- HONG KONG
Planning Ahead For Your Perfect Birth With CUHK Medical Centre
What To Consider Before Choosing Where To Give Birth
Finding the right hospital to give birth in demands careful consideration. From medical expertise and facilities to the personalized care and postnatal care available, making the right decision involves a lot of thought.
One great option is CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) – find out more details on their Labour and Delivery Centre here!
It’s perfectly reasonable to feel overwhelmed as you begin weighing up the different options, especially if you’re a first timer!
Your journey to motherhood is unique and special in its own way. Here are some valuable insights to navigate what’s one of your biggest life decisions with confidence…
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Be Prepared
Expectant moms should find out whether check-ups and assessments are conducted by a specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Screenings such as First trimester pre-eclampsia screening, Down Syndrome screening, Group B Streptococcus carrier screening, fetal morphology scan and fetal surveillance by ultrasound scan, as well as expanded gene carrier screening for rare diseases and maternal immunizations (influenza and pertussis vaccination and so on) are things you want to know if you’re entitled to.
As you estimate your budget, ask if the hospital requests a deposit and check the breakdown of payments, as policies can vary. What is the arrangement for scans and check-ups done by other clinics or if there are charges for referrals? Is there any instalment plan available for maternity package in the hospital? You may also want to enquire if comprehensive pain relief, incubator care, a K1 vitamin injection and vaccinations for your newborn (BCG and Hepatitis B and so on) are included in the price.
Last but not least, prepare a bag that you can grab in case you need to rush to the hospital. To help you get organized, here's a handy checklist you can follow!
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Planning for Delivery
The most important part of your delivery is whether you're opting for a natural birth or caesarean section (C-Section). Whatever you decide, find out if your partner/doula is permitted to be at your bedside, and their polices in things like skin-to-skin contact and choice for delayed cord clamping.
Those giving birth naturally can also ask if there is a 24-hour one-to-one midwifery service, whether there is a private delivery room, coaching for labor and birth positions, and what comfort measures are in place at the obstetrics unit during labor, from birth balls, hydrotherapy in birth pool and massage to epidurals, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and Entonox (Laughing Gas).
In the event that your baby requires specialized care, you should also assess the availability and facilities of the hospital's SCBU (Special Care Baby Unit).
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Postnatal Care
After you're out of the delivery room with your precious bundle, the next step is transitioning to the ward. Get informed about the postnatal ward environment, such as room facilities, number of bathrooms available, amenities such as maternity kit and wifi, ahead of your due date. Flexible arrangements on visiting hours, and the availability of beds for spouses and family, devices that facilitate entertainment or tele-visit, and option for a traditional confinement practice are other considerations.
The ward is an ideal space for you to connect with other new moms. However, if you'd prefer to be placed in a quiet environment while you focus on rooming-in and early skin-to-skin with your newborn, find out if they can accommodate this request.
Don't forget to check if the hospital provides breastfeeding support, too: 24-hour expert bedside guidance from International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) is ideal. Some hospitals provide free post hospital discharge care and telephone support from lactation consultants.
Where To Find It:
- Labour and Delivery Centre, CUHKMC
- 5/F, CUHK Medical Centre, 9 Chak Cheung Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
- +852 3946 6820
- OGservice@cuhkmc.hk
- https://www.cuhkmc.hk/medical-centres-allied-health/labour-and-delivery-centre
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