Is this your first time delivering? Then it’s probably a good idea to book a maternity hospital tour so that you’ll know what your hospital is going to be like when you deliver your baby.
Do note that your chosen gynaecologist might only be able to deliver at specific hospitals, so check with them first before booking the tour at your desired hospital!
The tours usually last about 30 minutes, so don’t worry about it taking all day. To make these tours worth your while, we’ve come up with a list of questions for you to ask the facilitator. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it’s always good to be well prepared beforehand! Pick the ones that you’re curious, we hope they help!
Questions To Ask
Hospital rooms and logistics
- Are all the rooms the same as the ones we’re being shown? Are some smaller or less renovated?
- What bathroom/sanitary items do you provide?
- I opted for the private room (or shared room), how likely is it that there is vacancy when I’m due for labour? What happens if all the private rooms are full?
- What happens if the labour room is full? How often does that happen?
- Are there any situations that may take me away from my birth partner?
- What is the administration process when I admit in the hospital? Can I prepare them in advance?
- What documents should I bring when I admit?
- Where is the best place to park? How much does parking cost?
- Is there wireless internet access?
Labour and birth
- If I believe that I’m in labour, do I have to call the hospital before heading down?
- Will I be able to eat and drink during labour? Can I bring my own food?
- Do you have any labour equipment for me to use? Example, birth balls, birthing stool, etc
- What is the average time I need to wait for an epidural?
- Is there always an anaesthesiologist on site?
- How many people are allowed in the delivery room?
- Do you follow birth plans? Who should I give my birth plan to?
- Can I use my camera/video in the delivery room?
- Is it possible to delay all procedure for baby for bonding time/skin-to-skin?
- If I have a c-section, will my baby be separated from me right after the procedure?
- Are there any situations where my baby need to be transferred to another facility?
After birth recovery
- Does baby room-in with us instead of being in the nursery?
- Can I breastfeed immediately after a c-section?
- What sort of breastfeeding support to you provide?
- Will there be a lactation consultant available 24/7? What if I need assistance in the middle of the night?
- Do you have a hospital-grade breastpump available for rent?
- Under what circumstances will formula milk be given to my baby? Will I be informed first?
- Are there specific visiting hours?
- If I request for alternate food if I have a food allergy? When do I need to inform you?
- Will meals be provided for my partner too? What are the additional charges?
How to book your hospital tour
Most hospitals will require an advance appointment, here’s a list of contact for you!
Mount Alvernia Hospital: 6347 6788
https://mtalvernia.sg/maternity/our_care/maternity-tour-and-packages/
Thomson Medical Centre: 6358 0055/ 6350 8876
https://apps.thomsonmedical.com/hospital-tour/
Mount Elizabeth Hospitals: Orchard: 6731 2000 / Novena: 6933 0191
Glen Eagles Singapore: 6470 5615
Raffles Hospital: 6311 1111
Parkway East Hospital: 6377 3737
https://www.parkwayeast.com.sg/make-appointment
National University Hospital (NUH): 6772 2255/ 2277
Singapore General Hospital (SGH): 6326 5923
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH): 6225 5554
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