Mount Elizabeth vs Gleneagles vs Mount Alvernia maternity packages

I went for the maternity tours for these 4 popular private maternity hospitals in Singapore:

Mount Elizabeth Orchard

Mount Elizabeth Novena

Gleneagles

Mount Alvernia

So, I got to know first hand what their packages contain, their facilities and service quality from the tour. I will be doing a comparison here 🙂

For me, I am considering a natural delivery with epidural, single wards. So, I will do a price comparison across the hospitals for this category, which I believe is also what the majority of mummies are going for. However, if you would like to know the other categories, like elective c-section etc, comment below 🙂

Prices are inclusive of GST, accurate as of July 2014.

Mt.E Orchard: $3673

Mt.E Novena: $3673

Gleneagles: $ 3471

Mt.A: $3198

As you can see, for the basic package, Mt.E is the most premium priced, and Mt. A is the most affordable. Mt E Orchard and Novena are priced the same.

Actually, all the 4 hospitals are pretty much similar in their package inclusions.

What I noted are small differences:

Mt A hospital is the smallest of all, not much eateries etc. Their maternity wards are dimmer and more homely feel. There are also no amenities around the hospital.

For Mt E, you can straight away proceed to delivery suite, which is better. However, before your baby is born and the package kicks in, you will be charged the daily ward charges while waiting for delivery. For the rest, you may have to proceed to the common observation ward first where the nurses and midwives check on you.

Mt E both provide complimentary parking, which is quite alot of savings especially if hubby is lodging together.

On top of that, Mt E Novena package is inclusive of lodger’s fees, and free one round of minibar for you to serve your guests.

Some additional perks: Mt E Orchard has celebratory dinner in room, Gleneagles has limousine service.

Mt E Novena is the newest of all, from the moment you step in, u will feel like in a five-star hotel. And there are several shopping malls around. For Mt E Orchard, the location is the best as it is in Orchard Road itself.

Mt A has a chapel and blessing for infants. The nurses have been complimented to be really very experienced.

Maternity photoshoot ideas!

When browsing through the maternity photoshoot ideas, I am getting excited. I love taking photos and camwhoring, but when it comes to maternity photoshoot, it is a whole different league. You can only get that radiance and aura-the ‘mother’s glow’, when you are pregnant. Because pregnancy is the miracle of life and celebration. And there is only a small window during the pregnancy that you can take maternity photos-i.e. when your bump is prominent enough (around 32-36 weeks pregnant).

To remember this significant moment, I have already booked 2 photoshoots-one indoors and one outdoors, and I am totally looking forward to it! And of course, in the meantime, I am researching on what I want for the photoshoot-style of photography, outfit, poses etc! Here are some photos I find super sweet and adorable.

Note: these are not my photography works, I took them off the web.

1) Super cute/brilliant ideas

2) Pastel/sweet/romantic

3) Typical poses

 

4) Daring and stunning

Super love the curves here!

Hope its an inspiration to you ladies!

xoxo,

Bellies to babies Prenatal workshop 2014 by Mediacorp

Today, I went for a prenatal workshop conducted by Mediacorp. The workshop is from 12.30-4.30pm, at Concorde Hotel function room. I was enticed by the event because there will be a mass prenatal yoga session. I thought it will be fun, and I haven’t tried prenatal yoga or yoga whatsoever before. Somemore $10 only, and you get to walk away with goodie bag worth $40!

When I reached the location, I was pleasantly surprised by the event. It seems very well organised and also a baby bazaar going on. Definitely better than what I expect for what I paid for.

I did the registration and received a T-shirt (sponsored by SPRING maternity wear). And a voucher to redeem the goodie bag after the event.

The room was already prep with chairs next to yoga mats.

 

We started out with breathing exercises. Feeling zen already.

And did alot of opening hip and stretching exercises, endurance exercises and some balancing poses. And also yoga dancing. I have to say I had fun and did pretty well for a first-timer! Do not that is important to get a certified pregnancy yoga instructor, instead of the normal yoga teachers. And during pregnancy, avoid crunches or jumping or too strenuous poses. It is about listening to your own body, and it is not a competition to get into certain advanced poses. And also I noticed is that pregnancy yoga incorporates pelvic muscles training into breathing exercises. Apparently, it will help during delivery.

And there was a tea session prepared for us by StemCord and AIA. Starving already la!

The Bee Hoon is good. I had 3 servings! And assorted danish/croissants and fruit platter. Tea/coffee etc. All not bad!

While eating, Stemcord and AIA staff will come approach you. There is no free food in the world ya. But they were not pushy or anything so it’s fine.

You can mingle with other mummies during the tea session, or go and visit the booths. Vendors include like Enfagrow, Beauty Mums and Babies, B&G lifecasting etc. There is even a photoshoot studio setup to take a complimentary 5R photo, but collection at their studio in Boon Lay. So I skipped that.

Then, we proceeded to a small room for the talks on cord blood banking, and baby first aid tips.

But kinda boring towards the end. Cos mummies-to-be don’t really have the same attention span as before haha.

The goodie bag consist of the yoga mat, and sponsored items (and tons of brochures):

 

I would like to compliment the organizers for a great line-up of the events, and I am definitely interested to sign-up for more of such workshops. 

 

xoxo,

Best hair treatment during pregnancy @ Botaniq Hair Care (Gui Ren Tang)

*Services were purchased by myself

I would like to share with you guys this gem I found for hair and scalp rejuvenation!

I know that chemicals, like rebonding, hair dyes and chemical hair treatments, are not suitable during pregnancy and best to avoid. At the same time, because I recklessly chopped off my hair from super long to shoulder length during the first trimester, my hair is now so thick and unkempt! I have been wanting to do something to my hair for like a few weeks now. Since I can’t do rebonding, I was contemplating doing hair treatment, but don’t know where to do it. Apparently, exposure to fumes when others are doing chemical treatments, especially in an enclosed salon, is also bad for the baby.

I came across this hair care salon at Serangoon Gardens, MyVillage level 2, where I saw this offer for hair treatments.

6-in-1 premium botanical hair&follicles nourishing therapy @ $29

8-in-1 premium botanical scalp deep clensing&hair rejuvenation therapy @ $49

10-in-1 premium botanical follicles, hair, scalp complete restoration therapy @ $59

Btw, they also do hair problems like hair loss and white hair.

Since I saw that they use only natural ingredients, so I checked with their therapist, who say this treatment is safe during pregnancy. So, I went ahead for the 8-in-1 treatment, which lasts for about 1 hr 15 mins.

Their minimalist salon:

I was offered a special blend of green tea, which is mild and has health benefits. But I just tried a little, as I am trying to reduce caffeine intake today.

After settling down in my seat, they asked me to proceed to the dark room behind, where there are beds attached to hair wash tub. And I got the shock of my life. Almost the entire procedure was done lying down, as in like a massage or facial! Damn relax and shiock ok. Even have lemongrass aromatherapy.

They covered me with blanket, making sure I’m super comfy. There is only a 5 minutes leave-on ginger conditioner. And almost a full hour of scrubbing my hair with a special comb, massaging and what not. I almost fell asleep. Then, we went out to dry my hair, and I thought is coming to an end. After blowing half-dry, another round of shoulder and head massage WOW. My therapist the service really thumbs up!

After the treatment, I felt super relaxed. The tightness and headaches were gone. Definitely well-spent money and a pampering well-deserved. And disclaimer, I was not paid to rave about their service.

 

Holistic botanical hair care

1 Maju Ave, MyVillage, 02-14
Tel: 6636 7877

They have another outlet in Holland village:

211 Holland Ave, Holland Road Shopping Centre, 03-37
Tel:  6468 6007

xoxo,

Pregnancy week 22: Body soreness/aches, ‘nesting’ syndrome, hubby feeling baby kick, carving for durian

This week, I started getting aches on my lower back. I am in need of a good prenatal massage. There are a few that I shortlisted based on reviews and interested to try out:) Hubby has been helping me massage my lower back every night, but he does not do a good job. And he demanded to be tipped for his services blah. Haha. I am also looking for maternity belts as I read they can help support the growing belly as well as the back.

I also notice a funny behaviour of mine. I have to say I am not neatest or cleanest person you will come across, but nowadays, i cannot stand dirt. I have the urge to bleach and clean all parts of my house, and also pack my wardrobe/cupboards etc.  I goggled this eccentric behavior of mine, and to my surprise, this is actually a condition called ‘nesting syndrome’ OMG

Google:

“Mother hamsters do it. Mama cats and dogs do it. Expectant birds do it. And, if you’re like many human moms-to-be, you’re doing it, too, these days: preparing your “nest” for your soon-to-arrive baby. ”

“You might wake up one morning feeling energetic and wanting to clean and organize your entire house. This urge to clean and organize is known as nesting. Nesting during pregnancy is the over whelming desire to get your home ready for your new baby. ”

From about 17-18 weeks, I can surely feel my baby movement. But every time my hubby places his hand on my tummy, the little one stopped moving haha. And 22 weeks is the first time my hubby felt baby kick. It was random because she was really moving and kicking alot when I go to bed, and I was telling my hubby about it. Then my hubby place his hand on my belly, and wala, our baby girl kicked his hand a few times. I can sense my hubby feeling more and more attach to our little one already. 

 

It’s the durian season again here in Singapore. I have been craving for it for days, until I got to eat it at my in-laws place haha. My gynae warns me of the high sugar content in durian, too ‘nourishing’ already. So, I only eat 4 pieces. *Pat on my shoulder

xoxo,

20 weeks detailed anomaly scan

Went for my 20 weeks detailed scanning, and also signed the antenatal package with Dr Henry Cheng, which consists of all scheduled gynae appointments, ultrasounds and prenatal vitamins. The gynae visits will be more frequent towards the end of the pregnancy, but for the second trimester, it will still be once every 4 weeks.

This scanning took almost 40 minutes, as multiple fetal functions and anatomy have to be assessed. For example, our gynae pointed out the 4 chambers of the heart, and also how the blood flow towards and away from the heart! Fascinating!

This time, I was given 4 ultrasound photos of both hands, both feet, her female parts (3 lines, confirmed 100% girl) and her face.

Btw, I asked my hubby to film the ultrasound with his iphone, this is because we regretted not filming when we did our 12 weeks detailed scan (16 weeks scan was a short one). Our baby was moving alot and we missed watching her. Our gynae saw us doing it and kindly recorded the entire ultrasound for us in a CD-ROM heh! Now we can see our baby anytime we want.

Btw, one thing I was slightly worried about is that at 12 weeks, my placenta was anterior low. Although most of the time it will move upwards as pregnancy progress, I was still happy to find out that it is now anterior high. This is important as I would like a natural delivery.

The report generated is really detailed:

Happy that everything is fine with our little princess!

 

Total damage for this visit: $850 package + $280 detailed anomaly scan (all before GST).

That would bring my total prenatal bill size of $2100 as of now -_- I think it is on the high side.

 

Delivery charges for my gynae are as follows:

Normal $1-1.5k

Assisted $1.6-1.8k

C-section $2.2-2.8k

Ward round charges are $500 or more depending on number of visits.

xoxo,

My traveling tips during pregnancy

Traveling is the most comfortable and safest during the second trimester. Traveling during the first trimester was not possible for me, since I suffered from all-day nausea and fatigue, so even if I survived the plane ride, I doubt I will be having any fun during the trip. It will just be a waste of $$. Luckily, I managed to squeeze in a babymoon when I was 20 weeks pregnant. Which I think was when my pregnant body is at its best.

Here are some of my personal tips after having traveled during pregnancy:

Flight

1) Get an aisle seat

This is really on the top of my list, to request the aisle seat at counter check-in, or even better, choose during online check-in. This is not only for the frequent toilet trips, but also to get up to stretch during flight to prevent leg cramps. Once, I checked-in late and only manage to get the middle seat, and OMG, so embarrassed having to keep bothering the aisle seat person when I have to go to the bathroom, and difficulty squeezing pass him as well.

2) Drink alot of water!

Pregnant woman have to be constantly hydrated, and more so during the flight where the cabin is dry. So, before the plane takes off, I already requested for 3-4 tubs of water (those that were served during meals).

3) Get hubby to carry all the baggage

Now is the best time to chuck all your belongings into hubby’s luggage and ask him to carry. Traveling has never been so light. Whee!

4) Copy of medical records/ doctor’s letter

Check-in counters or security clearance may need to see your records, e.g. how many months pregnant. And also if you need any medical aid overseas, it would come in handy.

5) Buy insurance

I kaisu one so bought travel insurance. Because medical expenses incurred overseas due to pregnancy-related sickness is also covered and claimable.

6) Limit flight time to less than 6 hours

I cannot handle long flight durations during pregnancy. Think of the water retention, swelling and leg cramps. And cramped bathroom space and aching backs.

7) Moisturize your skin

My lip balm and hand/body lotion is essential. I get dry and sensitive skin during pregnancy. So I keep applying lip balm and hand cream hehe.

8) Get heads up from your gynae before booking

Your gynae knows your condition the best. Sometimes they may not tell you all your medical problems, and you think you are in good shape. So make sure to inform your gynae first.

 

At your travel destination

1) Avoid suspicious-looking food

Pregnancy is not the time to sample exotic food, or food that are semi-raw. Somemore our immune system is down. So food poisoning is very jia lak one.

2) Don’t make your schedule so packed

I always like to pack my schedules to the brim, as there are so many things to do in so little time. And I always ended up whole body aching and super exhausted. Traveling during pregnancy, definitely have to take things easy. You can no longer shop like 10 hrs a day with the bump.

Hope you guys enjoy your babymoon, if you are planning for one! And hope my tips will be useful to you!

xoxo,

Our Boracay babymoon!

As we were doing all the plannings to welcome our first child in Nov, one thing that was in the plan was a babymoon. Babymoon officially marks the last holiday that we can have before entering parenthood. Once we become parents, true, we can still travel without our child, but it will never be the same again.

We allocated a 1k budget per pax for hotel+flight, for a 4D3N getaway and not more than 4-5 hours of flight time. We were really torn between going for a beach getaway or a city. Since I don’t think I have the energy to shop much, I opted for a beach destination. And after much consideration, we chose Boracay, Philippines, which we have not been before. It was also voted the best beach by Trip Adviser in 2013!

*Note: All the activities I did here may not be suitable for all pregnant women. Consult your gynae in advance and also inform the people conducting the activities.

We flew by Silkair, which has a stopover at Cebu before flying to Boracay (Kalibo airport). Although it is like the only international flight that flies to Boracay airport, the next time I would fly by the budget airlines like Tiger and Airasia instead, as they fly direct.

It is also my first time taking Silkair. I would say thumbs up to the yummy food and crew service. But the cabin was not as clean, and leg room limited. There were no individual entertainment TV screen, but you can actually use the in-flight Wi-Fi to watch movies using smartphones and tablets.

SIN-KLO (breakfast)

KLO-SIN

By the time we reached Boracay, it was nearly night time. There was a flight delay into Kalibo airport, and also a land transfer of 1.5hrs followed by boat ride of 15mins. And finally from the Catician jetty to the hotel took another 15mins. It was pretty exhausting! Checked into our hotel- Boracay Mandarin Island hotel, which is considered on the higher end. It is located on station 2. Btw, Boracay is quite a small island, and segregated into station 1, 2 and 3. Stations 1 and 2 are the most happening.

Their boats are all quite unique. I think to accommodate the shallow waters.

Our room with balcony

We had a simple dinner of crab and tiger prawns, and I think it was a rip-off. In fact, don’t expect the food to be cheap there, as we spent almost S$50 on each meal for the 2 of us. There was not much shopping to do as well. Most of our money are spent on food, massages and activities heh. We ended the day chilling at one of the beach pub. Of cos, my hubby had beer, which was cheap, and poor me can only have fruit juice, which was mediocre. Btw, most pubs are actually on the beach itself, which is pretty unique.

Craving for some chocolate crepe.

Day 2

We went for the island hopping tour the next day. We were greeted by the stunning white beach! The sea has gradient colors! Now the traveling to get here was all worth it. We went to a few surrounding islands (Crystal cove island, Puka beach, Crocodile island, Tambisaan beach), which was really pretty. And i attempted a maternity photoshoot, which was not very successful haha.

View outside our hotel (white beach)

Anticipating our island hopping tourThere is a separate entry fee for this place.

Such a beautiful ocean.

Star fish from the sea bed.

 

There are seriously so many activities to do at Boracay. Like banana boat, jet ski, fly fish, parachuting, snorkeling etc.

Can you see the parachutes in the background?

Banana boat going to the ocean.

Helmet diving booth

Parasailing.

We got back to the hotel to freshen up and were exhuasted. Especially for me, since although the boat ride was quite calm, we actually visited quite a few islands, which was physically taxing for my pregnancy body. My hubby also did snorkeling while I watched. We had one of the best dinner there-at this Greek restaurant CYMA (near D’Mall, Station 2). After that, we planned to go for more exploring at D’mall. But alas, it started drizzling and pouring. It actually rained quite abit when we were there.

It is actually a pretty small restaurant, thus, there may be a queue.

We ordered the famous fire cheese, which goes nicely with pita bread.

I order the mussel pasta, which was seriously one of the best pasta I ever had. And my hubby went for the grilled meat, which has a deep flavorful charred taste.

 Day 3

Since day 3 was a free day for us, we decided to go for the buggy ride (Hubby drive while I am the co-driver) that will bring us to the highest point for a bird eye view of Boracay. For the ATV, it is individual. It cost us about S$50 for this activity as well.

Since I am pregnant, they actually gave me a cushion for the seat to reduce bumpiness. The road was also concrete and easy to ride.

The ATV in front of us is our personal guide.

And our view.. It was drizzling again hence the fuzzy picture.

After our ATV ride, we went to the market-D’ Talipapa.  This is where you can haggle for fresh seafood, and cook immediately at one of the restaurants nearby for a small fee. These people can be rather aggressive. There are also alot of souvenir shops here, and cheaper than D’mall.

After shopping here, we got hungry again. Time for lunch! We chose this Filipino restaurant at Boracay Regency hotel, which is also highly raved. Desperately in need of a refreshing drink heh! Lychee freeze! Hubby having banana milkshake.

Ordered a pork wonton thingy, and their mixed grilled platter (seafood and meat). Pretty decent. But we couldn’t finish.

Weather clearing up so we decided to walk down the beach.

Came across a wedding between ang moh and filipino. Romantic!

Sun setting soon.

Walked almost to the end of the beach, and found Jonah’s milkshake. Another must-try.

 

I had the chocolate vanilla banana, and avocado for hubby. Tum tum can’t be fuller!

 

Came across this pub with fire dance performance. Very happening!

Went for a midnight spa to smooth the aching muscles. I highly recommend this massage place. Hubby did the whole body massage, while I do the leg reflexology safe for pregnant woman. There are also plenty of beach massages, but I do not trust their skills blah.

 

The next morning, after a hearty hotel buffet breakfast, we took one last walk on the beach. And also got some of the famous calamansi muffins from Real Coffee before leaving.

And that ends our Boracay babymoon!

Overall, I think I would like Boracay more if the traveling time is shorter, and less commercial. It has already become so commercialized after tourists start to flock there, and the sea/land activities are overpriced. But it is a beautiful place nonetheless.

xoxo,

 

Pregnancy week 20: Confirmed gender, pressure on bladder, leg cramps, increased appetite, active night baby

 

We confirmed the gender of our baby this week, which means shopping spree for me whee! Actually I couldn’t resist and already bought some baby clothes at 16 weeks. Gynae is now 100% sure its a girl, and we can clearly see ‘3 lines’ on the ultrasound, which are the labial folds (a separate post on my 20 weeks detailed scanning). Her position is really weird during the ultrasound, like a crouching position. Maybe it is getting too cramp for her in there. But anyways, everything is normal and we are relieved that she is a healthy baby.

I have been feeling this intense pressure on my bladder, and causing me to go to toilet frequently. And everytime the volume is so little (sorry TMI haha). And I am using up so many rolls of toilet paper. 

Other than the frequent toilet visits, I have been feeling great. And my appetite is too good. I am trying to keep to the ideal calories count for second trimester, which is basically not eating too much more. But baby is making me hungry at around midnight-_-And my baby is either an owl or vampire, she is super active at night !

And I have been getting leg cramps when I wake up in the morning. I think the feared body/muscle aches and cramps are starting to kick in, which also coincides with my belly suddenly popping out. Baby’s growth should also accelerate now, putting the pressure on my body.

xoxo,

16 weeks gender reveal!

 

Went for our routine 16 weeks checkup and scan. Typically during the second trimester without complications, we will see the gynae once a month. I can’t wait to see my baby each time, but I have to trust that my baby is developing well in my uterus and stop worrying.

My gynae refused to tell us the gender at 12 weeks, as he says that the genitals are swollen in both boys and girls, and could go either way. His practice is not to give false hope/buy the wrong color of baby apparels/tell everyone the wrong gender, until he can be relatively sure. Therefore, even though my hubby was very keen to know at our last visit, we decided to wait it out.

Fast forward to our 16 weeks checkup, immediately we see a hyperactive kicking baby in my uterus lying on his/her back. The gynae did a quick measurement of the head circumference, as the CRL is no longer accurate for measurement with the baby curled up in the small space. Everything measures fine, and baby is growing well.

Then the gynae asked whether we want to know the gender, is there any preference, is it a sensitive issue etc, haha.

Before I was pregnant, I have been telling my hubby that I want a boy. And my hubby was jokingly saying that if we got a girl, he would ‘bao to’ me to our child that I didn’t want her. But when I am really pregnant, and everything is now so real, I don’t even care. All I want is a healthy baby!

And then we look in between the legs..

Drumroll.. It’s a GIRL!

I was so overwhelmed and bursting with joy. She’s so cute and I didn’t realise I could love another being so much even before I see her.

Gynae is 90% sure, and he is one experienced gynae. So I am gonna take his word for it.

Time to go shopping for all the girly stuff! 🙂

xoxo,