August-September 2018

Special Delivery The team at Matilda Hospital answer all your questions about giving birth in Hong Kong.

H aving a baby as an expat here can be a scary thing to go through, especially when we lack the presence of family and close friends. So, there’s a real need for external support and knowledge. Matilda Hospital staff have looked after new mothers and mums-to-be for more than 110 years. We put 10 questions to Matilda maternity manager SING CHU. There’s quite a choice: VIP, private, twin and standard rooms (four beds); all have ensuite bathroom facilities and bedside medical equipment. For shared rooms, there are privacy screens. We suggest ladies let us know their preference at the time of making the maternity booking through the obstetrician. It does depend on availability at the actual admitting time though. Those who are having a vaginal delivery will be admitted to a private delivery room and then transferred to the chosen room category after baby is born. #1 “What types of rooms are available in the maternity department?” #2 “Can my partner spend the night with me in the hospital?” Yes, our delivery rooms, VIP rooms and private rooms come with a sofa bed and partners are welcome to stay at no extra room charge. #3 “Do I need to pay a deposit prior to delivery at the Matilda?” There is no booking deposit, but a deposit is required on admission, which will be deducted from the bill on discharge. A booking is made through the obstetrician’s clinic. As soon as the doctor confirms the pregnancy and submits the laboratory and blood test reports, the hospital will check the booking information and send through a confirmation.

#4 “Are lactation consultants on call in the postpartum ward?”

Our breastfeeding rate is over 90 percent, one of the highest among private hospitals in Hong Kong, and we offer breastfeeding support round the clock, either by lactation consultants or health professionals with breastfeeding training. Early bonding is very important and we encourage this through skin-to-skin contact right after the baby is born and encourage new mums to breastfeed the baby soon after delivery in either the delivery room or operating theatre. Breastfeeding should be on-demand and we encourage babies to stay in the room with mums to facilitate this. #5 “How often can I expect to see other specialists like midwives, obstetricians and paediatricians in the days after delivery?” During the time in hospital, our midwives are there to offer support to mums, dads and baby around the clock. They monitor the wellbeing of mum and baby, provide advice and support in self-care, breastfeeding and baby care. The maternity team plays a key role in communicating with the doctors. Your obstetrician will visit every day and it’s helpful to write down any questions or concerns, ready to discuss them. The paediatrician will examine baby daily and will be able to discuss any questions.

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