< Previous70 Spring-Summer 2020 Time Out UAE Kids From doulas and midwives to doctors and health visitors, find your support network here Find your tribe BRINGING A NEW life into the world and adapting to all that entails is hard enough, but when you are far away from your family – as many of us living in the UAE are – it can be even more daunting. But it doesn’t need to be – not if you know where to look to find your support network… AMANA BABY If you’re looking for a midwife or a health visitor to hold your hand (and baby so you can make a cup of tea) in the comfort of your own home, Amana Baby is a good place to start. For most mothers, home is more convenient, familiar and relaxed so having a fully-qualified baby expert provide the support you need in your safe space, is worth its weight in nappies. O Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, www.amanahealthcare.com (02 610 5999). ANTENATAL CLASSES You can read all the books but there’s no substitute to having a midwife talking you through everything, from pregnancy to delivery. Private classes are available with several companies, which are more flexible to suit busy schedules, while others may prefer group sessions as a way to meet fellow parents. HEALTHBAY CLINIC This practice on Al Wasl Road is much-loved for its ob/gyn doctors, with Dr Jozsa, Dr Amber and Dr Salma proving very popular. The lovely midwives run terms of four weekly antenatal classes, with around eight couples in each, where you’ll learn about your changing body, what to expect during labour, recovering from the birth and caring for a newborn. There’s also a Well Baby Clinic where you can take the new arrival for check-ups, and they offer a home visit service for when you deliver. O Jumeirah, Dubai, www.healthbayclinic.com. MALAAK Beloved midwife Cecile De Scally is known as The Baby Whisperer and is on speed dial for many UAE mums. She works with Malaak and helps parents prepare for birth and babies through antenatal classes and hynobirthing, then home visits and lactation support. O Times Square Center, Dubai, www.malaak.me (04 453 8164). BABIES & BEYOND Antenatal classes at Babies & Beyond cover everything from pregnancy nutrition and different types of births, to breastfeeding advice and guidance on baby care. Sessions are advised from 30 weeks, but you can attend workshops from 12 weeks, with tailored information depending on the stage of pregnancy. O Dubai Media City, Dubai, www.babiesandbeyond.ae (04 430 8900). DOULAS You probably won’t have heard of doulas before getting pregnant, and the UAE is still getting to grips to the concept of a birth coach, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a host of experienced women who will be by your side during labour. They are not medical professionals, but spend time with you towards the end of your pregnancy to Bumps & Babies 70-71 TOKU_1304_BUMPS AND BABIES_11221389_11221407.indd 7029/03/2020 11:00:09Time Out UAE Kids Spring-Summer 2020 71 HOW TO DAD Into the unknown First time father Paul Clifford shares his highs and lows of parenting Our baby is six months old now and in many ways all the panic, worry and confusion that my wife and I went through during the pregnancy is a distant memory as we deal with the daily changes in our little girl. However, preparing for the birth itself throws up all kinds of emotions and challenges. Of course, women have the harder part of the bargain in terms of physical and mental strain. Your wife’s body is going through all kinds of things and she’ll no doubt be reading conflicting advice in books, on the internet and in social media groups, plus be getting tonnes of solicited and unsolicited words of wisdom from friends, family and complete strangers. Helping her wade through the information overload is a huge job for any dad-to-be, and often leaves little room to look after your own mental wellbeing. While snapping “it’s tough for me, too, you know?!” might feel like a good idea, it’s probably not the best way to deal with the issue. Like with most things in life, I found that opening up and talking is the best policy, during a calm time when you’re both available to have a proper chat. There’s probably also a handful of people you know like me, who have been in the situation recently and can lend an ear, some sage advice or even a shoulder to cry on – whatever helps. As long as you’re prepared to listen to their stories about sleep regression, teething problems and problematic tummy time sessions, you’ll do just fine. O If you have any questions or want to hear about a specific topic: timeoutkids@itp.com. understand what you’d like to happen in the labour room, and assist whenever possible. Finding the right doula is essential. It will come down to personality and chemistry — they will be providing emotional (and often physical) support at the birth. Find your wing-woman on Love Parenting’s website (www.loveparentinguae.com) where there are information-filled profiles of doulas throughout the UAE. Many also offer other services, such as hypnobirthing, breastfeeding support and baby massage classes. Or visit Dubai Doulas (www.dubaidoulas. com), you’ll find a plethora of information from UK-qualified midwife and health visitor Elizabeth Bain, who trained to become a certified doula with Nurturing Birth and DONA International. Bain has been offering birth and post-natal services in Dubai for almost ten years. Her website is bursting with useful stories and advice. SMALL & MIGHTY BABIES This award-winning support group helps families with babies born a little too soon. From advice on WhatsApp and hospital visits, to practical tips like where to buy clothes for tiny ones and specialist medical care, then team behind Small & Mighty Babies are all heart, and have created a community of families who have come together in many an hour of need. O www.smallandmightybabies.com. 70-71 TOKU_1304_BUMPS AND BABIES_11221389_11221407.indd 7129/03/2020 11:00:2272 Spring-Summer 2020 Time Out UAE Kids How many times have you heard that little pleading voice ask: “mummy, pleeeaaase can I have a puppy?”. Or if not a puppy, a hamster, a rabbit or a kitten. Countless, times we imagine. Before you brush it off with the automatic parental response: “no,” have a look at some of these gorgeous faces, check out some of the benefits there are for kids growing up with a pet and read the checklist from 38 Smiles… Then you’re good to go. And remember, adopt, don’t shop. There are hundreds of animals across the UAE with so much love to give the right owner – that could be you. Growing up with an animal has proven benefits for kids and now, more than ever, there are plenty looking for their fur-ever home Pet Pals CANINE COMPANIONS ELIZABETH She is ten months old, active and friendly. Elizabeth will make a great addition to any family. Just look at that face! O www.k9friends.com. HAROLD This 18-month-old labrador mix boy is house-trained and fine with people he knows, but needs to build his confidence in new surroundings. O www.k9friends.com. HERCULES We would really like to find him a home with his sister, Meg. They are both two, neutered, calm natured amd would make a great addition. O www.k9friends.com. SPARTACUS He is an energetic shepherd/husky cross who needs a garden and lots of exercise. Neutered, vaccinated and looking for a family. O www.k9friends.com. STORMY Stormy is Drizzle’s sister who ended up at K9 as a very young puppy with her mum and six siblings. She is now nearly three months old. O www.k9friends.com. CALDO This shepherd mix is one, house- trained and happy to be left alone for short periods. Playful and energetic, he’s ready for a new home. O www.k9friends.com. DRIZZLE Drizzle, who is nearly three months old, is an adorable, friendly girl. She is fully vaccinated and ready for her forever home. O www.k9friends.com. FERN Fern, who is nearly two, is shy and anxious in new situations. She is looking for a patient, loving owner who she has lots of affection to give. O www.k9friends.com. ARIS Two-year-old Aris is an outgoing chap. He loves attention and hugs. O kittysnipadoption@gmail.com. HUGGY This stylish, inquisitive little guy is five months and loves cuddles and hugs. O kittysnipadoption@gmail.com. METRO He is sweet, affectionate and loves to be cuddled. O (056 135 6252). FABIO This loveable nearly five-year-old is deaf. O (056 135 6252). DOROTHY Dorothy, four, loves to cuddle on your lap, but needs time to gain trust. O kittysnipadoption@gmail.com. MARLEY & MEEKO These brothers are talkative, playful and sweet. O kittysnipadoption@gmail.com. DINO Two-year-old Dino is a super smart domestic shorthair. O (056 135 6252). THERESA A sweet puppy, who ended up at K9 Friends with her brothers and sisters, Theresa is looking for a family of her own. O www.k9friends.com. MEG Meg and her brother Hercules need a home together.They are both such loving, gentle dogs who would make great family pets. O www.k9friends.com. BODGE Energetic Bodge loves to play. He will be neutered when he reaches six months and with some training will make a great addition to any family. O www.k9friends.com. FELINE FRIENDS 72-73_TOKU_1304_Pets_11249930.indd 7225/03/2020 14:43:18Time Out UAE Kids Spring-Summer 2020 73 KEY CONSIDERATIONS 38 Smiles outlines what you need to know and do before deciding to welcome a new furry family member into your home and heart. ● Check your tenancy contract to see if pets are allowed. ● Start saving for relocation of the pet. You never know when circumstances may change. ● Adopt from a reputable rescue organisation. ● Chose a pet not by its looks, but by matching him or her to the lifestyle of your family. ● Learn about nutrition, training, wellbeing and find a good vet. ● Don’t overlook special needs, cross-breed and older animals as they often make the best pets. Pets and kids Shaheen Shahani – owner of pet salon Shampooch, and mum to Kai, 12, Sophia, six, and cocker spaniel Oreo, two – explains the benefits of growing up with a pet. Learning responsibility Having a dog at home has been a great way to teach my kids about responsibility. Making sure that he has food and water, goes for a walk and gets some play time gives them something to be accountable for (of course with help from Mum). I think it also helps with them learning empathy and compassion. Self confidence For my kids our dog is their best friend. He is there for them to talk to when they are happy, sad, afraid or when they just want to cuddle, play and even read. Sophia loves reading fairy tales to Oreo, which is great for her to practice her reading and build her self-confidence. Healthy lifestyle Caring for our dog also encourages a more active lifestyle for the entire family, not just the kids. We take regular family walks together with our dog, throw a ball or play chase in the garden. Happiness and laughter It has been proven that being around dogs raises levels of serotonin and dopamine, which make you feel positive. Petting a dog daily is said to reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. Better health According to research kids living with pets are healthier. They have a high-resistant immune system that is able to ward of more diseases naturally, which is great news for mums as that means fewer visits to the doctor. What the kids say Sophia says: “I like reading to Oreo and love always having a best friend to talk to. He wakes Mum and Dad up at night when I am crying.” Kai says: “We love family cuddles in the big bed and Oreo is always the first one there! It’s amazing to always have someone by your side.” WALTER Six-year-old Walter is easy-going and is good with children big and small. He loves cuddles and going for little walks. O (050 534 2694). MAX Max is a little boy with a big personality. He loves playtime with enjoys jumping on his soft squeaky toys and playing tug-of-war. O (056 357 6013). BENJAMIN He loves walks, being social and gets along great with other dogs and is a very sweet boy who would be a great addition to any family. O (056 357 6013). PERCY Percy is calm and gentle and he is looking for a family to build his confidence. This guy really deserves a chance in a loving home. O www.k9friends.com. POLLY Polly can be described as a medium energy dog. She likes to play and will make a wonderful family pet. O www.k9friends.com. JEFRY Jefry is a gorgeous boy who is very energetic and playful. He absolutely loves chasing around with his toys and his playmates. O (056 357 6013). JULIA Julia is a sweet and loving girl looking for her new family. She gets along with dogs and loves lots of attention from her humans. O (056 357 6013). SAJA He loves playing, running and affection. He has a pre-existing leg injury that causes him to limp, but that doesn’t hold him back. O (056 357 6013). WEST He is a bundle of joy and happiness. This very sweet boy has a very positive outlook on life. He loves running around and having fun. O (056 357 6013). GLORIA She’s happy, sweet and always seems to have a smile on her face and aglimmer in her eyes. She gets along with dogs and loves people. O (056 357 6013). RAFFLES Raffles is vaccinated and neutered looking for a family to call her own. She is affectionate, energetic and loves to play with kids. O www.k9friends.com. 12, Sophia Sophia, six and Kai, 12 During social distancing, the animal sanctuaries will take your calls to discuss the animals, but can’t carry out the stringent checks needed before re-homing a dog or cat. But all of these pets need homes and will be waiting for you... 72-73_TOKU_1304_Pets_11249930.indd 7325/03/2020 14:43:2974 Spring-Summer 2020 Time Out UAE Kids FAN MAIL! Magic Phil’s Corner Hello boys and girls, mums and dads, cats and dogs! Welcome to my fun-filled column full of jokes, more jokes and loads more jokes! So I was in the super market and I got recognised as Bailey’s Dad – Bailey is my cat and I post a lot about him on my Instagram. So I just thought nothing of it until the man said, I bet he is missing school. Turns out I looked like a dad of a little boy called Bailey and the man who stopped me was one of his teachers… Bizarre! Either that or my cat sneaks to school when I go to work, which actually wouldn’t surprise me. See the fluffy fur ball in the picture below, he wasn’t happy that I put him in a top hat! I had a blast hosting for Nickelodeon at the premiere of JoJo Siwa Dream Concert Tour. I wasn’t hard to miss. I was the only person dressed as a pink fluffy unicorn. Loved meeting all you lot, too. FOR MORE JOKES, GAGS AND SILLINESS TUNE INTO MY DAILY RADIO SHOW “THE LAUGHTER NOON DRIVE.” SUN-THU 3PM–5PM. PEARL 102FM. Can you say these fast ten times? MA GIC PHIL ’S TO NG UE TWISTE R FLIES AND FIREFLIES RED BOOK, BLUE BOOK BLUE POTATOES, RED POTATOES FUNNY MONEY What kind of monkey do you eat after dinner? A meringue-rangutan What do you call a monkey who loves exercise? A Gympanzee What do you call a monkey underwater? A shrimpanzee In the the KRAZY Kitchen with my side Kick Chef Mixy at Mercato Mall Prank! Crumple up some newspaper and hide it in your parents shoes! Sit back relax and laugh out loud when you watch them put them on! Haha! 74_TOKU_1304_MAGIC PHIL_10153791_11221424.indd 7425/03/2020 14:28:33Untitled-4 122/03/2020 12:48:42There’s no need to feel overwhelmed. This handy guide makes your school choices as easy as ABC. Time Out UAE Kids’ Education Guide. On sale now. HOUSE AD - KIDS EDUCATION_11258125.indd 125/03/2020 16:28:30Next >