inspiration
W
ow! It’s February already! What are you doing this month for Valentine’s Day? Any plans yet? This month is a month of love, serenity and peace. It makes you
think of hearts, pink, Cupid and all sorts floating around. It is more of an Angelic month. Speaking of Angels, I’d like to share with you a story that moved me. Recently I read in the newspaper, a young child by the age of six, fell from a six story building. That was sad and shocking—in fact you hear many of these stories
lately. However, what moved me in this instance is that as she was falling, she felt a force hold her close to the ground and then drop her lightly so that she suffered a few injuries but nothing major. She is happily smiling in her photo and plays games on her father’s mobile phone everyday in content. She wore a bracelet that day that her mother had given her with the word “Allah” written on it or “God.” She believes that it was an Angel who protected her. This story teaches us mummies, the importance of imbibing faith in children from young and spirituality in children. It is important that no matter what rough points one may go through to remember to always remain calm and tranquil—and especially have a lot of faith in not only yourself but maintain faith in the Up Above Almighty and to believe in the Angels and the unseen. There is more to life than material things. Faith in today’s world is vital. So with that being said, start now, pray to a good future—pray whole heartedly and live more spiritually. Have a fantastic month ahead! I look forward to seeing you at our Valentine’s fun event for all on the 10th of February where there will be a mini-kid’s fashion show, photo session and chance to be on the front cover of our March edition, chance to have your photos featured in our magazine, lots of colouring/drawing/ activities, entertainment, competitions, gifts to be won and much more! There will be
L
Happy reading Mummies!
ove n Light Darine Hounaine Williams (Founder) 3
mother, baby & child February 2012
beautiful displays by some of our beloved clients too. I will see you soon!
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February 2012
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3 Your monthly dose of inspiration by Darine 12 Editorial 13 Your voice matters! 14 Save the Date!
Charities, fashion shows and Valentine events on your way
17 Looking for things to do this month? Stop! You’re at the right place…
Things to do with baby and hubby this month of hearts
What’s Poppin’?
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mother, baby & child February 2012
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Stop & Shop! Gift ideas for ‘V-Day’ and more! Party & Fun! Pastries, drinks and wholesome lovin’ are here Out & About Leave the city for a romance and adventure
Getting Ready Is being a mummy saying goodbye to party? Are you about to leave the life of a ‘party animal’? Baby, will you ever be mine? (Understanding and finding hope after an ectopic pregnancy) Expert advices to would-be mums who suffered from an ectopic pregnancy Want a bun in the oven? Grab a bite! Sandwiches that can help boost fertility
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On The Way
36 The name hunt Smart tips on picking your baby’s name 6
Shock-proof budgeting for multiple pregnancy Financial guru offers suggestions for parents-tobe of twins (or more) CLICK! From bump to babe... Documenting your family life in photographs Hot Mama Fashion Yummy Mummy of the Month
The New Family We play. We learn!: Family bonding activities that encourage learning Combine quality time, fun and coaching
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Appreciation is a celebration Learn why every milestone ought to be commemorated Dining Courtesies 101: Learning begins at the family table Start teaching your child the basics of proper table manners
In Focus: Birth
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Am I ready? (Questions nagging a new mum about to end her maternity leave) Some answers to your lingering concers
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L-A-C-T-A-T-I-O-N facts Is what you know a myth or a fact?
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The heart of the matter: A closer look to Congenital Heart Disease A paediatrician helps shed light in this heartbreaking condition
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Top tips for the Fussy Eaters
In Focus: Toddler
68
Words to share from the ‘Au Pair’ Parenting tips from a nanny and author
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Learn it. Speak it. Love it. Why it is important for your child to learn your native language No-tear pierce: 10 ways to keep your child’s piercing as pain free and as hygienic as possible Practical guidelines for a trouble-free ear piercing
In Focus: Child
76 Hello Kitty fever It’s everybody’s favourite feline! 80 Is she a Girl Scout material? Know whether your little girl’s qualities fit the requirements 83 Breaking the barriers, one story at a time... Teaching social justice through story-telling 86
Slick kids fashion
89 Slick kid of the month 90 What Do You Think? Should you be 100 percent
104 Birthdays! 105 Mother, Baby & Child Offer… for Little Ones!
More fun discounts and freebies for your kids!
Mama & Me Events 110 Dubai Mums’ January coffee morning 112 2012 Meet Your Neighbour begins 113 Dubai Dolphinarium celebrates with Indian residents
honest to your kids?
92 Ask Now!
Parenting questions answered by the experts
94 Top Tips for Babies & Kids 98 Bookworm Me! Junior
Go nuts about Rugrats!
100 Kiddie Flicks Picks 102 Mama and Me Get Busy
Words to share from the ‘Au Pair’ page 68
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mother, baby & child February 2012
contents | february 2012
Mama Me-Time
Food for the Soul
Health & Wellbeing
126 Wisdom for women: How traditional and Ancient Chinese practices benefit the body and soul Generations after generations have understood its secret
115 What she made of her survival... A breast cancer survivor put shares inspiration through writing 118 Love yourself more... Know what habits you need to stop doing
125 Tickle me funny Heart-warming stories from mums like you
People of the Month
132 Mumtrepreneur, Green Guru, Charity’s Angel
140 Kitchen Magic 144 Editor’s Pick: In Focus – Dining
rself Love you more 8
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mother, baby & child February 2012
Dining at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, The Address Dubai Mall and Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Family outing at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel
148 Editor’s Pick: In Focus – Salon 149 Editor’s Pick: In Focus – Spa
Couple’s treatments from Raffles Dubai, The Address Dubai Marina and Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa
129 Top Tips for Wellbeing Eco Zen Tips, Mind & Body Tips, Holistic Motherhood Tips
121 Mother, Baby & Child Offer…Exclusively for Mama! Because you deserve more rewards in life!
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147 Editor’s Pick: In Focus – Hotels
154 Bookworm Me! Romance novels from
two of the best authors
159 Horoscope
Find out what the astrological alignments say about your month
162 Directory Listing
Perfect Party + FREE play at Play Zone or Fun ‘N’ Learn • AED30 Plus Credit Pop Corn or Cotton Candy • Party bag Themed decoration • Balloon decoration Gift for birthday child • Thank You Cards Starting at
AED20 Plus Credit • Yummy Meal • Party Host • Party Games
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with Prizes • Invitation Cards Starting at
55
Fab Party + AED50 Plus Credit 2kgs. Birthday Cake • Face Painting 2 Big Rides • 2 Play Area Vouchers for the birthday child Starting at
For bookings, visit www.funcity.ae or contact birthdays@funcity.ae
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* Terms and Conditions apply.
FUN N’ LEARN • PLAYZONE • KIDDY KUTZ • BIG RIDES • VIDEO GAMES • POOL PARLOUR • BOWLING DUBAI: Ibn Battuta - 04 3669819, Lamcy Plaza - 04 3352700, Oasis Centre - 04 3397783, Mercato - 04 3499976, Arabian Center - 04 2845679, Reef Mall - 04 2222405, Burjuman Centre 04 3593336 ABU DHABI: Dalma Mall - 02 5507407, Marina Mall - 02 6815527 RAK: Manar Mall - 07 2281881 AL AIN: Jimi Mall - 03 7630206, Bawadi Mall - 03 7840223 FUJAIRAH: Century Mall
D
o you believe that parenthood is a love story? I do.
Remember the first time you found out that you were about to become a mum? There were things you were used of doing, parts of your lifestyle you had to give up – rather willingly. You may
have had a tough time getting to that point, perhaps even a number of failed attempts. And when it finally happened, you were astounded with planning from your baby’s name all the way to your future finances (especially if you found out that you are not just carrying one child). Being part of a family, with your husband and child, you look for special ways to keep your unit intact. You try to find answers why even the littlest of milestones calls for a celebration. And as they grow up, you do your very best to have them integrated in a loving environment – filled with understanding and compassion. For those instances when you were caught off-guard by illnesses or rough times, you hang on to your child’s hand, feeling the pure joy this mother-andchild connection brings. And you just know, you are still luckier than most. You have your life staring right back at you. If this isn’t a love story, I do not know what is. Hope our offering for the month of hearts will bring you mother, baby & child February 2012
more reason to be passionate about motherhood. Happy Valentines!
Dominique Pechuela-Famador editor
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Your voic e matters!
ominiqrauctsem! e wherever I go. It ison. oIttgoivnelys all Hello urD att to magazine informative
very at yo ers find it u know th e to let yo lot of moth lik a ld re u su o w m g. I a Firstly, I you and interestin ant. courtesy to t also very r would w u e ll b a th l o ’s fu It m . lp a o e h ies to that tion that f its activit nowledge le informa and lots o ent and k n m the possib io in it a d feel rt e t te ur nex uch en makes us ut also it e us this m rward to yo b iv fo s g n k d o to o n ti lo a a expect I always honoured an effort only have would be ake such t I o m . n e o e n h zi w w a , g is of th ed ma your team ur privileg le. Because . part of yo mmendab a co e b ly r u magazine o tr is d d in your take part e h to lis ic b ish you an u st a p usi picture future. I w s r’ in a d more enth m a u e K h a iyaa o more aughter P editions! as it will g have my d rthcoming fo vative ide o r n u in yo r r u est fo with yo the very b ! I am sure w year. All e Congrats n d e ss a great ble ! your team am effort Regards, e great te Keep up th
mar P inky Ku
Hi P inky! The honour is ours. Th
at we are able to entert
ain and keep us. We do hope that this issue will yet be another reason for you to keep reading page after pa ge. I am pretty sure Piy aa will have this one as her favourite though!
mums like you inform
ed always bring joy to
Dominique
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mother, baby & child February 2012
Warm regards,
Sahara Centre’s Spring Promotion
Star Hunt 2012 - The Grand Finale
Head on to Sharjah and get a chance of
Aspiring models from all walks of life will be competing in this fun-filled cont est where the audience and industry judges crow n the male and female Stars of 2012! Candidates will be groomed, styled and choreographed - befit ting of a glamorous fashion show too! Vote for your favourites and get a chance to win one of their exciting prizes. Centre Court, Dubai Outlet Mall February 10 (Friday) For more information, visit www.dubaioutletmall.com
a lifetime! What with meeting the worldrenowned cartoon characters such as Dora, Sponge Bob and Patrick, as well as PowerPuff Girls at the Sahara Cartoon Festival for the children. Or the Audi Q5 and BMW motorbike as grand raffle prizes for mums and dads. The Sahara Centre certainly has got the emirate buzzing! Have an enjoyable shopping experience, plus wide range of attractions and in-mall activities with the whole family! Sahara Centre, Sharjah Ongoing until February 10 From 10.00 am to 10.00 pm For more information, visit
Mother, Baby & Child Magazine’s Valentines e Event: Smothering Lov
mother, baby & child January 2012
LOVE… Four-letter Mums… Dads… Kids… world go ‘round. And words that make the ild in Mother, Baby & Ch that’s what you’ll find in us n Joi nt! s Eve Magazine’s Valentine Hearts’! On location of h ont ‘M celebrating the tographers to capture will be professional pho b smiles. They could gra your little ones’ sweet the FRONT COVER of their chance to be on Magazine too! Mother, Baby & Child E! IT’S ABSOLUTELY FRE Oasis Centre, Dubai 2.00 to 10.00 pm February 10 (Friday), , call 04 433 2398 For more information
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www.saharacentre.com
Kinesiology Hands on Parents Course Workshop The Early Years Educational Service Middle East (EYES) is opening the Kinesiology experience to the families. The Experience Touch for Health Kinesiology workshop will be having certified instructors from the International Kinesiology College teach parents various techniques to help their children deal with stress, boost their energy levels, achieve better levels of health and wellbeing. Knowledge Village, Dubai (Thursday), 10.00 am to 12.00 pm 16 y Februar Rate at Dhs 150 For more information, call 04 446 5820 or email marketing@eyes-me.com
Meet Your Neighbours’ Valentine Brunch Bazaar sprinkle Meet Your Neighbours is back to day this one In ai! Dub camaraderie around venues rent month, they will be in two diffe whilst celebrating the month of hearts urs can creating a venue where neighbo nering part and r mingle with each othe n to dow ly establishments. Bring the fami these places and help Meet Your Neighbours spread the love!
Hayya! The Lakes Club & Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club February 10 (Friday), 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm
The Abu Dhabi Terry Fox Run The Abu Dhabi leg of the international cancer fundraiser and family event will return to the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Also known as ‘The Marathon of Hope’, the run gives cancer patients the hope that one day, a cure, or even prevention, for cancer will be found. It has likewise provided financial assistance in researches conducted here in the UAE. Mums, Dads and kids will surely have a memorable time where they can walk, run, roller-blade or skateboards – it’s even accessible to those on wheelchairs and with strollers too! Abu Dhabi Corniche February 17 (Friday), 7.00 am onwards For more information, email abudhabiterryfoxrun@gmail.com
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday (Exact date subject to moon sighting) Valentine’s Day Congenital Awareness Day February 14 World Day of Social Justice February 20 International Mother Language Day February 21 World Thinking Day February 22
e’s Valentin Day
February
Very Importa n Session at VtISchool SS! The Victoria International School of Shar invites you to jah an open day which will incl ude tours and talk s from the he ad of the scho and principal. ol The curriculum will likewise be discussed. Th is will be a gr eat opportun ity for every attend ee to have a better unders tanding of VISS’ philo sophy and va lues. It’s also a good chance to ge t to know the teachers and some of their studen ts. Who know s? They could your child’s ne be w teachers an d classmates too! Victoria Inte rnational Scho ol of Sharjah February 6 (M onday), 9.00 am to 12 .00 pm For more info rmation, visit www.vis s.ae
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mother, baby & child February 2012
World Cancer Day February 4
save the date
The Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival live entertainment On its 10th year, the sisted of two weekends spectacular will be con of Jazz Garden, nine of main gigs, five nights and 27 LIVE days of entertainment l be featuring the wil l CONCERTS! The festiva the past 9 years... For “best of” line up from ing James Blunt, Jason starters, they’ll be hav on. Hasn’t that given Mraz and James Morris r hubby out just yet? you the itch to ask you
Hitting the beach... ONE MORE TIME! Because the cool weather permits long hours outdoors, the Charity’s Angels are giving it another go in helping preserve the cleanliness of one of our beaches. Come along with the whole family and make it a family bonding for a great cause! We’re pretty sure your child will be very delighted to know how they can save Nemo’s habitat too! Venue and time to be announced to confirmed members February 26 (Saturday) For more information, email charitysangelsdubai@gmail.com
Dubai Festival City ursday to Friday) February 16 to 24 (Th Ticket prices for the s 295 main gigs start at Dh , visit For more information m www.dubaijazzfest.co
A Happier New Year With SnoozeShade BohoBebe has just the thing to make your new year even happier - the multi-award-winning SnoozeShade range, now with even more styles. Enjoy the cool weather and the great outdoors whilst baby snoozes safely with the highest level of sun protection (UPF50+). See our website for these great products and more: www.bohobebe.com
• Help babies get the sleep they need on-the-go • Made from soft stretchy breathable fabric • Block 94% of light to aid sleep • Provide extra shade for delicate skin and eyes • Can be used from birth • Universal fit – one size fits all
SNOOZESHADE ORIGINAL • SNOOZESHADE PLUS • SNOOZESHADE TWIN • SNOOZESHADE INFANT CAR SEAT • SNOOZESHADE COT
Available at:
For the month of hearts, here’s something for the babies... and MUMMIES AND DADDIES! FOR INFANTS TO TODDLERS (6 months to 3 years)
NEW CLASSES AT BABY ARABIA Classes for Arabic, French, Urdu and Art Expression are ongoing until April 2nd. To offer flexibility to mummy and their kiddies, Baby Arabia is giving one trial session at a per-session rate prior to joining the term. Registration fee is Dhs 100 which is inclusive of CD, songbook, t-shirt and materials needed for the term. For parents with more than one child, the second child gets 40 percent off whilst the third child is free!
For more information, call 050 624 7263 or email arabiababy@gmail.com
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AT THE LITTLE GYM The Little Gym is offering an early bird discount for anyone who wishes to sign up for the next semester: from February 5 to June 23. Sign up before the 5th of February and pay just Dhs 1,995 that’s 20 full weeks!
For more information, call 04 445 6850 or email thelittlegym@eim.ae
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mother, baby & child February 2012
for an entire semester of classes –
NTINE
YOUR FUN(NY) VALE
VALENTINE’S COUPLE’S PACKAGE AT BALANCE WELLNESS CLUB
VALENTINE’S CRUISE WITH BATEAUX DUBAI What to do: Take in the traditional
What to do: A full day of private yoga
Dubai sights as you cruise along the
class (60 minutes), lunch/dinner serving the
famous waterway and indulge in a
menu of the day, organic or Ayurvedic spa
freshly prepared set menu specially
therapy (60 minutes)
for this romantic day.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Location: Bateaux Dubai,
Full price at Dhs 896 per couple
Dubai Creek Rates start at Dhs 580 per person
For more information, call 04 384 7010 or email info.balance@cplmg.com
CHANCE TO FLY TO PARIS WITH SPICE ISLAND What to do: Dine at the Dubai brunch staple Spice Island all month of February and get a chance to take your loves on to an experience of a lifetime at the city of love – Paris! Location: Crowne Plaza Dubai – Deira, Salahuddin Road, Deira mother, baby & child February 2012
Rates start at Dhs 179 per person
For more information, call 04 262 5555 or email cpdeira.info@ihg.com
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For more information, call 04 399 4994 or email mail@bateauxdubai.com
TWO TO TANGO AT CABANA
FLAUNT RED AND BE SURPRISED AT THE NAIL SPA
What to do: Be served a 4-course set menu by the azure pool whilst enjoying
What to do: Wear something or anything
the surrounding views including the tallest
red when you visit The Nail Spa and get
building in the world, no less. To enliven
a complimentary brow groom when you
the evening, sultry live Latin music and
book in for an Everlasting Manicure and a
professional tango dancers will be present.
Classic Pedicure.
Location: The Address, Dubai Mall
Location: The Nails Spa branches at
Rates start at Dhs 750 per couple
Dubai Mall, The Aviation Club, Ibn Battuta Mall & Mercato
For more information, visit www.thenailspa.com
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mother, baby & child February 2012
For more information, call 04 438 8888 or email dine.dubaimall@theaddress.com
It’s a Valentines’ date you shouldn’t miss! Bring your family to Mother, Baby & Child Magazine’s Valentines celebration for HEART-full of laughs and a HEART-y feast!
On location will be professional photographers to capture your little ones’ sweet smiles. They could grab their chance to be on the FRONT COVER of Mother, Baby & Child Magazine too!
ABSOLUTELY FREE!
February 10, 2012 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM Oasis Center, Dubai
th we This mon e fell in lov with
A ‘PART SALE’ YOU SHOULDN’T MISS AT SALAM KIDO! Have your child sport any of Salam Kido’s classy and stylish wear – or go crazy shopping for more! Salam Kido is currently offering their part sale promotion where you can avail up to 75 percent discounts on their fine garments. Kids fashion has never looked this good!
Shop at Salam Kido branches at Dubai Mall, Mirdiff City Center and Wafi
CELEBRATE YOUR PREGNANCY WITH ATOZ! BAKED WITH LOVE FOR HIM AND HER
AtoZ Photography would like to invite all expectant mums all month of February for a very special one-hour studio photo shoot! For Dhs 550, the package will include
A wide range of cupcakes has been recently introduced by Kitsch Cupcakes to
15 edited high resolution images on disk in colour and black & white plus A4 prints of your choice!
commemorate this special month. It includes a cupcake that is almost double the size, big enough to be
For more information, call 050 245 7160 or email atozphotosdubai@yahoo.com
shared with your loved one! Bite into this Nutella ganache filling, topped with delicious
GET YOUR ELECTROLYTES DURING LABOUR WITH ELETE
chocolate hazelnut butter cream! Double the size,
Dehydration during a prolonged
double the romance!
labour can lead to lack of mental
mother, baby & child February 2012
focus and increased fatigue. That
For more information, visit www.kitschconcept.com
is why it is essential to maintain hydration in the early stages of labour with Elete. Elete contains the 4 key electrolytes plus 60 Trace elements which will be of great help in making your labour as smooth as possible!
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For more information, visit www.eletewater.ae
SNOOZESHADE PLUS Bohobebe introduces this pram & stroller blackout blind and sunshade. Highly recommended by mother programmes and organisations, SnoozeShade Plus is suitable for newborns and toddlers especially when the sunlight is at its peak. Easy-access zipper to check on your baby, breathable material, and compact style, this laboratory-tested product will keep your pram or buggy interior cooler on warm days, and can protect your babe from wind and chill on cold days.
SEPHORA’S HYDRABRONZE – YOUR WINTER BRONZER! Winter months can leave your skin dry... Not to worry, though, as HydraBronze offers the glow of Cargo’s award-winning bronzing powders whilst providing the active and deep hydration of the skin. Plus, it offers that luxurious feel and luminous look while being matte in texture. Wear that beautiful glow this season!
Visit a Sephora shop nearest you!
For more information, visit www.bohobebe.com
SWATCH LOVE FOR YOUR VALENTINE It’s time to ‘wear your heart on your sleeve’ with the Swatch Love Collection. Brought
PURE GOLD JEWELLERS’ VALETINE’S DAY LINE
Group, the set comes
Express passion with fashion and luxury. The
in the following romantic
heart-shaped pendants come in diamonds,
themes: Catch My Heart and Lovely
gold and silver exclusively for Valentine’s
Mine. All watches are embellished with
Day. The two intertwined hearts aesthetically
faceted red crystals and with a special
sprinkled with diamonds can make your mum
declaration of love printed on the
or your daughter’s eyes sparkle too!
straps.
For more information, visit www.rivoligroup.ae
Visit a Pure Gold Jewellers’ shop nearest you! 23
mother, baby & child February 2012
to the UAE by Rivoli
CANDELITE GIFT HAMPERS Valentine’s Day can’t get any sweeter with this! Pretty on the eyes, yummy on the
GIFT IDEAS FROM LUSH
taste buds and warm on the heart – these
Gift your girl friends
delightful combinations of signature
a luscious pack of PS
gourmet chocolates and colourful candies
I Love You from Lush!
will surely make your children, friends and even your hubby feel even more loved!
To place an order, call 050350 6141 or visit any of the Candelite shops at Mirdif City Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mushrif Mall and Ajman City Centre.
This package contains Silky Underwear dusting powder, Sweetheart soap (100g mini heart shape), It’s Raining Men shower gel
AARON SHUM JEWELLERY’S VALENTINE COLLECTION Exquisite and sophisticated range of jewels is especially designed for the day of hearts. The amazing line includes the Coronet Solitaire set, unique Gemtique collection and the lovely LaPOSY jewels. It’s femininity all over, made even more captivating by Aaron Shum’s creativity and imagination.
mother, baby & child February 2012
For more information, visit www.aaronshum.com
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(100g), Soft Coeur massage bar.
Visit a Lush store nearest you!
FUNTOSEE’S SPECIAL DSF OFFER: STICK-A-FRAMES Buy 2 packs for Dhs 50 (from the original price of Dhs 70) including free delivery in Dubai. There are four themes to
BUBBLE BUM
choose from: Camo Blue, Camo Pink, Gingham Pink, and Gingham Blue.
Fun to look and incredibly easy to
Inside each pack, you will find 6 frames
use; Bubblebum is a state-of-the-art
of different sizes, plus 4 sticky corners.
booster seat that can effortlessly
These will be great for displaying
fit in your handbag! Don’t take
artworks, photos, and party invitations.
it’s fanciness to not taking safety
Also the perfect solution for hanging
seriously – it meets all current
displays on walls, doors, windows and
legislation regarding car seats. Plus,
mirrors at home and a fantastic birthday
the child seat hasn’t come in a more
gift or party favour!
convenient, more comfortable, effective form than this!
For more information, visit www.bubblebum-me.com
For more information, email sales@timbuktu.ae (To place an order include your choice of Stick-a-Frames along with your email address and mobile number for ease of process and delivery)
KINECT™: DISNELYAND® ADVENTURES The ‘happiest place in the world’ right in your own home? Yes, the magic of Disneyland cannot get any real than this! With the whole body having to move around to discover the theme park with 12 Disneyland-inspired worlds (you can get transported to the slopes to ski in an instant), capture moments, meet over 35 characters (hug Snow White if you wish!) and create your own fantasy virtually (say flying over Neverland, conducting your own fireworks display and more!).
Out in stores now! 25
mother, baby & child February 2012
more compact and more cost-
This month we fell in love with BIRTHDAYS MADE SWEETER BY BREAD&CO CATERING VALENTINE’S THE CAPTAIN’S WAY Enjoy a casual party on February 14 at The Captain’s Arms – Traditional English Restaurant, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi. Chill out with their whole-day happy hour, fabulous house music and flowers for the ladies from 12.00 pm onwards!
Thinking of new and fun ways to celebrate your child’s birthday? Bread&Co Catering might just be the answer! From all-time favourite sweets to personalised designs on pastries, you certainly can’t go wrong with them!
For more information, call 04 232 6882 or email info@breadnco.com
For more information, call 02 644 6666 or visit www.lemeridien/abudhabi
mother, baby & child February 2012
KIDVILLE FAMILY FUN PACK
VALENTINE PARTIES AT KIDVILLE
For only Dhs 599, your child can enjoy 3
Where will you and your little one be on the
sample classes, 3 Playspace passes and a
14th whilst waiting for your hubby on a dinner
waived registration fee amounting to Dhs
date? If you’ve got no plans yet, perhaps a visit
200! Not only do you have a choice, now you
to the nearest Kidville branch can make your
can actually try it out before making one!
Valentine’s Day even more special!
For more information, call 04 440 1220 (JBR Branch), 04 236 3648 (Uptown Mirdif Branch) or 04 454 2760 (Uptown Motor City Branch) 26
BALLOON ADVENTURES EMIRATES & MOTHER, BABY & CHILD MAGAZINE SPECIAL DSF ‘25 PERCENT DISCOUNT’ OFFER Get a bird’s eye view as only a few have seen it into the heart of the untouched desert with its uninterrupted desert vistas and rolling red
‘ONLY YOU’ PACKAGE AT RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES AJMAN
dunes. Rising early for a sunrise flight affords us breathtaking views as we watch the sun creep over the horizon creating spectacular
Experience this special room package offer for Dhs
visual images over the dunes below. Every
550 per room per night around February 14th. The
Friday and Saturday the team will set aside a
package includes an intimate dinner complemented
basket for our MBC voucher holders, you will
with non-alcoholic sparkling and signature home-
need to book as soon as possible to ensure
made chocolate, buffet
you get the dates you prefer. The voucher
breakfast and use of
includes the following: transfers to and from
the hotel’s beach. Spa
the takeoff site, approximately 1 hour flight,
treatments are on 25
cold refreshments and flight certificate from
percent off.
the pilot.
CELEBRATE LOVE AT PARK ROTANA ABU DHABI
For more information, email info@ballooning.ae
ROMANTIC MOUNTAIN STAY AT HATTA FORT HOTEL
This Valentine’s Day, take
Take that sweet escape at Dubai’s exclusive
your pick at any of the
mountain retreat from February 9 to 14
award-winning restaurants
at Dhs 1,650 per couple per night. The
of the five-star Park
package includes a 5-course gourmet dinner,
Rotana Abu Dhabi. Have
chocolate-covered strawberries/rose petals,
a set menu dinner with a
aromatherapy candles in the Deluxe Chalet-
glass of bubbly, red rose
Style room and more!
and heart-shaped chocolate cake at Teatro. Or have a memorable evening at either Ginger or Amador Restaurant and Cellar.
For more information, call 02 657 3333 or visit www.rotanatimes.com
For more information, call 04 809 93333 or email hfh@jaihotels.com
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mother, baby & child February 2012
For more information, call 06 703 1111 or email sales@ramadaajman.com
lifestyle* recovery* diet*
Is being a mummy saying goodbye to party?
mother, baby & child February 2012
We have, time and again celebrated motherhood as a precious gift. When a woman becomes a mother, she is deemed ‘complete’. She has, with her spouse, successfully created a family of their own. A first-time mother, in particular, tends to be overprotective of her child; she fusses over the baby, runs to his or her side at the slightest whimper, and literally couldn’t take her eyes off the child. Even the thought of having the child sleep in a different room causes an amount of separation anxiety for the ever vigilant mum. In some extreme instances, the infant becomes the mum’s entire world, leaving her spouse feeling isolated and lonely. This is where a wife who would like to get pregnant has to strike a balance and psyche herself of the changes that doesn’t have to equate to being a party pooper or a killjoy...
entails. Besides, motherhood can be isolating and
There has to have a time to let your hair down Every mum needs a break every now and then – alone, with her hubby or with her friends. She should be given a little slack in this area, considering the sacrifices that motherhood 28
mums need to have their own social network. A social support system is very important for mum’s emotional and physical health. According to one author, “whatever has changed in childbirth over the centuries, one thing has stayed the same. Women are drawn together to tell their stories. On any given day mothers gather
getting ready at parties, in offices, in restaurants to retell the details of their labour from the first stabbing contraction all the way to its miraculous conclusion.” This bonding time with fellow mum-friends is not only a happy occasion it likewise functions like a healing therapy. Mum will be recharged and happy when she comes home. However, going out every now and then with the hubby or with the girl friends must be a planned activity and proper arrangements
It can do wonders too
should be made particularly on who will
Don’t feel guilty leaving the baby to the care of
take care of the infant while you and your
his dad for a few hours. It will be good for dad
hubby are out. You are fortunate if you have
and baby to be together, without you being
a parent, relative or friend who could do the
around to bail them out when the baby gets
job. If you are not prepared (emotionally and/
cranky. Once dad and baby get to know each
or financially) to leave the baby to the care
other and are comfortable with each other, mum
of a part-time nanny, don’t fret. You only
can rest easier, knowing that if she has an errand
need to be resourceful and creative, to enjoy
to run in the future (or have to go out with the
your special moments with your hubby. What
girls again) the baby will be in the competent and
matters is that you and your spouse should
caring hands of his dad. If it is not practical, at
take time to be with each other and stay
least for now, to leave dad and baby alone, invite
connected and this, you can also do at home.
them over and have your bonding time at your home, where you need not worry about the baby.
If you wish to go out with the girls, you can request your hubby to take care of the child
Being a mum is a gift. Women who plan to be
whilst you are gone. But perhaps the way
mums soon must remember, though, that they
of life you have long gotten used to before
owe it to themselves to stay healthy – physically,
marriage or even before getting pregnant
emotionally, spiritually and socially. Motherhood
may have to lie low. “Maintaining a ‘party
entails sacrifice, but you are not called upon to
animal’ lifestyle is not realistic when you start
be a recluse. Have fun with the girls, rekindle the
having children and most people have given
fire of romance with your hubby and be a better,
this ample consideration before starting a
healthier, happier you!
to change. Lie-in’s tend to become a distant memory and waking up with a hangover when a child/children need attending to can be hard to manage. Having said that, there is no reason why you should not enjoy yourself with your friends on a night out, now and then, and good friendships are a vital ingredient and support system, in maintaining our sense of self and purpose in the world,” explains counsellor Rebecca Wright.
CREDITS & REFERENCE: Rebecca Wright Counsellor LifeWorks www.counsellingdubai.com The Birth Experience, The Working Mother Lucy Emerson Sullivan, 1995 The Everything Health Guide to Postpartum Care: A Complete Guide to Looking and Feeling Great After Delivery and Beyond Meagan Francis, 2007
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mother, baby & child February 2012
family, and realise that their priorities will have
getting ready | recovery
Baby, will you ever be mine? (Understanding and finding hope after an ectopic pregnancy) Most couples dream of raising families of their own and greet pregnancy, hopefully the first, with much joy and hope. The pregnancy is celebrated by family and friends alike. The couple look forward to the coming of their child with much excitement and gratitude in their hearts. But when the pregnancy suffers complications and needs to be terminated in order to save the life of the mother, the would-be mum suffers like no other. The agony of losing a long-awaited child and the fear of not having a normal pregnancy in the future act like a huge rock that weighs her down and could lead to depression.
E
very pregnant woman should have her pregnancy monitored, to ensure her health and well-being and that of her child. Regular check-up, particularly when
the pregnant woman experiences unusual pain or bleeding, should not be ignored; it could be a tell-tale sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
From intentional to non-deliberate Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised ovum becomes implanted on any tissue other than the uterine lining. The most common site of ectopic implantation is the fallopian tube. Possible causes of ectopic pregnancy include structural abnormalities of the fallopian tube, previous ectopic pregnancy and previous tubal surgery. Smoking mother, baby & child February 2012
has also been identified as a risk factor as well as conceiving thru in vitro fertilisation which poses the risk of an ectopic and uterine pregnancy occurring simultaneously. The odds of a recurrent ectopic pregnancy are three times higher if an infectious pathology caused the first ectopic pregnancy. The risk of ectopic pregnancy also rises with advance in age.
30
getting ready Finding out...
The wife needs the help of her
How is ectopic pregnancy detected? Signs
obstetrician-gynaecologist, to
and symptoms may vary but if there is a delay
allay her fears regarding
in menstruation for about one or two weeks
the possibility of another
followed by spotting, or if you experience
ectopic pregnancy. She
pain in a suspected pregnancy, consult your
also needs counselling to address
gynaecologist immediately. Sometimes the
her fears and her depression
bleeding is suspected as a regular monthly
and to help her and her spouse
period, especially so if the previous period
rekindle their relationship. Most
was normal.
of all, she needs a strong support
Ectopic pregnancy must be detected
system – her family,
immediately, to avoid life-threatening
relatives and friends –
haemorrhage, the major complication of
to help her overcome
an ectopic pregnancy. If ectopic pregnancy
her depression and
is suspected, the patient is evaluated
grief.
by sonography and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels Ultrasound, the
This women should know,
usual method of diagnosis, can detect a
though – there is hope after an ectopic
pregnancy between 5 to 6 weeks from the
pregnancy. 50 to 80 percent of women who
time of the latest monthly period. Detectable
have had an ectopic pregnancy experience
foetal heart movement outside of the uterus
healthy pregnancies in the future. The odds
on ultrasound is firm indication of ectopic
of carrying a baby to full term after an ectopic
pregnancy. In cases when the clinical signs
pregnancy depends on the woman’s age,
and symptoms are not conclusive, other
whether she has or has not, had any children,
modes of treatment such as laparoscopy,
and the cause of the initial ectopic pregnancy.
may be employed. Potential complications
Only about 10 percent of women who have
of ectopic pregnancy are haemorrhage and
had an ectopic pregnancy run the risk of
shock. Ectopic pregnancy cannot continue to
having another ectopic pregnancy, making
term; if the ectopic pregnancy was detected
it important to carefully monitor future
after the fallopian tube has begun to stretch
pregnancies. Have faith!
or after it has ruptured, it will be necessary to remove part or the entire fallopian tube.
Physically, the mother may be recovering well from the treatment of her ectopic pregnancy. But psychologically, the agony and grief over losing a much-awaited child cannot be underestimated. Now, more than ever, the mother needs understanding and care. The fear of having another ectopic pregnancy could lurk in her subconscious, making her fear intimacy with her spouse. When this happens, and persists, help should be sought.
REFERENCES: Brunner and Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical and Surgical Nursing Lillian Sholtis Brunner, Suzzane C. Smeltzer. Brenda G. Bare, Janice L. Linkle and Kerry H. Cheever Early Pregnancy Roy G. Farquharson and Mary D. Stephenson The Mother of all Pregnancy Bookse C. Smeltzer. Brenda G. Bare, Janice L. Ann Douglas, 2011
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mother, baby & child February 2012
The real pain inside
mother, baby & child February 2012
32
getting ready
Want a bun in the oven? Grab a bite! Being on the go doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthy... or even boost your fertility! Live’ly’s clinical dietician specialising on pregnancy offers these scrumptious sandwich recipes that can help you become a mummy! YUM!
they tend to contain high levels of mercury. • Avocado is loaded
60 g grilled salmon 1/8 of an avocado 2 teaspoons of squeezed lemon 2 lettuce leaves in 1 whole-grain toast bread
ovulation. Avocados are also a rich source
Benefits:
the healthy functioning of hormones, and
• Salmon is a species of freshwater fish that is rich in protein and the essential fatty acid, omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids help in the production of hormones, reduce inflammation and aid in regulating your menstrual cycle. Not only this, but salmon is rich in essential minerals that your body needs like iron,
with vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and it helps in regulating of unsaturated fats, which are essential for they are high in folic acid, a vitamin that is essential for preventing the incidence of neural tube defects in your baby. Neural tube defects occur during the 28 days of pregnancy, and therefore long before you suspect that you may be pregnant, you need to load your body up with this vital vitamin!
calcium, phosphorus and selenium as well as
• Lemon is rich in vitamin C, a powerful
the vitamins A, D and B. When choosing your
antioxidant that promotes both reproductive
fish though, watch out for deep water fish (such
and general health and keeps your immune
as swordfish, king mackerel and shark) because 33
mother, baby & child February 2012
Salmon and avocado sandwich
getting ready | diet to women’s health. Olive oil is rich in
system strong. • Lettuce leaves house many nutrients called “phyto-nutrients” which offer many health promoting and disease preventing properties. Not only this, but lettuce is rich in water which is needed for proper hydration of your body
sensitivity to insulin* and lower inflammation, both of which are beneficial for infertility. (*Insulin: a hormone that helps in regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body)
as you are preparing for pregnancy. Not being
• Red peppers will not only add colour to your
properly hydrated can lead your cervical
sandwich, but they are also rich in anti-oxidants,
fluid, whose role is to facilitate fertilisation, to
which protect your body from damage by free
become sluggish.
radicals. Damage that is caused by free radicals
• Whole-grain bread will not only give you a lot of energy, but it is also rich in the vitamins B and E, which are needed for hormonal balance and the production of healthy eggs.
Tuna with roasted red peppers and spinach sandwich 60 g of canned tuna in water 1 teaspoon of olive oil 2 to 3 roasted red pepper 2 to 3 spinach leaves 1 medium-sized whole-wheat bread roll (baguette)
Benefits: • Tuna is a saltwater fish that confers a high
can have a negative impact on your ability to conceive, and so maximizing your intake of these colourful vegetables can aid in improving fertility. • Spinach is loaded with folic acid which helps keep your eggs healthy and optimizes their production. Spinach is also rich in iron and vitamin B6, both of which play a crucial role in female fertility. • Whole-wheat bread is rich in fibre, helping you in maintaining a healthy weight that will improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. By gradually releasing sugar into the bloodstream, high-fibre foods can keep you satiated for longer, and in return, help you stay in control of your weight!
Mediterranean warm Greek pita sandwich
beneficial to the baby’s
1 tablespoon of low-fat yogurt 2 lettuce leaves 3 tomato slices 6 olives 1 teaspoon of olive oil in 1/2
brain and nervous
loaf of whole-grain pita bread
content of protein and omega-3 fatty acid. The essential fatty acid content of tuna is mother, baby & child February 2012
monounsaturated fats that improve the body’s
system and lowers the risk of premature birth. Make sure you choose the light tuna option,
Benefits:
which is canned in water instead of oil to help
• Yogurt is not only a rich source of both protein
you in controlling your daily calories!
and calcium, but it will also give your sandwich a
• Olive oil will not only give your sandwich
smoothly fresh taste!
a nice flavour, but it is also very beneficial
• Lettuce to add colour to your food and
34
getting ready contribute to your body’s water needs! • Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, the pigment that is responsible for its characteristic red colour. Lycopene acts as an antioxidant to the body, protecting cells from damage, and hence enhancing fertility! • Olives and olive oil constitute an essential part of the Mediterranean diet, and couples following the Mediterranean diet have been shown to be more
• Swiss chard belongs to the family of green leafy vegetables, which are excellent sources of folate, B vitamins and a wide range of carotenoids that are all fertilityboosting!
Strawberry and low fat labneh sandwich
likely to get pregnant compared to those who do
1 tablespoon of low-fat labneh
not.
(strained yogurt)
• Whole-grain pita bread is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fibre, promoting not only reproductive health, but overall health in general.
Baked beans, tomato and Swiss chard open-face sandwich 2 tablespoons of baked beans 2 Swiss chard leaves ½ a tomato (diced) 2 slices of multi-cereal toast
2 medium strawberries (sliced)
2 slices of thin honey-oat wholemeal toast bread
Benefits: • Low fat trained yogurt is a good alternative to cream cheese, a soft cheese with a high fat content. Not only is it rich in calcium and protein, but it is also low in animal fat (saturated fat), is rich in probiotics and has a smooth texture, making this an easy to digest and an attractive sandwich to prepare!
Benefits:
• Strawberries are high in folate, the B
• Baked beans are
vitamins, and in vitamin C, a naturally
good plant-based
occurring immunity booster that will aid
protein sources
in providing a healthy environment for
that benefit your
conception.
fertility. To help
• Honey-oat wholemeal bread supply
fertility, it is better to switch your protein sources, replacing some of the animal protein that you eat with vegetable protein sources. Some studies have shown that when 5 percent of your calories come from vegetable-based protein instead of animal-based sources, the risk of having infertility related to ovulation is reduced by more than half! • Tomatoes are not only rich in antioxidants, but their bright red colour can also add a nice touch to your sandwich!
vitamins and fibers that have a beneficial effect on reproduction. In addition, honey is rich in minerals and in amino acids that nurture the reproductive system, leading it to be considered a ‘fertility-boosting ‘superfood’!
CREDIT: Zeina Younes Licensed Dietitian BSc Biology, BSc & MSc Nutrition & Dietetics Live’ly LLC www.lively.ae
35
mother, baby & child February 2012
enhance your
baby names* budget* photography*
The
mother, baby & child February 2012
It’s your fifth month of pregnancy. Around this time you should be trading high heels for flatter, lower-heeled and supportive soles. Somehow bodily changes are more prominent – the enlargements, the itchiness. Inside your womb, your baby is starting to exhibit his or her own changes too... More prominent features, pronounced movements – most he or she will take with him or her after birth. It may also be a good time to start coming up with names with your hubby.
I
f you’d ask me, we picked our daughter’s
But it isn’t always the case. Some names may
names based on the following factors: the
seem cute whilst the children are still young,
‘evolved’ English and female version of my
but would be awkward once they grow up
father’s name, a name of a popular television
to become adults. Some may pose some
character and two names of archangels. As they
‘political’ or ‘religious’ stigma unbeknownst
grow older their names become their identity
to their parents at that time. A friend of mine
and they’re happy and comfortable about it.
was named after one political leader as his
Luckily, we picked the right ones eight years
father was an avid fan of world history. Little
ago!
did he know that this same fondness will cause his son trouble in getting to territories
36
on the way
where the historical figure he was named after has tremendously been in conflict with... Many books offer colossal lists of names from A-Z, from all cultures and countries, and so on... We know how they only mean to help wouldbe parents in picking for their babies’ names. But it isn’t hard to get drowned with all these, especially when you don’t have some guidelines to consider.
in a shared culture with overlapping tastes.
Rule #2: Take your last name into
consideration. A full name must not fall short just because you missed chewing over its rhythm and rhyme, reasonability (avoid the ‘Justin Case’ syndrome by all means!) and tendency to confuse (i.e. Jonas Sanders, Jonas Anders or Jonah Sanders).
Rule #3: Gauge how your child’s name will fit into your social surroundings. Remember
First, ask yourself these 3 questions:
that all naming is local.
1. How important is everyone else’s opinion? 2. How important is it that the name reflects
Rule #4: Because you are not naming yet-to-be-born babe), seeking others’ views doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Find a middle
3. Is the name’s meaning important to you?
ground to avoid debate and know that at the
If you already have a list of choices, perhaps
the final say.
answering these questions may help you to
Rule #5: Choose the name you would like
cross out which you’d like to eliminate and retain those you’d like to consider further.
Second, remember these 5 rules:
Rule #1: Don’t expect that personalising your
kid’s name would mean that he or she is the
end of the day, the child’s mum and dad have
to have yourself. Imagine how it would look on a greeting card. And if STILL you are in need of more
elements to better help you decide on what to name your child...
only child in this world with that name. We live 37
mother, baby & child February 2012
your cultural background?
yourself but someone else (who is your
on the way | baby names as something awkward or even obscene.)
Lastly, give these 7 aspects a thought (or two...)
1.
7.
Avoid odd spellings
A name is for life. Choose well and wisely.
And because any first name is that person’s
whenever possible.
forever, just like yours and mine, choosing that
2. Be mindful of
which will be spoken, written and represented by your child is no laughing matter. Make it
nicknames.
not only a fun and excitable decision-making
3. Beware of names that
moment for you and your husband, but also a
rhyme with something
learned and sensible experience for your child’s
strange.
sake. Now... HAPPY NAME HUNTING!
4. Avoid names that might
prompt teasing from other
REFERENCES:
kids.
5. Honour your
heritage but also honour your child.
6.
Note those
initials. (Ensure
The Baby Name Wizard Laura Wattenberg, 2009 The Everything Baby Names Book June Rifkin, 2006 Hi, My Name Is Babble.com editors, 2011
that the initials will not come off
mother, baby & child February 2012
Busy life affecting your home?
38
Visit our shop in the Dubai Mall, second level opposite Dubai Aquarium. T. +971 4 339 9200 | E. mirtillo.burjuman@yahoo.com | W. www.mirtillo.it
on the way | budget
Shockproof budgeting for multiple pregnancy
www.eqimages.co.uk
mother, baby & child February 2012
Having a baby is an exciting yet costly event. The new member of the family will need supplies and things for him or her alone – a new crib, a new walker, new sets of clothes, booties, fresh supply of diapers and baby toiletries, to name a few. Imagine the requirements if you will have twins, not just a single baby. The demand on your time, attention, and care, not to mention the cost of bringing up twins, could be mind-blowing. For expectant mums who are both elated and terrified of the double whammy of having twins (or triplets or more!), Jenny Ashton, member of Chartered Insurance Institute and Wealth Manager of Global Eye International Wealth Solutions has answered the following questions:
Q: What are the basic expenses that we need to save on given the following?
• First 12 months since birth
• Delivery
the bottom line is this: When you spend
A: “Begin saving before you even leave the
impulsively on what you think your baby
hospital. Take your hospital stay as a means
wants, you’re probably squandering away the
of collecting as much free stuff as possible.
money for what he/she truly does need—like
Stockpile on everything they give you for free
an education.”
and request more! Items you can sometimes
• Other emergency cash-outs
get from the hospital for free include samples
A: “Not all births are routine, nor,
of lotions, nappy rash creams, nappies or
unfortunately, are all babies born healthy—
diapers, and more.” 40
A: “It’s all too easy to overspend on the baby—especially in the first year. But
on the way some require immediate medical intervention
the decision to go on to
or even a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
higher education can
stay. I would recommend expectant parents
be decided on ability,
create an emergency savings fund that
rather than financial
would include money—at least $1,000—for
standing.”
unforeseen hospital and newborn costs not covered by insurance.”
Q: Is it even possible that we get to have enough funds prior to having our baby or we just try to appropriate the amounts that will come along? A: “There is no doubt about it having twins
or more is very expensive and it’s important to set aside some money early on as you will have a lot to buy initially and if you have no other children there are no hand-me-downs.
Q: If we are earning just enough for our day-to-day living but dying to start a family, what is the best advice you can give us? For average earning couples, how do you advice that they start augmenting their financial resources for the future?
Try buying clothing and toys from twins clubs,
A: “Research shows that the financial stress
local newspaper ads and friends. Make sure
of multiples takes a real toll on families,
you ask for discounts when purchasing multiple
according to a study released last year
items. You may also need to consider moving
from the University of Birmingham in the
house or buying a bigger car, which is added
UK. It found that 62 percent of multiple
expense not normally associated with having
birth families reported being financially
one baby. Depending on whether you have
worse off after their babies were born,
your babies in the UAE or your home country,
compared to 40 percent of other parents.
twins or more do not get any special additional
Families with a multiples birth were more
financial help. Check out your maternity
than twice as likely as others to categorise
allowances and paternity leave. Childcare is an
their financial problems as ‘quite difficult’.
enormous cost for two babies and one of the
So start planning now! By starting to
key considerations when thinking of returning
implement some of the idea’s mentioned
to work or staying at home. A live in nanny may
you can reduce your monthly outgoing’s
work out more cost effective than childcare 5
and start planning for your children’s future.
days a week.”
Seek advice from a qualified Independent Financial Advisor to help with implementing
A: “Have a clear idea of how you want your child’s education to develop. Decide how much can be invested to ensure you will have enough put away. Making the right financial arrangement today will mean that
a plan now.”
CREDITS: Jenny Ashton Member of Chartered Insurance Institute Wealth Manager 04 404 3700 www.globaleye.com
41
mother, baby & child February 2012
Q: What are the other important things that we need to look at when we are planning for a family (i.e. educational plans, etc)? Why?
on the way | photography
mother, baby & child February 2012
CLICK! From bump to babe...
In some parts of the world photographing a pregnant woman may be deemed as a no-no – especially to the superstitious, conservative ones. But here, just as in most countries, having your bump to show for the world (and to the photographer) is one of the many fun ways to enjoy and encapsulate that very special moment that is your pregnancy... Celebrities proudly sport their expecting physique on magazine covers and centrefolds, on the red carpet and various functions. It used to be a taboo until a ‘very pregnant’ Demi Moore posed for a widely popular magazine in 1991. And don’t we all feel that certain degree of ‘celeb status’ once our friends and families find out that there’s a baby on the way? 42
Sure, having yourself photographed whilst expecting can come off in various ways to people who see it. Some may find it quite ‘over’ exposing and vain, while others may look at it as a cute and wonderful means to proudly show that womanhood has finally come full circle to you. Truth is it’s simply one manner of documenting an important milestone in your family’s lives. It is an art – not having to speak or write in words the magic of bringing another human being into the world. In Dubai, a photographer by the name of Helen Shippey has taken advantage of her womanhood in capturing this majestic phase in woman’s life (and beyond). Ideally eyeing to photograph mums-to-be who are at their ‘largest bump’, she can be as flexible as taking them from the fifth month and very much willing by the seventh to eight month of pregnancy. After a few months, she comes into picture (no pun intended) once more to take the newborns’ photo. “I love capturing these treasured moments for parents. Newborns are so photogenic and they are all cute. With simple photography props you can capture lovely serene photographs. One of my favourites is when the father holds the baby in the palm of his hand. As well as having the baby on a lovely soft bed of towels. You should not clutter a newborn or baby photography shoot with lots of baby items less is more in this case,” she says. Her Shippey Photography has an excellent photography package where you will capture the precious moments of your child’s mile stone stages. You
on the way
receive 4 photography shoots within 12
Another brilliant go-to company when you’re
months. You start off just before your baby
documenting your pregnancy, birth and
is born with a maternity shoot, you then
child’s growing years is Alessandro Chirico’s
capture your newborn in a lovely snugly
Pickapic. Ready photos may be compiled
way. The next milestone arrives at 3 months
and designed to your taste which will then
and then again at 6 months. To have these
be printed into high quality photobooks
4 stages captured will be one of your most
that are perfect for gifts or making a photo
treasured items in your home. To put it all
collection. As expatriates would usually
together in a lovely coffee table book at
have their families away, back to their home
the end of the year is a lovely keepsake for
countries, Pickapic offers reasonable logistics
you and for your child’s grandparents. You
services so you may be able to send them a
will guaranteed be going back and peruse
copy of this priceless token too!
through the pages and look back at how quickly time passed and before you know it,
So what are you waiting for, mums and dads
it’s time to make book number two! Helen
to be? Visit www.shippeyphotography.com
will come to your home for your convenience
and www.pickapic.com, and plan for that
unless you prefer another location of course.
photo shoot real soon!
She arrives with a full array of photography gear to capture the perfect scene or shots with you and your little one.
Helen Shippey
Tel. 055 107 89 88 info@shippeyphotography.com www.shippeyphotography.com
PORTRAITS YOU ARE PROUD TO HANG ON YOUR WALL Be part of a fun filled photography session with Swedish Professional Photographer Helen Shippey. She takes stunning photographs on location for your convinience.
PORTRAITS • MATERNITY • NEWBORN • WEDDING • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • SPORT EVENTS
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mother, baby & child February 2012
For those special moments that you will treasure forever.
mother, baby & child February 2012
n De s t in at io
44
M ate r n it y
er a n d C h ild
Kn omo 45
mother, baby & child February 2012
Blo ss om Mo th
Winner!
mother, baby & child February 2012
Imee A. Fortunato
“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice – once for herself and once for her child. I am proud to tell the whole wide world that I am a mother of a 3-year-old baby boy named Dustein Leigh. Since he was born my world became so meaningful and colourful. Most of all... he makes me stronger; he’s my stress reliever. He can make me laugh and wipe away my tears. I thank God the he had given me a son like Dustein. I love him so much that I would do everything I can to make him happy!” 46
mother, baby & child February 2012
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mother, baby & child February 2012
49
coaching* celebrations* manners*
We play. We learn!: Family bonding activities that encourage learning Playing with puppets!
What your child can learn: Listening and speaking skills What you will need: Stuffed toys For finger puppets: old gloves, yarn, buttons, felt, glue, and scissors For stick puppets: cardboard or old cereal box, popsicle stick, picture of characters, glue, and
mother, baby & child February 2012
scissors
There are just so many things families can enjoy time together. You can play catch at the park, watch your favourite family movie at home or have lunch at a restaurant you all fancy. But did you know that even the simplest of activities that you can do in the comfort of your own home can allow great opportunities for your child to learn basic skills that they will be needing for the rest of their lives? Just try these two and see for yourself!
50
Time to play! • Using the puppets or stuffed animals, talk about how your child’s day was or what his or her favourites are. • These puppets can also be acted out as friends running into each other on the street or one of them cheering up the other. This is a good way to practice social interactions with your little one. • Characters from his or favourite story can come to life via these cute toys or puppets. Best scenes can be re-enacted. • You and the puppets can also be the audience to your child too! Let him or her tell a story, just ANYTHING! You and the puppets can respond (with different voices, of course!).
the new family
Alphabet hide and seek
What your child can learn: Letters and their sounds
convenient) and begin the hunt! • Once your child finds one, let him or her tell you what the picture is and which bag should it go to. And do this for the rest of
What you will need:
the pictures!
Small paper bags, note cards, scissors, magazine clippings
Time to play! • Pick three letters that you would like your
CREDITS & REFERENCES: Bonding While Learning Gary Kosman and Grace Chiu, 2007
child to learn for that game and label each small paper bag with these. • Cut pictures of objects in the magazine which start with these letters. (example: A – apple, B – bee, C – cat) • Stick these pictures on the note cards and write the letter on the back. • Introduce and discuss the pictures one by one with your child. • Once done, scatter them on the table or across the room (whichever is more
Proud winner of the Early Childhood Service Provider of the Year Award
+971 4 3955473 | admin@inspireallchildren.com | www.inspireallchildren.com
the new family | celebrations
Appreciation is a celebration Celebrations are happy events. We remember with fondness and joy the important occasions in our lives and that of our loved ones – birthdays, anniversaries, thanksgivings, and feast days.
More than just special occasions These events are significant and should be
celebrated. Festivity in itself is not the end. It is an expression of our joy over an event or situation in our lives. Each occasion is actually a celebration of the miracle of life and wonders that it brings. Events and occasions that we celebrate as a family help weave the family tradition and bind the family members as one, thus further establishing a sense of togetherness and of love. The way we rejoice these special events as a family reflects our family’s individual style, values as well as spirituality. They child’s treasure of happy memories and when they are already of age and
mother, baby & child February 2012
living
52
form part of a chest
the new family away from home with families of their own,
we love our children and we want to help
these happy memories will in turn provide
them move on in life and develop, harness
them with the inspiration and the foundation
and improve on the skills and talents that
necessary to build their own children’s
they have been gifted with. Accepting your
memory banks.
child’s capabilities is a major step in achieving those goals. We should also remember that
In the same vein, it is also important to
children who are accepted and respected for
celebrate a child’s achievements, no matter
who they are develop high self esteem and
how simple these may be. Remember
a healthy level of self confidence. We should
that as parents, we are the first source of
never compare our child’s capabilities with
inspiration for our children. How we react
those of another, be it a sibling, a relative or
to each of their accomplishments will
friend. An appreciated child grows to be a
shape our child’s level of motivation and
resilient individual who respects his peers and
initiative. It is not easy to be a parent. And
is capable of acknowledging the victories of
rearing our children is a demanding job
others.
made more challenging by the fact that each child is unique, with his or her own
How do we celebrate our child’s
packages of strengths and weaknesses. Our
achievements? A hug, words of praise and
children are not perfect; some are achievers
acknowledgment – these go a long way in
whilst others are happy being part of the
helping our children build a huge reservoir of
crowd. Some are highly talented, whilst
self confidence and self-respect. Our children
others are content to be just a part of the
will outgrow the toys and the gifts, but the
cheering squad. The level of ‘greatness’
appreciation we lavish on them could last a
of our children vary. We must exert extra
lifetime. When we praise our children, we
effort to recognise each achievement, no
also teach them how to appreciate others
matter how trivial it may seem. Remember
and we help them enhance their feeling
that each child has an exceptional gift, a
of self-worth and dignity. As a practitioner
talent that could be harnessed. Parents who
of developmental and therapeutic play,
are achievers themselves usually commit
Tim Hydari supports the idea of giving
the grievous error of favouring the more
appreciation to which it is due. He says: “Look
talented child. Favouritism inevitably leads
at your children’s achievements through a
to sibling rivalry and in worse situations,
magnifying glass. What seems small to you
loss of self confidence on the part of the
and/or others might be a major breakthrough
‘seemingly’ less gifted child.
for your child. As children form beliefs about themselves early in life, responding positively to their achievements will promote selfesteem, creating a foundation for emotionally
As parents, it is our responsibility to help
healthy behaviour later on in life. Remember
our children set realistic goals and standards
that praise should be sincere and focused
for themselves; we must remember,
more on effort than outcome. Effort is a
however, that these standards are not
variable that children and human beings have
made of stone and there is always room
complete control over. Outcome isn’t!”
for flexibility, adjustment and change. What need not change is the fact that
Celebrations need not be expensive. You
53
mother, baby & child February 2012
A gift that money can’t buy
the new family | celebrations
who catered the food, who provided the music. But he will remember the laughter, the family togetherness, the warmth... These are things that money cannot buy but which are free for the taking. So grab them, savour them and let your children indulge in them. Life is short, and no important event, occasion nor achievement, should go unnoticed. As parents, let us lavish our children with love, support and don’t have to splurge on gifts, food or special trips to mark a birthday, an anniversary or any other occasion. The child will not remember how much was spent for the party,
CREDITS & REFERENCES: Tim Hydari, MA, PTI, BATP Practitioner of Developmental and Therapeutic Play Breath and Health Alternative Medical Centre www.breathandhealth.net The Joys of Family Traditions: A Season by Season Companion to Celebrations, Holidays and Special Occasions Jennifer Trainer Thompson, 2008
mother, baby & child February 2012
Nurturing Resilience in our Children: Answers to the Most Important Parenting Questions Robert Brooks, PhD and Sam Goldstein, PhD Children Learn What They Live: Parenting to Inspire Values Dorothy Law Nolte and Rachel Harris, 1998
54
appreciation and help them build their treasure chest of happy memories and important values in life.
Dining Courtesies 101: Learning begins at the family table
the new family No, it’s not something you should teach your children so they can impress. Proper dining courtesies will put them at ease in all kinds of social gatherings. And, more importantly, it makes a lasting impression and will define him or her in the future. What is an ideal behaviour for a child when in front of the dining table? The following are the most basic of these: • Listening and speaking graciously during conversations • Offering and accepting food
Life has become too fast-paced and too competitive that we sometimes neglect the little things that keep our family intact. One of which is having that quality time around the dining table. We feel lucky to have dinner on a weeknight together with each member of the family – parents just came home from work and quite tired from the day, children already half-sleepy from waking up early for school. Weekends are glorious especially when everyone’s there. Lunch at home beats the extravagant brunch outs – why, you get to talk, to laugh, to commend the good cooking and simply to ‘catch up’!
A
• Giving thanks and receiving the blessings of family and nourishment Now that we have that covered, let’s discuss how you can introduce dining etiquette to your child bit by bit.
Before Dinner Things to remember: • Wash your hands. • Proceed to the dinner table and wait for everyone to come before getting seated. • If visiting, wait for the host or hostess to show you your seat and sit after he or she does.
nd it’s because we are so engrossed with time (saving it or rushing through it) that we every so often forget how essential it
around the table. Bob and Emilie Barnes’ Good Manners for Today’s Kids offer the basics in teaching your kids the delight of table manners. They say that the impact of good dining etiquette reaches far beyond a meal at the family table – it can actually affect the overall manners and social skills which will make a difference in your career, as well as the future career of your child. 55
mother, baby & child February 2012
is to teach our children good manners as we gather
the new family | manners the person offering it to you. But if you are actually allergic to something, simply let the person know as discreetly as possible.
...And if something happens Things to remember:
• If you knock over your glass, just say “I’m sorry” and quietly assist in cleaning. • There may be awkward times when you would burp or your stomach would growl, just say a soft “Excuse me.” and proceed with your meal. • It is never polite to spit the food out. Drink water if it turns out to be too hot. Should it taste bad (for you) immediately swallow it then have something else. If the food in your mouth is something that is difficult to swallow, • Bless the food (or ‘saying grace’). • If napkin is available, simply place it enough to cover the lap (with the fold towards you).
During Mealtime Things to remember:
• It is ideal for everyone to start and finish at the same time. So wait for the hostess or your mum to start before you do and eat at about the same pace as the rest. • Sit up straight with the elbows at your side whilst eating. If not using them, place your hands on your lap. This will also help in keeping your clothes spotless. • Avoiding rocking your chair or move around too much.
mother, baby & child February 2012
• Whilst a pleasant conversation is an important part of mealtime, make sure to chew first, swallow then talk. Remember to use polite language. • Eat quietly (without the chomps and slurps). • If a certain dish was never really your favourite, you can politely say “No, thank you.” or “Just a little, please.” so as not to embarrass
56
gently remove it with the tip of your fork and place it on the side of the plate. • If something gets stuck between your teeth or a problem arises that you just can’t take care whilst at the table, ask to be excused and address it to another room. (Don’t forget to leave your napkin on your chair.) If your young child masters this, learning the rest of the dining etiquettes (i.e. silverware placement and use, meal courses, etc.) will follow. What is vital is that as your family feed the bodies with food, your spirits are also fed with love and friendship. Surely, every meal you spend together will be peaceful and happy – perfect for another family bonding.
REFERENCE: Good Manners for Today’s Kids Bob & Emilie Barnes, 2010
maternity leave* lactation* disorder*
Am I ready? (Questions
nagging a new mum about to end her maternity leave) During our grandmas’ time, life was simpler and sweeter. Dads worked; mums stayed at home. Thus, the kids were very much expected to be well-cared-for and the home was properly managed. There was always something hot and yummy on the dining table and nannies were almost unheard of – only the rich and pampered mothers enjoy their services.
D
uring my mums’ time, the
dad) must be well prepared for this eventuality.
‘mothering’ culture became more
The following are some of the important
complicated and challenging. Some
considerations that should be taken into account
mums had to work to help dad provide
and decided upon, even before the baby is born:
for the family’s needs. But they have their parents and other relatives who were ready to help care for the home and the kids while mother, baby & child February 2012
they worked. Or if they had to hire a nanny,
Question #1: How will the baby be fed?
Will he or she be breast-fed only, or will it be a
a relative or friend could be counted upon to
combination of breast milk and infant formula or
check on or supervise the nanny every now
solely infant formula? If you will breast-feed your
and then.
baby, changing from maternity leave schedule to back-to-work schedule will require adjustment on
Working first-time mums (like a huge number
your part. If you are a back-to-work nursing mum,
of us here) are the ones who endure most
plan to nurse before you leave for work, when
from anxiety of returning to work after the
you get back from work and during the evening
maternity leave. To reduce stress, mum (and
to keep the baby’s milk supply strong. You can
58
in focus: birth also express milk while at work but you will
whose perspective in life change when the
need access to a refrigerator or a good quality
baby is born. All of a sudden, baby love kicks
cooler to keep the milk safe. If you work close to
in and mum may have a problem leaving the
home, you can come home on lunch breaks to
baby to a stranger when she returns to work.
breast-feed your baby and store the expressed
If it is financially feasible, mum may decide to
milk. Whatever decision you may arrive at, make
stay home and care for her baby; but for most
sure the baby’s caregiver is well informed of his
women, this is not even an option. It is not
feeding regimen.
surprising for mum to suffer from separation anxiety or to feel a pang of jealousy when she
Question #2: Who will take care of the baby when both parents are working?
sees her baby bonding with the nanny. You
You are fortunate if you have parents or relatives
for the lost bonding time by giving your baby
who can lend a hand in this area while you work;
quality care when you get home from work.
may want the baby all to yourself but you have to be realistic and practical. You can make up
otherwise, you will have to start interviewing nanny applicants even before the baby is born,
When it is time for mum to report back
or make a round of nurseries to give you more
for work, it will be desirable if she and her
time to decide whether a nanny or nursery
husband can arrange their work schedules
will do the job. The nursery option however,
such that one of them is at home when the
is also expensive and will expose the child to
other is at work. If this is not feasible, mum
unnecessary risks of daily travel, not to mention
may request for flexible working hours, to
the strain on the parents as they rush to work
cover emergencies, just in case she may need
after delivering the baby to the nursery, and at
to stay home at times even when a nanny
the end of the work day, the stress of rushing
has already been hired Mum is likewise well
to pick up the child on their way home. This
advised not to bring work home, unless it is
arrangement may work well for an older child,
a matter of dire emergency. However, when
but not for a new-born babe.
the work environment continues to be toxic, when the request for flexi-time cannot be
If you have decided on hiring a full time nanny,
considered favourably such that your quality
then mum and dad must start interviewing
time with the baby and your hubby is sorely
applicants early, to gain sufficient time to select
compromised, try looking for another job
the best possible person to whom they will
which is more mother and baby-friendly.
entrust the care of their precious child. Once the start working even while mom is still on maternity leave, to give the mom and the nanny the time to familiarise themselves with each other, to allow the nanny time to acclimatise to her role and get to know the infant well. During this period, mum is well advised to allow the nanny to handle the baby, and just observe and supervise.
Question #3: Am I making the right decision of going back to work? There are some highly successful career women
Remember: you work to live, not live to work.
REFERENCES: American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide Roberta and Larson Duyff Communication and Culture: An Introduction Tony Schirato and Susan Yell 365 Nights: A Memoir of Intimacy Charla Muller and Betsy Thorpe, 2008 The Everything Heath Guide to Postpartum Care: A Complete Guide to Looking and Feeling Great After Delivery and Beyond Meagan Francis, 2007 59
mother, baby & child February 2012
nanny has been chosen, she should be allowed to
in focus: birth | lactation
L-A-C-T-A-T-I-O-N facts We have had a lot of myths circulating even today about how we ought to breastfeed our babies. It can be quite plausible like we shouldn’t be having spicy foods or any alcohol in our system. Perhaps it could be something quite preposterous like bottle-fed babies don’t bond as well with their mums compared to their breast-fed counterparts. So here are some interesting facts we’ve gathered for all our breastfeeding and bottle feeding mums!
L
osing fluids
As you lose fluids in your body whilst breastfeeding, replenishing your body with it is necessary. Although drinking milk or eating food with milk products is nourishing and healthy, water can also be good for the job.
A
lcohol when
breastfeeding Consuming food with alcohol
mother, baby & child February 2012
or resuming to occasional glass of liquor should not cause much worry as very little alcohol makes it into the breast milk supply. If apprehensive, however, try to feed your baby or express milk before having a drink. 60
in focus: toddler
C
ommon infection shouldn’t impede
I
ron-fortified formula does not cause
breastfeeding
constipation
Sore throat, colds or even mastitis (breast
Try to use glass bottles or BPA-free
infection) does not directly pose harm whilst
alternatives, as well as gently shaking it to
breastfeeding. Breast infections tend to
evenly distribute the heat of the milk before
clear up faster. And continuous feeding will
feeding. Lukewarm or room-temperature
naturally boost your baby’s immunity to the
liquid is ideal for most infants. Exclusively
germs.
breast-fed babies are recommended to be
emporary and natural type of birth
control It is not a reliable form of birth control
O
ptions on feeding do not affect the
parent-child bond
contrary to what the myth would have you
Whether you choose to bottle feed or breast
believe. The hormonal changes brought on
feed your child, the level of intimacy does not
by lactation may cause irregular ovulation.
have a substantial difference. Bottle-feeding
But once your cycle begins to stabilise, there
mums need not feel guilty and can try to look
is a good chance for you to conceive again.
at it this way – his or her dad, older siblings
A
and even grandparents can also enjoy this ttention to what you eat and when
you eat it Some studies show that there’s a “tummy connection” between mummy eating
special closeness with their little one.
N
ipple confusion
Introducing artificial nipple too
foods from the cabbage family or that are
early to the baby (as in the
garlicky and baby getting gassy or balking,
case of pacifiers) may cause
respectively. Although not all infants are
confusion. The American
highly sensitive and colicky, being in control
Academy of Pediatrics
of the timing of certain food intakes may
(AAP) recommends that
alleviate your worries.
the use of pacifier must
T
be held off until the rack-keeping of feeds
Lactation experts offer a number of ways to
baby reaches his or her first month.
keep track which of your left or right breast did you use on the last feeding. One of them is the ‘rubber band method’: put the rubber band on the wrist where you ought to feed your baby for the next session.
REFERENCE: Baby Facts: The Truth about Your Child’s Health from Newborn Through Preschool Adesman and William Sears, 2009
61
mother, baby & child February 2012
T
given iron supplements.
in focus: birth | disorder
The heart of the matter: A
closer look to Congenital Heart Disease
C
Congenital Heart Awareness Day
February 14
ongenital heart disease (CHD), as scientifically defined, refers to a problem with the heart’s structure and
function due to abnormal heart development before birth. Congenital means present at birth. It is the most common type of birth defect and is responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defects. Some heal over time, others will require treatment. The majority of congenital heart diseases occurs as an isolated defect and is not associated with other diseases. However, they can also be a part of various genetic and chromosomal syndromes such as Down syndrome, trisomy 13, Turner
mother, baby & child February 2012
syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Noonan
How would it feel if after nine months of looking after yourself, making sure that nothing you do or eat would harm your baby you and your husband will find out that your child has a condition as sensitive as a Congenital Heart Disease? One word may best describe it: heartbreaking (pun absolutely not intended).
syndrome, and DiGeorge syndrome. CHD may be classified as simple, moderate or complex and treatment will depend on the specific condition of the disease.
Cause, symptoms and detection No known cause can be identified for most congenital heart defects. Congenital heart diseases continue to be investigated and researched. Drugs such as retinoic acid for acne, chemicals, alcohol, and infections (such as rubella) during pregnancy can contribute to some congenital heart problems.
62
in focus: toddler Poorly controlled blood sugar levels in women
feedings tend to work best. In fact, babies
who have diabetes during pregnancy and some
with CHD typically do best when fed on an
prescription and over-the-counter medications
on-demand schedule. Some babies with
and street drugs used during pregnancy
CHD may not take in adequate amounts
increase the risk of heart defects. Hereditary
of calories with breast-feeding or bottle-
factors also play a role in CHD.
feeding alone. These children may require additional feeding using a nasogastric (NG)
Children with CHD suffer from growth impediment due to the following reasons:
tube. This NG tube is placed in the baby’s nose and passes to the stomach, allowing formula or breast milk to be delivered. This
• The condition causes rapid respiration and a
makes the feedings less “work” and results
lack of oxygen, which reduces the child’s ability
in the baby gaining more weight.”
to eat an adequate amount of food. • High body metabolic rate due to increased
Not all congenital heart diseases, however,
nutrient needs of the organs and tissues and
are detected or are present at birth; the
elevated body temperature and thyroid activity.
symptoms may not be immediately obvious.
• High loss of body nutrients due to inadequate
Defects such as coarctciation
intestinal absorption, excessive urine output
of the aorta may not cause
and the presence of haemorrhages or open
problems for many years.
wounds.
Other problems, such as defect (VSD), may never
prenatal care. Pregnant women are advised
cause any problems,
to avoid alcohol and other drugs during
and some people with a
pregnancy. A blood test should be done
VSD have normal physical
early in the pregnancy to see if the woman is
activity and a normal life
immune to rubella. If the mother is not immune,
span. If you suspect
she must avoid any possible exposure to
that your child has a
rubella and should be immunised immediately
heart problem, waste
following delivery. Dr Lali Pataridze offers
no time. Consult
her introduction to the disease: “Many
your physician
congenital defects can be discovered on
immediately.
routine ultrasound examinations performed
Heart diseases in
by an obstetrician. The delivery can then
children occur
be anticipated and the appropriate medical
in all cultures
personnel (such as a paediatric cardiologist, a
and in all ethnic
cardiothoracic surgeon, and a neonatologist)
populations.
can be present, and ready to help as necessary. Such preparation can mean the difference
From scare to care
between life and death for some babies. A
In the past, many
baby born with a congenital heart defect (CHD)
children with CHD
may not gain weight as rapidly as other infants
did not survive to
and at times this may be frustrating. They tend
adulthood. But due to
to tire quickly during the feeding, so frequent
continuous research
63
mother, baby & child February 2012
a small ventricular septal Expectant mothers should receive good
in focus: birth | disorder and early treatment
and capabilities;
of the disease, many
• Avoid excessive temperature in the child’s
now survive and the
environment;
number of adults with
• Maintain optimum nutrition with a well-
CHD almost equals the
balanced diet;
number of children. It
• Do not add salt to any food.
goes without saying that children with CHD
She adds, “It’s very important that babies
may need special
and children with congenital heart defects
attention and care.
(CHD) follow the age-based American Heart Association recommendations for a heart-
It is not known how a heart disease could cause
healthy diet. Sometimes babies and children
all these clinical problems. Dietary care of infants
with heart disease need a higher-calorie
with CHD takes into account his caloric need,
diet or have special dietary requirements to
renal load, food intolerance and vitamin and
ensure they grow and develop. It is important
mineral need. Educating parents of children
not to restrict fat in the diet, particularly in
with CHD is very important. They should know
the first two years of life, as a good intake of
how to cope with their child’s feeding needs
fat is vital for children with CHD.”
and problems, e.g. how to stimulate the child’s sucking ability, how to evaluate factors such as
As the child with CHD grows older he should
tiredness, resting, amount of formula consumed
recognise that he needs to take special care
over a fixed period and complexion after
of himself and that he may need help from
feeding. In the same vein, parents should seek
others in the future. Choosing the right
professional help to ensure that their child is
school, the right career, the right activities
properly nourished.
are very important. To stay healthy, the CHD patient will need to carefully plan for activities
“Many babies with CHD are given medications
that others usually take for granted. The main
such as digoxin (lanoxin) and furosemide (lasix)
goal of those with CHD is to learn as much as
to control congestive heart failure. These
he can about the ailment and to know what
medications typically don’t interfere with feeds,
to expect. Given the advances in medical
although it is advised to give medications to your
science coupled with proper care, the CHD
baby before a feed. Never mix any medication
patient can now look forward to a healthier
in the formula bottle because your baby may not
life...
finish the bottle, instead place the medications directly into your baby’s mouth using a syringe or dropper from the medication bottle. If the baby mother, baby & child February 2012
vomits after the medication, do not give that medication again until the next scheduled time,” says Dr Pataridze.
In caring for a child with CHD, the following should be considered: • His diet should be adjusted to fit his condition 64
CREDITS & REFERENCES: Dr Lali Pataridze, MBBS, MD Specialist Paediatrician Euromed Clinic 04 394 5422 www.euromedclinicdubai.com Nutrition and Diet Therapy: Self-instructional Modules Peggy S. Stanfield and Y.H. Hui, 2003 Balancing your Life with Congenital Heart Disease Teresa A. Lyle, RN, MN, CPNP, 2009 Congenital Heart Defect: An Overview Kurt R. Schumacher, MD, 2009
in focus: birth
r the Top tip fo
By Armineh Qasempour-Dassanayake
Black eye bean
O
ne of the sweetest most lovable beans which is grown around the world, easily digested and the name of which is loved by children!
Throughout our lives we remain concerned with the level of cholesterol in our own bodies and the amount of fat intake. As parents we have the opportunity to control these in our children, especially at a very young age. This can be done, by ensuring that you seek out and provide them with foods that are enriched with soluble fibres and are low in fat; two things which beans are ideal and well known for, including the black eyed ones. Furthermore
mother, baby & child February 2012
beans are a perfect protein alternative to meat, when combined with grains such as rice and are a good source of the nutrients, including folate, potassium, copper, phosphorous and manganese.
66
in focus: birth One other key factor that should help you to easily make beans a regular diet for your child is that it contains
3 Add the turmeric powder and mix
well. Add the water and close the
cover to simmer until the beans are cooked.
4 Add the rice to the bean mixture
and check the water level.
protease inhibitors which assist in
5 It should be about 3 centimetres
high from the top of the rice.
alleviating the formation of cancerous cells. In this month’s recipe, I am going to show you how to use this bean to provide Vitamin A (1,305 IU) in one cup serving plus calcium (211 mg) to your loved ones...
6 Water can always be added to ensure that rice gets soft.
7 Bring the mixture back to boil and
simmer until rice is cooked and no
Ingredients 1 small onion, finely chopped ½ garlic clove, finely chopped ½ cup of previously soaked black eye bean
water is remaining in the pot.
(soaking over night will soften the beans plus reduces the gassiness)
1 tsp turmeric powder 2 ½ cups water ½ finely chopped carrots 1 large tomato, deseeded and peeled Nob of butter
½ cup Basmati rice
1 Melt the butter in a pot and sauté the onion and garlic together for 3 minutes.
Season Note to mum: children with salt for and 12 months above.
2 Add the carrots and the beans and fry for a
further 5 minutes.
67
mother, baby & child February 2012
Method
parenting* language* ear piercing*
in focus: toddler
mother, baby & child February 2012
Words to share from the ‘Au Pair’
While we are haunted by chilling news of negligence and (sometimes even) cruelty from child caregivers or – on milder circumstances – worried that our newly-hired nannies are not apt enough to understand how it is to care for your child, one nanny breaks the stereotypes and actually OFFERS her advices on parenting! Michelle LaRowe, 2004 International Nanny Association Nanny of the year, wrote the books Nanny to the Rescue!, Working Mom’s 411 and A Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists. In the latter, she included a good number of tips for mums and dads that we thought would be nice to share to you too! So here they are... Nanny tips from someone who has, in fact, really been there! 68
...On helping your child develop a lifelong love of learning
• Books that offer Q&A’s for kids may be a good source of a handy “Question of the Day” jar or box. • Give your child that privilege of exploring various environments. It can be as simple as tagging him along a coffee morning where you and your mum-friends go to varied locations, exchanging mind-stimulating conversations. • Allow your child to enjoy ‘playtime’ at their own pace. They may be encouraged to learn how to occupy and entertain themselves. This promotes discovery.
in focus: toddler
• Join in story-telling sessions on places like the bookstores. It’s also a good way to build a playgroup too!
...On helping your child express anger in a healthy way • Teach your child to verbalise like “I’m mad!” • Show him or her a way to express anger like doing a special “I’m angry” dance. • Play something, preferably a sport, to release
• Any relationship can stand any test with
those negative energies.
the right communication.
• You can make an “emotion poster” with
• Whilst it is important to teach your
pictures of faces expressing different emotions
child to listen, it is also best for you to
that your child can use to indicate what he or
learn how to listen to them too... LISTEN
she is feeling for the moment.
ACTIVELY.
• Aside from verbalising anger, you can also
• Offset one negative word with two
teach your child to draw what they feel.
purposeful, positive praises.
• Teach your child the value of loving one another.
• Remember (again!): The family that prays together stays together... Wow! Isn’t that refreshing, worth readingeven? Perhaps you can start a dialogue yourselves with your nanny. After all, they
• If you are a parent now (and not a friend),
practically spend longer time with your
come twenty years and you will be your child’s
child. Not that they are now the ‘mum’ or
best friend.
the ‘source of knowledge about your son
• No kid is a ‘bad kid’. Behaviours should not
or daughter’, but this may quite show how
define who your child is.
much you trust and respect the capacity
• Keep up a positive attitude because it is contagious.
of your nanny to care for your little one... Who knows? YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED!
• Learn the parallelism of disciplining and training your child. • Remember: “Discipline is an act of love. Punishment is an act of anger.” • Mums and Dads ought to be playing on the same team, on the same field – unity is a
REFERENCES: Nanny To The Rescue!: Straight Talk & Super Tips For Parenting in the Early Years Michelle LaRowe, 2006
winning attitude.
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mother, baby & child February 2012
...On parenting in its entirety
in focus: toddler
A person’s mother language serves as his link to his cultural heritage. Languages of nations are as diverse as the cultural, religious, social and political fibre of each country. No matter where a person finds himself later in life, he will always feel secure, comforted, accepted and cared for in a society that speaks his mother tongue. Even if he has acquired a second or third (or even fourth) language and can express himself very fluently in any of them, his thoughts and emotions will always be deeply linked to his mother tongue. Studies of management experts showed that words of appreciation spoken in a person’s mother tongue have greater positive impact on him than any other language.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart” - Nelson Mandela
D
ue to globalisation, the world has become smaller and more accessible. Young people and even
families migrate to a foreign land for various reasons and in the process, build families and their own future there. To be better accepted and to facilitate their assimilation in their new home away from home, migrants consciously gain fluency and even excellence in the second language. This expertise is passed on to their children in the hope that it will help them better adjust in school and in the new environment that they now belong. Basically, parents believe that children need this training to successfully compete in their new world. 71
mother, baby & child February 2012
Learn it. Speak it. Love it.
in focus: toddler | language Why teach?
as they get older. Identity is also an issue.
In a nutshell, children should be taught their
Children comfortable speaking in their native
mother language for these 5 important reasons:
language will find it easier to identify with (i)
1. The native tongue is the child’s closest, tightest
the associated culture and background, (ii)
pride.
parents’ English is not strong. They will also
2. A child who is fluent in his or her mother
in a multicultural society where culture is
link to his or her cultural heritage and national
tongue will have no difficulty learning a second language.
3. Mother language has a very powerful impact in the formation of the individual. Our first
language, the beautiful sounds of which one hears and gets familiar with before being born while in the womb, has such an important role in shaping our thoughts and emotions.
4. A child’s personality, character, modesty, shyness, defects, skills, and all other hidden
characteristics become truly revealed through the mother tongue because the sound of the mother tongue in the ear and its meaning in the heart give him trust and confidence.
5. Children who come to school with a strong foundation in their mother tongue develop
stronger literacy abilities in the language used at school. In addition, Breath and Health Alternative Medical Centre’s Tim Hydari explains: “Early experiences in a child’s life can determine how proficient they become in their native language which is linked to the brain’s augmented neuroplasticity during early childhood. The more you interact with your children in their native language the more vocabulary they will be able to retain
their parents in the future, especially if the have a stronger sense of self and uniqueness increasingly becoming homogenised.”
How to train Hurisa Guvercin, an English as a Second Language and Special Education Teacher, offered 12 ideas about how parents can promote learning the mother language to their children:
1. The first step parents should take is make children love their mother tongue by finding
ways that motivate and encourage its learning.
2. Leave second language to the outside
world and speak to the children only in your mother tongue at home.
3. Devote time each day to reading and
writing in the mother language with children until they become able to read and write it independently.
4. ell stories and discuss interesting topics
such as your childhood—children love to hear about parents’ childhoods such as your home country celebrations because this will develop both their oral and vocabulary skills.
5. Have books and multimedia for children in the home language.
6. Provide a reward system and make learning
the mother language competitive among
mother, baby & child February 2012
children.
7. Watch TV series or favourite cartoons with them in the target language.
8. Listen to songs sang in the mother language.
9. Send children to centres that offer courses and other types of learning in your language.
10. Provide contexts where children can use home language such as visits to country of
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in focus: toddler origin and organise picnics, cultural events
separate from that of their present home. As
or celebrations with families from the same
the internationally revered National Hero of
community.
an Asian country once said: “He who does not
11. Have them keep journals in the home language.
12. Communicate your expectations about
love his mother tongue is worse than a stinking, dead fish...”
your home language to your child’s teachers. support your child in keeping and developing their home language in many ways. As migrant parents, you yourself may have other workable, bright ideas on how to teach your children the mother tongue. What is important is that speaking the native language should be a matter of pride and joy. Woe to those who, feeling successful and fully assimilated in their second country, have set aside their mother tongue and consciously (or unconsciously) feel inferior for having a cultural background distinct and
CREDITS & REFERENCES: Tim Hydari, MA, PTI, BATP Practitioner of Developmental and Therapeutic Play Breath and Health Alternative Medical Centre www.breathandhealth.net The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organisations by Encouraging People Gary Chapman and Paul White, 2011 Can Your Child Speak in His Mother Tongue? India Parenting.com Mother Tongue: The Language of Heart and Mind Hurisa Guvercin, 2010
Come and enjoy a truely unique Mother and Child Experience!
Favourite Things www.favouritethings.com
Level 2 (Food Court level) - Dubai Marina Mall T: 04 434 1984 F: 04 434 1983 73 info@favouritethings.com
mother, baby & child February 2012
As professionals, they can encourage and
in focus: toddler | ear piercing
No-tear pierce: 10 ways
to keep your child’s piercing as pain free and as hygienic as possible alcohol-based solution. Another tip to avoid
mother, baby & child February 2012
Many memorable moments come to mind when the topic of ear piercing is discussed. As a young child, I met an accident where I bumped my head and had a concussion. I had to undergo X-ray tests. The result marked in my memory – a skull with earrings! Two decades hence, the hair of one of my daughters (a toddler then) took a little too long to lengthen. That being the case, many strangers mistake her for a boy especially when wearing a neutral colour. The only time we stopped getting those comments was when we finally got her ears pierced!
O
tiny toddler earrings often so that they don’t adhere to her skin as it heals. Of course, it might be easier to wait until your daughter can care for her piercings herself, as the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests,” she says. To help you even more, here are 10 things you ought to know before finally getting your toddler’s ears pierced:
1. Go for a professional piercing job that uses hypoallergenic studs. Avoid free ear piercing services or a friend’s offer – no matter how steady handed he or she is. Make sure your child’s ear is pierced under sanitary conditions.
2. If it is possible to find out whether your ur specialist paediatrician Dr Lali Pataridze offers her advice to parents who deem that it’s about
time to finally ‘accessorise’ their daughters with those lovely earrings. “Once your child hits the four-month-old mark and has had at least two doses of the tetanus vaccine, it is safe for her to have her ears pierced. To ensure there is no risk of infection, wipe both earlobes and earrings early and often with an 74
infection in newly pierced ears is to rotate her
child is allergic to metals or not, do so prior to having her ears pierced. Those allergic to metals may have a tendency to bleed and/or form keloid scars.
3. Clean the front and back of the pierced area regularly; move the earrings from side to side gently so you can get as close to the actual piercing as possible. Use some alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and dab it in
in focus: toddler and around the area. This may sting at first
the hole. If you cannot remove it quickly, seek
especially when the piercing is new. But
medical assistance.
regular cleaning of the piercing will prevent the onset of infection.
4. Turn your child’s earrings at least twice
10.
For girls with long hair, take a good
amount of care in washing and brushing/combing the hair to prevent it from being entangled with
a day to prevent the skin from growing back the newly set earrings and cause injury. such that you won’t be able to take them off.
5. Make sure that the studs will be left in
Remember: ear piercing is a safe and simple procedure but it must not be taken lightly. Care must be exercised to ensure proper healing of
for the prescribed period if the piercing
the piercing
is having troubles in healing – bleeding,
to prevent
crusting or still painful. Should the piercings
complications,
be healing well, you can remove them after
and enable you
six weeks.
to enjoy wearing
6. If you’re child stops wearing earrings
after you remove the studs, there’s a
chance that the holes can close up and you may need to subject her again to another piercing session – start the healing process all over again.
the earrings of your choice
CREDITS & REFERENCES: Dr Lali Pataridze, MBBS, MD Specialist Paediatrician Euromed Clinic www.euromedclinicdubai.com The Teenage and Body Book, Revised and Updated Kathy McCoy, PhD and Charles Wibellsman, MD, 1992 Girl Culture: An Encyclopedia Claudia Mitchell and Acqueline Reid-Walsh Caring for Newly-Pierced Ears, Problems That Can Occur and How to Solve Them K. Sprang
7. You may have to wait a few more weeks or when the piercing is fully healed to use fancy or non-hypoallergenic earrings.
8. When you are inserting the earrings
to your daughter’s ear lobe, hold it very carefully. Do not pull down on it at all. Don’t force your earrings in. If her ears begin to hurt, turn bright red or starts to bleed, stop trying to put the earring in for the time
9. Be aware that whilst your child’s
piercings are new, the holes are slightly larger than when they heal. Don’t make her wear small backings on the earrings. They might go inside the hole and stick in the piercing. This can cause a lot of pain! If this accidentally happens, however, use your clean fingers to guide the backing out of
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mother, baby & child February 2012
being.
collectibles* qualities* social justice*
in focus: child Hello Kitty
FEVER!
In China, another fanatic took it several notches higher and made her home Hello Kitty-themed! Call it cute or crazy... She is just happy to have it all over, on the walls, her bed, at the kitchen, living and dining room – even at the house’s facade! Who can blame them when this white kitty who was first introduced in Japanese cartoons is so cuddly and adorable! Are
A
you a fan of Hello Kitty too, Mummies? childhood friend of mine always had
Now is the chance to pass this fancy on
this penchant for Hello Kitty – from her
to your lovely daughters! Not only are
pillowcases to her notebooks, from her stuffed
they aesthetically appealing, they are all
toys to her phone! They were ALL HELLO KITTY!
functional and child-friendly too! So here
You can only imagine her delight when she was
goes our round up of anything Hello Kitty
sent to Japan (Hello Kitty’s hometown!) for work
for all ages... ENJOY!
AS AN ADULT. Her smile in her photos said it all...
Playful Toddlers
mother, baby & child February 2012
Hello Kitty Plush with Finger Puppet
Hello Kitty Plush with removal hoodie 76
Hello Kitty Plush
Hello Kitty Bolster Cushion
in focus: child Hello Kitty Tea Set
Hello Kitty Square Cushion
Hello Kitty Room Shoes
Hello Kitty Tricycle
Travelling Pre-schoolers and Young Gradeschoolers Hello Kitty Plush Backpack
Hello Kitty Backpack
Hello Kitty Mini Backpack 77
mother, baby & child February 2012
Hello Kitty Rolling Suitcase
in focus: child | collectibles
Hello Kitty Baby Rocker
Hello Kitty Dinette
Baby Comforts
mother, baby & child February 2012
Hello Kitty Jupiter
Hello Kitty Booster Plus Hello Kitty Koala
78
The exclusive Hello Kitty store
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in focus: child | qualities
Is she a Girl Scout material? Ever been a member of the Girl Scouts in your childhood? Yes, those girls (resplendent in their uniforms, who take active role in contributing to the good of their schools, their community and the nation as a whole) that are recognised leaders in their schools and in the communities where they belong. They are girls of competence, character, self-confidence, honesty and integrity. The Girl Scouts provide a sanctuary where girls can be themselves, enabling them to blossom in a unique way. In an informal education system that emphasises practical activities in the outdoors. Here, close, lifetime friendships and the strong bond of sisterhood are forged.
If your daughter wants to join the Girl Scouts, make sure she does not have misdirected goals and ambitions. To find out if your daughter is a Girl Scout material, we suggest that you evaluate if she possesses the following traits of a good
L
ive with strong faith and belief – in themselves, in others, in the community and in the higher power.
Girl Scout volunteer, according to Philip de Montmollin:
mother, baby & child February 2012
They are...
G I R
They are happy individuals who enjoy
enerous with their time, their talents and with their treasures.
ridescent with care about each other, other people and their families.
eally working hard with full of energy and enthusiasm, especially with volunteer work.
80
S C O
hare the joy to people around them. life to the fullest. ommitted. They have a deep sense of commitment to the purpose.
pen to the ideas of others and taking the time to listen. They are understanding.
in focus: child
U T
sually confident and such positive
time comment on your own commendable
thinkers. They can also convince
actions so that they gain a clear insight into
others that together they can
what it means to be a certain way or possess a particular value,” he says.
succeed. end to have a good sense of humour. They have fun and can laugh at
If your daughter possess most of these
themselves.
traits, and she seriously wants to join the Girl Scouts (or basically any society serving
Even more simply put, Tim Hydari has the
the same purpose), go ahead and support
following characteristic to describe a young
her. You will be glad and proud you did!
“Every young girl has the potential to possess the qualities of a Girl Scout which would include being honest, fair, friendly, helpful, considerate, caring and courageous. When they display this behaviour ensure you comment on it – ‘that was very (insert quality here) of you’. Share your approval with them. At the same
hinking World T Day
Februa
ry 22
CREDITS & REFERENCES: Tim Hydari, MA, PTI, BATP Practitioner of Developmental and Therapeutic Play Breath and Health Alternative Medical Centre www.breathandhealth.net Everything Parents’ Guide in Raising Girls: A Complete Handbook to Develop Erika V. Shearin Karres Tough Cookies:Leadership Lessons from 100 years of the Girl Scouts Cathy Cloninger, CEO, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, 2011 Nine Characteristics of Girl Scout Volunteers Philip de Montmollin (via Neil Savage’s Appreciating Girl Scout/Guide Volunteers Compilation)
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mother, baby & child February 2012
child that could make a good Girl Scout.
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Breaking the barriers, one story at a time... Social justice – it is so strong a term that you may think it is something that children cannot grasp when taught. However, before you commit a mistake of making this as an excuse, know that even the most common of children’s tales or a real-life story can be used as an introduction to this life-long lesson... Much as we try to shield them from the realities of life, we owe it to them to open their eyes that injustices happen around the world and instil in them compassion so that they will not be the very person who will cause such cruelty (or apathy) in the future.
in focus: child
she felt too cold for the lack of shoes (which was snatched after slipping off her feet for being too big). She couldn’t go home because her father would just hurt her for not selling any of the boxes. So she found a shelter to spend the night. As it was too cold, she thought of lighting up one matchstick: “Just one. Father won’t even notice.” So she did and in an instant came a vision of an iron stove. But before she could stretch up her arms to feel the warmth of the stove, it disappeared. So she lit up another match, and then came a vision of a feast of a roast turkey stuffed with chestnut and apple. Before being able to taste even just a little, again it went away. The same happened on the image
The Little Match Girl (A popular tale from Hans Christian Andersen)
of the prettiest Christmas tree she had ever seen. And so when
Once there was a little girl who sold matchboxes for a living.
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mother, baby & child February 2012
On the night before Christmas,
in focus: child | social justice
there will be three more who will cook it with milk, butter and sugar... And finally, a chocolate bar! So the next time you take a bite of your favourite chocolate bar, say a little prayer for all the people who have
her departed grandmother appeared, she kept lighting and lighting one stick after another so she won’t have to go away... Soon her grandmother took her in her arms and together they flew away up in the sky, towards the stars, where it’s never cold. The next day people found the lifeless body of the girl – half buried under the snow but with a peaceful smile on her face. Nobody knew the visions she had seen the night before, or how she and her grandmother went up to the heavens...
The Chocolate Bar Somewhere in Brazil, a boy named Sebastiao cuts down ripe pods that are the fruits of the cacao trees. This he does with his brother Paulo and their father. Their mother and sister Elaine join them once they gather the pods to cut them open – they use very sharp knives for that. And then they scoop out all the beans, stir them and leave them to dry in the sunshine. The boys help in bringing the
helped in making and bring you that sweet thing. Stories like these can raise many questions from your child; it may also be that it can cause him or her to feel troubled. With a loving embrace and kind words, appease his or her mind and encourage him or her to become just, considerate and kindhearted in the future. Lastly (and more importantly), set a good example. “Children are born with a natural inclination towards justice and fairness. To nurture this we must be polite and considerate to others in front of our children, especially those who are not as well off as us, treating them equally and justly. Our children are watching and listening to our every move and adopting our patterns. If we don’t show we value equality chances are they won’t value it themselves as they get older,” explains Tim Hydari, Practitioner of Developmental and Therapeutic Play.
mother, baby & child February 2012
bags to where the beans will be weighed and inspected. There they will get the payment. But that is not the end. These bags will be transported to the United States of America where it will be taken to a factory. More people will be working on the beans – one woman will clean them, another man sill heat or roast them. A couple more will grind the beans until they turn into powder. Then 84
CREDITS & REFERENCES: Tim Hydari, MA, PTI, BATP Practitioner of Developmental and Therapeutic Play Breath and Health Alternative Medical Centre www.breathandhealth.net Teaching Compassion and Justice Through Stories and Activities for Ages Five Through Nine Anne E. Neuberger, 2005
slick kids fashion
B ub s B ou tique
Tiny Trendy Soles
mother, baby & child February 2012
Re e b o k
86
Pum a
in focus: child
S al am K ido
I Pi n co Pa lli n o
Chic Wear for Girls 87
mother, baby & child February 2012
Gap
in focus: child
B ub s B o u t iq ue
Stylish Choice for Boys
mother, baby & child February 2012
Gap
I P in c o Pa ll in o
88
slick kid of the month
Winner!
The very cute and adorable Dia is a princess to the eyes of her doting parents! Not really a rocket science as to why if you ask us! 89
mother, baby & child February 2012
Dia Mirchandani
in focus: child
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should you or shouldn’t you be honest with your kids when the family is going through rough times?
mother, baby & child February 2012
MOTHER’S POINT OF VIEW “I believe that it is very important for the kids to know everything about the family. Every parent is concerned about the future of their kids and sometimes they are forced to hide the financial problems to see their kids happy. I was born in a middle class family and my parents used to struggle to make both ends meet. In my childhood I have understood that even if my parents did not always buy me everything I wanted, it was because they were having tough times... And I could realise their pain because of the bonding in the family. Days have changed and the minimum needs of kids have also increased. In my childhood if my parents said ‘no’ then it was all. But now we are afraid to say no to kids because the world they see around is advanced and we will feel guilty that we are not able to fulfil their needs. But, I think parents need to talk openly to the kids when the family is going through tough times. By doing so we are teaching them that in life there will be ups and downs and happiness is not always the meaning of life. If we fulfil every want of our kids they will think that it is possible to get everything in life and in future if some obstacles come on their way they become disheartened even if it’s something small. My childhood taught me to adjust to every situation. So I am able to manage my life whether it is happy or sad. It may seem difficult to make kids understand about the tough times but if we talk to them with love they will understand it. We should convince them that tough times will soon disappear and we will be having a great time ahead. If we have a strong bonding within the family nothing is impossible. So every parent needs to keep in mind that sharing our ups and downs will strengthen our kids in future.” Submitted by Mummy Rajeevan
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in focus: child “Well as a mum of 3 who went through a divorce when my kids were all just 3, 4 and 5 years old, it was difficult to be honest about the separation. However, I had to remain jolly and positive in frame of mind, reassure the kids that everything WILL be ok and that they are truly loved. 10 years on, still a single mum of 3 teens, we still have our ups and downs. But I think the key is to be honest, with confidence and a positive outlook plus lots of reassurance that everything will be okay…” Submitted by Mummy Lynn “According to me, yes you should be honest to the kids of the rough time the family is going through since today’s kids are too matured to understand the situation. They’ll understand you and will support you too.” Submitted by Mummy Fatema “Well this all depends on the age of the child first and if they understand what’s going on between the parents. Kids nowadays can tell if the parents are unhappy just by seeing how they act around each other. So parents shouldn’t shout in front of their kids; if they need to talk they should talk privately and not in front of the kids. But if they have teenagers or a bit younger, they should tell them what’s going on so they don’t get confused about everything. And I guess talking to each other is the best solution to solving problems, but without shouting because that will just make it even worse.” Submitted by Mummy Nawal
“Honesty is essential in building a trusting relationship with your child. As adults we do not like important information being kept from us especially when it is related to the family. We feel hurt, deceived and sometimes even betrayed. It is the same for children. If you are going through rough times explain the situation as best you can, with a bit of sugar coating so as not to overload your kids, and ensure they understand that what is happening is not their fault. What they will need at this time will be for you to care for them (cooking, cuddling and showing concern), make a connection (storytelling, playing and listening), and providing them with continuity (active schedule with few changes) so that they can continue to mentally move forward.” Tim Hydari, MA, PTI, BATP Practitionaer of Developmental and Therapeutic Play Breath and Health Alternative Medical Centre www.breathandhealth.net
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SPECIALIST’S POINT OF VIEW
in focus: child
Ask Now!
Q: Hi, I’m a mother of a two-year-old baby girl. I thought it’s time for my baby to go to the nursery to socialise since she doesn’t have friends of her age. So I sent her to a nursery since 3 weeks back. But I am worried about some behaviours; I am feeling she is always ANGRY trying to hit me, refusing the potty training, crying too much when going to the bus in the early morning and refusing to wear her uniform either. Although when she is back from the nursery she seems to be happy. When I asked the teacher, she is saying that my baby is so calm at the nursery and not crying. My questions are:
1. Do you think it is early to send her to nursery (she is going from 8 am to 1 pm)?
2. What does this “anger” indicate? And is it normal for all children? 3. My baby still doesn’t talk, how can I know what is going on with her and how they are treating her?
mother, baby & child February 2012
4. Is it normal that till now she doesn’t talk? Mummy Maha
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in focus: child A: “Our children, especially those who do not speak or have a speech delay often exhibit physical behaviour like biting, hitting and ‘tantrum’ speech. These behaviours are completely normal as children feel a range of emotions that they express through their senses. Understanding why a child bites is key to beating the problem. Not all children bite out of anger or to hurt another child or their parents – in fact young toddlers can’t really understand how much pain they’re causing. Ask yourself what the child is achieving by biting, perhaps she is not wanting to be in the bus or nursery? Is there a pattern to her behaviour? If she does not want to go to nursery, on the bus or to a playground - try to understand why. Sometimes it is fear, frustration, being overwhelmed or just too much happening. But you also need to check and see if there is a reason she is not happy - perhaps caregivers that are not attentive or activities that are not stimulating and enjoyable. If this is the case, you must act for her to ensure she feels both secure and stimulated. It does not always happen overnight - it takes time for a child to settle but ask the centre to watch the CCTV, get reports and see evidence of the activities they are doing to make your own sound judgement. One way to help a child transition to nursery is explaining the schedule of the day to them - noting that there is a structure when mommy drops off, she has circle time, music, sports and then lunch after which she is picked up. Doing this through picture cards and a visual daily routine will help ease anxiety. Of course, your child could also be experimenting and seeing the reaction she gets so think what the reward is for her when she bites or shouts – if she gets a huge amount of attention for this it may be something that she wants and has found that gets her your mummy time and attention. Many parents feel concern and anxiety over their child’s lack of speech, and often compare their child to their friends but it is so important that each child will develop at their own rate and ability. Speech normally starts early with babbling and reaction noises. Although babies can say “ma-ma” and “dad-da/pa-pa” at about 6 to 7 months old, as much as parents want to believe it, it is not real talk, because they still can’t associate those words with parents. Real talk (trying to name things) comes anywhere from 1 to 2, even up to 3 years. Understanding words is quite different. For example, at the age of 7 months a baby already knows what the word “NO” means. If your daughter is not expressing emotion and/or making any attempt to speak, it is important to see a specialist who can help you find the reason why. Otherwise, and discussing the plan of the day, the shopping list, the news and everything else. Social conversations are the best way to kick-start speech in a child showing them is both easy and expressive of their needs and wants. I recommend Stepping Stones (www.steppingstonesca. com) who have a great team that can help you through the range of emotion your child is exhibiting should you feel greater concern. Sometimes just getting that expert opinion gives you the mothers confidence that you child is fine and simply needs new ways to express their concerns and they are happily off onto new adventures!”
Zahra Hamirani, Esq. Owner, The Blossom Nursery 93
mother, baby & child February 2012
read together often to link print text and voice and speak to her often - making eye contact
mother, baby & child February 2012
in focus: child | top tips for kids!
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in focus: child
come e “World Thinking Day” B Each year on 22 February, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world celebrate World Thinking Day. It’s a day when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts think of each other and give thanks and appreciation for the international friendship they find in the Movement. The theme for World Thinking Day 2012 is “We Can Save Our Planet.” This theme is based on the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goal 7, focused on environmental sustainability. help spread the word by standing
by our Mantra “Believe/Achieve/Become”. By believing in ourselves, we work to achieve our goals and become all that we can be.
i ch
ev
e
Here at Blossom Nursery, we intend to
We at Blossom believe that we can make a difference. We pride ourselves
A
on being the first nursery in the UAE to reach Carbon neutral status. Therefore, by raising awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability, we can save our planet. So this February 22nd, the Blossom students will be having a funpacked day full of activities, promoting the willingness to tackle important issues together. This will include creating our “Children Around the World” poster and conducting leadership activities. We at Blossom empower children and encourage them to ask questions. The workshop topics of the day will consist of friendship and communication for the little ones, in order to encourage them to work together as one!
Lucy Al-Madani Educational Director
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Believe
in focus: child | top tips for kids! Social Justice in a Multicultural Classroom World Day of Social Justice – February 20th 2012 In the book Rethinking Early
Teacher’s Tip
Childhood Education by Ann Pelo (2008), the author advocates that early childhood programs put social justice and ecological teaching at the core of their programs by outlining the following characteristics: Prioritising anti-bias, culturally sensitive
Using curriculum approaches that are
teaching and learning
responsive to children’s developmental and
• Teachers call attention to the ways in which
intellectual pursuits
people are different and the ways in which
• Teachers pay attention to children’s play and
people are the same, honouring individual and
conversations, watching for the developmental
group identity.
themes, compelling questions, understandings,
• They introduce issues of fairness and
and misunderstandings expressed in their play.
unfairness, and coach children to think critically
• They use what they observe to develop
and to take action.
curricula that challenge children to think deeply
• Teachers learn about children’s family and
and to explore collaboratively.
cultural identities and integrate those identities into the daily life of the classroom, at the
Cultivating a sense of place — of belonging
same time as they acknowledge the ways in
to a particular patch of earth and sky — and
which their own cultural identities shape their
a connection to the earth and its creatures
teaching.
• Teachers take the children outdoors and bring the natural world into the classroom, inviting
Organising around play and provide ample
the children to engage their senses and their
time for exploration
minds as they come to know and care about
• Teachers create time and provide open-ended
— and to care for — the place where they are
materials for children’s imaginative, self-directed
spending their days.
mother, baby & child February 2012
play. • They talk with families, with other teachers, and with community members about the value of play for children’s healthy development and for their learning.
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Sandra Willis, PhD Director Inspire Children’s Nursery 04 395 5473 www.inspireallchildren.com
VISS Open Morning Today’s Student Tomorrow’s Leader
Victoria International School of Sharjah invites you to attend
Monday 6 February 9.00 am - 12.00 noon This is a wonderful opportunity to develop a better understanding of our school, and the Australian school system which has been ranked #1 worldwide* · · School tours · Visit the classrooms · See the facilities ·
Brief Program · Continuous school tours Special presentations: · 10.00 am – Director of Early Learning · 10.30 am – Head of Junior School · 11.00 am – Head of Secondary School · 11.30 am – School Principal
· Nursery-Grade 13 · Australian Curriculum and Teachers · Fully co-educational · High quality student care * 2011 Legatum Prosperity Index.
Supported by Government of Sharjah
Tel: +971 6 577 1999 | Fax: +971 6 577 1888 Mamzar Lagoon, Sharjah behind Al Taawun Mall Gate 3 www.viss.ae
book-worm me Nickelodeon’s Rugrats Books for Toddlers
A Baby’s Got to Grow!
Popular television cartoon Rugrats has come up with series of books for the reading pleasure of toddlers, preschoolers and their parents! The adorable Rugrats (aka Toddlers) Tommy Pickles, Chuckie, the twins Lil and Phil and Angelica – Tommie’s cousin had not only crawled about the TV screens all over the world for many years, they also got to reach the hearts of many viewers with their tiny hands and witty characters. Join this cuddlesome pack as they explore and discover life and all the ‘big’ things around them...
Sarah Wilson (Author), Pater Panas (Illustrator) It’s a story book and fold out growth chart in one! Included are 30 stickers featuring common childhood milestones. It unfolds into four feet long, with the other side featuring lovely rhymes you and your little one can learn together. One goes like this: “We’re just babies. That can sometimes be tough. We have to wear diapers and eat mushy stuff. But someday we’ll get bigger. We won’t always be small. Now look what we can do while we’re busy growing tall!” Is that cute or what?
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The Rugrats’ Potty Book: A Baby’s Got to Go! Kathi Wagner (Author), Ron Zalme (Illustrator) Chuckie is finally going to be potty trained! His loyal friends are behind him all the way! If your babe is also about to go through the same process, this book can actually be very useful! You can even reward him or her with a gold sticker that’s included just like what Chuckie’s dad does! It comes with step-by-step examples that some may find silly but undoubtedly adorable... 98
book-worm me The Rugrats Movie Storybook Sarah Willson (Author), John Kurtz (Illustrator) A fun adventure that will give your child the first ‘at-the-edgeof-the-seat’ experience – Rugrats style! It is fast-paced just as the movie itself, though not too fast for your little one to get left behind. Have him or her ride on Stu Pickle’s new wagon and join the gang in their journey through the woods filled with circus monkeys who have just escaped! Rich colours and illustrations make this storybook actually larger than life.
Secret-Agent Dad Sarah Willson (Author), Idea & Design Works (Illustrator) It’s another day of show and tell at Angelica’s school. This time, it’s a “What do Mummies and Daddies do?” day! Whilst other’s parents are authors, doctors, chefs and pilots, Angelica thought it would be cool to reveal another side of her dad. Is he actually a secret agent? Or is he just going for a ride to his daughter’s wild imagination?
Be My Valentine Molly Wigand (Author), Louis Del Carmen (Illustrator) It’s all hearts this time of the year! From the decors at home to the treats the Rugrats munch on, love is truly in the air! Yes, indeed it is “Valumtime’s” Day (as how they pronounce it)! Each of them will have various experiences that will reveal the true meaning of Valentine’s Day...perhaps to your little one too!
Bowling Twins
It’s Lil and Phil’s time to get athletic! Who says you’re too young to play bowling anyway, right? The twins hope to help their mum to bag the trophy during a tourney at Strikes ‘R’ Us. On the course of their ‘mission’, they find themselves in an unlikely adventure! Hilarious and endearing, theirs is a story for light bedtime moments for sure... 99
mother, baby & child February 2012
Kitty Richards (Author), Barry Goldberg (Illustrator)
New & upcoming DVD & Blu-ray releases The Muppets Directed by James Bobin Starring Amy Adams, Jason Segel and Chris Cooper If you loved The Muppet’s Christmas Carol and the other Jim Henson classics from decades past (just like the main protagonists of the film), this will offer nostalgia to you – and a great entertainment value to your kids! Relive the magical moments with the world’s most love puppet ensemble in this fresh take of an old-time favourite.
LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace Directed by David Scott It’s about time your kids get to love Master Yoda, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rest of the Star Wars gang, don’t you think? Have them watch their ‘cuter’ version in a movie featuring that time when the galaxy is at the brink of a great upheaval. The biggest challenge to the Republic and their heroes will be to put an end to (gasp!) CLONE WARS!
mother, baby & child February 2012
The Adventures of Milo and Otis Directed by Masanori Hata Another classic from the 20th century, the family film revolves around the story of unlikely bestfriends – Milo the kitten and Otis the puppy. Together they found themselves from living peacefully in a barnyard and the countryside to a rescue mission. This heart-warming live action film will surely appeal not only to younger generation but also to ours too...
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in focus: child The Retrievers Directed by Paul Schneider A family was finding it hard to adjust on their new home completely different from the buzzing life of the city that they once knew. Along came Pilot, a stray golden retriever, to whom they found their much needed comfort. To their surprise, Pilot was actually a she and a pregnant one at that. Now that the family members are more than ever, can they prove that the more is indeed merrier?
Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax Another one of Dr. Seuss’s tales re-mastered to entertain the young ones and the young at heart. Meet the Lorax. He speaks for the trees, and basically all there is that we live in. Joining the tale is a young boy and the very last Truffula Tree seed. All of them embark to an adventure that will teach children how to respect and appreciate the world we are in.
Family Triple Feature Volume 1 Popular names such as Antonio Banderas and Jane Lynch lent their voices to these family cartoons: The Missing Lynx, Donkey X and Disco Worms. The Missing Lynx is about a group of animal misfits that are escaping from the evil tale of the legendary Don Quixote. And the Disco Worms shows that a musical sensation can come from the oddest of places.
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millionaire who wants them caught. Donkey X tells the
in focus: child | activities
mama & me - get busy!
mother, baby & child February 2012
Daddy is looking for the best Valentines gift for Mum and he’s taking you with him! Check the ones he can choose from and cross out the ones that are not suitable for the occasion...
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Did you know?
According to Hallmark research, the Valentine’s Day is the second most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. The oldest greeting card in existence is a Valentine card which was made in the 1400s! 103
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Will Cupid ever find his way to these two strangers?
mother, baby & child February 2012
By Jacqui Nightscales Photography
Blooming baby turning ONE!
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vouchers & competitions
Moth
er, Ba by & Child offer. .. For th e Litt le Ones !
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Come and enjoy a truly unique parent and child experience, where children’s imaginations can run free and parents can relax. Favourite Things includes a state of the art play area from jungle gym and fancy dress, to soft play and arts and crafts. A kid’s hair salon, Kadomz Dance studio, Birthday Parties and Events to Go. For more information: Call 04 434 1984 or visit www.favouritethings.com Favourite Things - Dubai Marina Mall **Terms and Conditions apply**
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mother, baby & child February 2012
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February 2012
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n u f e Hav kids!
! r e n n i W
competition
Babyshop Child Safety Tip Reminders before heading out Going outdoors once or twice a week with our toddler, be it at the mall or just a stroll around the park, is something that we look forward to every week. But before heading out, make sure to do these things for safety: 1.) Create a little tag for your baby (containing the baby’s name, parent’s contact numbers and address). If in any case your baby gets lost in the big crowd, the person who will find him or her will know whom to contact. Place the tag where it can be found easily (i.e. his or her bracelet or necklace). 2.) Bring first aid kit, you know how toddlers move around. Just a little bag with solution, cotton and alcohol will do. 3.) Bring medicines for tummy ache, headache, fever, cough and colds. It is better to have them handy than be sorry. 4.) Always carry spare clothes. Active toddlers sweat easily, it is better to change their clothes once they get wet to avoid further sickness.
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Submitted by Vanessa Tayag
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competition Hurry and win! Mother, Baby & Child supports Babyshop’s Child Safety campaign that encourages the notion of securing a child’s life and health via safety precautions. Come up with a creative child safety concept or idea and email it to:
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mother, baby & child February 2012
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mama & me - events WE WERE THERE!
mother, baby & child February 2012
“Building for the future” coffee morning with Dubai Mums
M
ums were given inspiration by the mumtrepreneur and owner of Coochy Coo during Dubai Mum’s January 18 coffee morning coined as “Building for the future” held at the Ippos Lounge, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches. Tanja Peters
offered practical advices on putting up a business whilst being the ‘woman of the house’. She had also shown her fantastic range of personally handmade and designed baby clothes, accessories and home textiles which are now being sold at several retails outlets in the country as well as online. Mother, Baby & Child Magazine’s Marketing Manager Bernadette Pelaez was
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mama & me events
“A truly encouraging session for mums who have been playing with the thought of being business women themselves,� she says. Towards the end of the coffee morning, light-hearted conversations filled the venue. Prizes, products and member discounts were also given away.
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mother, baby & child February 2012
there to witness the synergetic exchange between the attendees and the speaker.
mama & me events | exhibition
Meet Your Neighbour 2012 begins January 20 at The Residences, Downtown Dubai January 26 at The Dubai Equestrian Club
A
familiar health and fitness brand has joined this year’s first two Meet Your Neighbour visits. Fitness First made exercise demonstrations to encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst the attendees and passersby. Various establishments onboard have also given
away amazing prizes which include free medical consultations, jewelleries and gadgets. MPlus, as what has been accustomed, had given away Ipods as raffle prizes. Kids were given cotton candies; men and women took samples of yoghurts. Mother, Baby & Child Magazine, already a staple in every Meet Your Neighbour event, was also there to offer free copies as well as an
mother, baby & child February 2012
opportunity to join the lovely pool of mummy-subscribers.
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Dubai Dolphinarium presents the Indian Republic Day celebrations
I
t had been an unusual two-day Bollywood celebration at the Dubai Dolphinarium last January 26 and 27. This is to specially commemorate the Indian Republic Day. Aside from the
customary show of dolphins and seals, Bollywood song and dance, games, mascots and more entertainment were featured much to the excitement of children and the rest of the family that made the venue packed and brimming with attendees. In support to one of the leading nations in the country, Indian brands were given as prizes and featured in a bazaar. Dubai Dolphinarium’s Indian Republic Day Celebrations was also brought by The Government of Dubai and The Dubai Municipality. The event was held in association with Dubai Shopping Festival 2012, MPlus, and Babyshop. Mother, Baby & Child Magazine was the event’s exclusive media partner.
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mother, baby & child February 2012
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food for the soul* health & wellbeing* women of the month* editor’s pick* kitchen magic* book-worm me* horoscopes*
mama me-time
food for the soul What she made of her survival...
M
ary Olsen Kelly could very well remember how she was told “You have cancer. Oh yeah,
it’s cancer.” on the 3rd of August, 2003. Not knowing for how long will she be alive, not even certain on how to chew on the straightforward admission, Mary felt like the world had turned its back on her. After all, she had always been so healthy. And though her husband Don had always been by her side, the physical pain and agony that the chemotherapy would cause her would be only hers to bear. As time progressed, she began to feel less alone... Breast-cancer support groups have done wonders to women like her – knowing that strength can be personified, just the same as compassion and love. Her husband, although not at the receiving end of treatments, learned life’s greatest lessons with her – to not work too hard that you overlook the value
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She writes of survival and of hope. But before she ever survived a lifethreatening disease, she also felt the shock from breaking the news to her and her husband so bluntly. She had also felt that urge to give up... planning for her funeral hours after she found out she had breast cancer.
mama me time | food for the soul In 2006, the Chicken
of time and the people you care about
Soup for the Breast
the most. Together they realise how life
Cancer Survivor’s Soul
can be very simple. If there is something
came out. On the cover
you feel like you have to do, don’t wait for
were Jack Canfield, Mark
tomorrow. You’ll never know what fate has
Victor Hansen and MARY
in store for you...
OLSEN KELLY. The book has inspired many women in the
Surviving cancer had taught her many
same plight. Others felt like
things; things she believes she has to share
the writers, Mary included,
to the world. She began writing books regarding this dreaded topic, more so disease... In her Tools and Tips from the Trenches of Breast Cancer, she included what could have been the ideal way to tell a person that he or she has cancer. It offers advices to both doctors and patients, on facing the situation with bravery as well as empathy. She continued writing and then an idea struck her. She wrote Jack Canfield of the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series and asked him whether they were working on one for cancer survivors. Not long after proposals were made, short stories were sent.
have seen their hearts and written their very own experiences. It made them laugh...and cry. But most of all, it made them feel ALIVE. As we celebrate World Cancer Day on February 4th, we offer our prayers to the many soldiers of life who fought hard to beat the mortal opponent but had to join the Creator sooner... We also give our commendation to those who have won the battle and are still living to tell their stories. One can only imagine that moment when you look at death eye-to-eye. To continue the fight and actually claim victory is already something. But to give a second life a new meaning – to be able to make your survival a beacon of hope to others just like what Mary did is phenomenal. For the rest of us, we can also be of help by participating in charity activities that support the cancer research and less fortunate patients. This month, Terry Fox Run will once again take place in the country. The team behind Breast Cancer Arabia can best educate you too and by joining their fund raisers, you can help save a breast
mother, baby & child February 2012
cancer patient’s life.
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mama me time | food for the soul
Love yourself more...
• Self-criticism Examples: - “I’m too thin, or too fat.” - “They don’t like me because I’m not as pretty as them.” - “I should have done this, instead of that...” What you have to avoid: - Speaking badly of yourself - Evaluating yourself in a negative manner
Isn’t it funny that to gauge how much you love yourself, you have to know how much you actually DON’T? Perhaps after all that is written in this issue about how to spend the month of hearts with your significant other, maybe you should also find time in finding ways to love yourself more.
- Thinking that you are unacceptable and unworthy of your own love
• Self-blame Examples: - “It’s my fault my child got sick.”
mother, baby & child February 2012
- “I didn’t serve healthy meals to my hubby; In Daphne Rose Kingma’s Loving Yourself: Four Steps to a Happier You, she indicates a number of vicious attitudes towards ourselves, from the most apparent to the least evident. She encourages us to look into the following characteristics listed below – with zero selfjudgment and 100 percent compassion! And go through a self-evaluation... 118
that’s why he’s fat.” - “I am to blame for my unhappy marriage.” What you have to avoid: - Choosing to blame yourself rather than the ordinary changing goings-on in life - Putting the spotlight to yourself instead of shifting it to the person actually at fault - Seeing that every problem is somehow caused by you
mama me-time • Self-deprecation
• Self-destructiveness
Examples:
Examples:
- “I can’t see myself as someone who has
- “I don’t need to have my drinking or
any impact in the world.”
smoking controlled.”
- “There’s no meaning in my life.”
- “What difference does this pint of ice
- “I am not special.”
cream make if I’m already fat anyway?”
What you have to avoid:
- “Maybe if I just NOT eat again, I’d lose
- Belittling yourself
weight and my husband will start noticing
- Not honouring yourself
me again.”
- Surrendering to ‘media assault’ of not
What you have to avoid:
being good enough
- Doing things to ourselves we won’t consider doing to others
• Self-doubt
- Having a poor perception of our physical selves
Examples:
- Putting ourselves in the exact
- “There may be someone more qualified
circumstances that jeopardises out longing
for the job.”
for good health, happiness, confidence
- “I don’t think I can grasp this computer
and hope
program fast enough.” - “I’m not trained enough to run my own business.” What you have to avoid: - Feeling uncertainty about yourself
• Self-pity
- Blocking efforts toward change
Examples:
- Expecting a negative outcome
- “I don’t understand why things like these always happen to me!” - “Why am I the only one going through
• Self-deprivation
this?” - “I’m a complete wreck.”
Examples:
What you have to avoid:
- “I bought my kids high-end products, but
- Having that condescending feeling
just the ones on surplus for me.”
- Choosing to stay in those moments of
- “Though I like this dress, I think it would
pain and disappointments
look better to my best friend.”
- Wallowing into the concept of being a
- “I won’t bother ordering the food I really
inept and undeserving person
want. I don’t really need it.” - Making an orphan out of yourself - Neglecting to give yourself the treats and blessings of life - If you do treat yourself, you settle for
Valentine’s Day
February 14
something that isn’t the best as if you don’t deserve the best
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mother, baby & child February 2012
What you have to avoid:
mama me time | food for the soul • Narcissism Examples: - “What do you think of me?” - “I can’t believe that lady in the salon made my hair look like this!” - “I could have done it a lot better if I was in his situation.” What you have to avoid: - False advertising of yourself that leaves the real person inside - Being tedious and exhausting to others - Producing, directing and starring in a show that is all about the facade you’d like others to see
Does any of these sound a little too familiar? The author asserts that it all boils to having a low self-esteem. Note that this is not to further belittle your very being, but to actually help you to identify what are the attitudes you do not need in your life to be a happier version of yourself. After all, awareness is start of healing...
mother, baby & child February 2012
E: info-uae@omni-medical.net T: 04 2946388
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mother, baby & child February 2012
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tickle me funny! “When our pet dog gave birth, my hubby began to gave the pups away because it wasn’t practical to have them all stay in our place – not knowing that one of them was our daughter Izzy’s favourite puppy. When Izzy found out that her new furry friend was given away, she got very sad and cried out, ‘It wasn’t yours to giiiiiiiiive...’ Our hearts melt! She was really sobbing but we can’t help but look at her like this very loving and adorable being. The following day, my husband went to his friend and asked for apologies over and over again as he had to take back this one puppy. So he did, and everything was right in the world again for our dear Izzy!”
Lola Barnes “This is more of a sweet story but still sounds funny coming from a toddler. I was not feeling well and was on the bed most of my rest day. Alas, I had to go and run some errands later in the day. My darling Timothy stood beside me whilst I was preparing to leave and said, ‘If I were you, Mum, I’d rather stay home for now. You’re not feeling very well. Your condition might get worst.’ I was stunned. Such a sweet kid! Spoken
Andrea Santos
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like a grown up!”
mama me-time
health and wellbeing Wisdom for women:
mother, baby & child February 2012
How traditional and ancient Chinese practices benefit the body and soul Rachel Snyder, author of 365 Words of Wellbeing for Women, advices us to “bring our gifts to the circle. This includes our hearts, our songs, our prayers... We ought to bring what we alone can bring; that includes even our laptops, our love for quantum physics and our ancient Chinese wisdom.” Of the many things she suggests that we women should bring, the latter is the only traditional practice. How different is it really to other culture’s wisdom? What makes it extra special to be singled out? And how does it really benefit us – as mothers, as hopeful to-be mothers and generally as women?
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Holistic coach Elise Bou Malham believes it is its longevity that has surpassed even the rise of technology which makes ancient Chinese wisdom a staple in maintaining good health and wellbeing. “Traditional Chinese medicine is a broad range of practices that dates back to more than 2,000 years. Although it is considered as alternative medicine today, these traditions are proven highly effective and are used as the main medical practice in China and other parts of Asia. The Chinese pearls of wisdom consider disease and disorder as a general imbalance in the system of a person, not only on the physical level but in the function of yin-yang, meridians and between the body and the environment,” she says
mama me-time It comes in various forms. These holistic
Many recipes have the abovementioned
practices may be found in herbal remedies,
herbs as ingredients. Aside from its flavourful
acupuncture, cupping, and food therapy
characteristics, these offer nutrients and
to name only a few. Basically traditional
vitamins vital to the maintenance of a healthy
Chinese remedies render high importance to
physique.
the relationship between food and health. For example, one restaurant situated in the
In Angelica C. Wu’s Fertility Wisdom, she
Sichuan, China has big jars containing herbs
presents a number of inspirational stories
lined along it entrance. Families, from the
where the administration of these traditional
youngest to the oldest member, gather around
Chinese medical techniques, at times
the tables and order their favourite dishes in
integrated with Western fertility treatments,
the hope to cure illnesses and enhance their
has helped in giving couples the miracle of
wellbeing. They also believe that to ward
pregnancy and birth. Not only does it aid in
off evils brought by the wind, cold, heat,
conception, it also exhibits beneficial factors in
dampness, dryness and summer heat, promote
enhancing results and reducing side effects of
healing and avoid harm, food and herbs can
in-vitro and other Western fertility treatments,
offer some help...
as well as shorten the labour and quicken postpartum recovery. Babies also benefit
Bou Malham adds: “Mothers can enjoy many of
in adopting regular sleep patterns faster
its therapies especially the Qui Kong wherein
and strengthening their resistance against
anyone can learn during group sessions and
illnesses...
then further practice it in the comfort of the home. Cupping acupuncture and acupressure
It can be said that this ancient wisdom did not
that represent a great ‘detox’ and healing can
stand the test of time (of thousands of years)
be found in almost all holistic clinics. Also, a
for no reason. How it has been highly regarded
healthy Chinese herbal or regular diet can also
to this day is a testament that the gifts of
be easily applicable at home.
nature ought to be preserved, revered and celebrated.
For wives and mums who would like to offer a pinch of ancient Chinese wisdom to their homes can start by noting down these Top Ten Herbs for the Kitchen as stated in Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen: • Garlic • Ginger • Mushrooms • Seaweed • Goji berries • Ginseng • Chinese red dates • Coix (Job’s tears) • Cinnamon
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• Green onion
Eco Nature Tip
mama me-time
Instilling the love for animals to our young kids “All children love animals. Or can you imagine any little girl that does not love a little kitten or a little boy who would not love to have a puppy? As parents, it is our responsibility to guide this love for animals in our kids in the right direction, being rolemodels in treating any living creature with care and respect. Of course it is cute to see cartoons with Nemo and Garfield but trust me, it is much more cool to go to the sea and watch some real fish and little crabs, go out in the desert or wildlife parks to watch gazelles and oryxes or visit me at my farm and try to count my ever happy tunnel-digging rabbits. Nature and environment can be learned and experienced only from nature – not from books, the internet or TV. If I can make a wish – Parents, get your kids out and let them feel and see all the beauty of nature!” - Ali AlSaloom of “Ask Ali” and “The Environmental Show with Ask Ali”
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mother, baby & child February 2012
Watch “The Environmental Show with Ask Ali” by visiting www.youtube.com/user/AskAliTV
mama me-time | health and wellbeing
Mind & Body Tip Take that guilt-free sweet escape
Being with nature is one of the most promising ways of reconnecting with yourself. Sometimes just by watching an island or mountains on television makes one feel the instant energy and the “I-wish-I-was-there” thought arises. The world is becoming smaller by the day. And by that, what I mean is travelling has becoming so convenient and affordable that all it’s going to take is for you to decide where you want to go! Just do it! Take a break NOW! Nature has such beautiful energies to cleanse your aura naturally and heal your mind. Nature in itself is therapeutic. A holiday can be anything you really feel like doing. Before deciding on where to go, sit calm with yourself and ask yourself what you really want. Don’t judge whether you can or can’t afford it. Just ask your soul. That’s your first clue to begin the hunt of the perfect place for your break. Do what your soul truly desires. If there is more than one person who wants to take a break, take turns in doing a combination of things. Break the routine and have some real fun! If the soul calls for a spiritual retreat, do it! If it’s religious pilgrimage, go for it! If it’s a relaxing “art of doing nothing” that your soul craves for, then be in the nature you won’t require a lot of planning except to get to the mountains or beach or an island and then just be! There are plenty of ashrams and healing retreats available these days – most of them are designed to be with the nature. One step at a time, ask where you really want to go? The rest will fall into place without a doubt!
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By Vaishali Thaker, Healer, Clairsentience and Clairaudience
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mama me-time
Holistic Motherhood Tip Pregnancy sleeping disorders
I
t is very common during pregnancy to experience sleeping disturbances due to high stress levels, anxiety, hormonal changes and physical discomfort. Yet by following these tips, you can easily forget about
rough nights and start experiencing deep pregnancy sleep: • Exercise during the day! Prenatal exercises on a birth ball, prenatal yoga and aqua gym are terrific ways to balance your body and release all stress. • Deep breathing is the key! Get into a meditative routine before you sleep. This will condition your mind to the right sleeping frequency. You may start by lying comfortably in bed, eyes closed, taking deep breaths from the nose while imagining a bright white light coming in through your nose, filling each and every part of you and exhaling through your mouth a dark light representing all your fears and unwanted stressful thoughts. Keep filling yourself with this positive energy through your nose and exhaling the negativity through your mouth until you feel totally centered and relaxed. • Use pillows. Tuck a pillow between your bent knees to support your lower back. You may also want to try the C or U shaped pregnancy pillows that also support the belly. • What you eat and drink affects the quality of your sleep! Drink a warm glass of milk before going to bed or try a high protein snack such as an egg, slice
Warning: Do not take tryptophan supplements since these are dangerous during pregnancy, and if you suffer from heartburns, avoid heavy snacks late during the day.
Elise Bou Malham Prenatal & Holistic Coach elise.music@hotmail.com
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of turkey or peanut butter.
People of the Month
MUMTREPRENEURS OF THE MONTH
Kirsten Fairfield and Paula Harrington
mother, baby & child February 2012
We just can’t help but be more amazed, to say the least, when we come face to face with mums, who (armed with their dreams, hard work and the gift of humour) were able to surmount great odds and make a niche for themselves in the world of business heretofore unfamiliar to them.
O
Ben and mother of two beautiful boys, Samuel (3.5 years old) and William (16 months). Kirsten, on the other hand, is mother of Jessica, aged 3 and Aidan, who is one year old. She moved to Dubai in 2007 with her husband who is a commercial manager. Paula, relates how the business started:
ur mumtrepreneurs for this month are
“3 years ago we met a lovely Australian
just that...Amazing! Kirsten Fairfield
lady, Sarah, who had launched an online
and her friend and business partner,
store in Dubai but was having to move
Paula Harrington, founders of bubsboutique.
back home. We met her with the view
com, an online store focusing on baby essentials,
to buy her stock and then sell it amongst
clothing, organic skincare, toys, gift items and
our networks to make a little bit of
more for babies and children under five, are full-
pocket money. Once we met Sarah we
time mums who tend to their business during
came away feeling inspired and thought
nap times and evenings to catch up on e-mails
that perhaps we should look at setting
and deliveries. Paula, 38 years old, is married to
up our own online store. We were both
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mama me-time keen to get back to work but couldn’t find anything that would work around Samuel and Jessica. Setting up our own online business seemed to be the logical thing to do and within a week we had brought the stock, were speaking to web developers and new coffee mornings and catch ups to being fully ensconced in a start up business.” The business idea came in mid January 2009, and they launched the website in June 2009 with 10 brands and a handful of products. Now, they have over 50 brands with over 700 products with more to come. Kirsten has a very healthy concept of competition in the online retail business. “It has made us stronger and we’ve worked so much harder. The more sites there are the more likely people are to shop online because people always shop around, so it’s not a bad thing,” she says. Life as mumtrepreneurs has not been easy for the partner-friends. They consider the continuous evolution of the online business, and their limited time for the business as working mums as the main challenges that they constantly face. For them, their families are their priorities. Having come to that understanding, they support each other really well and play into each other’s strengths and that helps them get over the hurdles. The partners motivate each
to introduce many more. They are also working on initiatives to make sure they give to their local community through various charity events. The partners’ experience and honed skills in PR and HR, their expert shopping eyes, newly gained skills as mothers and a lot of patience should also be credited for the success of Bubs Boutique. Paula and Kirsten’s major source of inspiration are their husbands and children. They are also inspired by the successful entrepreneurs in the UAE who started from nothing and built up very successful businesses. A lot of their inspiration also come from looking around the market at other successful online stores in other parts of the world, the brands they work with and from feedback and comments from their customers. Asked on what sets them apart from their competitors, Paula has this to say: “We do give great customer service; we have some fabulous unique brands that you cannot get
other, thus enabling them to get things done.
in any other retail outlet in the Middle East.
Paula and Kirsten started their business
brands really well and use them ourselves.”
when the recession was in full swing. But the support of their husbands, families and friends kept them going. They started very small and conservatively and have gone from strength to strength. They have carefully selected the designers who they work with, and their ethical policies are a high priority for the partners. They have selected brands that support various initiatives and plan
The range of organic brands... We know our
Yes, mums. Running your own business is a challenging and difficult job, but it also offers advantages that a full time career away from home cannot give. Paula and Kirsten did it, and the story of Bubs Boutique...its birth, growth and success is a testament to celebrate the power of mumtrepreneurs! 133
mother, baby & child February 2012
brands and suddenly went from leisurely
mama me-time | people of the month to help raise awareness about the importance of eating organic, biodynamic foods, not just for one’s own health but also for the benefit of the farmers who produce the crops as well as the environment
Nils El Accad Great men and greater ideas are tested by fire. From tragedy springs forth visions and dreams heretofore taken for granted or simply, relegated to the background in favor of more popular decisions. This, in essence, is the story behind the birth of Organic Foods and Café.
O
and animal welfare. Organic food may be costlier than the regular produce that we can find in the supermarket but Nils tells us that “buying cheap is the most expensive thing you can do when it comes to food.” He explains that we cannot put a price tag on the adverse effect on a person’s health that eating unhealthy and cheaper foods can bring nor can we determine the monetary impact of the environmental damage that
rganic Foods and Café was
raising crops bombarded with pesticides
founded by Nils El Accad in 2003
can create.
as a small store . Now he has
franchised the chain to Bahrain and Kuwait and
Nils relates that Organic Food and Café
its Dubai Mall Store is the “World’s Largest
is a “culmination of 20 years of events. It
Organic Supermarket”. Organic Foods and
started with my mother getting cancer.
Café is the only certified organic outlet in the
She exposed me to the idea of organic,
Middle East and the largest supplier of organic
biodynamic, whole meal, raw, etc. Later on,
products in the world, which include fresh,
she died when I was 21 year old. I tried to
organic biodynamic food, skin care products,
forget everything and move on with life. I
cosmetics, baby items and household cleaning
became very ill a few days later and it went
agents.
on for several years. I was dizzy and did not feel comfortable on my feet. After going
mother, baby & child February 2012
With the rise of life-threatening diseases
to every type of doctor you can image,
caused by toxins in the body, people are now
breathing classes, acupuncture (and so
awakening to the importance of protecting
on), I finally went and visited a homeopath.
the environment and eating healthy food to
From one I was sent to the other and to a
improve their quality of life. Organic Foods and
third. The third finally cured me in a matter
Café supports this move; one of its missions is
of a week. I asked what it was and it had
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mama me-time been a build up of toxins from my food that
method that will allow us to farm for many
my body did not know what to do with and
generations to come. Biodynamic farming
stored in my lymphatic system instead of
is actually a closed loop agriculture where
draining.”
the waste matters from the plants are eaten by the animals and the animal manure are
“Before getting ill but much so after, I
composted, goes back to the soil and in
was questioning the food industry and the
turn provide nutrients to the plants. The
colourings, flavourings, sweeteners and
process is in harmony with nature, with
preservatives. Whenever I tried to change
some farmers even following the moon
something there was big resistance. It was
cycle for planting and the seasons for
taboo to talk about these things, I would be
harvesting to get the best for their crop.
better to leave it as be. After all, they are not doing anything illegal. This was true but
Nils believes that the only way to make
was it healthy? Was it moral? I tried at the
a change is to live that change. He walks
retail level too. No one was interested about
the talk. He is healthy, fit and hasn’t had a
nutrition or healthy food. It is all about the
bout of flu for years. Good health is ours for
money. Listing fees, marketing fees, margins,
the taking. All we need to do is re educate
etc... What about the idea of food to nourish
ourselves and look into the benefits that
people? That concept got lost over years of
organic food can bring. Knowing is one
capitalistic views on the food industry. One
thing; doing is the better thing. And there
day I had a calling and could not longer just
is no better way than to start now. Let us
watch. I called a friend who quit his job and
emulate Nils and his advocacy for healthy
came over to start organic foods and café
living and a cleaner, healthier environment...
with me.” And the rest is history.
As he ends this interview by saying: “To change the world, you have to start with
For Nils, Organic Food and Cafe is an
yourself.”
environment-friendly initiative. He explains that “the whole planet is one. If we pollute the air on one side it will carry to the next. The desert that I so loved has so much garbage in it now. It is a disaster. We will soon drown in our toxins and garbage. We all have to do something about it now and every day. We need to care about the future and the shape. We inherited a good clean earth; after
Green Guru of the Month is
millions of years we have managed in just 100
sponsored
years to put the earth on a path that will not
the region’s first sustainable
support life if we don’t change our ways.” To support his advocacy, Nils buys only from
by
Build
business-to-business
Green,
magazine
with a consumer one soon to.
biodynamic farms as that is the only organic
135
mother, baby & child February 2012
way to do this is to leave the earth in good
mama me-time | people of the month
Charity’s Angel Ayesha Kelaif
“Somebody has to be their VOICE.”
mother, baby & child February 2012
For someone who is very soft-spoken, these words came out rather strikingly yet filled with love. Ayesha Kelaif, 47, founded the Dubai Animal Rescue Centre (DARC) some fourteen years ago. What started with just giving a home to one feline has progressed into having a total of 280 rescued animals that the organisation has today. “I’ve always had this passion for animals,” says Ayesha. She wholeheartedly shares her early years in Sri Lanka where her parents used to own a large lot that had been home not only to their family but to a number of animals as well. Her father, an animal lover himself, had instilled in her the attitude of valuing the lives of these creatures. Sadly, her parents passed whilst she was still quite young but she found respite from their animals’ company. She continues: “They gave me comfort when my parents died. That’s why I told myself that when I grow up, I want to help the animals...”
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T
wenty six years ago, she was married to her late husband who had seen that
fire in her when it comes to taking care of animals. “He had always been very supportive of me. He knew how much I love the animals,” she shares. What started with just her, her husband and their family members over a decade back has tripled, at the very least, with multicultural volunteers from all ages and backgrounds, offering their knowledge and serving their purpose. From their abode in Jumeirah, they moved to a villa in Al Barsha where the place can accommodate more animals as the team rehabilitate them and find a more suitable environment for them.
mama me-time
What sets her ‘facility’ apart from the others
Another reason why she has been all
is that, aside from offering a temporary place for
out in spreading the word of their cause
cats and dogs, the DARC is also a rescue centre
is to EDUCATE the younger generations
for the ‘more unusual’ and wild animals. Curious
in the hope that they will be able to teach
buyers and would-be pet owners sometimes take
the next generation themselves. We ought
little consideration of the animals like certain
not to be careless in bringing animals into
birds, iguanas and snakes’ living conditions. They
our homes, especially those who are not
willingly take them in, but after finding out that
used to the domestic environment that is
taking care of them is much harder than they
in great contrast to their natural habitat.
thought, they just give it away. This is where DARC steps in. Some owners surrender their
Ayesha and her three children have lost
acquired animals to them and in turn, DARC
a husband and a father before the close
coordinate with related government agencies
of 2011. And DARC has felt this great loss
such as the Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Wildlife to
too... “Without him, life has changed,” she
find these rescued animals a more appropriate
opens up... “BUT WE WILL GET BY.” What
shelter.
faith and strong spirit this woman has! And what big and beautiful heart she does
In some instances, however, the furry, feathery
have not only to people but also to these
and scaly friends of DARC had to stay longer with
living, breathing and feeling creatures we
them. The longest ‘resident’ perhaps would be
commonly call animals...
their sixteen-year-old cat followed by a pony that has been with them for ten years. Working as a Senior Executive in DEWA, Ayesha does need hands to make it all possible. “These things you cannot do on your own,” she explains. Ayesha from the neighbouring clinics, veterinarians, veterinary students and other professionals with previous background on animals) have offered their services and information in caring for these creatures.
137
mother, baby & child February 2012
is very grateful about how volunteers (some
mama me-time | people of the month
by Jan D’Sa
Special tip of the month:
Secure the ones you love!
H
ow would you feel if, as a result of the death of a loved one, your bank accounts were frozen and family
assets were not distributed according to the wishes of the deceased? As a lawyer Nita Maru, of The Wills Specialists, a specialised legal consultancy firm, says, “The reality of the situation is that expat families based in the Middle East are normally unaware of the implications of local law on their assets, their children and in the case of business proprietors, their business.” Mumtrepreneurs, I do not mean to be a harbinger of grim reality, but this column is not meant to be chicken soup for the soul either. Your desire to set up a business is only one part of the story. If your husband hasn’t put a will in place, you can expect to receive only one eighth of the estate, a decision that is most certainly contrary to your husband’s wishes. Furthermore, all assets, including
arrangements as to who will raise the children should be in place to fully prepare for this eventuality. Protection of your wealth (which is linked to your business, whether you are self-employed or owner of a full-fledged company), should be one of your most important priorities. of family legacies in the is a complicated issue,
As the protection Middle East ensure that
you have the assistance of a fully qualified lawyer to advice on wills and business succession planning to help you prepare today for all that may and can happen tomorrow...
bank accounts, are frozen until such time as
mother, baby & child February 2012
any liabilities have been discharged to the satisfaction of the courts. The absence of a Will can also open doors for the authorities to intervene regarding guardianship of children. This is especially true should the unthinkable happen and death befalls both parents at once. A Will specifying alternative 138
of Janys artist-designer Jan D’Sa is the decor. fflinks & home De jewellery, cu te’s trips crafting advoca Follow this hand avelogue Cultural Arts Tr ’n treats at the m) rtstravelogue.co (www.culturala
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mama me-time | kitchen magic!
KITCHEN MAGIC! Can’t think of what else you could serve on the next barbecue weekend than the usual foodstuff? You need not worry as Yes Chef ’s Head Chef of Catering Operations Emily Herbert is here to the rescue! ‘MUMMAZING MOCKTAILS
Watermelon Mocktail (Serves 6)
½ Frozen seedless watermelon Juice of 4 limes, plus lime slices, to serve
165g caster sugar 1 cup mint leaves, plus sprigs to garnish Ice cubes, to serve
1L sparkling water 1 Peel the watermelon, then cut into pieces. 2 In batches, place the watermelon and any
juices in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.
3 Add lime juice, sugar and mint. Stir to
dissolve sugar, then cover and stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
4 Pass the watermelon mixture through a
mother, baby & child February 2012
sieve, pressing down on the solids.
5 Pour the watermelon juice into a large jug
of ice.
6 Add lime slices and mint sprigs.
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Note to Mum: To provide that ‘frizz’ top it up with sparkling water.
mama me-time SMOKY SEAFOOD
Marinated Barbecue Prawns
(Makes 7, Protein – 26g, Energy – 805kj, Total Fat – 7g, Dietary Fibre – 4.5g)
24 green king prawns, peeled leaving tails intact, deveined
1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar 3 tsp sesame seeds 1 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 fresh red Birdseye chilli, halved,
2 Turn prawn skewers to coat in the marinade.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 20 minutes to develop the flavours.
3 Thread 3 prawns onto each skewer. 4 Preheat a barbecue or char grill on medium-high. 5 Add the prawn skewers and cook for 3 minutes
each side or until prawns change colour.
6 Transfer to serving plates
deseeded, finely chopped
1 Combine the vinegar, sesame seeds,
sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chilli and five spice in a small bowl, and spoon over prawns.
Note to Mum: Place the bamboo skewers in water for 15 minutes prior to stop them from burning.
141
mother, baby & child February 2012
1/2 tsp Chinese five spice Lemon wedges, to serve
mama me-time | kitchen magic! CHAR-GRILLED CHICKEN
Barbecue Marinate Chicken with Veggies (Makes 4, Protein – 32.3g, Energy – 1767kj, Total Fat – 12g, Dietary Fibre – 7.1g)
4 small chicken fillets 1/2 cup smoky barbecue sauce 500g Desiree potatoes, cut into 2cm
corn, potatoes and zucchini into a large bowl. Add oil, garlic, parsley, and salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
5 Cook potatoes, corn and zucchini on
barbecue plate for 4 to 5 minutes, turning frequently, or until golden. Add tomatoes. Cook for 3 minutes or until warmed through.
6 Cook chicken on grill plate for 2
minutes each side or until just cooked through. Serve chicken with barbecued vegetables.
pieces
3 corn cobs, peeled, washed 2 zucchini, trimmed, sliced lengthways into strips
1 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
125g punnet cherry tomatoes 1 Cut each chicken fillet in half through
the centre to form 2 thinner fillets. Place into a ceramic dish. Pour over barbecue sauce. Turn to coat. Cover. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, if time permits.
2 Heat barbecue plate and grill on
medium-high heat.
mother, baby & child February 2012
3
Meanwhile, wash potatoes. Place
into a pot of boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes. Drain well.
4 Place corn onto into a pot of boiling
water. Cover. Cook until tender. Drain. Slice corn into 3cm-thick pieces. Place
142
Note to Mum: Here’s another fun way to have your children eat veggies!
mama me-time
MUM & ME DELIGHT Who says only mothers have the kitchen pass? It’s time to get your little ones experience the fun in making their own scrumptious creations!
Warm Sticky Char-Grilled Pineapple
(Makes 4, Protein – 2.4g, Energy – 879kj, Total Fat – 0.3g, Dietary Fibre – 5g)
2 small, ripe pineapples, tops removed 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 tbsp brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Whipped cream, to serve
1 Cut pineapple into 1 1/2cm-thick
wedges.
2 Combine syrup, sugar and cinnamon.
Pour over pineapple. Stand for 10 minutes.
3 Heat a barbecue grill on medium heat.
4 Cook pineapple for 2 to 3 minutes
each side, or until golden.
Note to Mum: : Let the kids whip the cream. Adding icing sugar helps with the thickening process. 143
mother, baby & child February 2012
5 Serve with cream.
mama me-time | editor’s pick
Editor’s Pick: In Focus -
Dining
Vu’s Restaurant, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Fashionably located at the 50th floor of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, a sear reserved by the glass wall would guarantee an outstanding view of the Dubai night lights. Vu’s Restaurant is a posh, elegant place that is great for sit down romantic dinners or a high profile corporate meeting. The staffs were on their toes accommodating the guests but they certainly were not in a miss with the little bits here and there that make fine dining at their place even much more refined. From course to course, we are astounded at how the arts surpassed presentation; even the combination of flavours in a dish would tell how each has been well thought off by kitchen experts. Our favourites for the evening we the seared Norweigan scallops with lovely, and tender chicken briskets, braised wagyu beef with side dishes of mushroom, potato and asparagus. Here’s another plus: seafood at Vu’s is absolutely FRESH!
For more information and bookings, call 04 366 6730
mother, baby & child February 2012
or email restaurants@jumeirah.com
Top tip:
Still up for some drinks with your hubby? There’s a way up to their 51st floor where the Vu’s Bar is located!
144
Quality: Service: Ambience: Value for Money: Mother, Baby & Child says...
mama me-time
g n i n i D Seafood Nights at Na3Na3, The Address Dubai Mall If you are adventurous, a seafood-and-sushi lover and a sweet tooth, Thursday nights at Na3Na3, The Address Dubai Mall is for you! Don’t skip with your appetizers because that’s where the pleasant surprises begin. Also warm up with a bowl of soup. Then once you’re off to the highlight of the night, best prepare for a treat! Mostly grilled, shellfishes are my absolute favourite. Dips and sauces to even out the taste are also made available. A grill was originally set at the restaurant’s terrace, unfortunately on our visit it was not available – it could have offered an additional attraction. But we enjoyed the evening just the same. Service is something you should count on. Mums who are not much into alcoholic drinks can request for mocktails especially prepared for you. We tried their virgin Blue Lagoon and it was truly delectable!
For more information and bookings,
Toa pwidetrainpge: oDf echssoeicrtes s
offer nal to internatio from Arabic s and to pick fruit – don’t miss misu ny jars of tira ti e tl lit se o th ! and mousse
Quality: Service: Ambience: Value for Money: ild says...
Mother, Baby & Ch
145
mother, baby & child February 2012
call 04 888 3444 or email dine@theaddress.com
mama me-time | editor’s pick
Dining
Go West, Jumeirah Beach Hotel Wagon-like interiors, wooden finish and festive entertainment – it couldn’t get more ‘Wild American West’ than this! The restaurant is adorned by various cow-boy and Native American designs. Food-wise, American and Mexican specialties are on offer. Mums and dads can have lovely servings of Lobster Bisque Soup and generously-filled Seafood Platter. Be it steaks or any other dish on the menu, Go West certainly has tailored fit it to all taste buds. Kids are also treated to their own ‘Go West’ menu. Fish and chips with peas and carrots are a must-try. As for desserts, he or she can have chocolate mousse made especially for the little ones. A live band also plays in the evening. They can play your favourite song by request too!
For more information and bookings, call 04 406 8999 or
mother, baby & child February 2012
email JBHboxoffice@jumeirah.com
Top tip: Appetizers are YUM! Make sure to order them before jumping on to the main course!
146
Quality: Service: Ambience: Value for Money: Mother, Baby & Child says...
DO NOT RB! TU DIS
mama me-time
Editor’s Pick: In Focus -
Jumeirah Beach Hotel Of the many hotels and resorts Mother, Baby & Child Magazine have gone to, this is certainly one of those who take ‘family’ very, very seriously so mum, dad and the kids are guaranteed to have fun. Our room, for instance, is spacious enough to fit in extra cots if need be. We were also welcomed by a teddy bear, boxes of chocolates as well as a platter of fruits and a bottle of sparkling. To our relief, baby bath products and other essentials were also covered by the hotel – a first for us! A number of recreation places can leave you and your little ones lost into enjoyment. Sinbad’s Kids Club offer activities ranging from water fun to face painting to film showings to arts & crafts, all supervised by fully-trained and qualified professionals. We also had the time of our lives at the Wild Wadi Water Park. The many rides and attractions sure had our day full! And we couldn’t simply miss taking a dip on the lovely private beach and the hotel’s pools. Overall, it was a funky, modern place that offers extravagance and comfort to the whole family! For more information and bookings, call 04 348 0000
Quality: Service: Ambience: Value for Money: Mother, Baby & Child says...
Top tip:
Have a baby in tow? All you’ve got to worry about is his or her baby bottle and milk! All the other baby essentials are perfectly covered!
147
mother, baby & child February 2012
or email jbhinfo@jumeirah.com
mama me-time | editor’s pick
Editor’s Pick: In Focus -
s n o l a S
Hair Services at Sesshin Salon Cosy, green and relaxing – there’s a welcoming feeling upon entering Sesshin Salon. For a usual treatment like a hair trim and blow dry, it is a recommended place because of its customer service and light atmosphere. It shouldn’t be a surprise upon meeting the owner herself. She is down-to-earth and very hands on – even offering extra hands in maintaining the orderliness of the place. Her staffs follow her lead by imbibing positive and excellent rapport to their clients. The upbeat vibe of their service is combined with careful administration of the treatments, thus making the whole experience relaxing and refreshing.
mother, baby & child February 2012
For more information and bookings, call 04 323 7168 or 050 450 0241
Top Tip:
Bring your favourite book or the latest magazine with you and ge t ready for a truly restful time!
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Service: Ambience: Value for Money: Mother, Baby & Child says...
mama me-time
Editor’s Pick: In Focus -
Spas
Cupid’s recipe for Valentines at The Spa, The Address Dubai Marina Me and my husband have always been a fan of couple massages and this certainly has gone at the top of our list. For starters, our Balinese therapists have been very courteous and helpful, especially in filling us in with the details of the package. We shared the VIP room together, side-by-side experiencing the same procedures. The hot stone massage was performed for the first 50 minutes. The pressure and warmth have
WOW. It’s amazing how 2 hours and a half of
worked wonders all over our bodies, from side to
spa session could take away a month’s worth
side, from top to bottom. What really sealed the
(or even more) of tension! Truly a perfect gift
deal was the 25-minute scalp massage which was
that husbands and wives can give themselves
absolutely tranquilising. And just when we thought
this season...
the uplifting sensations were about to be over, a nicely smelling organic concoction was applied to our faces. It was time for our 50-minute facial.
Rates:
Cupid’s Recipe for Valentine’s at The Spa
Feeling funny with the little bubbles developing
(Available throughout February 2012) –
across our skin, we were told that this will have a
Dhs 1,220 for a couple (Dhs 793 per person)
wonderful effect that will leave our faces fresh and good things have to come to an end, our session was capped with the 25-minute reflexology.
Service: Ambience: Value for Money: Mother, Baby & Child says...
For more information and bookings, call 04 436 7777 or email spa. dubaimarina@theaddress.com
Top Tip:
Would be practical to schedule the romantic date some other day... Simply enjoy the soothing feeling from the treatment while it lasts! 149
mother, baby & child February 2012
rejuvenated – which it actually did! And because
mama me-time | editor’s pick
Spas
Romance & Harmony Treatment at the Zaitoon Wellness Spa at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa Zaitoon Wellness Spa is one of those spa venues which deviated from the usual ‘Asian-themed’ interiors as they go Arabic not only in the designs but also in their staff uniforms. Uniqueness was achieved from this. The Romance & Harmony Treatment is usually done in their Couple’s Room. It first commenced with a body scrub that lasted for half an hour. We were told that for the winter season, they are using rose oil along with the scrub as it is the most ideal for the cold weather. On hotter months, they use something more suitable as well. Contrary to the usual steam bath facilities offered separate to men and women, together we were able to enjoy this aroma steam bath especially for couples. Once done our sense were very much prepared to the soothing Thai massage that has left us fully calmed down. Another must-try for Valentines!
mother, baby & child February 2012
For more information and bookings, call 04 351 9111 or visit www.arabiancourtyard.com
Service: Ambience: Value for Money: Mother, Baby & Child says...
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Top Tip:
Prior to booking, ensure that the Couple’s Room will be available for the day – more importantly because it wil l be in demand this month!
mama me-time
Spas Enchanting Couples Ceremony at The Raffles Spa The Raffles Spa is notably roomy with several treatment rooms, a number of them especially made for couples. Couple rooms have varied features to accustom the respective treatments (for example, some have Jacuzzis in them). Mother, Baby & Child Magazine was welcomed by tangy ‘fruit water’ and teas to try. Soon we were directed to the Couple’s Suite – a hut that ensures total privacy. The amenities include a bathroom and changing area. Staffs were very accommodating to our preferences, even to the lighting and background music. An hour of relaxing massage is enough to complete the whole romantic spa experience. Lovely and exquisite – a great way to spend Valentine’s Day indeed.
Top Tip:
It is a total experience altogether: the sights, sounds and idea for sensations. Certainly not a bad February 14th!
Service: Ambience: Value for Money: Mother, Baby & Child says...
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mother, baby & child February 2012
For more information and bookings, call 04 324 8888 or email dubai@raffles.com
mother, baby & child February 2012
152
Ask Genie
Q:
“How to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions?”
mama me-time
Genie answers...
family, friends and colleagues to celebrate the
c. Eat Slowly - The amount of calories
festive season. And the least thing you know
consumed before you begin to feel full can vary
the arrow in the weighing scale has gone far
significantly depending on how quickly you eat.
from what it used to be. Undeniably, you are
d. More Fruits and Vegetables - These are
now in a situation of focusing to one thing which is on top of your list - YOU want to shed pounds in 2012! Creating your new year’s resolutions is a very easy step, but making it materialize is far different story to tell. How many attempts but you failed in trying to stick to your resolutions?
high in water content, which have large volume and weight but not calories.
e. Choose food that is less concentrated with
calories - You can eat larger portion size but
less content of calories. Be a smart consumer.
f. Lastly, I highly recommend the best non-
There is no exact formula as e=mc2, but
invasive weight loss program in town by
here’s few practical and attainable ways to see
Awazen Spa called Zest4Life by Patrick
positive results of your resolution:
Holford. It includes 6- weekly consultations
a. Focus - Don’t be distracted by everyone
with the Nutritionist who also uses NLP
clubs for serious work outs.
the program and get the results, 10 yogalates
b. Drink Plenty of water every day - Drink
massages (plus 1 Free full body relaxing
else around you. Be motivated by joining health
warm water after 30 minutes every after meal... Drinking cold water will solidify the oily stuff you have just consumed and will slow down digestion.
techniques to help us guide our mind to follow sessions, 6 sessions of vacupower & 5 slimming massage) for just AED 2500 only... For more details visit their website/facebook or call the Awazen Spa located near Mall of the Emirates in Sidra Tower at 04 440 1444.
”
This segment is brought to you by:
Got ‘spa-related’ questions but you just don’t know who to ask? Spa Genie is at your service! 153
mother, baby & child February 2012
“You attended parties and gatherings with
book-worm me
The Romantic Novels Edition! From novels to films
by Nicholas Sparks
A Walk to Remember This story shows how love can come from the most unlikely of places, from the most different of pairs. Jock Landon Carter had vested interest in joining the high school drama class – all for himself. There he met the preacher’s daughter, Jamie Sullivan. Although seemingly uninteresting at first, Landon began to notice every special thing that makes Jamie such a beautiful being. The only thing is... she is dying. One of the most tear jerking parts in the novel is undoubtedly Jamie’s walk down the aisle, although weak in her flesh but full of life and love in her heart. Truly,
mother, baby & child February 2012
a walk to remember...
154
mama me-time Message in a Bottle
The Notebook
How magical is it to find a letter that professes love in the highest order just by opening a bottle that had been washed up the shore? Theresa Osborne, the heroine of the story, would tell you how mesmerising it is. At the other end was a widower named Garrett who mourns for his deceased wife by way of writing her the deepest of his sentiments. He loved his wife so much that even a faint of attraction to the living has been also washed away by the waves of eternity. This is where the love story turns into a heartbreaking conclusion. But before you think twice of peering over this book, the beauty of this novel is how the author could make you fall in love over
The love stories from the 90s by Judith McNaught
what you’ll have aside from flowing tears with this masterpiece. It tells of a story of two daring teenagers, Noah and Allie who found love and lost and found it again. Allie, whose parents did not favour Noah, had to choose between a life of prestige and a life of the ordinary. In the course of the novel, Noah as an old man recounts the story to his fellow elders in the nursing home. In the crowd was a very familiar face – aged over the decades. The story unravels the undying love of Noah and Allie, a dream most of us would want to realise for our own lives. After all, wouldn’t it be nice to truly say “Till death do us part”?
Until You This is a sequel to Whitney, My Love. It follows the story of Stephen Westmoreland, the Earl of Langford. Does the name ring a bell? Well, of course, he is the brother of the first novel’s Clayton. This time, the love story gets intertwined with comedy as Sheridan Bromleigh – Stephen’s love interest-tobe – suffered from a weird case of mistaken identity. As the emotions can shift from shock, to smiling to awe, any reader would want to turn yet another page and see where their fascinating story goes. Filled with intrigue, twisted realities and undeniable wits, this is one of the author’s most remarkable tales. (continued on next page...) 155
mother, baby & child February 2012
and over again just as Theresa did...
Goosebumps – that’s
mama me-time | book worm me Whitney, My Love
Someone to Watch Over Me: A Novel
This is the debut novel that made
Well-written with one of
Judith McNaught a name that is
romantic novels’ most
synonymous to love stories. The
compelling male protagonists,
novel is about a girl, Whitney, who
Someone to Watch Over Me
was sent to the stead of her uncle
is about a widow, Leigh, who
and aunt in France. Home is where
realised how her marriage with
she left her childhood sweetheart,
her deceased husband was
Paul. But in France, her strong will
just a total waste of her love
and gracefulness shone through. As
and even her life. Michael
a lady groomed to be the toast of
Valente came in the most
Paris, she dreamt of rekindling her
ideal of time – to show Leigh that there still
love with Paul. However, her father’s
exists a man who is stern yet gentle, responsible
inclination of saving the family’s face
yet joyous. What her husband failed to appreciate
and finances led him to betrothed
in her – being a strong, successful woman –
Whitney to the duke
Michael found absolutely appealing. A dream guy
of Claymore, Clayton
indeed he is. The story is unpredictable as it is
Westmoreland.
humorous in more than one way.
Passionate and intense, this classic will surely leave you romantically affected up to the very
mother, baby & child February 2012
last page.
156
Tommee Tippee advice centre
Your bottle feeding questions answered At Tommee Tippee we have been making 50 year history. Since 2009 all our bottles have been made from polypropylene, a durable and long-lasting material that is completely and reassuringly safe to use. Polypropylene contains absolutely no bisphenol-A, a chemical ingredient that has raised concerns in recent years though there has been credible scientific evidence against it. Our bottle teats are made from ultra-soft silicone, a clear man-made material which retains its appearance even after constant sterilising and allows you to see milk deposits more easily. It is important to remember that sharp baby teeth can puncture the silicone if your baby is allowed to ‘teethe’ on the bottle, so always take it away from the baby once a feed is finished and inspect teats before and after each use for signs of damage or wear and tear. Our teats come in three flow rates – slow, medium and fast – as well as Variflo which allows the baby to control the flow of milk through his own sucking strength.All our Closer to Nature bottles come with newborn, slow flow teats which are generally suitable for bottle feeding all new babies. Your baby will guide you when it is time to move to the next flow rate. He may, for example, fall asleep with the bottle if it is too tiring to get his feed through a hole that is too small. Or the teat may collapse if he seems impatient as he feeds. The age guidance of three months (medium flow) or fast
flow (six months) is simply to
guide you
so do not worry if your baby seems ready to move up earlier or later than the pack says. All our Closer to Nature teats have an exclusive Easi-vent valve on the surface. This valve opens and closes to reduce the risk of colic as your baby feeds by letting air in and out of the bottle naturally. For best practice position the valve under your baby’s nose when feeding. And take care when cleaning the teats and the easi-vent valve as both are very soft, sensitive and delicate and won’t appreciate rough treatment with a bottle or teat brush.
What you should know about bottle feeding
If you bottle feed your baby you may need as many as 10-12 bottles to start off with. Some may be in the steriliser, some may be in the fridge or freezer and some may get left on the bus! Smaller 150ml bottles are ideal for first feeds or drinks of cooled boiled water. Whatever your tally, there are some do’s and don’ts to remember to help you get the best out of your bottles.
1. Don’t use bottles that are badly worn or scuffed or scratched.
157
mother, baby & child February 2012
award-winning feeding bottles throughout our
Tommee Tippee advice centre 2. Inspect bottles and teats before and after each feed for signs of wear and tear.
3. Always wash the bottles you have used in
warm soapy water before sterilising, using your bottle and teat brush (there is no need to sterilise the brush itself), then rinse.
4. Don’t put boiling water straight from the
While it is not easy to anticipate when a baby is going to wake up (and therefore when to boil the kettle and let the water cool) it may be easier to put a measured amount of formula aside in a sealed container (Tommee Tippee Milk Powder Dispensers are ideal) and have a flask of
kettle into your bottles. Allow it to cool for
cooled boiled water ready to make up the
approximately 30 minutes.
feed.
5. Follow the instructions from the manufacturers of the infant formula you use, making sure you
Once you have made up the feed you
level each scoop of formula.
must cool it to the right temperature for
6. Discard any unused milk after baby has had
bottle under the cold tap. When tested
his feed.
7. Buy new bottles for each new baby. 8. Health guidelines recommend you make up
bottles one at a time. It may be easier to store the cooled, boiled water sealed in the bottles and then add the formula at feeding time.
9. If storing bottles in the fridge, don’t use the
door compartments as the temperature changes every time you open the door.
10. A carton of ready-to-feed formula is a useful standby in your cupboard or changing bag.
11. Don’t heat bottles in a microwave. It can lead
the baby. You can do this by holding the on the inside of the wrist it should feel neither warm nor cold on your skin. Babies enjoy their feeds at room temperature, which may seem just lukewarm to you but is just right for the baby.
Whatever you do… 1. Sterilise all feeding equipment. 2. Clean the surface on which you are making up the bottles.
3. Wash the hands thoroughly. 4. Follow all the instructions on the tin
to hot spots and destroy nutrients in your formula
and don’t use more or less powder than it
milk.
says as your baby could become ill.
12. Never thaw breast milk in a microwave.
5. Throw away used formula and never
Guidelines for making up a feed
If you‘re planning to bottle feed your
Bottle feeds should be made up with water that
baby, either with formula or expressed
is 70°C or more. Boil the kettle, then leave it for
milk, you have a lot to think about. At
half an hour to cool before making up the feed.
first it may seem like a complicated and
Make up each feed as it is needed. Warm milk
daunting task, but a bit of planning and
is a breeding ground for bacteria so making up
preparation will take the stress out of the
bottles in advance is no longer advised, though
whole process.
Allow it to defrost at room temperature.
mother, baby & child February 2012
5°C does prevent bacteria from growing.
re-heat or re-use it.
cooling a bottle quickly by running it under a cold tap and then storing it in the fridge at below
158
on, visit For further informati uk/advice co. ee. www.tommeetipp
Aquarius
December 22 January 19
January 20 February 18
This may be the month when your
For most whose birthday month will
husband, your child, or even your
be falling in this month, fate will
extended family members will come
definitely be in your favour. This is one
to you for their problems. Bite your
of your most productive times for the
tongue for any criticisms; they just need
year – IF you allow yourself to take the
your listening ear. When out shopping
backseat and give others the chance
with your lady friends, think twice
to prove their worth. Should you be
before splurging. Do you really need it?
receiving praises, never forget the
Celebrating Valentines might be bumped
people who made it possible. Take
off a little later in the month. But don’t
some time off to pay your parents and
worry... It will be worth the wait!
elders a visit.
Pisces
Aries
February 19 March 20
March 21 April 19
You could be a mumtreprenuer-to-
Find time for yourself. It may be a few
be if you will it! A great investment
days off from your daily routine. Or
opportunity may show itself and it’s up
perhaps a time to live it up and just
to you whether to grab this chance or
have fun. Your natural high-energy
not. For Pisceans born in the month
will be at its peak so be cautious that
of February, you will have hectic
you won’t overdo anything – it may
weeks ahead of you. That energy
do more harm than good. Recent
boost has to be focused on something
mistakes may haunt you, especially
worthwhile as you won’t always be in a
because you know that it was not
fine form as you are now.
your intention. Be kind to yourself.
159
mother, baby & child February 2012
Capricorn
horoscope
Taurus
Gemini
April 20 May 20
May 21 June 21
A coffee morning or a parent-teachers
It is neither practical nor healthy to
conference may bring a new face,
dwell on recent grudges. For one, you
even a new friend into your life. They
own wellbeing and physical state is
could offer pleasant surprises so be
on the line. Two, it may overshadow a
on the look out! Should you be able
good career opportunity and leave you
to manage it, take a rest from work.
blinded – and empty handed. Don’t
That time you may spend must be
make any drastic decisions especially if
used wisely; it is not a good time to go
you are a working mum. That way you
about spending and living the high life.
are able to have options. If taking a
A simple time with family and friends
business trip during this period, make
will get you back to your energetic self.
sure you are on top of your itinerary.
Cancer
Leo
June 22 July 22
July 23 August 22
A pretty challenging month for you, mummy. For one, you may need a professional advice to straighten out your finances. You may need to find a means to earn, perhaps jump into a career. Something of interest may mother, baby & child February 2012
present itself on the 10th. Be aware that conflicts will rise to leave you confuse. Keep your focus and this will soon be over. Keep your eyes open!
160
Finding it rather frustrating at work? Here’s a tip: keep your composure as someone is watching you closely, considering you for a much higher position. Find solace in the company of your little ones and your hubby at home – that should help you feel at ease. Plan for where you’d like you finance and career to go. Dates to best do your strategies are on the 10th, 13th, 21st and 26th. Try to lay low on the 14th.
horoscope
Virgo
Libra
August 23 September 22
September 23 October 22
From quiet evenings at home or serene
You’ve already got a good idea. Now
moments at the spa, you are encouraged
it’s time to put it into action. Before
to also take a ride on a fast paced life
you know it, the opportunity might
and you can take your family along with
leave you hanging with only dreams
the adventure! Your significant other will
unrealised. Your husband can get
definitely take you attention off work or
you to contemplate on this too. It is
chores; make the most of it. Should you
ideal that you accomplish what has
find yourself at an awkward situation of
been expected of you prior to moving
choosing whether to lend money, be wise
forward. A time with your girl friend
about it... Planning to lose weight? Start
may guaranty a fabulous time by the
getting into action on the 26th.
end of the month.
October 23 November 21
Sagittarius November 22 December 21
Have you been pining to contact your
To avoid disappointments, try not
long lost friend whom you have lost touch
to count chicken until the eggs have
since you’ve started your family? It’s right
actually hatched. Should you see
about time to act on it, don’t you think?
an unreasonable jealousy at work
And since she had known you long before
underway, make sure to protect your
you became a mum, she might have the
family from it. Keep your cool and their
answers behind the nagging questions
envious motives will soon prove futile.
you have inside of you. Matters in the
Also, keep communications open to
household may keep you preoccupied.
resolve this conflict. All the patience
Learn to prioritise what is best for the
and hard work will be rewarded later
welfare of your children.
this month.
161
mother, baby & child February 2012
Scorpio
SCHOOL
Kaizen People Domestic and small biz staff placement services Housemaids, nannies, cooks, drivers and more 056 1748622 www.kaizenpeople.ae
Co-ed. Nursery-Grade 13. Australian Curriculum. Dhs 22,000-57,000 (fees for 2012/2013 academic year TBD). P.O. Box 68600, Al Tawun Road, Sharjah, U.A.E. Tel: +971 6577 1999 Fax: +971 6577 1888 Emai: admin@viss.ae, registrar@viss.ae Website: www.viss.ae
SERVICES
BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
BABYSITTERS
directory listing
mother, baby & child February 2012
Assist AE Concierge Concierge for Your Life, on Our Time When you need more than 24 hours in a day. We will make your life easier and stress free. Angel’s Touch Beauty Salon Al Barsha, Dubai +971 4 3235505 www.beautysalondubai.com
Daily errands, pet services, school runs, waiting services, shopping/pick-ups, home assistance, organizing parties, delivery services, and more. Tel: 0554495089 Email: info@assist.ae Web: www.assist.ae
162
directory listing RECREATION CENTRES
Arabian Center(Dubai): 04-2845679 Burjuman(Dubai): 04-3593336 Ibn Battuta(Dubai): 04-3669819 Lamcy Plaza (Dubai): 04-3352700 Mercato(Dubai): 04-3499976 Oasis Centre(Dubai): 04-3397783 Reef Mall(Dubai): 04-2222405 Marina Mall (Abu Dhabi): 02-6815527 Dalma Mall (Abu Dhabi): 02-5507407 Manar Mall (RAK): 07-2281881 Bawadi Mall (Al Ain): 03-7840338 Jimi Mall (Al Ain): 03-7630206
2nd Floor, Dubai Marina Mall Tel: 04 434 1984 Fax: 04 434 1983 www.favouritethings.com info@favouritethings.com
www.funcity.ae info@funcity.ae
+971 4 394 3962
Call 04-336-9773 or
800-DOLPHIN (3657446) Or visit
www.dubaidolphinarium.ae
Contact Person: Ms. Neelam Moorjani (Owner)
Bikram Yoga and Pilates Studio Tel: +971 (0) 4 345 2131 | Fax: +971 (0) 4 345 2132 Al Mina Rd, Satwa (next to Capitol Hotel) E-Mail: info@clubstretch.ae Web: www.clubstretch.ae
www.tlgibnbattuta.com
Tel: 04 450 8832 Mobile: 050 152 0016 enquiry@hamiltonaquatics.ae www.hamiltonaquaticsdubai.com
163
mother, baby & child February 2012
t - +971 4 4545391 m - +971 50 1516632 Dubai Marina, DAMAC WAVES Building, Marina Level www.superdooper.ae
The Little Gym IBN Battuta Persia Court, next to Baby Shop Tel : +9714 4456850 Fax : +9714 4456851 P.O Box : 37404, Dubai | U.A.E Email : thelittlegym@eim.ae
NURSERIES
directory listing
Umm Al Sheif Tel: +971 (0)4 348 6275
registrar@theblossomnursery.com
Yellow Brick Road Nursery Al Garhoud, Dubai Tel 04 2828290 Emerald City Nursery Jumeirah 2, Dubai Tel 04 3490848
Address: Villa #37, Street 10a, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, UAE Umm Suqeim Tel: +971 (0)4 394 8837
admin@theblossomnursery.com
Address: Villa #43, Street 21C, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, UAE
Crystal Valley Nursery Arabian Center, Dubai Tel 04 2845519 Indigo Valley Nursery Near Terminal 2, Dubai Tel 04 2633544 Open from 7am to 6pm with flexible pick-up times at 12:30pm, 3pm, 5pm & 6pm info@beautifulmindsnurseries.com www.beautifulmindsnurseries.com
Inspire Children’s Nursery Offering an individualized and childcentered program for children from 3 months – 4 years Al Safa 2 (behind Spinneys Umm Suqeim)
(04) 3955473 www.inspireallchildren.com
Office F43 Block 2A Knowledge Village Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
mother, baby & child February 2012
Office Hours Sunday – Wednesday 8.00am – 4.00pm Thursday 8.00am – 1.00pm Tel: +971 4 446 5820 Email: admin@eyes-me.com http://www.eyes-me.com
164
directory listing
pickapic is a service by: Tel: +971 4 449 5429 info@pickapic.com
info@freshmedia.ae www.freshmedia.ae
BABY, PREGNANCY, FAMILY AND MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Take your pictures from pixel to print with a pickapic photobook www.pickapic.com
hippey S Photography “PORTRAITS YOU ARE PROUD TO HANG ON YOUR WALL” Swedish Professional Photographer Helen Shippey captures those precious moments for you. Tel. 055 10 789 88 info@shippeyphotography.com www.shippeyphotography.com www.facebook.com/ shippeyphotography
“AtoZ promise Quality photos at Affordable price”
HOSPITAL
Dubai: - Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah Beach Road, Opposite Jumeirah Beach Park, Next to Emirates Hospital Tel. 04-3445915 - Dubai Marina, Near JBR Walk, Opposite Habtoor Grand Hotel, Habtoor Business Tower, 27th Floor Tel. 04-4471777
RECREATION CENTRES
FRED’S SWIM ACADEMY UAE P.O.Box 25499, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Tel. +971508896924 emirates@swimtrainer.com | www.swimtrainer.ae
SHJ: - Corniche Road between Sharjah Women’s Club and Coral Beach Hotel 06-5245444 - Khalifa City A, Corner street 16 and 33, Near Khalifa A Post Office Tel. 02-557222 Al Ain: - Al Jimi, in front of Al Jimi Supermarket Tel. 03-7620022
165
mother, baby & child February 2012
AD: - Karama Region, Street 13, Delma and Karama intersection, Opposite Public Works dept. Tel. 02-4466648
SHOPS
directory listing
Elete Electrolytes P.O Box – 502969 Landline – 04 4462972 Email swalsh@eletewater.ae www.eletewater.ae
Laboratoire dermatologique BIODERMA
Bumble Bee - Dubai Mall
Dubai Airport Free Zone, 4WB Tel : + 971 4 26 02 619
Second floor, between waterfall atrium and the ice rink Tel 04 3308160
Bumble Bee - Dubai Festival City Ground floor, kids fashion zone Tel 04 2329110
mother, baby & child February 2012
Bubbles ‘n Giggles, The Dubai Mall, 2nd Floor 04-4340333 ibd@ibdonline.ae
ABU DHABI: Centrepoint: Breakwater Marina Mall, 02-6818894 • Dalma Mall, 02-5512151 • Babyshop: Abu Dhabi Co-op, Level 1, Tourist Club Area, 02-6447739 • City Mall, Level 1, Madinat Zayed, Western Region of Abu Dhabi, 02-8840438 • Old Airport Road, 02-6347012 • AL AIN: Centrepoint: Al Jimi Mall, 03-7637741 • Bawadi Mall, 03-7840333 • Babyshop: Al Ain Mall, 03-7511933 • Al Muwaiji, Opp. Binham Group, 03-7542890 • AJMAN: Centrepoint: Ajman City Centre, 06-7434848 • DUBAI: Centrepoint: Mall of the Emirates, 04-3410604 • Oasis Centre, 04-5154316 • Trade Centre Road, 04-3599953 • Mirdif City Centre, 04-2843343 • Babyshop: Abu Hail Centre, Deira, 04-2661519 • Al Ghurair City, 1st Floor, 04-2299731 • Dubai Mall, Level 2, Gold Souq Atrium, 04-3398878 • Zabeel Road, Karama, 04-3378075 • Reef Mall, Level 2, Deira, 04-2243343 • Ibn Battuta Mall, Persia Court, 04-4456949 • FUJAIRAH: Centrepoint: Dana Plaza, 09-2232730 • RAS AL KHAIMAH: Centrepoint: Ras Al Khaimah Sharjah Road, Al Dhait Showroom Area, 07-2359992 • Babyshop: Bin Daher Centre, 07-2286080 • SHARJAH: Babyshop: Al Qassimiah Street, 06-5322422 • Sharjah City Centre, 065322360 • Khorfakkan, 09-2372961 • UMM AL QUWAIN: Babyshop: King Faisal Road, 06-7663893
166
directory listing SHOPS
Green Goods Trading P.O. Box 483009, Dubai, U.A.E. T. +9714 481 2490 www.greengoodstrading.com For wholesale and retail inquiries within the GCC States please contact us via email at; info@ greengoodstrading.com
E: info@dubaioutletall.com W: www.dubaioutletmall.com
Visit our shop in the Dubai Mall, second level opposite Dubai Aquarium. T. +971 4 339 9200 E. mirtillo.burjuman@yahoo.com www.mirtillo.it
167
mother, baby & child February 2012
ABU DHABI: AL MARIA CULTURAL CINEPLEX - MUSHRIF Mall, Airport Road DUBAI: AL GHURAIR CITY, Deira - IBN BATTUTA MALL, Shop No. 43 - NEAR ABU HAIL CENTRE, Hor Al Anz, Deira - KHALID AL ATTAR BLDG. Bur Dubai, OASIS CENTRE, Sheikh Zayed Road (Al Quoz), after 2nd Interchange - MIRDIF CITY CENTRE, Shop No. 75-77, North-East Entrance - SHARJAH: Al Wahda Street - SAFEER MALL, Al Khan Interchange - AL QASSIMIYA STREET, Building No. 137, Industrial area 4 - RAS AL KHAIMAH: ADJACENT TO BIN DHAHER CENTRESAFEER MALL, Ground Floor, RAK Airport Road, Khozam- AJMAN: NK MALL, Al Hamidia Road - AL AIN: BAWADI MALL FUJAIRAH: DANA PLAZA, 212.
P.O. Box 115648 Dubai, United Arab Emirates P (+971 4) 4234666 F (+971 4) 3679009
SHOPS
directory listing
IBC
Your favourite online baby store selling unique clothing, accessories, gifts and all your baby essentials for 0-5 year olds. All delivered straight to your door by courier. Contact Paula or Kirsten on 050 1011385 or 0501424302
Dubai
SERVICES
mother, baby & child February 2012
www.bubsboutique.com
No1 for all Children’s parties and Events. Great British Entertainers to keep you monkeys having fun in the sun!
www.cheekymonkeyparties.com info@cheekymonkeyparties.com +971 (0)56 691 3552 168
Dubai Festival City IKEA Building, Ground floor, Tel.: +971 4 232 6882 Fax: +971 4 232 6883 Jafza LOB 18, View 18, Ground Floor.
Email: info@breadnco.com Web: www.breadnco.com
directory listing
T: +971 4 344 0737 F: +971 4 344 0197
childlec@childlearning.ae www.childlearning.ae
MEDICAL CENTRES
Villa No: 10 , Street 2-A, Al Wasl Road, Jumeriah, Behind Emarat Petrol Station PO Box 122935
“answers for parents, help for kids” Al Wasl Road, villa 1171A, Umm Suqeim 3 P.O. Box: 450233, Dubai, UAE T: 04 348 KIDS (5437) | F: 04 348 5436 E: info@kidsfirstmc.com www.kidsFIRSTmc.com
DUBAI Villa 37, 65b St. – 32b St. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1 P.O. Box 72960, Dubai - UAE Tel +971 4 349 7600 | Fax +971 4 349 7668 Abu Dhabi Emirates Hospital St. 13, Delma and Karama intersection, Opposite Public Works Department P.O. Box 30907, Abu Dhabi - UAE Tel +971 2 446 6422 | Fax +971 2 443 0873
Infinity Clinic Al Wasl Road 726, P.O. Box 215428 Dubai, United Arab Emirates T: 04 394 8994 | F: 04 394 8995 E: infinity@ihcdubai.com www.ihcdubai.com
www.fakihivf.com
www.mykidville.ae
DUBAI MARINA The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, U.A.E. Phone: 9714-440-1220
MOTORCITY Foxhill 9 (near Party World), Dubai, U.A.E. Phone: 9714-454-2760 UPTOWN MIRDIFF Grand Piazza (near Spinneys), Dubai, U.A.E. Phone: 9714-236-3648 169
mother, baby & child February 2012
KIDS ACTIVITY CENTER
SHOPS
directory listing BOHO BEBE BohoBebe Trading LLC POBox 10266, Dubai UAE www.bohobebe.com Info@bohobebe.com Office: 04 8847601 Fax: 04 8847602 Dubai - Oud Metha Tel - 04 335 1230 Fax - 04 335 5104 Dubai - Al Nahda Tel - 04 2838 006 Fax - 04 2391 894
+971 4 8819012 palmerscustomerservice@etbrownedxb.ae www.palmers.com
Sharjah Tel- 06 574 8588 Fax - 06 574 8878 Abu Dhabi Tel - 02 6333 062 Fax - 02 6333 052
Amancorp, 24 hour - Customer Service 800 - AIRFREE (247 3733) www.airfree.ae
PARTIES
OUTINGS
Our Range of Services Include: - Pool Parties - Garden Parties - Corporate Events - Entertainers - Baloons ‘n’ Decorations - Goody Bags - Candy Floss ‘n’ Popcorn - Full Party Planning
mother, baby & child February 2012
Email: info@splashnbounce.com Tel: 050 - 2825257 | www.splashnbounce.com
MEDICAL CENTRES
E: info-uae@omni-medical.net T: 04 294 6388 www.cells4health.com
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