1st labor experience at KK hospital in 2023 (Continue from previous post)
We arrived at the hospital at 6am. The admission process took slightly longer than expected, as there were a few other patients as well. After settling into the delivery suite, my gynaecologist arrived at around 7.30am. She is clearly an early riser and prefers everything to be well-prepared and in place. I could tell that the nurses worked very efficiently with her, and I was told that she is a very strict doctor.
She checked my dilation again, but I was in significant pain. She decided to arrange for an epidural before breaking my water bag. We waited quite some time for the epidural, and when my gynaecologist returned, I remember she was quite upset that it had not been administered yet. The nurse quickly contacted the anaesthesiologist, who arrived within a few minutes.
After the epidural was administered, my gynaecologist proceeded to break my water bag. We then waited about 30 minutes before starting the induction through an intravenous drip. I cannot recall the exact time the drip was started, but the labour progressed quite quickly, and I gave birth at around 12pm. I was relieved 😌
Everything went well, and my gynaecologist approved my discharge after one night. Of course, I was happy to go home. We thought everything had been settled, but about a month later, I received a call from KK Hospital regarding my bill.
They informed me that because I had signed a delivery package with a minimum stay of two nights and had already paid the required deposit before delivery, there was an issue. Since I only stayed for one night, they said they were unable to deduct $500 from my Medisave and requested that I pay this amount in cash instead.
Naturally, I refused to pay. Firstly, no one had informed me of this during the discharge process. Secondly, I had only stayed for one night but had already paid a deposit based on a two-night package. There was no refund offered, yet I was being asked to pay an additional $500, which did not make sense to me.
After that call, no one reached out to follow up or request the $500, so I guess it has been waived.
This entire journey taught me a very important lesson: always trust your instincts, ask questions, and advocate for yourself. Transparency, honesty, and care make all the difference, whether in a private or public hospital. And also, expensive doesn’t mean the best.
I want to specifically recommend my gynaecologist at KK Hospital, Dr KT Tan. I cannot say if she is the best gynaecologist in Singapore, but she was definitely the best fit for me. Her professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine care made a world of difference during my pregnancy and delivery.
To all mothers-to-be, do not hesitate to ask questions, seek second opinions, and make decisions that protect your well-being and your baby. Your voice matters more than you think.
Reflecting on my labor experience at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, I realize how important it is to be proactive and informed throughout the maternity journey. From arriving early at 6am to settling into the delivery suite, I was glad to have a calm mindset despite the unexpected waiting times during admission. The professionalism of my gynaecologist and the hospital staff made a significant difference. For example, my doctor’s insistence on preparing everything in advance and closely monitoring my condition reassured me that I was in good hands. When intense pain arose, asking for an epidural was a crucial step to manage my labor effectively. This shows the value of communicating clearly with your care team and requesting pain relief options that align with your needs. An important lesson I learned was about hospital policies on delivery packages and billing. I was caught off guard by being charged extra due to staying fewer nights than my prepaid package required. This experience taught me to always clarify billing terms and stay attentive to discharge costs. It is vital to ask questions and insist on transparent explanations to avoid surprising fees. For soon-to-be mothers planning delivery at KK Hospital or elsewhere, my advice is to choose a gynaecologist who connects well with you. The professional and genuine care my doctor provided was comforting and empowering. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for second opinions or further information when uncertain—your comfort and your baby’s safety are paramount. Having gone through this first labor, I appreciate how crucial self-advocacy is in navigating hospital procedures and billing. Trust your instincts, seek clarity, and embrace the support around you. Remember, expensive services are not always the best, and finding the right fit for your care makes all the difference in your pregnancy journey.