples, feature private treatment rooms, lounging areas, steam rooms, outdoor gardens and bathing facilities along with two meditation pavilions and a yoga pavilion with views overlooking the Indian Ocean.

DID YOU KNOW?

is the largest island resort in the The Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa g ns multiple activities, numerous dinin mea h whic , Maldives. It’s over 2.5 km long of piece own their y enjo to ity rtun oppo destinations and giving each guest the 0 unique jungle setting includes over 17,00 paradise in utmost privacy. The resort’s majestic coconut and Banyan trees!

28 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

2

Babymoon and sumptuous food: heavenly match made in the Maldives

Dining Maldives-style has never been more decadent; at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, you have plenty of dining venues to choose from, each set within a world of its own: Dr Ali’s Restaurant and Bar bursts with the authentic flavours, colours and aromas of curries and tandoori dishes from the Indian Ocean along with Cantonese cuisine, tangy Vietnamese favourites and Middle Eastern gastronomy.

Javvu, a light and airy haven, serves up a tantalising Western menu bringing together delectable ingredients such as prime Wagyu beef and the freshest seafood.

Overlooking soaring views of the ocean is Fashala Restaurant and Lounge which features Mediterranean-inspired recipes and local ingredients such as Maldivian lobster, juicy mangoes and papayas, plus hand-picked eggplant, herbs and chillies.

Fancy your very own dinner escape? They can design it for you! You can enjoy a lavish Dinner in the Jungle or Lagoon, a healthy four-course dinner to restore balance and harmony at the Spa or even go for lunch on the equator aboard a luxury yacht. Feeling on top of the world? There’s no other place in the Maldives closer to the clouds than Mount Villingili’s peak, where you can surprise hubby with a romantic dinner.

3

The resort is super child-friendly

If you have children, one of your main concerns would be: Will they find anything to do? At Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, the ‘Young Families’ offer for May includes everything you would need to vacation comfortably with the kids. From a fun daily family-friendly buffet breakfast to children’s amenities, babysitting and a room service dinner, the resort will ensure you have time for one romantic candlelit dinner or two.

Book your babymoon now: shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort

Children also receive complimentary access to the Cool Zone Kids’ Club along with a Tropical Safari Handbook complete with a safari map to help them spot a variety of land and sea animals on the island. Young naturalists who successfully identify all ten animals are awarded their own ‘Top Tracker’ certificate. Aimed at children of all ages, the Tropical Safari showcases the best of Villingili’s natural beauty and encourages youngsters to engage with the local wildlife.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 29

PARENTING

10 THINGS TO DO BEFORE BABY IS BORN

Hospital bags, prenatal classes or washing teeny tiny baby clothes? Nope! We’ve already discussed the pre-baby bucket list. You’re about to start an exciting, yet challenging, chapter which will bring about a lot of changes so how can you take some time out for yourself and indulge before the baby journey begins?

Have a girls’ night out (or in). Friends will always know exactly what you need. For some ‘been there, done that’ moments, stay in for some good movies and healthy takeout or go out for ‘mocktails’ and a chat.

1

Sleep. This is the main thing your baby will deprive you of during the first six months. Once baby is here, you’ll feel as though you’re always awake. Take advantage of this time and try to sleep as much as you can.

3

Listen to more tunes.

You know these annoying children’s songs you can’t get out of your head? This will be life after baby and babies LOVE repetition. Go to concerts (no mosh pits, please) and keep those headphones on.

5

Visit your favourite restaurant.

Pregnancy is a tough one so go ahead and visit your all-time favourite resto. This may well be your last visit as a family of two – or more – and your chance to get out of the house before having to arrange for a babysitter or carry a changing bag.

7

9

Spend time with your mum or aunt. This is a good time to share some mummy wisdom, and the excitement and positive energy you’ll receive will be priceless.

30 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Take a fun class. There are so many options for pregnancy-appropriate classes in Dubai. From cooking and pottery to knitting and museum seminars, you can pretty much do anything your gynaecologist approves of.

2

Make a flipbook. These are all over the internet and there’s a reason for that, they’re just so much fun! Print out photos of pregnancy moments and staple them in one corner. If you take photos of your belly, you’ll later have a mini animation of the entire pregnancy.

4

Go to the movies. You’ll miss the simpler times! While it may not sound very glamourous now, it’ll definitely feel different once you give birth and have to spend your nights in front of repeats. If you haven’t tried the VIP cinema experience yet, this would be the right time to do it.

6

Read a good book. Baby books are probably the only type you’ll be able to manage once you give birth (if you can even manage these). Run yourself a nice, warm bubble bath, choose a good book and spend as much time in there as you’d like to.

8

10

Have a ‘babymoon’.

Go back to page 28!

DEAR EXPECTANT MAMA, When it comes to motherhood, there are so many clichés out there; we wouldn’t even know where to start. Every issue, we try to move away – as much as we can – from the typical advice you'd hear every day, but there are some things you’ve just got to admit will be part of your mum life, no matter how much you’d promised yourself they wouldn’t be.

We’re here to break it to you, just because we know you’ll find a way to own it anyway: •

•

•

•

• • •

You’ll end up dressing your baby girl in pink, bows and ruffles, it’s just one of the pleasures of having a baby girl, right? Cue that sleepy newborn shoot…

Finding time for yourself will become just a tad trickier. Well, a lot trickier. Childless breaks are a thing of the past once you have kids and, quite frankly, we love it that way.

You know best because you’re the mama. You may have been guilty of a little judgement back then, and who hasn’t been, but now you know that instinct is often the best answer.

Forget Tracy Anderson for now. Dancer’s workout?

How about no workout at all? Your postpartum workouts will not be as glamorous and this is perfectly normal, so take it easy and try to find the one that works best for you.

Carbs won’t be the enemy anymore. Before getting pregnant, it was all “does this say ‘pesto’ or ‘pasta’?”, but after pregnancy carbs will seem much more acceptable. You’ll also find them to be very nourishing and good for your milk while you’re breastfeeding.

Posting photos of your kids on social media is the mummy equivalent of flooding Instagram with photos of your breakfast omelette. Let’s face it, that little angel is precious and everybody must know it.

You’ll be so in love with motherhood and you’ll not be afraid to show it. Is it all you ever talk about? Welcome to the mummy club…

There you go yummy mummy – the clichés we swore we’d never have anything to do with.

Can you identify already? Just give it until baby arrives.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 31

E H T G N I DRESS

P M U B BABY AED 311

AED 299

AED 183

on available om .c ld r o w mumz AED 175 AED 242

BluePinkFashion AED 282 each

AED 459

32 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

AED 182

AED 242 AED 680

Available on blushandbloom.com AED 920

AED 285

AED 340

AED 320

RAMADAN INSPIRATION RAMADANINSPIRED CUTENESS

Hamac AED 1,650

BluePinkFashion AED 73

AED 1,350

Lebanese Actress and Designer Lamitta Frangieh models a Ramadan look for expectant mamas!

lamitta-frangieh.com

PARENTING

MUM TO MUM

MOTHERS’ BEST PARENTING ADVICE WE ASKED OUR READERS, WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO A NEW MOM?

“Give yourself time to bond with your baby. Surround yourself with people who help and love you both. Get some comfy PJs and good DVDs. By giving your baby the love and time, and managing expectations, you’ll both get out of Mirna Sabbagh the newborn phase with a less fussy baby, scheduled feeding intervals and better sleep for both of you.”

“I advise every mum to think about herself Insaf first: health, sleeping hours, care and Bousserwel entertainment. If you’re tired and not feeling well, you won't be able to give to your little ones.”

“Enjoy every bit of your motherhood, it’ll be slightly difficult at the beginning, but trust me once you hold your newborn in your arms nothing will seem difficult.

The feeling and essence of baby will make everything so easy for you.” #happymotherhood

Ayesha Anum

“Don't doubt yourself – there are so many platforms telling us how to be good mums, do this, do that, don't do that, don't do this, truth is: none of us really know what Sian we're doing besides trying to be the best mums we Abraham can, so of course ask for advice, but whatever way you choose to raise your baby: you know best. PS: Invest in a good maternity bra!”

34 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

“Get as much rest/sleep as you can!”

Nazmira Saloojee

Jeannie Bisanti

“Take care of yourself as well. Be confident in your abilities and don't allow anyone to negatively influence your motherly instinct – you already know what's best for your child.

Embrace every moment because time passes by too quickly: give more hugs, more kisses and remember to have fun!”

Jeannie Bisanti

“Take it easy, don't stress. Do what you feel is right, try to breastfeed or pump as much as you can, rest and delegate responsibilities.”

“Don't buy everything the adverts say you should!”

Derryn Brown

Karen Bailey-Omran

“Make sure to keep moving even if it's just for a walk every day. Those endorphins released when exercising are so important to keep you happy and sane. Happy mum equals happy baby.”

“My best advice to first-time mums is: Try to sleep when baby is sleeping. Lack of sleep creates a lot of stress and it’s felt by your baby. Also, go out every once in a while and pamper yourself, or grab a coffee with a friend. You deserve and need it, and you’ll come back home totally energised, which will also be felt by your baby.”

EVIE

W

R

Fareeha Amber Sadiq

Aastha Choprav

Behnosh Yaghobi

“I would recommend for mums to remember that pregnancy and giving birth are like a hormonal marathon, it’s important to allow time to recover and mobilise as much help around you as possible for you to be able to rest and enjoy time with baby. When raising your baby, trust your instincts, even when everyone around you has an opinion.”

Real Food for Expectant Mamas

A new grab-and-go café in town promises organic, GMO-free foods. Known for its freshly crafted coldpressed juices and plant-based kitchen, The Raw Place is an uber-healthy choice for Jumeirah residents and beyond. They even have a ‘mocktail’ counter for you to create your own blends of juices boosted with superfoods!

therawplace.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 35

PARENTING

CAPTURING PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH BABY What do you think is the best way for mothers to treasure moments with their babies forever?

Your baby’s first day and the few weeks to follow will seem like a blur to everyone involved in the little one’s birth, including yourself of course. I would suggest a combination of different ways to treasure those early moments so nothing is missed.

Photography is the most common way to look back and remember every moment. Whether you hire a professional photographer or use your own camera, take as many photos and videos as possible.

Other alternatives you may consider are: keeping your child’s hospital ID tag, the clothes they wore home, something sentimental handed down from a grandparent or starting a hand-written day-to-day diary.

36 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

A mother’s time with her baby creates memories that last a lifetime. However, sooner than expected she finds herself saying: “They grow up so fast.” How can a mother tell time to stand still so she can remember these moments forever? Marnie Turnor, founder of Sculpting 3D, tells Mother, Baby & Child about making everlasting memories of every precious moment.

At Sculpting 3D, we offer a few unique mementos. The artistic three-dimensional piece will capture the finest details of your little ones’ hands and feet such as fine lines, wrinkles, fingerprints, creases and fingernails. It’s a direct replica of your baby’s hand and foot as it shows the actual size of your baby’s gorgeous little hands and feet.

In addition to that, there’s the stunning jewellery range. These are absolutely gorgeous 3D miniature jewellery charms of your baby’s hands and feet. You can wear them at all times, even after they grow up and leave the nest!

If a mum is looking to have a sculpture or piece of jewellery created, what would the next steps be?

A 30-minute appointment is required; it can be in the comfort of your own home or at the hospital. This way, both mum and baby will be relaxed and comfortable. Materials are prepared beforehand and a selection of frame styles and colours are brought along for the family to choose from.

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE This service is also available at Al Garhoud Private Hospital and there’s a selection of frames and styles on display along with a photography service from Zoom-In Photography; together, we capture the first few days of your child being born.

The actual process with baby is very quick; once their hands and feet have been immersed into the gel impression material, it sets within one minute to a firm, rubberlike consistency.

Is the process of taking the impressions safe for the baby?

All products used on the baby’s hands and feet are non-toxic, non-irritant and seaweed-based.

There’s minimal residue from the impression material left on the child’s skin and it’s wiped clean with a damp wet cloth once the process is complete.

What’s the ideal age to have the sculpture created?

The youngest baby I’ve worked with was 11 hours old, with extremely excited parents who wanted to have their little boy’s hands and feet impressions at the earliest. For the majority of mothers giving birth at the Al Garhoud Private Hospital, their impressions are captured within the first three days, before being discharged.

Other families book their appointments during pregnancy and schedule it for the first few weeks of arriving home from the hospital, which gives the mother some time to recover. Some also wait for a special occasion in their child’s life, whether it be at three months, six months or on their first birthday. Some even choose to do it after the first birthday!

What are some of the responses you’ve received after creating a sculpture?

Upon handing over the final piece, the look on parents’ faces when they see the finished item is both priceless and incredibly rewarding. Some will have tears in their eyes and a lovely smile, others will try placing the baby’s hand or foot next to the piece to see how much their child has grown.

I always enjoy being referred to other family members, meeting the extended family and seeing the children grow over the years.

To book your private appointment: sculpting3ddubai.com 050 5511079

PARENTING

MINI STYLE STARS

This month, our junior style stars are on tour! Characterised by expert craftsmanship, worldly style and unexpected details, the pieces in these 'international' collections will bring fresh, modern flair to your little one's wardrobe. The mix of unique and timeless looks will give your child's closet a first-class fashion boost — minus the trip!

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Did you know?

The ‘alpaca’ is related to the llama and is known for its fine, silky long wool. These dolls from NOOK are stuffed with this gentle wool!

4 6

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10 11

9

AED 540

13 14

38 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

20

AED 270 each

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ON-TREND

QUIRKY ACCESSORIES!

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available at Hamleys The Dubai Mall, Little Explorers Dubai Marina Mall and Level Kids City Walk

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22

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Face tattoo AED 19 Wrap AED 16

BANGKOK Desigual 1 AED 149 | 2 AED 189 | 3 AED 259 | Okaidi Obaibi 4 AED 49 | Sfera 5 AED 37 | 6 AED 125 | 12 AED 59 | Childrensalon.com 7 AED 179 | 8 AED 409 | 9 AED 281 | 10 AED 276 | 11 AED 294 | 13 AED 736 | COÉGA 14 AED 80 | 15 AED 85

LONDON

MALLOFTHEWORLD.COM

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16 | 17 (MACY’S ) AED 98 each | Babyshop 18 AED 87 | Okaidi Obaibi 19 AED 39 each | Sfera 20 AED 37

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MOSCOW S*ucette 21 AED 1,290 | 22 AED 800 | 23 AED 595 | Babyshop 24

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AED 67 | MALLOFTHEWORLD.

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COM

25 (MACY’S ) AED 118

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NEWYORK Petit Bateau 26 AED 229 | Babyshop 27 AED 39 | S*ucette 28 AED 255 | Desigual 29 AED 129 | Okaidi Obaibi 30 AED 39 | 31 AED 39 | Sfera 32 AED 37 |

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33 AED 79

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TOKYO OTT CUPCAKES 34 AED 570 | Babyshop 35 AED 125 | Desigual 38 AED 149 | Okaidi Obaibi 37 AED 89 | 39 AED 89 | F&F 36 AED 199

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PARIS

MALLOFTHEWORLD.COM

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41 AED 188 | Scotch & Soda 40 AED 75 | Desigual 13 AED 149 | Okaidi Obaibi 44 AED 89 | 42 AED 89 | 45 AED 69 | Petit Bateau 46 AED 97 | 47 AED 169 | Sfera 48 AED 59

48 MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 39

PARENTING

MINI STYLE STARS F&F AED 238

AR

PWE E E L S D N A

AED 216

AED 89

S*ucette AED 300

Petit Bateau AED 129

Kissy Kissy at Lollipop kids AED 175 each

Gap Kids AED 175 AED 137 AED 95 Annabelle AED 70 each AED 95 AED 95 40 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

AED 85 each

Founded by a mum of twins with a background in events management and driven by her passion for cute things, The Baby Collection is all about little miracles and their mums; it’s a place where they can find all what they need for everything Mum and Baby, from baby shower celebration goodies and props to clothing and essentials. The best part? It can all be customised to fit your needs!

BABY SHOWER OUR PICKS

www.babycollection.ae the_baby_collection

TheBeautifulBabyCollection

PARENTING

HOW TO CHOOSE THE

RIGHT NANNY In many homes, having nannies has become essential as mothers find themselves juggling lots of responsibilities.

In Dubai, travelling spouses and being away from family creates additional hurdles. Are you in search of a good nanny who can help you care for your child?

42 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Finding the right nanny for your family isn't always easy or quick. "Knowledge, qualifications, and values are the three most important criteria to keep in mind when looking for a nanny,” says Padmini Gupta, co-founder of rise, an app dedicated to improving helpers’ education through supportive qualifications and financial planning.

Ready to begin looking? Here are five easy steps to help you find a great nanny:

Priorities, priorities

What are the main things your nanny should know? Firstly, she must be well-versed in the basics of child safety, nutrition, development and emergency handling. A nanny must also know how to handle children’s emotions in a positive way.

“She should have enough knowledge to handle routines, constructively play with your children and allow you to be at more ease,” explains Padmini. “A nanny should be able to feed your children nutritious food. Given we hire caregivers with kind hearts and some experience, I do recognise that they may not have all of this knowledge, but hunger to learn should be one of her traits.”

Do your research

Apart from knowing what you’re looking for, it’s also crucial to do your research. Make sure you get the word out: “Have friends and family let their contacts know you're looking for help – personal references can be the most reassuring,” says Rania al Didi, founder of Dubai-based babysitting services provider BusyBees.

“However, it’s also a good idea to contact a private nanny placement agency. Such firms screen candidates before agreeing to represent them and can help you find candidates who meet your criteria,” he explains.

Time for an interview

Meeting the nanny for the first time is your chance to get to know her and decide whether she would be the right fit for your family. “Look for years of experience in managing children, the method that was used and relative independence in handling children. Dig deeper than the usual answers. This person will live in your home and care for your precious children,” says Padmini.

“The interview really is the best way to make a decision. The types of questions, observing body language, comparing answers to what the referrals had to say and asking them if they have questions are all ways to assess the candidate (as much you can). I would also advise to have a friend interview the candidate,” she adds.

According to the BusyBees Founder, here are some questions you should ask after you determine whether the nanny be working full or part-time:

• What are the ages of the children you’ve cared for?

• Where do you live and how will you get to work every day?

• Do you smoke?

• Do you have any future plans (attending school, moving, having children of your own) that would affect how long you can stay in this job?

Check references

It doesn’t matter whether they come from an agency or not, it’s always a good idea to ask former employers about the nanny – given of course that she’s worked in the same country before.

Do a trial run

Do an in-home trial. In addition to screening a potential caregiver through interviews as well as employee references and background checks, it’s essential to spend time observing her in the home prior to hiring.

“When starting the process, tell candidates you’ll be requiring a paid in-home trial. Those with something to fear will usually drop out of the process. During the trial, ask the nanny to do everything that’ll be required of her while you’re out of the home,” adds Sherif.

Finally, don't expect your nanny to be perfect on day one. Every new employee needs on-the-job training, and a nanny is no exception. “Hire a good learner,” advises Padmini. “When hiring a nanny, you’ll really need one.”

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 43

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PARENTING

GOTTA HAVE IT! THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR MUMS-TO-BE

Mums-to-be, there's so much joy on the way, but are you prepared? If you’re already in your third trimester — or still in the earlier stages — here are some products which are sure to make your motherhood journey easier.

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KIDORE 1 AED 88 2 AED 58 3 AED 69 4 AED 35

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KONJAC SPONGE

babyshop 1 AED 749 2 AED 95

Tarsam Image AED 49 each

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AED 150, available at Biorganic, Organic Foods & Café and online on beautifulbrands.ae

ClevaMama® available at Mothercare

blushandbloom .com

baby pillow AED 75

AED 465

AED 95

AED 300 AED 185 44 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

2

NATURAL COSMETIC FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

MADE IN FRANCE FOR 3 GENERATIONS

Now available in all leading hypermarkets & supermarkets

corinedefarmearabia

PARENTING

PREGNANCYE R A C IN K S Y L D N IE FR

HIMALAYA AED 30 each

re contain potentially-toxic Some beauty products out the micals may present a health ingredients. Many of these che y. If you read the label and hazard to you and/or your bab formaldehyde to toluene or anything from parabens and can you smell trouble? chemical sunscreens pops up, at you put on your skin You need to be very wary of wh e of our favourite while pregnant, so here are som product picks!

HERBAL ESSENTIALS AED 185

ORGANIC HARVEST

TRADERS-LANE. COM

AED 115 each

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FARMHOUSE AED 118 each

GLAMAZLE. COM

RAHUA

AED 399

AED 220

KOSMÉ PARIS

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY

AED 220

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*Please consult your doctor before using any product.

Even the most natural product can contain herbs or other ingredients which may be harmful to you or baby.

46 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

AED 639

PARENTING

WHERE TO GO THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY IFTARS AND SOHOORS HOME AWAY FROM HOME Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights’ Al Manzil restaurant will be transformed into a cosy setting to mimic the warmth that Ramadan brings. An array of native and regional oriental dishes will span the two kitchens, with many prepared à la minute just like they would be at home.

Daily, from sunset until 10:00 pm. AED 155 per person inclusive of soft drinks.

Children ages six to 12 years old dine for 50% off; children younger than six dine for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

04 553 1283

A PURELY ARABIAN EXPERIENCE This Ramadan, Fairmont The Palm will surround you with the spirit of the Holy Month. Treat your family and friends to the ‘Fairuz’ Ramadan Tent, where traditional Iftar and Suhour will be served from sunset to sunrise with an al fresco Arabian Courtyard and live entertainment.

Taking its meaning from ‘precious stone’, the Fairuz Ramadan Tent at Fairmont will provide irresistible traditional delights, indulgent desserts, date displays and Ramadan-inspired beverages.

Iftar buffet with Ramadan-inspired beverages at AED 175 per person. Children six to 12 years old dine at 50% off. Children below six dine for free.

04 457 3457 48 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

PEACEFUL SPIRITUAL RENEWAL At PER AQUUM, diners looking for a more intimate atmosphere can relax and unwind al fresco at the ‘Majlis’. Priced at only AED 150 per person with a minimum of four people, guests can enjoy the very best of Arabic cuisine with a blend of international delicacies from a family-style set menu in an arabesque environment.

Children four to 12 years receive a 50% discount off the adult price and those under four years dine complimentary.

04 323 8888

TRADITIONAL FAVOURITES WITH A TWIST In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the DIFC Ramadan Majlis – a partnered initiative between Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, will return with a sumptuous menu focusing on live cooking stations, authentic dishes and traditional flavours emblematic to the Holy Month.

The hotel’s culinary craftsmen will put their famous twist on traditional favourites including the hotel’s famous Arabian sushi station, a hummus fountain and falafel waffle, alongside a new Arabic-style ice cream.

For Iftar, AED 215 for adults, AED 107 for children ages 6-12. Children below 6 dine for free, For Suhoor, AED 75 minimum spend 04 372 2222

AN INTIMATE SICILIAN-STYLE GATHERING Located in The Greens, Arrows and Sparrows café is a little cosy space which will transform into a traditional and intimate Sicilian eatery, complete with a traditional menu in Ramadan.

For Iftar and until late, guests can choose from a range of mouth-watering dishes including mozzarella and courgette salad with brioche, a Sicilian charcuterie board, black squid ink seafood pasta, raspberry cheesecake, traditional caprese salad, plus many other dishes including a signature creation from the Executive Chef – a crispy kunafa burrata with pistachio crumbs.

04 558 8141

RAMADAN GOODIES

Wallace Pink Onyx AED 300 Frosted glass with walnut AED 180

Ace starting from AED 15

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 49

EDUCATION Featured PRINCIPAL

Rachel Cashin the ???Alpha School

How will the school put its adopted values into practice and encourage student engagement?

Our Mission, Vision and values are embedded within our three pillars of Identity, Family and Innovation: Our Alpha identity is shaped by our multicultural environment and appreciation of UAE culture and heritage. International-mindedness and respect are key. Our students celebrate a strong sense of identity in faith, language and heritage.

The Alpha Family encompasses our whole community in a safe and nurturing environment, with special focus on the child, so all feel truly valued. Ongoing reflection drives our students to be the best they can both academically and on a personal level.

Parents are partners at Alpha and parent involvement is encouraged as it helps us strengthen the bond between school and home.

Alpha teachers facilitate relevant learning in blended contexts where collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and communication skills are as important as the acquisition of knowledge. Our students have access to the most current technologies with 1:1 device usage to make learning meaningful and personalised.

How will you maintain a community vibe within the school?

As a moderately small school, Alpha’s uniqueness is in its intimate community feel. Every student is known and cared for by each staff member and valued as an integral member of the Alpha Family.

How will you ensure an open communication with parents?

We rely on parents’ involvement and support in our learning process.

Alpha invests in quality digital systems and communication platforms to give parents to daily updates on all aspects of school life and a window into their child’s learning in real-time. Parent-teacher conferences take place regularly throughout the year and our teachers are always happy to meet to discuss progress and learning targets.

Will the school have any advanced programmes? What about ones for struggling students?

Our teachers are highly qualified practitioners selected for their specific expertise and skills. They tailor instruction in accordance with the appropriate challenge level for each and every child so they can reach 50 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

their full potential. As an inclusive school, we have dedicated Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) departments.

Where children are identified as Gifted and Talented or as having an additional need, our team will work with the child, their parents and any outside agencies involved to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

What are your thoughts on technology-based learning vs. more time outdoors?

As a 1:1 iPad school, the purposeful integration of technology is carefully evaluated and embedded into our planning only when its function pertains to advancing learning to a deeper/higher level. The portability of iPads extends the learning environment beyond the limits of the classroom into our outdoor learning spaces and even the wider community.

Our commitment to quality-blended approaches ensures a balance between the benefits of skills-focused integration and ‘handson’ methods. At Alpha, we’re committed to the development of the child as a whole. As such, physical, social and emotional development is paramount. Alpha students are reflective and responsible with choices pertaining to all aspects of life.

When it comes to homework, what do you expect from students and how will you ensure the load isn't too heavy for them?

Alpha’s Home Learning Policy ensures a realistic balance between time and quality when it comes to homework and clearly outlines expectations to teachers and parents. The leadership team monitors the consistency and quality of homework for all grades and electronically reports this to parents at the beginning of every week.

What disciplinary action will you be taking when it comes to students’ problems?

Our students’ well-being is our number one priority. Alpha’s explicit Behaviour Management Policy celebrates positive models of behaviour and ensures that staff, students and parents are fully aware of expectations and sanctions across an eight-level system.

Concerns are dealt with personally and immediately by our teachers, Sectional Pastoral Care Coordinators or Senior Leadership Team depending on the level of severity as per our Policy and parents receive feedback within 24 hours.

What extra-curricular activities will be on offer?

Our Enrichment and Extension Programme (extra-curricular) is broad and varied offering activities across a range of interests including sports, Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), languages and much more.

Parents are encouraged to be a part of this wherever possible. Internal activities are included in the tuition fee. External expert coaches and providers will also offer specialised activities at an additional optional cost.

What about excursions, camps and trips?

As part of our Enrichment and Extension Programme, Alpha fully utilises the wealth of educational and cultural facilities of our wonderful host city. Field trips are embedded into the curriculum where they provide additional value to learning or opportunities to apply it.

04 225 5586 / 056 910 6454 www.alphaschool.ae

info@alphaschool.ae

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 51

EDUCATION

Ask the There are so many nurseries to choose from and they all seem to offer the same thing. How can I identify a quality nursery?

Who validates quality at the nursery? Accreditation bodies, such as the UK National Day Nurseries Association, evaluate nurseries using international standards in early childhood care and educational practice. Nurseries which seek relevant, independent evaluators show that they have nothing to hide and want to improve their practices.

What about child to staff ratios and groupings? Nurseries which follow low child-to-staff ratios and have small groupings tend to provide more supervision, encourage quality adult-child interactions and assist children in settling in more quickly, also promoting each child’s individuality and self-confidence.

Do the curriculum and assessments matter? Absolutely!

Nurseries which use current and research-based curriculums are better able to deliver quality early education. A good nursery will administer frequent developmental screenings and provide parents with progress reports.

What should I look for in educators? The key to any nursery is staff. Seek a nursery with qualified staff, specifically trained to work with young children. Staff should be observed and evaluated on a regular basis and given opportunities to develop their practice.

How does the nursery setting come into play? Children need 52 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

to move and learn in a supervised and safe environment.

Does the nursery have a secure entry system, outdoor space and open areas for active play? What about age-appropriate toys and books?

Open and frequent communication: Communication between nursery managers, teachers and parents is crucial for your child’s success. Does the nursery hold regular parent mornings and parent-teacher meetings? Are weekly newsletters and lesson plans sent out to keep you in the loop on class activities and learning objectives? Do you have the opportunity to give feedback?

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions as you do a thorough walk-through of the nursery: Ask to check washrooms and clinics for cleanliness. Do you feel welcome and does your child seem eager to join in play?

Taking the time to research this important decision will ensure that your child has a high quality experience at this crucial time in their life.

Kelli Allen Head of Nursery and Preschool, Aga Khan Early Learning Centre (AKELC)

EDUCATION

PROGRESSIVE PARENTS, PARENT DIFFERENTLY

Top Ten Tips for Progressive Parenting As parents, our utmost concern is to protect our children while preparing them emotionally and socially for the world.

The journey is wrought with doubts and questions and, although we often feel inclined to mollycoddle them, we know that this approach can impede the development of their selfesteem and social awareness.

Alan Cohen

Clarion School Advisory Committee Member Progressive parenting is a means by which we can truly prepare our children for the future by building their autonomy, mastery, purpose, mindfulness and empathy. This style of parenting results in a more confident, passionate and happier child. Here are my best tips for helping parents incorporate progressive parenting into their family lives: LIVE IN THE MOMENT

It’s vital to live in the present moment if you wish to parent progressively. Many of us often spend our time reliving the past or worrying about the future. However, children are experts at living in the here and now. Take the lead from your child and make the ordinary extraordinary by finding the beauty and wonder in everyday things. Learn to experience every joyous moment you have with your family and encourage your child to relish such moments too.

ALLOW AUTONOMY

Progressive parenting values the ideas of progressive education. This means allowing children to authentically discover and explore the world around them. This is different from the traditional authoritarian approach to parenting, the result of which can impede children’s personal development and do more harm than good.

BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER

Progressive parents let their children air their thoughts aloud and encourage them to engage in discussion. It’s important to make your child understand that their voice and contribution is heard. Respecting and listening to your child in this way builds trust between you, develops problem-solving abilities and encourages effective and collaborative communication skills.

ENCOURAGE THEIR INDIVIDUALITY

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Sometimes, parents can project their wishes onto their children, but progressive parents don't attempt to make their children into what they

want – they see them for who they are instead. When you do something because you find it deeply satisfying and personally challenging, that’s when creativity occurs.

REMEMBER, IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU

Progressive parents try to extend and expand their children's abilities. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure you don’t burden your child with your personal insecurities, fears or limited beliefs. Learn to leave your ego out of the parenting experience.

ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE WRONG

When we admit we’ve made a mistake, it demonstrates accountability and maturity. Contrary to diminishing your value as a role model or your authority as a parent, it actually reinstates it. Mistakes are inevitable for everyone – and taking responsibility for your own and working to rectify them will instil and enhance a sense of self-determination in your child.

LET THEIR PASSIONS DEVELOP

Allow your children to gravitate towards their interests and cultivate their passions. Understand that perfection and conventional over-achieving don’t translate into happiness and success. Progressive parents respect their child’s individuality and encourage its development. Be a guide to your child's unique spirit.

ENCOURAGE CRITICAL THINKING

Incorporate ethical awareness and digital integration into the parenting role. As technology continues to rapidly progress, classical rote learning skills may soon become completely obsolete in the workforce. This means that skills such as critical thinking, global awareness and integration will be even more vital in the future.

EXPRESS GRATITUDE

Consistently expressing gratitude to your children will build their selfesteem. It’s important to thank and praise them for who they are, and not what they do. Telling your child that they’re wonderfully creative encourages them to continue to be so. Expressing gratitude that your child is extremely caring towards others highlights its importance and empowers and inspires them to be more so.

BE PREPARED

Progressive parenting means being prepared for when issues arise. We can’t control everything and problems will inevitably come up – what’s important is our mindset in these situations. Progressive parents don’t react or get caught up in ego or attachment, rather, they respond from a place of awareness and authenticity.

Alan Cohen is a Harvard University Co-Chair of the Principal’s Center at the Graduate School of Education. He is a Cahn Fellow at Columbia University, Founder of Project Zero New York and Winner of the Tribeca Film Festival Disruptive Innovation Award in Education, Time Warner Principals of Excellence Award and the Outstanding Educator of the Year.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 55

EDUCATION

EXAM ADVICE: FOR MAMA! Helping Your Child During Exam Season

Does exam season bring back memories of your own school days? You’re not alone! Many parents remember the waves of fear and anxiety they’d felt when they were students and project that onto their children during this crucial season, but such feelings will only leave you feeling powerless, unable to help your child.

How can you make your kids take this experience as seriously as they should, minus the stress?

Know your child’s entire exam schedule

Believe it or not, our editor has bad memories of missing a final exam and the nightmare of what had to be done to secure a slot so she could make up for it. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so pin a copy of the examination timetable on the notice board – wherever it’s located in your home.

56 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

EDUCATION If you’re a working mum, make sure the kids are up and dressed every day before you leave for work. Make a final check each morning to ensure they’re ready for their exams and have everything they need from rulers and erasers to calculators and reading glasses.

HELP THEM REVISE

Revision can get stressful because of the amount of subjects they need to study for.

Work out a revision timetable for each subject and make sure each session is no more than an hour long, with a short break in the end.

Make sure your child has brought all of their materials with them for the revision to avoid any distraction as they’re revising. Condense long notes into flashcards and buy new stationary to make the experience more colourful.

Practice papers can be a good way to test for exam performance and stress, just make sure you time them as they’ll feel more comfortable at home without exam room nerves. Whichever way you choose to revise, avoid late-night sessions at all costs.

GET THEIR FEEDBACK, THEN MOVE ON

Of course you’ll ask them how the exam went, this will probably be the first question you ask as soon as you see them. However, it’s very important to listen to what they say and then move on. Many parents make the mistake of going through every exam question to try and calculate the score. This will only increase stress levels and achieve absolutely nothing.

Help them focus on next day’s papers by asking questions like: “What’s up next?” or “Are there any predictable questions?”

KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT SUITABLE, BUT PLEASANT

Naturally, it’ll feel like there’s more tension in the air at home during exam season. Your challenge will be to make it as calm and pleasant as possible. Other members of the household should be aware that your child is under pressure so that they too can make allowances for it.

If your child is given study leave before the exams, try to be home as much as possible to help and chat with them. To help them maintain a healthy body and outlook, make sure you stock up on healthy food and encourage them to join family dinners for a change of scene. Don’t forget to remind them to exercise regularly, even if it’s a brisk walk around the block.

DON’T OVERHYPE ANY EXAM

It’s important to always reassure your child that whatever results they receive, there are options. Nothing is the end of the world, so give them encouragement and support and make sure they know – and are 100% certain – that your love for them will not be affected by any exam results.

58 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

EDUCATION

TOO MUCH HOMEWORK?

There’s an App for That

The Best FREE Apps for Homework Help

Even though homework is supposed to be a burden for the kids, us mamas know we’re the ones who will be suffering at 6 pm every day, struggling to remember Sixth Form maths and – more often than not – how to come up with more than seven words with 2+ vowels.

Luckily, there are tons of apps out there for homework help. Here are some of our favourites:

myHomework

The problem with homework is that it can get too hectic.

There are so many subjects and after spending a long day at school, the last thing the kids want is more classroom talk. This app has many tools which will help your child stay organised including building schedules, listing assignments and a calendar.

6+

Metacalculator Ah, math homework. If you’re not a big fan of math mama, (you can tell us, we promise we won’t tell) this can be the ultimate nightmare.

This app is a graphing, scientific, matrix and statistics calculator. You’re welcome.

10+

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StudyBlue

The problem with homework is that it can get too hectic. There are so many subjects and after spending a long day at school, the last thing the kids want is more classroom talk. This app has many tools which will help your child stay organised including building schedules, listing assignments and a calendar.

10+

Boximize

Remember how we used to take notes and lose them, only to find them later in a magical pile of forgotten papers? This app is basically for taking notes, but it makes use of technology to classify them, with the added benefit of pre-made templates.

10+

Socratic

This app actually gives you the theories and concepts behind any problem/question, which comes in handy when trying to learn rather than get the answer straight away. You either type it in or take a screenshot and the app will do the rest.

10+

Wunderlist

This app is all about lists. The kids can finally keep track of homework, assignments and projects. A great tool for staying organised, the app also gives them the option of sharing lists with contacts so mama can see what’s being worked on.

8+

iTranslate This sounds like a tool that would come in handy for all of us in Dubai, but it’s especially helpful for kids learning a second language. This easy-to-use app offers translations of words, phrases and text in 90 languages, in addition to the option of listening to pronunciations in different voices.

10+

Dictionary.com This app is all about lists. The kids can finally keep track of homework, assignments and projects. A great tool for staying organised, the app also gives them the option of sharing lists with contacts so mama can see what’s being worked on.

Science 360

8+

for iPad

This app is all about lists. The kids can finally keep track of homework, assignments and projects. A great tool for staying organised, the app also gives them the option of sharing lists with contacts so mama can see what’s being worked on.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 61

8+

EDUCATION

Girls-Only Education THREE MYTHS AND THREE TRUTHS Thought your education had ended? Think again. There’s a lot of homework to be done before choosing the right school for your child – especially when deciding between a co-ed or single-gender school. Girls-only education always raises plenty of questions, but are you aware of the myths?

62 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

To separate fact from fiction, Wendy Roderick, Principal of Aldar Academies Al Mamoura Academy, a leading mixed gender primary and girls-only secondary school in Abu Dhabi, shares three myths and three truths about girls-only education.

Girls don’t learn how to interact with boys MYTH #1

The idea that girls face a social disadvantage once they leave singlegender schooling because they hadn’t been educated among boys is simply incorrect. Outside of school, girls have fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins and male friends to interact with and learn from, which teaches them how to effectively communicate with men.

Meanwhile, many girls-only schools employ some male teachers because gender plays no role in the recruitment decision. Therefore, stepping into a co-ed university or the workplace wouldn’t mean meeting an alien species.

MYTH #2

Girls-only education isn’t as wellrounded as co-ed

Some believe single-gender education isn’t as comprehensive as co-ed. In fact, girls-only students get to play every role at school, free from gender stereotypes and the influence of boys’ decisions.

For example, they become the leaders of the Student Council and Heads of Houses, so leadership feels natural once they progress to university and beyond. Also, they’re more inclined to captain the football team rather than lean towards netball because traditional gender roles have been stripped away.

What’s more, they have greater freedom to immerse themselves in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) subjects which are typically favoured by boys. According to the UCL Institute of Education in London, women who attended a girls-only school are more likely to pursue a STEAM-related career as a result.

Girls-only schools are only for certain cultures MYTH #3

Although some base the decision to choose girls-only education on cultural beliefs, singlegender schools are in demand across the world. Take the UAE for example, which is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, yet demand for girls-only education is growing.

Meanwhile, some of the longest-established girls-only schools are found outside this region, such as England’s Plymouth High School for Girls which opened in 1874 – a school for which demand exceeds the number of places available.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 63

EDUCATION

Some girls-only students show more confidence TRUTH #1

For many girls, being away from their male counterparts boosts their academic skills and self-confidence. With less emphasis on gender stereotypes, girls are more confident being themselves. Boys are also known to be more daring in the classroom, which can cause some girls to take a back seat. Without this influence, they’re encouraged to be bolder – and this builds confidence which stays with them through life.

A study from the UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies supports this; it found that 81 per cent of women graduates from independent single-sex schools rate themselves ‘above average’ or ‘in the highest 10 per cent’ for academic ability. This compares to 75 per cent of women from co-ed schools.

Girls-only curricula are tailored to their interests TRUTH #2

From the ground up, girls-only education is built around their interests and way of learning to provide the best possible education. This is why many of the teachers at Al Mamoura Academy went to girlsonly schools themselves. Not only are our teachers great role models, they have a deep, personal understanding of how girls learn, and shape their methods and pedagogy accordingly.

Modern girls-only school facilities also reflect the broad variety of subjects girls are encouraged to pursue. So, students will find cutting-edge research laboratories, 3D televisions, and CAD software with laser-cutting technology and hardware alongside graphic design suites and AstroTurf sports pitches.

Girls-only education isn’t right for everyone TRUTH #3

With all of this in mind, it’s important to remember that girls-only education isn’t right for everyone, just as some students in co-ed schools would perform better in a single-gender environment. Yes, recent GCSE results have shown that single-gender schools outperformed co-ed, but the decision must come down to your child’s own personality and approach to learning.

If you’re considering a girls-only school, we recommend attending an open day or school tour at both a girls-only and co-ed school before talking to your child about which one they’d prefer. Once on site, you can quiz the principal and take a close look at the facilities to make sure your decision is based on fact, not fiction.

Need more help deciding if girls-only education is right for your child? Arrange a tour and meet with the Principal of Al Mamoura Academy — or any of Aldar Academies’ co-ed schools, soon.

Visit AldarAcademies.com for more information 64 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

EDUCATION

FINDING THE RIGHT NURSERY FOR YOUR CHILD

Parents are becoming increasingly aware of the crucial importance of the early years in setting the foundation for a child’s future. This is why nursery enrolment continues to grow at a faster rate than any other education segment.

Tania Siddiqui

Director, Masterminds Education

Previously, most nurseries were fairly similar; parents just defaulted to what was nearby.

However, given the differences between nursery structures and curricula now, parents need to consider a number of factors when selecting one that’s right for their kids.

66 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

DAY CARE OR EARLY EDUCATION SPECIALISTS

This really is the first question that a parent must ask themselves: Are they looking for a nursery to provide childcare for a part of the day, for example when they’re at work, or an enriched learning experience for their child?

This is partially based on personal preference. For example, some mothers may want to take the lead during their child’s early learning years in a home environment. Nurseries can then play the role of providing additional stimulation and socialisation for their child. If not, then it’s important to select a nursery that can provide the right intellectual, physical and social stimulation.

CLASS AND LEARNING GROUP SIZE

There are nurseries which have as many as 20 – 24 two-year-olds in one class and others where the maximum class size is 12 students. Day care can take place with 20 young children in one class – effective early learning can’t.

Beyond class size, there’s another important factor – the size of the learning group. Are learning activities being conducted with all the children in class or within smaller sub-groups? For example, at Masterminds Nursery, all learning takes place within smaller groups of three to four children with one teacher. There’s a very high correlation between the pace of a child’s development and level of personal attention during those important formative years.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES AND OUTCOMES

It’s important to note that we’re using ‘learning programmes’ and not ‘curriculum.’ This is because most curriculums, whether it be British EYFS, US, or others, have a great deal of flexibility in the early years. It all depends on how each nursery uses them. The ultimate indicator is the outcomes that a nursery can achieve within its children.

Do children who attend that nursery demonstrate exceptional outcomes when it comes to literacy, numeracy and other areas? Does the nursery offer additional enrichment in terms of languages, music, physical development and art? Most importantly, do the children look happy and well-settled as they learn?

LOOK FOR VALUE, NOT PRICE

The total out-of-pocket cost for tuition fees is certainly important, but like everything else that we purchase, value is more important than price. You could be paying AED 30,000 per year for a nursery and getting poor value for slightly better day care and you could be paying AED 50,000 for another nursery and getting exceptional value in terms of enriched learning and add-ons, like meals. A bundled offering with a single, transparent price is often preferable as opposed to nurseries where various add-ons can lead to much higher fees.

TEACHER TRAINING

The quality and qualifications of teachers are important, but it’s also the most difficult area for parents to gauge. Most parents make a decision based on gut feeling after speaking to some of the teachers at a nursery. Without a doubt, parents should be looking for nurseries who employ qualified teachers.

However, what’s perhaps even more important is inquiring about how much training the teachers receive once they’re at the nursery. Since the same curriculum can be implemented well or poorly, is the nursery investing in training its staff to deliver its intended learning outcomes?

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The campus is what often makes the first impression, but parents should evaluate how the learning environment contributes to students’ learning experience. Excessively cluttered and busy classrooms can distract children and actually deter learning. Parents should also assess whether facility design and flow helps bring the learning experience to life.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 67

GOOD LIVING IN THE KITCHEN

A PREGNANCY-FRIENDLY MEAL

STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST WITH CHEESE AND SPINACH Tasneem Rajkotwala Looking for an impressive, easy-to-prepare dish which ticks the nutrition boxes for a pregnant mama? This dish is an excellent source of protein, fibre, iron and vitamins.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 boneless chicken breast • 1 cup packed, washed spinach • 2 tbsp. cream cheese • 2 tbsp. cheddar cheese, grated • 3 minced cloves of garlic • 1 tbsp. black pepper powder • Salt to taste • 1/3 cup bread crumbs • ½ tsp. olive oil • 1 tbsp. crushed walnuts (optional) METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 425°F. • Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

• Wash the potatoes and dry thoroughly using kitchen towels.

• Place the sweet potatoes in the oven and bake for 50 minutes until the skin is well-crusted, and the flesh of the potatoes inside is a bit charred.

68 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

• Place the steaks on a hot grill and turn them once, allowing three minutes per side. Remove them and let them rest for five minutes without covering. Then, place them on a hot grill again for five more minutes.

• Finish the steaks by letting them rest for five minutes while lightly covered.

Preparation Time 15 minutes

Cooking Time 40 minutes

NOMINATE YOUR FAVOURITE NOW! The Great Flavour Awards recognise the very best ingredients available to consumers throughout the UAE. We believe that it is our responsibility to enhance the produce consumers use every evening to prepare their family meals, showcase local food production, identify what really is organic and healthy and celebrate those supermarkets, delicatessens and food distributors that constantly strive to improve the level of produce on their shelves.

We have more than 100 categories within which you can nominate products that you believe deliver the best taste to the table.

This will be undoubtedly the only awards within the Middle East with a focus on excellent food produce and our blind tasting methodology will ensure only the best products are recognised and will serve as a guide for consumers wanting the best taste for their home cooked meals.

Submit your nomination here:

bbcgoodfoodme.com/thegreatflavourawards

GOOD LIVING

Fun in the Sun? Protect Your Skin from the Dubai Heat

In-depth UV protection all year long: that's how Eucerin® dermo-cosmetics sun protection experts lay the foundation for enjoying the sun. Their products are tailor-made for sensitive skin and its individual needs.

Always remember the golden rules before you step out in the sun, especially to protect your facial skin.

The Ten Golden Rules

1 2 3 70 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

ENJOY THE SUN: The sun’s rays activate and stimulate a lot of the body’s important mechanisms, but we only need a small dose of sunlight to receive these positive effects for our body´s mechanisms.

RESPECT THE RISKS: Without protection, you risk sunburn.

Remember: cloud cover and even window glass only protect us from a part of the sun’s radiation.

DAILY USE: The face and décolleté are the most UV-exposed skin areas; to protect them with a daily sunscreen routine is a worthwhile investment for keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.

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CHOOSE A HIGHER SPF: Integrate a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen into your daily skin care regimen. If your skin is sensitive to the sun or you have a lighter skin tone, always use an SPF 50+ product on your face.

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

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USE FULL PROTECTION PRODUCTS: To protect your skin from long-term skin damage, sunscreen products must provide a shield against UVA radiation. The UVA protection factor must equal about a third of the sun protection factor.

LOVE IT: Find a sun protection product that you really like to use. The special Eucerin Sun Face line won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky and combines well with other face care and makeup products.

The lightweight formulas are easy to apply, fast absorbing and leave the skin with a matte finish. The products are available in different textures and all formulas contain active ingredients which vary according to your skin’s individual needs.

BEST TIME: UV protection works instantly after applying Eucerin Sun Protection products – no waiting time required. All of them can be combined with other Eucerin products – also under foundation.

Start your day by cleansing your skin as a first step – from a scientific point of view, you can apply sunscreen before or after your regular day care product. Either way, the sunscreen will protect your skin effectively.

PAY ATTENTION: One of the most common mistakes is to overlook parts of your body that should be protected. Eucerin recommends, as part of a daily routine for your face, not to forget your ears, scalp, neck and the décolleté. These areas are the most exposed sunlight and so are your hands.

TAKE CARE: Avoid sun exposure after microdermabrasion and laser treatments. Other circumstances can increase sensitivity to the sun’s rays as well, like taking contraceptives, pregnancy or menopause.

BE GENEROUS: The amount of sunscreen you apply is crucial for the actual protection your skin gets. Eucerin recommends the following rules for application: Adults need one line comprising the length from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the hand for the face, another one for the décolleté and one for the ears and neck. A sun hat or cap and sunglasses are a plus as well.

MUST-HAVES THIS SUMMER Eucerin Sun Fluid Anti-Age SPF 50 for protection from photo aging and accelerated skin aging

Eucerin Sun Crème Tinted CC for a unified complexion that instantly gives you a healthy, radiant look

Available at leading pharmacies across the UAE MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 71

GOOD LIVING

POST-PREGNANCY LiFESTYLE The Good,

The Bad and

The Ugly

There are so many things we thought we wouldn’t have to deal with as expectant mums, but they did come up (phew, and they’re over now). Apart from welcoming our bundle of joy to the world, what changes will birth bring to our lives?

DIET THE NOT-SO-UGLY: It can be hard to get your pre-baby body back and you’ll need to work harder to shed off the extra pounds.

THE NOT-SO-BAD: You still have to eat relatively healthy and the focus shifts from trying not to gain weight to milk production for breastfeeding and nourishing the body. Well, it almost shifts to that.

THE GOOD: After years and years of dieting and going through fad after fad, you finally get to rest a bit and eat proper foods which can nourish your body.

CRAZY SLEEP PATTERNS THE NOT-SO-UGLY: Sleep in general will be a mess for the first six months after giving birth.

THE NOT-SO-BAD: For the first sixth months, bouts of insomnia or a crying baby will keep you up at night. Resting a bit during the day will make up for it.

SHOPPING THE NOT-SO-UGLY: Shopping used to be about fun, now you have a million things you need to get for baby and yourself – and no time!

THE NOT-SO-BAD: You’ve finally managed to find a reason to go to the mall rather than aimlessly wandering about and window shopping.

72 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

THE GOOD: You’ll develop a newfound love for baby shopping AND online grocery shopping

THE GOOD: Giving birth can mean less sleep, a lot less, but the good news is that, by the time they’re six months old, baby will be capable of sleeping six to eight hours (at a stretch).

DAYS OUT WITH FRIENDS THE NOT-SO-UGLY: Days out, nights out, you name it – it’s all a thing of the past. Do we have to wait until baby is college age?

THE NOT-SO-BAD: Outings in general can be quite draining and now with baby in tow, we can’t even deal.

THE GOOD: Instead of awkward conversations and splurging on unnecessary items, you can now join loads of mum groups and have things in common to talk about.

TRIPS TO THE DOCTOR THE NOT-SO-UGLY: We used to go for Emergency when we had the flu, it’s common practice in Dubai. Now, oh no, it’s all about baby now.

THE NOT-SO-BAD: Taking care of baby is a lot of work, but it has made us reconsider when to actually go see a doctor – and that’s when something is actually wrong.

THE GOOD: No more paranoia over every single thing that happens to us. Plus, taking care of baby is an absolute delight; you’ll learn something new about them every day.

DATE NIGHTS WITH HUBBY THE NOT-SO-UGLY: Now you can rarely say ‘yes’ to date nights, which you used to love.

Romantic time with hubby, you’ll be missed.

THE NOT-SO-BAD: Spending time with baby is taking over your life, but what if daddy joined in as well?

THE GOOD: Involving your husband is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do when you have a baby. You’ll love the way they take care of them, and why not stay home for your date and catch daddy-baby moments for Instagram? The next viral video? We think so too…

LIFE, OH LIFE THE NOT-SO-UGLY: What a mess! There’s so much to do and so little time for it all.

THE NOT-SO-BAD: Baby has changed everything, and it seems like some of it is for the best. It may take some getting used to, but mummy life is not bad at all.

THE GOOD: Baby is just pure joy! The feelings you get when you’re around them, the new lifestyle. We’re just amazed at how easily you’ve adapted and embraced it all.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 73

GOOD LIVING

Pregnancy Pampering TIME TO TREAT YOURSELF!

Baby-Soft Soles

Pre-Natal Bliss at The Address Meanwhile, at The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall, pregnant mamas can indulge in a full body massage to ease the tension stressing the body during pregnancy. Soothing, stroking movements will stimulate circulation easing any areas of swelling and inflammation. The perfect calming remedy for mother and baby using a pregnancy massage oil and rose bliss balm, this treatment is designed to assist with all body and mind changes during this special time.

A 75-minute massage is AED 596 theaddress.com/DubaiMallÂŻ

If you suffer from unsightly dry skin and cracked heels, look no further than Tips & Toes to hydrate, revive and replenish with the Footlogix pedicure treatment.

Priced at AED 155, the treatment starts off with a fresh-scent foot soak followed by exfoliating seaweed, hydration and nail shaping, and ends with a pretty colour. tipsandtoes.com

The Spa at The Address Montgomerie offers a reassuringly safe treatment which incorporates a handpicked blend of all-natural organic essential oils, back exfoliation and mothers-to-be massage, as well as a relaxing scalp massage. The 60-minute Pre-Natal Bliss package is suitable for mothers-to-be between the 4th and 8th month of their pregnancy.

AED 450 themontgomerie.com

Biking in Water L’Atelier Aquafitness, an al Wasl-based aquabiking studio, is now offering Watsu classes. A passive form of aquatic bodywork with a therapist to guide your body through warm water in graceful, fluid movements, the support of water provides relief from joint compression. AED 380 per class latelieraquafitness.com

74 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

LUSH GARDENS AND A POOL

Spend the day chilling in private cocoon beds surrounded by beautifullylandscaped lush gardens.

Sunday to Thursday AED 125 per person, Friday, Saturday and Public Holidays AED 175 per person and children AED 90 purobeach.com

The Palace Downtown’s Pregnancy Massages

Ask Maja Maja Ask Filén

Founder & Life Coach, Ask for Life UAE

Dear MB&C,

The Palace Downtown’s spa takes care of pregnant mamas with two massages.

The Ultimate Rose Pregnancy Massage releases stress, strain, heaviness in the legs and an aching back. The full body 50-minute treatment also includes a rejuvenating scalp and facial massage.

I get excited about starting something new, for example going to the gym after giving birth, but then I give up. How do I make myself follow through?

Nadia, Dubai

AED 600. thepalace-dubai.com

Dear Nadia,

A Special Massage at The Nail Pavilion

Spring Beauty Cleaning on a Budget

E

If you’re looking for a more lowkey massage experience, why not head to The Nail Pavilion? Prenatal massages can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pain also improving labour outcome and newborn health. In addition, they help stimulate soft tissue, reducing fluid retention in swollen joints. The Nail Pavilion’s prenatal massage is now available with a custom bed designed to protect your beautiful baby belly and costs AED 500. thenailpavilion.com or’s Pi

dit

How many things can you do in Dubai with AED 335? You can brunch, buy a new dress or – better yet – go for an all-round spring beauty session at the oldest salon in town: N.Bar. With super-experienced therapists, a cosy setting and a surprisingly fantastic music selection, you’ll want to spend more of your days getting pampered.

ON THE MENU: • Buff-Me-Up Hand Treatment • Mini Facial

• Full Legs Waxing • One cup of herbal tea nbaruae.com

ck!

Ask yourself: Is it a very important goal to you? Why do you want to achieve it? Most importantly, how do you know you've reached it, how will you feel and what will you do? What we all have to understand is that you can change your mindset in a second, but you have to learn to maintain it and understand that it takes time. What many people do wrong when they plan is that they put up a massive goal they know they won't achieve within six months, and when they don't achieve it they quit, which is understandable.

The secret is to visualise the big goal and have smaller goals in between. Everything new you start doing is difficult at the beginning, it takes time and patience to really be good at something. When you’ve decided to try around three different things in a month, ask someone who brings out the good in you to come with you the first time; sometimes it helps to have someone who believes in you until the day you start to believe in yourself.

If you feel that you don’t want to bring anyone with you, that’s perfectly fine as well. This way, you’ll have the chance to meet new people and maybe find a new friend or mentor. Always try, if you don’t like it you can always try something else. Remember, it’s not always about the destination, it’s about the journey. askforlifeuae

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 75

HEALTH

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRENATAL CARE What are the most important factors to keep in mind before your pregnancy and throughout?

What tests that should be carried out and how do you know you’re on the right track? Mother, Baby & Child interviews Dr Koulshan M.Jameel, Head of the OBS-GYNE Department at the Canadian Specialist Hospital in Dubai, to know more about prenatal care programmes.

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What’s prenatal care?

It’s a care programme for women before and during pregnancy, a form of preventive healthcare.

Recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), prenatal care is where doctors and midwives aim to provide optimum advice, including guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, for the mother and baby.

Why do I need prenatal care?

It’s important to monitor both the mother’s health and that of the unborn baby. Prenatal care educates couples on pregnancy and its changes, especially if it’s their first.

How safe are prenatal screening tests?

Prenatal testing is noninvasive, with no dangers to the mother or foetus. More recently, we’ve developed ways to carry out noninvasive prenatal blood testing for mothers with a 99% sensitivity.

How often will I have prenatal care visits and what happens during these?

Prenatal visits will be scheduled as follows: 1) Monthly visits during the first two trimesters (up to 28 weeks) 2) Fortnightly visits from 28 – 36 weeks 3) Weekly visits after 36th week until delivery (delivery at week 38 – 42) The number of visits can be modified in accordance with every mother’s needs: for example, a high-risk pregnancy may require more visits; it also depends on the availability of services and associated costs.

First Trimester • During the first visit, a complete history of past medical, surgical, gynaecologic, obstetric and family history is taken; any genetic illness or previous abnormal outcomes, delivery methods and significant events during previous pregnancies are recorded • During the first 12 weeks, to confirm the pregnancy and detect the baby’s heartbeat if more than six weeks pregnant • Blood tests are carried out to check for infections and diseases, check up on immunity and more • Foetal abnormalities are checked for through an ultrasound • Nutritional supplements are prescribed Second Trimester • Screening for foetal abnormalities • Gestational diabetes test (blood sugar) • More testing for infections Third Trimester • A growth scan is carried out, localising the placenta and checking on the baby’s position • Discussing the time and method of delivery

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 77

H E A LT H How do I take care of my pregnancy?

• Get early perinatal care, which refers to the period immediately before and after birth

• Exercise regularly

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet • Take prenatal vitamins as prescribed by the doctor

• Don't take any medication without asking your doctor

• Reduce caffeine intake

• Get some rest and relax • Stop smoking and alcohol consumption

• Take care of your emotional health

What changes can I expect during pregnancy?

Pregnancy affects every part of the body. Most changes during pregnancy are a result of physiological changes due to hormones and not every change is indicative of an illness. You can expect following changes in your body: • Nausea and vomiting • Heartburn • Breasts may feel tender and become larger; areolae may become darker and later during pregnancy may leak an early form of milk called colostrum • Nasal congestion and a runny nose • Gum bleeding

• Frequent urination • Leg cramps and backaches • Shortness of breath • Constipation • Palpitations • Numbness and swelling of the hands and feet • Darkening of the skin between your naval area and lower abdomen

How will I know if something is wrong?

Most symptoms experienced during pregnancy are normal. However, you should contact your healthcare practitioner if you see any of the following signs or symptoms: • Vaginal bleeding or spotting • Recurrent vomiting • Consistent abdominal pain • Consistent headaches with blurring of vision, vomiting or right upper abdominal pain • Excessive weight gain • Fainting or light-headedness • Change in or absence of foetal movements • Fluid discharge from the vagina

78 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

from a mum's prespective, what’s the best advice you can give to a woman who’s looking to get pregnant?

The best advice for a woman contemplating pregnancy is to try and achieve optimum health and be ready, both physically and mentally, for pregnancy and its challenges.

You can have a baseline health check-up including: • Weight, BMI • Blood pressure • Blood tests including haemoglobin levels and blood sugar • Urine test • Pap smear (if married for more than one year) • Rubella immunity status Obesity may lead to pregnancy complications, so the doctor may be able to advise you on your ideal weight. If you have a pre-existing medical condition like diabetes, it’s best to control it before getting pregnant to avoid any complications.

H E A LT H

Research has shown that a baby’s eating habits — good or bad — are shaped in the womb by their mother’s own diet.

This means that if the mother eats a lot of junk food while pregnant, the baby will crave the same junk food later on in life; if the mum eats a balanced diet, she exposes her baby to a variety of flavours including those of various vegetables and fruits, and that might lead to a healthier eating style for baby later in life.

EATING HABITS START IN THE WOMB 80 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Pregnant women who ‘eat for two’ are likely to put their unborn children at risk of obesity as they increase their consumption of fatty and sugary foods to satisfy their food cravings. Although many mums-to-be are often worried about pregnancy weight, the extra pounds are actually inevitable. The key is to manage pregnancy weight gain by sticking to the ideal rate through a balanced diet and healthy pregnancy habits.

Making smart choices while pregnant is therefore very important because, whatever you ingest, it’ll affect your baby’s health.

Here, Senior Dietitian and Centre Manager at The Right Bite Nutrition Centre Riham Shamseddine tells Mother, Baby & Child about eating habits and how they’re shaped early on — really early on:

TOP FIVE HEALTHY, NUTRIENT-PACKED SNACKS THAT YOU CAN INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET: Whole grain rice cakes topped with peanut butter and natural fruit spread

Low-fat yogurt topped with fresh berries and honey

Homemade energy balls made from dates, nuts, chia seeds and desiccated coconut

Whole wheat, homemade zaatar crackers with guacamole sauce

Cut-up vegetables with homemade hummus and beetroot dip

TOP GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY: • Eat small, frequent meals especially if you’re suffering from morning sickness and/or heartburn, and to improve digestion.

• Consume food items which are rich in fibre including whole fruits, vegetables, whole wheat products, brown rice/pasta and whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, lentils to avoid constipation.

• Enjoy all food groups including grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products in moderation and in a

balanced way.

• Minimise the consumption of simple sugars: sweets, baked good, cakes, custard and chocolate.

• Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body properly. Not only will this help avoid dehydration, but it’ll also minimise water retention and swelling.

• Exercise regularly as per the doctor’s instructions.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 81

H E A LT H

STAY FIT DURING PREGNANCY 36 WEEKS PREGNANT

When you're expecting, it's important to keep moving! Pregnant women who exercise have more energy, less back pain, a better body image and, post-delivery, a faster return to their prepregnancy shape.

Dubai-based personal trainer Derryn Brown says: “Complete this circuit for 3-5 rounds, depending on your fitness level.”

Derryn Brown

Personal Trainer

Kettle bell racked forward lunges: Make sure your wrist is straight while holding the KB in the racked position.

Lunging forward, making sure your knee doesn’t go over your toes. 8 – 10 reps each side

Bent over rows using a kettle bell or dumbbell: Kneeling onto a box or bench, keeping your back straight, extend your arm that’s holding the weight and pull it back upwards with a pause at the top before lowering it back down again. 10 reps each side

Goblet squats using a kettle bell: Keeping a comfortable foot positioning (quite a wide stance depending on how big your belly is), keep your back straight and lower down into a squat – keeping the weight into your heels. 15 reps

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@thelifeofafitmom Photographer: Mario Guarneros Activewear: Lorna Jane Dubai

Because your baby’s skin is much more delicate than your own, it needs extra special care. Only WaterWipes are made using just water and a drop of fruit extract. That’s what makes them the world’s purest baby wipe, perfect for taking care of your baby’s skin - and why 97%* of midwives believe WaterWipes are suitable for use on the skin of newborn babies.

WaterWipes available now in stores and online across the GCC *Source: Spark research study on 102 Midwives, October – November 2014

H E A LT H

YOUR PREGNANCY, WEEK BY WEEK

Dr Manali M. Dande

Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Medcare Women & Children Hospital

Pregnancy is a dream come true for most women, especially when it’s their first. Mothers-to-be experience mixed feelings: happiness and excitement over this new journey as well as anxiety and stress over their health and that of baby.

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THE STAGES OF EVERY PREGNANCY: WHAT’S AN EMBRYO?

The nine months of pregnancy are divided into three sets of three months, each of which are labelled medically as the first, second and third trimesters. By the time a woman finds out she’s pregnant, baby would have already started to develop into the small pregnancy tissue known as the ‘embryo’.

One half of the embryo becomes a placenta, which nourishes baby throughout the pregnancy all the way until delivery, and the other half develops to eventually form the baby. You may think it’s still very early, but by then primitive brain tissue which develops into baby’s brain, spinal cord and back bone – namely the neural tube – would have already been formed.

This small embryo has its process, through which it forms three layers – the outer layer forms the brain, spine, eyes and ears, middle layer the heart, bones, muscles and blood vessels and innermost layer internal organs such as the lungs, intestines, bladder, etc. Baby’s heart starts beating as early as five weeks into the pregnancy. By week 12, the eyes, nose and all major organs would have already been formed.

PREGNANCY AND CHANGES

A woman notices many changes, both physically and mentally, right from the first trimester. In addition to a bloated tummy and breasts becoming sore and painful, she’ll feel tired, weak and have constant mood swings.

One important symptom of early pregnancy is very well-known: Morning sickness will make the mum-to-be sensitive to any smell and feel nauseated or vomit, symptoms which are expected to settle by the end of the first three months.

The mother-to-be may also notice light bleeding around the expected date of menstruation, which is known as implantation bleeding and considered to be normal, but it’s better to inform the doctor as it may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy/a miscarriage. A pregnant woman may also notice increased urination, vaginal discharge and/or constipation and a lower backache – all due to uterus pressure.

Worried? No need to be! There are medications which are a safe, and available in the market, to control these troublesome symptoms to some extent.

THE ‘FEEL GOOD’ TRIMESTER

Next, we move onto the second trimester where the mum-to-be’s appetite starts improving and morning sickness begins to decrease.

This is a comparatively safe period of the pregnancy as the risk of miscarriage drops drastically. If the mother wants to travel, this would be the best time to do so.

The tummy will start growing, she’ll be putting on weight, her face MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 85

H E A LT H starts glowing and hair and nails become thicker. Some areas might darken such as the armpits, inner thighs and around the navel and nipple. The pregnant mama may also experience darkening of the skin over the eyes, nose and cheeks, also called the ‘pregnancy mask’ plus some skin tags and stretch marks over the abdominal area.

Joints also become swollen, most noticeably in the wrist, due to water retention.

Baby would be simultaneously developing and mum will start to feel small baby kicks, the first signs of developing life in the tummy for the pregnant woman and one of the most precious moments of her life. By 18-19 weeks, baby’s organs would be proportionate to each other. Around 23-24 weeks, they start slowly releasing a substance called a surfactant, which eventually helps them develop lungs.

On average, a woman is expected to put on 11 kg throughout pregnancy, 1 kg in the first trimester and 5 kg in each of the following trimesters. The doctor will also ask the mum-to-be to visit more frequently as the weeks go by.

FINALLY, THE THIRD TRIMESTER!

By then, the pregnant mum will notice less control of urinary function with leakage and a discharge from the breasts, which are preparing for feeding the newborn after childbirth. The mum-to-be will also start feeling period-like pains called Braxton Hick’s contractions, which prepare her for labour pain and will eventually stop on their own.

By 36-38 weeks, the mum-to-be will feel the height of uterus moving downwards as the baby goes a little deeper into the birth canal, reducing breathlessness. By now, the doctor will start discussing the delivery plan, which usually includes method, location, date and facilities available for a painless labour such as epidural analgesia. It’s a good idea to visit the medical facility where childbirth is planned to be mentally prepared.

You may be wondering what baby is doing all this while.

Well, they would be busy developing, putting on weight and getting their nutrition from the mother. Babies weigh approximately 1 kg at 28 weeks and are expected to weigh approximately 3 kg by the end of the nine months.

Baby starts opening their eyes by 28 weeks. After 37 weeks, they also receive antibodies from the mother through the umbilical cord, which gives them the strength to fight infections for some time after childbirth. They also tend to go deep down into the birth canal and it’s normally the head which comes out first to the world.

You’re now ready to welcome baby into your life and enjoy every precious moment with them!

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H E A LT H

10 STEPS TO A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

You’re pregnant; the exciting journey of motherhood is here! It’s more important than ever to take good care of your physical and emotional health, and boost your chances of having a problemfree pregnancy and a healthy, happy baby. You probably know the basics, but there’s so much more to pregnancy than what we already know.

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1 SEE A DOCTOR

As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, visit your doctor. When it comes to prenatal care, they know best and will be able to guide you and put you on the right track. You’ll also have time to plan for any needed ultrasounds or tests.

Your best choice is an OBY-GYN with excellent credentials who’s willing to listen to and respect your choices and opinion. If your pregnancy is considered high risk, make sure your primary caregiver maintains a collaborative relationship with your doctor.

2

EAT WELL

Eating well doesn’t really mean eating for two. Aim for a healthy, balanced diet: at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, plenty of whole grain carbohydrates as sources of fibre, daily servings of protein and two portions of fish a week – one of which should be oily.

3 BEWARE OF UNHEALTHY FOOD

While pregnant, you have to be extra careful with some foods which may pose a health risk for you and baby.

Dangerous foods include some soft and blue cheeses, undercooked or pre-cooked meat and large types of fish. Stay away from raw food and limit caffeine consumption to 200 milligrams daily.

4 EXERCISE

Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day, unless you have a medical reason not to – this will help with backaches and morning sickness, in addition to preparing your heart and lungs for the upcoming birth.

Not sure how to get moving? Brisk walking, swimming, aqua-natal classes, yoga and Pilates are all amazing forms of exercise for pregnant women.

5 START DOING PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES

Pelvis muscles support your bladder, vagina and back passage. Because of the extra pressure and hormonal changes, they can feel weaker during pregnancy. Having a toned pelvic floor will help you avoid stress incontinence, which makes you pee when you sneeze and make birth go more smoothly.

Make sure you do eight pelvic floor squeezes, eight times a day.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 89

H E A LT H

6 TRY SOME SUPPLEMENTS

It’s very important to check with your doctor and see if you need some supplements, which can help if you’re concerned over eating habits or feel too sick to even eat.

7 STAY SAFE

Buckle up, properly! Adjust the lap belt across your hip-pelvis area and below your belly.

Stop smoking and cut out alcohol, which rapidly reaches your baby through the blood stream and placenta.

Also, try to go green as much as possible to limit exposure to harmful chemicals; be wary of household cleaners, solvents, paints and beauty products. Buy organic as much as you can.

8 GET PLENTY OF REST

Fatigue is a normal part of pregnancy, especially during the first few months; pregnancy is a hormonal roller coaster after all. During the later months, it’ll become your body’s way of telling you to slow down.

If you can’t sleep at night, try to take a nap in the middle of the day to catch up. If that’s impossible, put your feet up and relax, even for 30 minutes.

Among the most common reasons of lack of sleep while pregnant is backache. Apart from appropriate levels of exercise, try lying on your left-hand side with your knees bent. Placing a wedge-shaped pillow under your bump may help ease the strain on your back.

9 AVOID STRESS AT ALL COSTS

Whenever you feel stress coming on try yoga, deep-breathing exercises, stretching or taking a short walk. This is especially important if you’re a working pregnant mama.

Many women experience depression during pregnancy which can affect the foetus. Don’t suffer without seeking treatment!

10 DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY

Make sure you enjoy your pregnancy. There are so many things you’ll worry about which you shouldn’t, including the fact that your morning sickness will rob your baby of nutrients (the nausea and vomiting will stop by the end of the first trimester, during which baby will be feeding off your own body’s nutrients for support) and miscarriages (normal everyday activities to not cause these).

So smile, stay healthy and wait for baby to arrive.

90 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Expecting? motherbabychild.com The go-to website for mums-to-be in the UAE, log on now for the most up-to-date health advice, education news and more...

H E A LT H

YUMMY MUMMY! IS THE ‘MUMMY MAKEOVER’ WORTH IT?

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but a pregnant woman goes through plenty of physiological changes. During pregnancy, a mother-to-be’s priority is baby's health, so she has to give her body enough nutrients and rest in order to ensure they’ll be born healthy.

For many women, pregnancy happens multiple times over the course of a lifetime. Every time, it leaves the body with changes which are difficult to reverse. Even though required at times, a Caesarean birth can cause even more changes to a woman's body.

Dr Sanjay Parashar

International Plastic Surgeon, Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, Dubai and India

PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, it’s important to understand the difference between a healthy and excessive food intake.

It’s wise to attend classes which teach good eating habits and safe exercises to ensure the proper toning of muscles and prevention of fat depositing in the body.

Looking after the skin by using the right moisturiser will help minimise stretch marks on the tummy, buttocks and thighs.

AFTER GIVING BIRTH

Postpartum exercises are essential to help burn excess calories and tone up the muscles, improving skin condition. More permanent changes affect the tummy area due to excess fat deposits, residual lax skin with stretch marks and the separation of the rectus muscle which causes the tummy to bulge out.

However, despite exercising, muscle toning often becomes impossible and the stretched-out skin does not contract. If there’s more than one pregnancy, or the mother was pregnant with twins, the amount of skin and muscle stretching can be so intense to the degree of hernia formation. Many women end up having flab or continue to look pregnant even after delivery.

Breasts are also significantly affected in many women as they lose volume and sag, also developing wrinkles. In some women, their size is significantly increased due to weight gain or excessive lactation.

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The combination of breast sagging and a large bulging tummy takes a toll on a woman's confidence and psychological state. Despite attempts to exercise and lose weight, their body form does not regain its original shape.

WHAT DOES THE MAKEOVER DO? A mummy makeover was designed to solve many of these pregnancyrelated changes, which are unacceptable to many women. The focus of the procedure is to improve breast shape and size, tone the tummy and waistline, reduce stretch marks and reshape the buttocks.

The procedure is performed by experienced plastic surgeons in many cases along with a gynaecologist or urologist. Some procedures can be combined while others may need to be spread out over a period of time.

ASK DR SANJAY Can a woman go for a facelift without undergoing a major surgical procedure?

Advancing technology and a better understanding of the aging phenomenon has helped us find ways to lift a woman's face without surgery. There are many options available, but a surgeon’s skills and knowledge to carefully combine the recipe for a non-surgical facelift far outweigh the technology.

THE TECHNICAL STUFF… Breast volume is restored by inserting newer-generation silicone implants. These implants are either placed behind breast glands or the muscles to ensure the function of breast tissue isn’t affected.

In some women, fat grafting helps with restoring breast shape and volume. On the other hand, in women who have very large hyperplastic breasts, breast reduction along with a lift helps improve the shape.

Under the same anaesthesia, the doctor performs a tummy tuck to remove loose skin, repair the muscles and improve the waistline using body contouring procedures. Ultrasonic or Vaser liposuction done at the same time helps loosen excess fat around the love handles, hips and thighs.

The fat removed while performing liposculpting is used to reshape sagging buttocks and improve cellulite. These procedures help tremendously, restoring the body’s original shape while firming and lifting the tummy and breasts.

Good health is a priority to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

Aftercare is ensured by maintaining healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, both key to long-term bodily health and a happier mama!

We have three layers in our face, ‘masks’ draping over our bone foundation; the aging process is not only limited to these layers, but also affects this foundation. The three layers of muscle, fat and skin which are tightly held together during youth starts sliding south against each other as we age. This leads to brow sagging, deep folds and furrows in the middle of the face, sagging jowls and loose skin in the neck.

Non-surgical treatments for an aging woman start by building up volume in the right amounts and places. Fat is the best source in our body to restore volume. Ultherapy, radiofrequency and laser used in the right amounts and starting at the right age can help with avoiding severe signs of aging and sagging in the face.

In my opinion, starting in the early 30s can really help prevent the need for any surgical intervention at a later age in life. Nano fat grafting and plasma-enriched therapies with their tissue engineering capabilities help prevent collagen breakdown and replenish young and healthy cells in our skin.

Surface treatments like peels and fractionated laser can help restore the face’s shine and youthfulness.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2017 | 93

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94 | MAY 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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