Received an unfortunate news some time last week that our gynae would only do elective c-sect procedures at Mount Elizabeth Novena, so we're stuck with Gleneagles now since I'm opting for a natural delivery. :( Not that Gleneagles is a bad choice, but we really really really x infinity loved the new hospital... Sigh. Oh well.

To find out more about how my future hospital stay would be like, we signed up for a maternity tour last Friday afternoon. For the benefit of those who are interested in a maternity tour here as well, the tours are conducted at 1pm from Mondays to Fridays. For Saturdays, tours will be conducted at 11am and 1pm. They usually need you to book a month in advance for weekend tours, and that's kind of a bummer because we needed to do our pre-registration really soon.

Anyways.

Gleneagles is one of the more atas hospitals in Singapore, so it must be good, right? :) 

*positive vibes* ohmmm.

This is the lobby that greeted us when we reached the hospital yesterday. 

It was pretty crowded as 11am to 1pm is usually the busiest period of the day. Patients are usually discharged during this timing so it was pretty rowdy. It's quiet for the rest of the time though (I've been here a couple of times before for my gynae check-ups). 

While waiting for the guide to start the tour, I took a peek at the admissions area. Hopefully it's like this most of the time... I cringe at the thought of having to queue (yikes!) while being in labour. O_O

We were greeted by the guide, Christabel, at about 1pm together with a few other mothers-to-be. A couple came with their mothers, and a couple of us came with husbands. 

Unfortunately, photo-taking wasn't allowed so the rest of the post will be accompanied by their official website's photos.

First, we were led to Level 5 where the delivery suite was located. It's to the right after you step out of the lift lobby (there's a sign that you won't miss anyway). If it's during the office hours, the staff accompanying me will need to tap in with a staff card for entry. If not, I would have to ring a doorbell thingy. 

The Delivery Suite

Upon stepping in, you would see a cozy lounge area (waiting area?) with sofas and all. Further up, we saw the four-bedded observation "first stage" ward where they strap you up to CTGs if you're not yet ready for labour. The husband will not be allowed in the four-bedded ward so he'll be waiting at the lounge. 

The delivery room itself was rather huge (slightly bigger than the one I saw at Mount Elizabeth Novena, in fact) with a black squishy sofa for the father-to-be to lepak in, while the mother-to-be screams away on the bed. The delivery suite houses 9 delivery rooms, all with similar facilities. Each room will have an attached bathroom, power points for charging whatever and a wireless connection... maybe I can watch anime in between contractions. ._.

You're allowed to bring your own essential oils/diffuser, and your own CDs to play during labour if that's what comforts you. If necessary, they also provide gym balls for you to bouncesit on.

They highly encourage skin-to-skin contact with babies, so they'll be placing baby on mother's chest immediately after being cleaned up. After about an hour of rest, mummy will be transported to the maternity ward.

As with most hospitals (I think), videography won't be allowed, but photography is okay before and after baby birth. 

Maternity Wards

The maternity wards take up Levels 5 and 6 at the hospital, the same levels as the nurseries. For the single rooms, baby can room in with you 24 hours. But for the two-bedders 

We were first shown the single room which was a corner room, so it's slightly bigger than the other single rooms. 

The actual room looks significantly nicer than their official photograph, to be honest. The one we toured in overlooked the roof garden and had nice parquet flooring. 

Daddies can only stay with mummies for all the single rooms and suites for an additional $90 per day, which will cover 5 meals. The sofa will be converted into a sofa bed at night. In the rare instance where no more single rooms are available, mummies will be transported to the two-bedded rooms and have the whole room to themselves - meaning, daddy will be able to sleep on a proper bed.

Next, we went to view a two-bedded room at Level 6. Level 6 is fully carpeted instead of parquet flooring, and a little dimmer. Not sure if I can indicate my preference for Level 5 as I prefer brighter rooms... Quoting the husband, "Siao ah, got difference meh?" :x

The husband won't be able to stay overnight with me for the two-bedded room, and will only be able to stay there during normal visiting hours. 

We weren't shown the other rooms as there were VVIPs visiting the hospital (drats!). We saw the nursery (quite standard actually) and there were a few babies inside... One was clasping his hand like he/she was waving to us! SO CUTE LA. :D

Parentcraft Centre
We were given a talk about how breastfeeding is awesome by the Parentcraft coordinator (who is also a midwife!). I vaguely remember anything because I was so tired, heh. Basically she talked about what Parentcraft classes will teach, what's covered during the antenatal course (I'm too late for this anyway) and answered some questions about breastfeeding from the floor.

Post-Event Reception
Hmm the food was pretty good! I didn't eat much because I felt abit paiseh... most of the people left after the Parentcraft Centre talk, so it was only down to two couples (including us). I anticipate the good food during my stay at Gleneagles, heh.

Yummilicious scallop + bacon... thingie. :D

Other Random Pointers

1. Parentcraft classes are conducted daily at 1pm on Level 6, and they will teach you basic infant care and breastfeeding.
2. Lactation consultants make their rounds everyday - you'll see at least one during your stay, if you have any breastfeeding problems.
3. They do not rent breast pumps. I was pretty surprised since they're like super pro-breastfeeding. o_O ...Maybe pro-latching as well?
4. Formula and milk bottles will be chargeable. The guide doesn't seem to be very sure about the costs. 
5. If you bring your own breast pump, they will help you to sterilise it during your stay.
6. Check-out timing is officially 11am, but they will let you nua until 1pm. 
7. Valet service is $10, but if you're rushing to deliver you can just tell the concierge and they'll waive it for you.
8. Office hours is 8.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays and half day on weekends. In the event that you're in labour during non-office hours, just proceed to Level 5 labour ward directly.
9. Lifts only available from the lobby level after office hours.
10. Ambulance service is available at $125/$150.

Can't remember anything else offhand... ._.

Conclusion

My heart tells me to take the two-bedder instead, as the whooping $1,000 difference in the package can be of better use. Anyways, it's only a two nights' stay after all. My only peeve is that... I would have to share the toilet. :( And I'm anti-social, so I won't like talking to my neighbour... It'll be a nightmare if she's the chatty type, lol.

Anyway I've already done the pre-registration. :D

Getting Here

The nearest MRT station is at Orchard, where a shuttle bus service is available from Monday to Saturdays (excluding Public Holidays). You may view the shuttle bus schedule here (for the benefit of those who... erm, wanna visit me or something...). 

As for the parking, it's crazy expensive at the hospital where they charge $3.60 per hour and $3.20 for subsequent hours... there won't be concessionary rates for us patients either (why liddat?!). If daddy is parking, it'll be a flat rate of $22 per day.

Alternatively, you can park at Botanic Gardens instead and walk over. It'll work out to be about $1.20 per hour and since they count by the minute, you'll save a lot.

You'll be able to find their latest maternity packages here.

Though it's not our first choice, looking around the hospital made us really excited! Approximately 9 more weeks away to cuddling our little one. :)