AL AIN // Women are not encouraged to breastfeed in the UAE, a situation that could contribute to the nation's increasing incidence of diabetes, two lactation consultants said yesterday.
Most women add other liquids and animal milk when they feed their babies, but they are not appropriate for infants because they interfere with cells that produce insulin, which regulate the level of sugar in the blood, said Rosie Edmonds, an international board-certified lactation consultant with Tawam Hospital.
"This is what is causing public health issues like diabetes," she said. "When a baby gets the wrong sort of food it changes the cellular structure in their eyelet cells. Everything that goes in a newborn baby's mouth has an effect."
At a breastfeeding awareness lecture at Tawam Hospital, Ms Edmonds said studies of adults who were breastfed as children revealed significantly lower risk for many health problems besides diabetes, including Crohn's disease, asthma and allergies.
But a lack of places to breastfeed and government support for new mothers leaves many with little alternative but to feed their babies formula and other supplements. The UAE is well below the world average in rates for exclusive breastfeeding: 28 per cent, compared with the global average of 40 per cent, Ms Edmonds said.
The UAE presents special challenges to new mothers because maternity leave is so short, said Evelyne Ruf, the head of the lactation clinic at the Sharjah Maternal and Child Health Centre.
Maternity leave for Emiratis has shrunk from six months to 60 days, and to 45 days for expatriates, she said, "less than the International Labour Organisation standard".
Doctors and nurses working at hospitals are no longer allowed to take breaks to feed their babies or express milk, while medical students are required to return to classes within seven days of having a child.
In addition to barriers imposed by employment, many women find it difficult to breastfeed in public. Most malls lack breastfeeding rooms.
"It's disgusting that women are obliged to breastfeed in a bathroom," said Ms Ruf. "It's not normal."
amcmeans@thenational.ae
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
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Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
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The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders
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Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now