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Where to have my baby...Advice greatly needed

Last activity 20 May 2013 by fairyJo

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Cailin

Hey, was really hoping I could get some tips from mothers who've given birth in HCMC as I'm not finding a great deal of information out there. I visited Hanh Phuc hospital and, while it seems nice, I hear Cesarean rates are high and that a lot of the nurses don't speak English.
The books I'm reading at the moment (namely Ina May Gaskin) probably don't help as I'm pursuing the most comfortable and natural birth possible, preferably without C-section or drugs. I just worry that I'll be put under pressure.
I've also heard about an alternative place to give birth, something like a house you book a room in, comfortable with doctor at hand. Has anyone heard about this?
It's just impossible to find anything on the internet!
Would appreciate any advice/shared experiences.

Anonymous999

Hi Cailin,
a lot of expats go to FV in Phu MY Hung. I had my own baby in a local hospital many years ago in district 10. I think it is Van Khanh or Van Hanh? It was new, (then), clean, and people spokee English. I still go there for anything serious.
Good luck,
Kerry

g35stillin

Having had a C section at Hanh Phuc almost exactly 3 months ago. I can tell you that is was a fantastic experience! Yes a bit more expensive than some others out there . But the fees are all included - you need to compare what is included in other hospitals fees. Hanh Phuc's fee is ALL INCLUSIVE (all meals, no extra tip fee to doctors and staff- typical in most hospitals in HCMC), if you compare all fees actually it is reasonable.
I can tell you that the skill of the staff was up to the same level if not bit better than the USA facilities.
My wife's recovery was amazing due to the skill of the doctor. She was walking in the afternoon of the first day and nearly 100% by the 3 week after birth.
The fact you can use the clinic for all PRE&post natal care is a huge advantage for me living in D2.
The doctor we selected was Dr. Duc - one of the most skilled surgeons I have seen in action (my family has many nurses and doctors - (I have viewed various knee reconstruction and 3 c-section surgeries in my life time- he was very talented. This led to a great recovery).
I can speak volumes to our experience.
Do more research and chose what you feel comfortable with!
Chep

VungTauDon

My wife had a c-section this morning at Hanh Phuc hospital and we are 150% happy here. VIP rooms are super nice and as good or better than what we had in the US. Most nurses can speak a little English and have had very few problems in that regard.

fairyJo

Having worked in healthcare for 15yrs and had two babies here would recommend FV or Hanh Phuc if you are "international" and want a private hospital.  Both have high standards and as always it does depend on the doctor you have. Both have good midwives and remmeber in private clinics here most nurses and midwives have "done the rounds" that is, many have started at FV and been trained a few years then moved on to HP with higher salary. They will surely lose a lot to the new City hospital when it opens.. the advantage of FV is that it has been open 10yrs and when it comes to emergency protocols, experience is what counts in a team. HP is still a bit new..
Birth is usually a pretty straightforward procedure however when things go wrong, they do so quicly and with dire consequences. Getting top quality Emergency care for mother and baby is key, and NICU standards are what I would look for. An experienced neonatalogist could make a difference between life and death for a baby, as well as well trained NICU nurses.  As in most countries, you often find the volume in the main local hospital leads to great experienced staff - which is why many locals will prefer TuDu hospital.  Not recommended for a non VN mum though. 
If you are looking for an "au natural" birth then reduce your expectations - its still new here, although both FV and HP are getting used to birth plans and requests for baby to be not washed and brought to breast / hypnobirthing etc.  I'd say the main outcome you want is a healthy baby, and staying in VN for your birth, you are going to have to reduce your demands and relax a little.  FMP clinic in Diamond plaza have a wonderful midwife called Karen from UK who offers hypnobirthing and prenatal classes. 
PS check your insurance for neonatal coverage. If you have a problem and baby needs medivac, you will have a 20,000usd bill. check you are covered.. if not, you may need to consider just going to BKK to deliver (avoid singapore, cost is way higher)
good luck!

fairyJo

by the way, you dont have to be pressured into anything.. if you dont want drugs, state it clearly in your birth plan. Discuss it with your doctor and visit the labour ward/discuss with the head midwife.  If they look at you blankly and dont understand, then you should be concerned about your choice.  C-section numbers are def higher in HP. Ask your doctor if they will do their best to aim for natural delivery, and only carry out CS if medically required.. remember many locals ask for Csection for astrological or "cosmetic" reasons.. it is a very sorry trend in VN. Also make it very clear if you want to breastfeed exclusively and do NOT let them take away the baby to the nursery, unless you expressly ask for that. Unless the baby is sick, there is no reason to take them out of your room. No is there reason to supplement if your milk hasnt come in by day 2.. this is normal.  Speak to Karen at FMP before she leaves in June.  GO to prenatal SIMBA class on a monday am at the diamond plaza clinic to meet many other mums who just delivered here.

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