Happy times:
- Better choices in maternity clothes; some pricey some affordable - Gap, Dorothy Perkins, H & M, Mothercare, Blooming Marvellous, Crave, Zara, Mamas and Papas.
- Endless choices for baby stuff - most of the shops mentioned above and my absolute favourite, The White Company.
- Greater awareness of health and safety for mums + bubs in the sense that everything (milk, medication, equipments, etc) must be approved by the government.
- Excellent maternity benefit - one whole year of maternity leave.
- Those uncontrollable cravings for all things malaysian - food food food!
- Expensive private care hence dependance on NHS where you are made to feel like a second class citizen.
- Muddies (mummy buddies) are too far away to seek advice + emotional support over (decaf) mocha ice blended at Coffee Bean.
- Being sicky during the first trimester.
- No access to massage/confinement lady (or maybe it is just me who does not know of any such services available).
But then again I have never been preggers at home either, so I wouldn't really know, would I?
3 comments:
I guess over in the UK we do have a great choice of maternitywear and baby stuff!
It must be hard to be going through this without your "muddies" - Have you tried maternity yoga yet? great opportunity to meet some mums to be in your area.
Emma Clement
it can be quite difficult, being pregnant for the first time, and away from home. but try not to focus too much on the food we have back home k! hehe. london's way better than sittard tau! i'm gonna reply to you email soon but er... can you please send it to me again? (i wanted to delete the top one but ter delete the whole page!) how jonah was i!!!!
enjoy enjoy enjoy!
yes, i do agree with emma, try maternity yoga! it will do you good! i did pregnancy gym and yoga but couldnt understand a word of dutch! lagi lah! hahaha....
love always,
zaza
Ooooh can I please add to your growing Happy Times List :
For mummy
- Free dental treatments throughout pregnancy and until child turns 1
- Free prescriptions, free medication until child turns 1
Upon returning to work you are entitled to 26 weeks unpaid parental leave before child turns 5(per child). Also entitled to flexible working arrangements.
For bubba
- Free dental treatment
- Free prescriptions, free medication until child turns 16
- Free transport on buses around Ldn before age 16
- Child benefit until age 16
- Govt to give you a cheque for 250 quid to open up a trust fund
- Tax credits to help with childcare
But of course there is no such thing as "free" services. These are paid for by you through 'tax'!
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