NUH OB Gyn

[Rosie]

Thank you MG for your response and to the other poster about Dr Biswas.

I'm actually so afraid of pushing out this baby that I plan to have a caesarian.   Do you think the doctors at NUH would support me with that?

MG - would I need to choose my doctor carefully for caesarian?  thank you

Think very carefully about this decision.  Believe me, all first time mothers are scared about the birth, but there are pain relieving options available.  Having a C-section can also be a traumatic experience and you will take longer to recover afterwards.   Also it is a far bigger shock to your baby to be suddenly wrenched from the womb into an operating theatre environment, rather than pushing through the vagina and arriving in the world as nature intended - especially if your birthing room has the option of dimmed lighting.

Of course, if there are medical reasons for it, then C-section might be the most prudent option, but if it's just a case of your own fear, try to face up to it, prepare well for the birth through pre-natal yoga classes and get support from your partner and/or a qualified birth assistant (doula).

Breathe deep and enjoy 

[notahippy]

Thank you MG for your response and to the other poster about Dr Biswas.

I'm actually so afraid of pushing out this baby that I plan to have a caesarian.   Do you think the doctors at NUH would support me with that?

MG - would I need to choose my doctor carefully for caesarian?  thank you

Think very carefully about this decision.  Believe me, all first time mothers are scared about the birth, but there are pain relieving options available.  Having a C-section can also be a traumatic experience and you will take longer to recover afterwards.   Also it is a far bigger shock to your baby to be suddenly wrenched from the womb into an operating theatre environment, rather than pushing through the vagina and arriving in the world as nature intended - especially if your birthing room has the option of dimmed lighting.

Of course, if there are medical reasons for it, then C-section might be the most prudent option, but if it's just a case of your own fear, try to face up to it, prepare well for the birth through pre-natal yoga classes and get support from your partner and/or a qualified birth assistant (doula).

Breathe deep and enjoy 

I agree with Rosie- sort of. 

Not the la la hippy dimmed lighting stuff, but about the recovery afterwards.

If this is your first baby then the advantages of a rapid recovery far outweigh any fear you have about the pushing.  Have a frank chat with someone who has had a c-section, someone who will be totally honest about the recovery.

If you push the baby out, depending on how the birth has gone (i.e. whether or not you've had an epidural) you will be up and about mere hours after the birth and will be more comfortable moving, lifting and feeding your new baby. 

[MG]

I think the doctors at NUH would support your decision if you really wanted a c/s, but I agree it's best to talk through both options fully and understand the risks and benefits of both. You can also change your mind so don't feel like you have to make the decision in the first trimester. You might want to see how big the baby is, and how you feel about it closer to the time

[NMS1]

Remember if you feel that you need it an epidural is a very good option if you feel that you can't handle the pain. Yes, there can be side-effects but the majority of women do not have any problems and it will be preferable to having to recover from a c-section.

I had epidurals for all three of mine - the first one was trouble-free, the 2nd time I was very shaky & shivery as it was wearing off post-delivery but it only lasted for about 15-20 minutes, the 3rd time my blood pressure dropped a bit low initially but it was already quite low and it was sorted out very quickly.

[NUH Experience]

I will most certainly consider NUH if I deliver in Singapore.

I frankly feel that the poster who broadbrushes NUH is incredibly naive and inexperienced in the hospital world (regardless of their working in a public hospital comment).  My husband is PhD from Harvard in the medical sciences (and experienced an extremely rare brain tumour) so we have considerable experience in researching the BEST options in the world.

When our daughter was diagnosed with an orthopedic condition at birth we were in a fortunate position to choose her treatment at any hospital worldwide - we visited Children's Boston/Philly, The Necker Children's Hospital in France, a private clinic in Switzerland and NUH.  Rather than focus on the hospital we chose to concentrate on the doctor that would be her care provider and surgeon 'for life' - her condition needs to be monitored until she reached skeletal maturity.  We ultimately chose NUH - her pediatric orthopedic surgeon is world-renowned, trained under the inventor of her surgery in the 1970's and was mentored by him until his recent death, and is considered one of the top 50 pediatric orthos in the world.

I've done an incredible amount of research as has my husband who has access to both the public and private hospital world in Singapore and it is a fact that the most specialized doctors are in the public hospitals where they have opportunities to see multiple cases.  This was also confirmed by my OBGYN (private practice) with a wife at KK (public).  He also said there are 'private' options at NUH. 

Needless to say our experience with NUH was amazing and our surgeon incredible!  An operation that the less experienced private doctors said would take 5+ hours was less than 1.5 with our specialized surgeon.

Food for thought.

[Potential NUH customer]

Hi everyone, thanks for all the replies - wanted to let you know that I proceeded here at NUH and chose Professor Biswas and so far, so good.  Very happy with his manner and the quality of the service from all the staff there.

[NUH midwife program?]

Has anyone used the Enhanced Midwifery Maternity assistance program at NUH?

[NUH midwife program?]

any experience to share?

[indo]

Has anyone used the Enhanced Midwifery Maternity assistance program at NUH?

Hi, I have just come across this post and thought I would answer it.(I don't often post!) It may be a little late but someone else may find this useful. I used the EMMA Midwifery Care at NUH and I cannot recommend it enough. You do have to pay for it but to me it was worth every penny. I was able to choose my midwife from the start and every doc's appointment  I went to  I also met with the midwives so you get to know them which is great. They make sure they understand all your details on your birth plan so they know exactly what you want to do etc. My midwife literally stayed with me the entire time I was in labour and never left me on my own wondering when they will be back(like in England!). I had an amazing birth and in fact am still on a high from my experience. The midwifes then visit you after the birth and help you bath your baby and make sure you are well while you are in the hospital and then again when you return for your babies 5 day check. I had Prof. Biswas as my doc and he was brilliant!
If you are able to have EMMA care I would say go for it for sure! Hope this helps!

[NewbieMom2be]

I am hearing great things about the midwife programme at NUH.  I have one question that someone may be able to help me out with.  Are any of the midwives westerners?  I am fine with whatever culture and accents etc, but I am worried my husband may have troubles with communication, especially if he is a bit stressed.  I don't want to have to manage any of their conversations... lol.
Thanks for any advice given.