Tag: kids

  • Key things I learnt while choosing a gynaecologist.

    Key things I learnt while choosing a gynaecologist.

    This is important, especially if you wish to conceive. My little girl is turning 3, and I remember the process vividly. I was an older mother with little experience dealing with gynaecologists. Additionally, my age was a big worry for me; I didn’t dwell on it, and most people were nice about it, but it hung like a sword at the back of my mind. From the beginning, I knew I wanted a doctor I could communicate my worries clearly with. For me, communication was just as important as qualifications and certifications.

    The truth is, most Indian women don’t talk about sex, vaginal health, or pregnancy until directly faced with it. I struggled to find reliable information online, so I want to add from my lived experience so that it makes it easier for someone else. My advice? Don’t settle after the first consultation – meet 2 or 3 doctors and then decide.

    I learnt these key things while choosing a gynaecologist:

    Communication is Key:

    I was lucky to find an encouraging gynae through a friend who gave me this exact feedback: “She talks positively.” If your gynae is talking negatively from the start, this is a red flag. I was in my late 30s and nervous about my pregnancy, but my doctor sat me down and gave me the pros and cons in an objective way and never once discouraged me. Remember, your gynae will be your coach and guide for the next 9 months; tough love alone doesn’t work.

    Comfort while waiting:

    I had been to a top gynae in Mumbai who made me wait for hours. I was told this was normal because he was “in demand”—but to me, it showed a lack of respect for my time. With my doctor, while delays happened occasionally (and only for reasons beyond her control), the waiting room itself reflected her values: I saw patients from all walks of life being treated with the same dignity and care. That kind of atmosphere builds trust even before your consultation begins.

    Curiosity is a good thing:

    Not being allowed to ask questions is another RED flag. Growing up, I never learnt much about my body; my parents never spoke to me about it, and even now, they don’t. So, I had a lot of doubts and questions for my doctor. Thankfully, she was open and transparent. A good doctor should never resist your curiosity. When your questions are being brushed aside, it’s time to look for someone else.

    Accessibility Matters:

    I learnt a key thing: having a gynaecologist nearby made a world of difference. Due to complications, I needed weekly injections in my first trimester. Later, when I was waddling around in the final months, the short commute was a blessing. Convenience is not a luxury—it’s practical self-care.

    Compassion vs. commission:

    A friend of mine went to a doctor who didn’t even review her file properly before recommending IVF—an expensive, unnecessary procedure she didn’t want. This kind of one-way, commercialised approach is a red flag. If you feel like your doctor is pushing you toward procedures without truly listening, walk away.

    At the end of the day, you should look at a doctor’s qualifications and reputation. But beyond that, these softer aspects—communication, compassion, accessibility—make all the difference in how smooth, supportive, and even enjoyable your journey can be. I hope sharing my experience helps you find the right gynaecologist for yourself.

    Want some more help with babies? Read this: https://ideapromoters.net/gift-ideas-for-babies-i-am-here-to-help-you/

  • Strollers Welcome, Birds Missing: Our Day at Malabar Hill Forest Walkway

    Strollers Welcome, Birds Missing: Our Day at Malabar Hill Forest Walkway

    One weekend, in May, we decided to try the newly opened Malabar Hill Forest walkway as our toddler’s summer break was coming to an end. There was a lot of buzz around this spot – being hailed as a haven for biodiversity lovers, a delight for birdwatchers, and a peaceful escape – we thought, why not? A forest walk with a wooden bridge where we could soak in nature and get moving sounded perfect.

    Booking was easy, though most of the early slots were full. That only added to our anticipation (and expectations!).

    The drive to Malabar Hill forest walkway on a Sunday was lovely, even if the location is quite far. But here’s the first heads-up: there are no signs leading to the walkway. Thankfully, some friendly locals pointed us in the right direction.

    The good part? The walkway is stroller-friendly – a huge relief when you have a toddler in tow. As we stepped onto the trail, it did feel like a refreshing experience, almost reminiscent of the forest walkways in Singapore. Unfortunately, that’s where the excitement dipped.

    The trail stopped before it started and there were not that many trees to call it a forest. The only thing we saw that was slightly naturistic was a big lizard that changed colour, we were looking for some interesting birds and trees and did not see much. We also didn’t get a great view from the viewing point, of either the city or the beach.

    Malabar Hill Forest Walkway
    The view that was underwhelming

    And then came the biggest letdown: garbage. For a newly built walkway, seeing trash strewn around was shocking. It completely took away from the charm of being in a “natural” space.

    Malabar Hill Forest Walkway
    Exhibit A: The Garbage

    A few tips if you still want to check it out:

    • Go early – we went around noon, and it was unbearably hot. Don’t expect the “forest” to offer any cool shade.
    • Pair it with something else – don’t make a special trip. Combine it with an errand or another outing in that part of town.

    Thankfully a stop at Café Mondegar salvaged the day– great beer, great vibes, and just what we needed after the disappointment.

    To be fair, the walkway is baby-friendly (Ziva’s stroller glided through without issues), and the intention behind creating green spaces in Mumbai is commendable. But intention alone isn’t enough. The execution falls flat, and calling it a “forest” is misleading. The architect must feel disheartened seeing how quickly garbage has marred the space.

    We need more such initiatives, but we also need holistic planning, better maintenance, and responsible usage. Until then, this one’s just a convenient morning walk path for locals – not the nature escape it’s hyped up to be.

    To read about some more places to take kids, check this out: https://ideapromoters.net/a-wonderland-of-play-box-zone-borivali/