Van, I used MK as she is a midwife who's got loads of experience, esp. good if you are not wanting to have a drugged birth (We didn't want to have any drugs for ours so MK was able to assist with our wishes) She's very woman-friendly and as a midwife, has a different approach to pregger care than an OB does. ya la, no hurry. Dr Zhu was the attending doctor during R's birth but MK was the midwife with the key role for us - as per our request. Dr Ji wasn't there at that time
Yes, supposed to change the filter every month if possible. We don't use it at all, so I don't bother with it.
Rayb, we've moved probably 3-4 times in Shanghai and this is the ONLY one so far that is built well for winter. You'll have to check JLTX, I've also heard about the place
Quite a few expats there though.
One thing to note: Check heating (central heating though expensive is very awesome during winter!), check windows (double helps keep the cold out), check if they have heated floors or at least heated floors in the bathroom (life saver in winter!). I would suggest asking for feedback on JLTX at the Shanghaiexpat forum or the Shanghaimamas forum. Winters can be miserable. I remember previous apartments during winter we wear long johns to eat dinner and watch tv. Most times try to hide in the bed with the electric blanket. Guests who come to our place kept their winter coats on. Now our current place, winter can wear shorts and tee. LOL. A world of difference. So your sister is right to point that out to you for consideration. Does your budget permit an apartment at Yanlord at LJZ? maybe lower floor or smaller unit but at least winter not so miserable and the security is good as well as family friendly. Even has a kindy on site! I so admire that
Van, the lady who runs the Shanghaimama site voluntarily has a young child herself, probably well a bit slow to react