August 2, 2022 Veronica Martin

EVENT REPORT: Supporting new dads-to-be

Dubai’s first ever event for expectant dads was held in association with our Community Sponsors Babyshop and Fakeeh University Hospital; and Supporting Partner, Al Ain Dairy. The event took place at the contemporary Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Sheikh Zayed Road, on Sunday 31st July.

Expecting a child is thrilling and wonderful, but it can also be uncomfortable and intimidating for both fathers and expectant mothers. Even though parenthood involves mums and dads, expectant dads are sometimes put on a second position, so it was very unique to be part of an event specially designed for dads-to-be, where they could talk freely about their challenges, issues and thoughts about expecting a child.

We opened the event with a warm introduction from Mother Baby & Child Editor, Kay Marham, followed by an interactive on-stage interview with Stuart Douglas, New Father and MD & Founder of www.Chef2Chef.online. Stuart’s company, Chef2Chef.Online, is an online store that provides high quality everyday foods, such as meats (including grass-fed beef), fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood; as well as more speciality ingredients that include cheeses, Italian produce, Asian foods, family meal boxes and much more for keen cooks and people who value clean, quality foods.

Stuart and his wife Victoria are proud parents to a 20-month old daughter – their first child. During the interview, Stuart talked to our audience about his feelings and experience of the pregnancy, the birth of their daughter and life as a new father.

The event continued with a participative on-stage interview with Dr Sanjay, himself a father and a passionate advocate of childcare and providing support to parents. Aside from his work as a Paediatrician, Dr Sanjay helps to guide new parents at the free-to-attend FUH Cafe – a free and informal gathering in the stunning cafe area of Fakeeh University Hospital, specifically to help, support and provide a social environment for parents of children in their first year of life.

Dr Sanjay explained to our audience the common fears and worries that expectant fathers have, as well as how to cope with them.

Expert Help for New Dads-to-be in Buying Baby Necessities

Ronalynn & Pearl, Personal Shopping Experts (PSE’s) at Babyshop discussed how help is available in each of the Babyshop stores to help parents navigate their way around baby equipment.

Ronalynn and Pearl perform an invaluable service in Babyshop stores to parents, using their extensive training on every baby product they’ll need when welcoming a new addition to the family. With years’ worth of training and expertise, they have advised tens of thousands of new parents on the best products for their individual circumstances, based on a detailed assessment of the new parents’ home space, budgets, needs and interests.

Ronalynn & Pearl highlighted that all dads can collect a checklist in-stores with information conveniently segmented into areas such as bathing, feeding, sleeping, travelling, etc., specifically designed to help new dads understand how to prepare for the arrival of their new baby.