Hospital Bag Checklist

September 12, 2023 Cherish Motherhood 0 Comments

In my previous posts, I've wrote about my elective c-sect at TMC and pre-natal, delivery and post-natal charges at TMC.

There's saying that goes "there is no such thing as free lunch". Almost everything that is given to you by the nurses during your stay will be billed to you. Don't be shy to enquire whether items given to you are FOC or not. It took me by surprise when I was charged $4 for a disposable vomit bowl that was used to spit up the mouthwash while being bed bound on day 1. 😅

📝 Download Hospital Bag Checklist PDF 📝


Breast Pump

In TMC, the lactation consultant will visit you starting from Day 2. If you're a FTM like me, bring your breast pump to the hospital so that the LC can teach you how to use it.

I have initially bought Spectra S1+ and it has served me well during my confinement period. This breast pump is good if you can sit still during the whole pumping session. I find it a little inconvenient to use this breast pump after my CL left as I needed to walk around the house to get things done. Hence, I'm planning to use it as my secondary breast pump when I get back to work.

Source: Shopee

I bought Baby Express Be Nude after my confinement because I needed a handsfree wearable and portable breast pump. Both of these breast pumps yield the same volume for me. 

Source: Shopee

Due to my clumsiness, I've accidentally dropped my Baby Express Be Nude pump motor onto the floor in multiple occasions causing it to have weaker vacuum power.

I have since gotten Imani i2+ handsfree wearable and portable breast pump. One charge allows me to pump for at least 6 times. In terms of breastmilk yield, it is the same as with all my other breast pumps. One disadvantage, though, is that it's quite bulky to wear on the go when you're out and about. Even when I use a nursing cover, it still looks bulky and obvious.

Source: Shopee


Syringe/Manual Breast Pump

My breastmilk came in around 3 days after my c-sect. Prior to that, I hand expressed colostrum and breastmilk, then store it with 3ml syringes and 5ml syringes respectively. You can use Haakaa manual breast pump too since it's less tedious. Remember to let your baby latch as much as possible to trigger milk production. By the way, the pharmacy in TMC sells both the items but it's more expensive.

Source: Shopee

Source: Shopee

Nipple Cream/Silverette Cup

I have read good reviews online on Silverette Nursing Nipple Cup and tried it out myself. Unfortunately it doesn't work for me. I still wear it though for hygiene purpose to prevent skin from touching fabric's loose fibres. 

Source: Shopee

On the other hand, Lansinoh Nipple Cream works well for me. It soothes, moisturises and heals sore nipple well. One thing to note is that it has slightly unpleasant smell which you won't notice until you go very near to sniff it. Nevertheless, it is safe for babies and you do not need to remove it prior to breastfeeding.

Source: Shopee


Lactation Massager

I brought LaVie Lactation Massager to hospital to relieve breast engorgement and I am still using it up until today. It helps to trigger letdown, prevent clogged ducts and soothe breast engorgement.

Source: Shopee

Diaper Cream

I had diaper rash after wearing maternity panty overnight on day 3 after c-sect. I couldn't resist from scratching as it is too itchy and it resulted in bleeding scratch wounds. 😖 Fortunately I brought my own diaper cream, otherwise it would embarrassing to ask the nurse to get one for myself. 🙈 FYI, TMC do provide diaper cream for your baby (included in baby package).


Mustela diaper cream
Dry texture making it harder to glide on skin. It's harder to be smudged by baby's pee and poo. Texture Smooth and creamy texture making it easy to glide on skin 
Thick Consistency Thin
I would prefer to use this when baby have developed rashes as it provides a protection layer which prevent the skin from coming in contact with pee and poo Suitable for Daily use

Source: Shopee

Source: Shopee

Abdominal Binder

I used hospital grade P'Feather Abdominal Binder. Whether you are planning to have natural birth or c-sect, you'll need an abdominal binder anyway.

Source: Thomson Baby

Maternity Panty/Menstruation Pad

TMC will provide 1 packet of hospital menstruation pad which can last for 2 days. Subsequently, I used Blood Overnight Panty at hospital and home on the 1st week after my c-sect. I find it more convenient and easier to wear. Alternatively, you can also use a regular menstruation pad.

Source: Shopee

Electronics

- Extension socket / power bank (In TMC, the power socket is pretty far from the bed)
- Charger 
- Handphone
- Tablet (For your entertainment)

 Documents

- Admission letter from your doctor (Should be given to you when it's near your EDD or your surgery date)
- Identification Document: Identity Card (for Singaporeans & Permanent Residents) / Passport (for foreigners) 
- Letter of Guarantee from your company / insurance company (if applicable) 
 

Personal Care 

- Mouthwash
- Toothbrush (Provided by TMC for FOC)
- Toothpaste (Provided by TMC for FOC)
- Shampoo (Provided by TMC for FOC)
- Body Shampoo (Provided by TMC for FOC) 
 

Clothing

- Nursing bra
- Panty (If wear menstruation pad) 
- Towel (Provided by TMC for FOC)
- Discharge attire (Can wear back your admission outfit if you don't mind)
- Baby hat (Provided by TMC for FOC. I brought one for my baby but it was too big. So I used the one given by TMC when discharged.)
- Baby newborn mittens (Provided by TMC for FOC. I brought one for my baby but it was too big. So I used the one given by TMC when discharged.)
- Baby romper (Provided by TMC for FOC. My baby worn the romper I brought.) 
- Muslin cloth (To swaddle baby when discharged) 
- Jacket (It can get very cold for the husbands and the blanket given is not sufficient.) 
 

Others

- Laundry bag 
- Snacks
- Car seat carrier (Not needed if you take taxi. Car seat is required for private hire car such as GrabCar. I held baby in my arms and took taxi home after discharged.) 

📝 Download Hospital Bag Checklist PDF 📝

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Pregnancy Cost with Elective C-Sect in TMC

September 05, 2023 Cherish Motherhood 0 Comments

Note: Below fees are based on healthy mommy and baby. My baby has jaundice but does not require phototherapy treatment.

 Doctor  Dr. Claudine Tan
 Clinic  Thomson Women's Clinic Serangoon
 Delivery Type  Elective C-Sect with Spinal Anaesthesia
 EDD  In July 2023
 Hospital  Thomson Medical Centre
 Hospital Room Type  1-Bedded Room (Paid extra to add-on companion breakfast)
 **Free upgrade to Premier Room due to 1-bedded room unavailability
 Paediatrician  Dr. Eugene Han
Pre-Natal Charges Amount ($)
 Regular Gynae Visit
 **Incl. glucose test, immunisations & multivitamins
 2,728.05
 Panorama Test  1,294.70
 Fetal Anomaly Scan  241.60
 TOTAL  4,264.35
Delivery Charges at TMC Amount ($)
 Delivery Deposit (Paid at the O&G clinic during regular visit)
 **Price varies depending on your doctor 
 5,400.00
 Hospitalisation Deposit (Paid upon admission at TMC)
 5,100.00
 Medisave Deduction 5,150.00
 Remaining Payment
 **Hospital bill can be reduced by bringing your own items (eg. binder, mouthwash, etc)
 1,665.87
 TOTAL 17,315.87
Post-Natal Charges Amount ($)
 1 PD Follow-Up Visit for Jaundice at TMC
 **Price varies depending on your doctor 
 207.35
 C-Sect wound inspection at O&G clinic  124.20
 Pap smear at O&G clinic (to check for anomaly after delivery) 162.00
 TOTAL 493.55
GRAND TOTAL  22,073.77

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