Singapore Expats

Having a baby in Singapore

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fourtrimesters
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Having a baby in Singapore

Post by fourtrimesters » Sun, 09 Jan 2005 6:43 pm

Having a baby in Singapore?

Singapore is a great place to have a baby; whether this is your first or fourth child life can be much easier here with the availability of home help. However having a baby in a foreign country can also be stressful especially not having the support network of family and more often than not a husband who travels.

First things first – before you choose an OB you’ll need to decide what kind of birth you want. Do you want a high intervention OB who will closely manage your pregnancy or more of a ‘hands off’ OB with a more natural approach? Talk to a few Doctors and find one you feel comfortable with. Homebirth is an option in Singapore but there is only one OB (Paul Tseng at TMC) who currently attends them. Once you find a Doctor you’re comfortable with go and visit the maternity wards in a few hospitals. Some Doctors have privileges to practice in other hospitals. Thomson Medical Center is one of the most mother friendly hospitals in Singapore. The staff is very flexible when it comes to birthplans and doulas and they don’t stick to a set of rigid hospital ‘rules’. The most popular hospitals for expats in Singapore are;

Thomson Medical Centre
Mount Elizabeth
Gleneagles
NUH
Raffles
Mt Alvernia
KK Women’s Hospital (public hospital)

Many of the hospitals also offer childbirth classes. However you should also connect with some of the independent childbirth educators in Singapore – so you’re sure to get balanced unbiased information on what your options are. Doulas are also becoming more popular with expatriate and local women and there are several companies offering this service.

OBs offer maternity ‘packages’ which will cover a normal delivery but over all the costs are affordable (usually around 4-6k including hospital bill) However it’s a good idea to sign up for insurance before you get pregnant to cover any extras as a result of any complications. Most insurance companies have a 6-12 month wait time before you get pregnant so check out your options.

An important area to consider when planning for your baby’s arrival is the lack of aftercare in Singapore. There are no community nurses coming to check on you, as can be the case in many countries. The first few weeks with a new baby can be exhausting and sometimes isolating so this might be a good time to have a close friend or your Mum come to help out while you and your new baby get acquainted.

Once your baby is born in Singapore, his/her birth must be registered with the Registry of Births and Deaths at Singapore Immigration. Once you register, you can then obtain a Singapore birth certificate. This does NOT mean your child has Singapore citizenship. Only children of Singapore citizens can obtain Singaporean citizenship

Take time to relax and be good to yourself. There are plenty of activities available such as yoga classes, swimming and treats such as pregnancy massage. Make sure you keep yourself well hydrated and enjoy these few months.


Tracy

http://www.fourtrimesters.com
Nurturing birth, baby and beyond

MovingfromSydneySingapore
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What should we do

Post by MovingfromSydneySingapore » Fri, 28 Jan 2005 8:03 pm

My wife is pregnant, it’s her 3month.

We will be moving Singapore during her 4thMonth. What do you suggest to plan for the baby? We are moving from Australia and Singapore is very new to us.

Without having Insurance, how much do you think, it will cost of the delivery and other expenses.

fourtrimesters
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Post by fourtrimesters » Fri, 28 Jan 2005 8:26 pm

If you're planning on going to a private hospital then consultant fees will set you back around $1200 Sing for their 'package'. You'll also have to pay about 3-4K to the hospital - if you have a straightforward birth....a section will probably cost a bit more. I'd recommend you get some kind of insurane that will kick in the day your baby is born - just in case of complications...those costs would add up very quickly.

In general the maternity system is very 'managed'. It's an obstetric led rather than midwife led system. I'd recommend Paul Tseng at Thomson Medical Center. He's one of the more hands off OBs, he has a very low cesarean rate and welcomes birthplans, doulas and full involvement from the parents.

Best of luck.

Tracy
http://www.fourtrimesters.com
Nurturing birth, baby and beyond

vfrt

Post by vfrt » Mon, 07 Mar 2005 12:25 am

what insurance do engg in private company get?does it cover pregnancy and baby check up after delivery

Guest

Post by Guest » Sat, 02 Jul 2005 10:51 pm

Can you give me contact information for Paul Tseng. I can't find it on the internet. I am currently 6 months pg and am seeing a doc at MEMC and am interested in a possible homebirth. This will be my 4th child and I have had 3 uncomplicated vaginal deliveries already. Thanks for the info.

Kecia

homebirth

Post by homebirth » Tue, 05 Jul 2005 10:26 am

Hi,

I am also having a homebirth-only my second one... Paul's practice is called TLC, at Thomson Medical Center, phone 62542878. He is wonderful. Since there are currently no independent midwives here (insurance problems), your best bet is to find a doula or two who will support you in labour, as he can't be there the whole time, and call him when it really gets going.

Options for Doulas are:

Birth & Beyond Tanglin Shopping Centre
Mother & Child Centre, Tanglin Mall
Fourtrimesters (see above post by Tracy)
Parentlink www.parentlink.org (have useful monthly coffee mornings on the 1st Friday of every month)

I found he first two are more reluctant to support home birth.

The New Mother's Support GroupP: www.nmsg-singapore.com is another useful site with information for new parents in Singapore.

Good luck!

Minou88
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Post by Minou88 » Sun, 02 Mar 2008 11:36 pm

Tracy,

can you also recommend any doctors which are known for their expertise and excellent cesarean sections?

I am currently still in the Uk and scheduled for a c-section with an excellent consultant in London, but due to my husband and me moving to Singapore I have to find a new one.

Anyone who reads this, please share your experiences. Thank you so much!!

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