This is my ward after giving birth in KKH
When someone gets pregnant, typically she starts looking for gynae and hospital to deliver her baby. For me, I have chosen KKH, not once but twice, to deliver my children. Some of you may ask why, because here in Singapore, it seems that private hospital (such as Thomson) is more popular for giving birth purpose because, well, private hospital usually has a more personalized service. For mama-wanna-be out there, who is still contemplating where to give birth to your baby, here’s why I chose KKH.
First, safety. Yes, safety is the very important thing which makes me choose KKH. I believe every of us wants a smooth natural delivery without any complications, mother and baby are healthy and can be back home within a few days. But what if? What if something unplanned happens? Will the hospital be able to provide a team of professional doctors to take care of you and your baby. KKH is the only woman and children hospital in Singapore. For any critical cases, every woman and child patient will be referred to KKH. Therefore, I believe KKH will be able to handle any critical conditions that may happen during delivery.
Second, the health care staff, aka the nurses. The KKH nurses are well trained professionally. You can feel it the way they handle you. Additionally, all the ward nurses are lactation-certified. Thus, on normal circumstances, you don’t need to see a lactation consultant should you have any problems with your initial breastfeeding, because the nurses can help you at any time (even midnight!) Of course, if the problem persists, you can ask to see a lactation consultant as well.
Third, KKH supports breastfeeding. In fact, KKH is on its way to get its baby-friendly hospital initiatives (BFHI) certification. So, if you plan to breastfeed your baby, this is definitely a plus point. So, what’s the matter with this BFHI thing? Well, in short, KKH will support you to breastfeed your baby, right from the start. In fact, I was enlisted for breastfeeding class (which was very useful) a few weeks before my delivery. During the delivery itself, you can ask to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby. Breastfed baby can be in the same room with mother (not in nursery) for 24 hours. This will help you to pick breastfeeding skill faster and learn to understand your baby cues if she’s hungry. In the event that supplementation is necessary, the supplementation will only be given after KKH gets the parent’s concern. Also, a breastfed baby will be fed with cup instead of bottle to avoid nipple confusion.
So, that’s it. Three main reasons why I chose KKH for giving birth to my baby.
Now it is your turn. Where did you give birth to your baby, and why?
Mariela says
I know your supply dereasced, and you’re just trying to do what’s best for your baby, but in the long run, supplementing is only going to make your problems worse, not help.If you start adding formula, baby is going to demand less milk, your body is going to produce less milk, and you are going to start a vicious cycle that is going to cause you to supplement with more and more formula, and most likely you’ll give up on breastfeeding within a few months.Why would you want to mix that garbage with milk that’s perfectly designed for your baby?Formula was designed for that 1-3% of women who truly cannot breastfeed. If you can breastfeed, I wouldn’t start adding formula. Just wait through your body’s natural response to your baby’s demand. It will even out in a few days.3 weeks is really young to introduce a bottle most babies at that age will prefer the bottle and not want to nurse anymore because it’s much easier to get milk out of a bottle. Most experts recommend waiting until your supply and nursing relationship is well-established (5-6 weeks) before introducing a bottle.
Zanna says
Assalamualaikum Fif!
I’m an excited-just-got-to-know-I’m-pregnant mama to be.. 🙂
Just wondering, when you went for your first appointment, did you go to the Polyclinic to get a referral first (and subsequently request for Dr Suzanna) or did you directly book an appointment with her?
I’m planning to deliver my baby in a private suite, InshaaAllah if everythig goes fine, but I’m clueless on the antenatal visits and such.
Hope you can enlighten this clueless excited mama to be.. cos you seemed to be very comfortable with KKH. Hoping to hear frm you soon! (appreciate if u can email me at ruzanna.kamsani@gmail.com)
TIA!
Fiftarina says
Dear Ruzanna,
Wa’alaikumsalam warohmatullah wabarokaatuh.
Congrats for your pregnancy! I book directly through KK appointment call centre. Be prepared to wait for 1 month or more, coz Dr Suzanna seems very popular. In my sister’s case (she’s also with Dr Suzanna), the nurse suggested her to book her first appointment with another doctor (so that she doesn’t miss the 3-month antenatal screening), then subsequently request to be transferred to Dr Suzanna. I’ll suggest you to call KK appt ctr at +65 6294 4050, check the waiting time for your requested doctor) and see what the nurse is advising you.
I didn’t do the referral from poly, because if I’m not wrong, by referral means you will be classified as subsidized patient (clinic C) and you can’t choose your gynae.
Private suite is great. I love its very short waiting time, cozy ambience (and free Milo, lol). Also, you don’t need to go pharmacy to collect medicine. But, at the end, if you choose private suite, you need to choose the premiere delivery option (which is more costly, but yes, your requested doctor will be attending you from the very first time you are admitted to the hospital.
Let me know if you have further questions, I’m happy to help!
Masdiyanah says
Hi Fif!
Im a FTM planning to give birth at KKH too. EDD is in 7 weeks time and planning to pack my hospital bag soon. Any advice on what to bring or what not to bring for my stay there? Tried looking for what will be provided by KKH upon delivery/discharge for mommy and baby but not able to find a list anywhere 🙁 appreciate your kind response!!!
Regards,
Mas
Yasmeen says
Salam! I will be having an appointment with dr suzanna next month in the private suite. May I know how are the charges like for every consultation?
Fiftarina says
wa’alaikumsalam.
Dr suzanna is now a consultant. Hence, first visit fee should be around $105 (not including scan, meds, etc), subsequent visit is $78.