My positive birth story at KK hospitalš„°
Delivering at KK hospital: My Birth Story
I chose KK hospital to deliver my 1st baby as the nurses and gynaes are super friendly and I love the strong and vibrant energy of KK hospital. Also, it is more budget friendly. I opted for Private A1 ward, so my husband could stay with me throughout. He mentioned the sofa bed cmi, so he will bring a sleeping bag, the next time round.
I got a polyclinic referral and went for the subsidised route first, then called KK hospital to switch to private and chose my gynae (Dr Serene Thian). She is super nice and chill. I will choose her again, for my next baby.
I didnt take any dates but I was exercising quite abit before delivery day. I walked 1-2km and did exercise, for a quick and smooth labour, but I dont think it helps because I am still 0cm dilated when I am in the hospital. Before my last gynae appointment week 38 8 April, I had contractions at night that made me couldnt sleep, so my Gynae gave me HL till my induction day, incase of any signs of labour, I am at home resting. Turned out the contractions are false. When I did the cervic check on 17 April (week 39 day 6), I was 0 cm dilated and had no signs of labour. Then, the mid-wife induced medicine into me at 10am. I waited for the contractions to come, which takes around 2-3hrs. I was served lunch but the food not very nice, so my husband and I still walked around kk hospital to get waffles. Halfway while getting the waffle, I felt pain coming. At 1.30pm, I am sent out of the induction room and went to the ward I am staying in, to rest for abit before going down to the delivery ward, since the contractions were getting more painful and I needed painkiller.
When I was at the delivery ward at 2.30pm, the doctor did a cervic check on me, to see if I am at 3cm dilated, then I could opt for epidual instead. Thankfully I was already 3.5cm dilated at 3pm so I cpild take epidual already. Honestly, the cervic check hurted so bad, that any pain after was toleratable, so the long epidual needle or the push did not hurt for me. I have to hold my husband's hand and the nurse's hand, while the doctor push her fist into my V, so painful that I teared. I waited another hour, 4.30pm for the epidual to come, no choice but to wait cuz the anesthesiologists were changing shifts. Heng the nurse gave me laughing gas to numb the pain slightly while I waited. Then, the long epidual needle was inserted into my spain, slight pain but I felt so relaxed after, that I took a nap. Once the epidual was in, I couldnt eat anything (incase of vomitting) but I wasnt hungry. I just waited for the contractions to come, 5cm at 5.30pm, 6cm at 6pm, by 7.30pm, I was 10cm dilated. Funny thing was the nurse told me 1st child usually take longer to dilated so I was expecting myself to fully dilated at 11plus then deliver the baby at 12midnight, the nurse and gynae were shocked that I was fully dilated at 7.30pm too. So we waited till 8.30pm for the head to lower, easier to push, waited for my gynae to drop by, before I started pushing. I saw videos on how to push the baby out but at that point in time, I was just lost and blur. The nurse demostrated how to push but I couldnt understand. Thankfully my husband understood and taught me well. At 8.30pm I started pushing with the guidance of my gynae. Every contraction that came, I take deep breaths and push to my best till the head is out. Then, I did a small push and my gynae dragged the baby out. By 9pm, my baby is out. I feel so relieved and blissed after seeing my gynae's happy face and to hear her screaming cry. The gynae passed the baby to me for skin-to-skin contact. My 1st thought is 'she is so small. Pls dont pass to me, Idk how to hold her. I scared I might injure her.' Then, the nurse want to clean the baby up, and swaddle her. My husband was looking and smiling at her the whole time, while the gynae was stiching me up, since I had quite a big tear. I asked to see the palcenta and I am shocked, it looked like a big piece of pork liver.
By 1030pm, we were ready to go back to the ward to rest. I started latching my baby since she was crying for milk. By 1am, the baby was asleep, my husband and I slept too.
The next 2-3 days, there were many checks. The nu.rses started coming in at 6am to check my blood pressure, gynae to check my wound, checked on the baby.
Once all is good, we were discharged the next morning and our new life begins with our baby.
I must say, having a supportive and pro-active parnter really helps alot in a smooth pregnancy and delivery
Sharing my personal experience with childbirth at KK Hospital, I found that preparation and emotional support were just as crucial as medical care for a positive birth outcome. One practical tip I'd offer is to carefully consider your birthing plan but stay flexible. Despite exercising regularly with the hope of easing labor, I still required induction due to zero dilation at late pregnancy stages. This taught me that every pregnancy is unique, and trusting the medical team's guidance pays off. The hospitalās option for a private A1 ward allowed my husband to stay overnight, which made a significant emotional difference. Although the sofa bed wasnāt very comfortable, a sleeping bag helped improve the situation later. Having a proactive and present partner, as I experienced, truly supports the birthing process emotionally and physically. I also appreciated the friendly and chill demeanor of my chosen gynae, Dr. Serene Thian, which greatly reduced my anxieties. For soon-to-be mothers considering KK Hospital, I recommend requesting a specific doctor who makes you feel comfortable throughout the journey. Regarding pain management, while the cervical checks were intensely uncomfortable, epidural anesthesia significantly relieved my labor pain, allowing me to rest mentally and physically before delivery. Using additional support like laughing gas during wait times also helped. This story also highlights the unpredictable nature of labor timing; I dilated much faster than typical first-time mothers, which was a delightful surprise. The staffās readiness and clear communication were invaluable during these quick progressions. Lastly, early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding attempts right after delivery fostered bonding, though I initially felt overwhelmed holding my newborn. Nurses provided gentle assistance, reminding me that these moments, while raw and new, are precious and manageable with support. For parents-to-be, choosing KK Hospital and preparing for various possible scenariosāinduction, epidural, partner supportācan help create a supportive and positive birth experience.
