Maternity Hospital Tour

After the gynae's appointment today, we went for Gleneagles Maternity Hospital Tour.


We were introduced to the maternity wards and also the delivery suite. So for mummies (especially 1st timer like myself) going to deliver at Gleneagles, you may want to take note of these few points.


1. Husband is advised to drop off at main lobby instead of going down to carpark. There will be a grace period where the security guard will look after the car. Once the mummy is in the safe hand of nurses, husband can then park the car properly.


2. Valet service is available at $10.


3. Delivery suite is at Level 5. The 1st stage is whereby mummy is strapped to a CTG machine to monitor contraction. Upon in labour stage, mummy is transferred to delivery suite. Please note that 1st stage room does not allow husband to enter. So hubby can wait at the lounge outside and enjoy some warm beverages.


4. Delivery suite is huge! There's an attached bathroom to it. Plenty of walking space. The weighing scale, temperature regulator for baby are inside the room. There's power points for your lap top, cell phone and camera. A large digital clock on top of the bed to note the exact timing of your precious baby's arrival. There's internet connection in all delivery suites. Video taping is not allowed but you can put a request for it. Photo taking allowed before and after delivery.


Once mummy has delivered, you can rest in the suite for 1-3 hours. When you feel better, you will be transferred to your room.


During the tour, we were told that after baby has been cleaned up, baby is returned to mummy for the 1st skin-skin contact (bonding). I forget to ask, when can we start breastfeeding, as several materials I have read encourage breastfeeding to start within the 1st hour of birth. This is when the baby's reflex for suckling is strongest.


5. We were then shown the 2 bedded room and explained on the packages. So for us, we are opting for single bedded where hubby can room in. Let's say I have a normal/ assisted vaginal delivery with epidural, my 3D2N stay there would cost $2 942.50 (after 7% GST). This pricing includes the use of the delivery suite, the single bedded room, the use of nursery, daily treatment for mummy and nursing care for baby.


(oops... one important question I forget to ask, how does the hospital define 1 day stay? After 12am when you get admitted? I think this is rather important in lest there's additional charges)


Additional charges include the gynae's fee, the paediatrician's fee and the anaesthesia's fee. There's also an optional companion's fee at $83 daily. This is to provide lodging, food for your companion staying overnight.


6. Level 5 maternity ward is of paraquet flooring. Level 6 maternity ward is carpeted flooring, with softer lighting. Both levels have nurseries. Darren thinks we should opt for level 6 during pre-admission registration. He thinks is quieter with carpeted flooring. Personally, I don't find any difference between these 2 levels.


We were also shown the superior room, executive suite and the Tanglin suite which you are so pampered that it doesn't feel like you are staying in a hospital.


7. Parentcraft Room is located at level 6. There's session every Monday-Friday at 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Sat - Sun is from 10am - 11am.


8. Gleneagles gives a baby romper and a swaddling blanket on the day you discharge.


9. Special confinement meals are available upon request. Red Date Tea, Fish with Green Papaya soup and Ginger tea are available besides the usual menu.


10. There's complimentary limousine service to bring you and baby home. Husband who drives can buy a 3-day multiple entrance carpark ticket at $30.


11. For the baby, registration for birth certificate is available at Counter 5 of the main lobby. Birth Certificate is done on the spot.


12. Baby can room in with mummy if she is staying in a single bedded room. Otherwise, baby has to go back to nursery after 9pm so as not to disturb the neighbour. But if the other mummy is breastfeeding exclusively, the baby will be brought to her when needed.


13. Mummy can opt for exclusive breastfeeding or partial. The hospital is equipped with all formula milk so mummy & daddy can specific which brand of formula milk they want.


14. Pre-admission is advised at least 1 week before the due date. We will be doing it once we have the doctor's admission letter.


15. Mummy is advised to bring your front opening pyjamas for ease of breastfeeding. The hospital gown is tied at the back so it is not convenient.