Anyone given birth at Queen Mary?

[JennyB]

I don't think it's true that the husband must attend the classes. I didn't have to be demanding in the slightest to get mine to attend the birth of our baby. I am sure they just say that to encourage men to attend the classes, which is no bad thing.

However regarding birthing balls, I have heard you do need a certificate, which one doctor told me is their way of cutting down on the number of large balls potentially rolling around the crowded labour ward! Once you are in the labour suite (as opposed to the general ward), there is plenty of space for the ball (unless you have complications and a room full of people), so I can't see them stopping you using it there, even if you don't have a certificate.

I used my ball to lean against while kneeling on the floor - they were kind enough to find me a yoga mat for the floor. I didn't find it comfortable to sit on the ball once I hit advanced labour - too much pressure on the perineum.

HKaussie, I believe they are getting much more flexible regarding birthing positions. I have a friend who gave birth in squatting position in 2003 and I think they have continued to become more flexible since then. I was there recently and stated on my birth plan that I did not want to give birth lying down, and nobody challenged me about that. I ended up actually giving birth lying down just because I happened to be lying down when they baby's head made an unexpected appearance and I was incapable of moving! But I do believe they would have let me give birth in other positions. I suggest that you could ask, "Can we try to do it my way first, and if there are any problems we can change to lying on the bed?" And state your intentions clearly on your birth plan - all the staff studied mine intently and were very respectful of my wishes as far as possible.

 

[Matty]

They are definatley more relaxed now regarding husbands attending the birth.
I skipped the public antenatal classes and did a private class with Annerley Midwives.
Annerley provided me with a letter stating that I had done the classes (including being signed off on the birth ball) which was then included in my medical file at Tsan Yuk.
I discussed my birth plan with the doctor at Tsan Yuk and they were very open to all my requests.
The only dispute that seemed to arise is if an emergency c-section needs to be performed your husband cannot attend. (Planned c-sections are fine).

Write out a birth plan and give it to your doctor and he/she will discuss all your concerns (Dr Hon has been my doctor and he has been great).

 

[tutor1]

Why Queen Mary?

why are some of you attending another hospital but booked in to deliver in Queen Mary. I'm new to HK and not sure how it works. Is Queen Mary known to be better for maternity? Or is it simply that your other hospitals do not have maternity wards?

Thanks,

Just changed jobs and found out I was pregant a week after signing the contract - oops! My company medical no longer covers maternity and no insurer will cover the delivery costs under a new policy because I am already pregnant. Seems our only choice it to give birth at Queen Mary. Can anyone share their experience of their pre-natal program and the actual experience. Any tips I should be aware of, questions I should ask, things to watch out for, what the cost is, by when do I need to register, etc? Seems most threads talk about comparing the privates but I need to know about the piblic system!

 

[carang]

no tutor...

if you want to deliver at QMH, you need to register at Tsan Yuk Hospital for ante-natal visits etc.

Tsan Yuk used to be for delivery too, but in the past few years they have changed their focus to pre-birth and other women's issues.

 

[Polly]

Hi, I'm just 8 weeks pregnant. I'm going to use the public system for antenatal and the birth, but can anyone tell me when I'm supposed to sign up at Tsan Yuk? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[alibali]

I called Tsan Yuk soon after I found out that I was pregnant (around 8 weeks). I think I was then booked for registration the following week, but my first antenatal visit to the clinic wasn't until about 11 weeks. Of course, this is only if you want to utilize Tsan Yuk (or the other public maternity clinics) for your entire pregnancy. Some people register at Tsan Yuk much later in their pregnancies if they are seeing a private doctor. Your best bet is to call Tsan Yuk directly- they will ask you how far along you are and tell you which day to go for registration.

 

[Polly]

Thanks so much for that alibali, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

 

[alibali]

No problem, Polly. I've always had private insurance in all the countries I've lived, so I was worried about going public for what is probably the scariest health issue of my life. However, I am pleasantly surprised with my experiences at Tsan Yuk so far (I'm at 28 weeks now). The staff, in general, are extremely friendly and willing to please. The doctors are ok, but a bit of a hit or miss- very conservative and non-commital. If you pin them down, they eventually make a phone call, etc. to get an answer. However, the nurses/ midwives are fantastic (sometimes they can answer a question quicker than a doctor) and make me feel self-assured. I also recommend the antenatal exercise classes (like physio classes). I almost went to Annerly Midwives, but couldn't book the group classes b/c of my husband's work schedule. However, I've been going to Tsan Yuk's education classes (free) and exercise classes (small fee) and b/w the two of them, I think I'm getting most of the info I would have gotten at Annerly Midwives for HK$2200 less. However, I've had an easy pregnancy and that might make the experience a bit more pleasant than other peoples... Good luck!

 

[Polly]

I've seen quite a few really encouraging posts about Tsan Yuk and Queen Mary, which makes me feel really confident about what's ahead. Just knowing what to expect, both good and bad, makes such a big difference. Thanks again Alibali.