Monthly Archives: February 2011

Contemplating delivery at Thomson Medical Centre

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We went for the hospital tour at Thomson Medical last Sat. At 10:50am, 10 minutes before the start of the tour, the info desk was swarming with women with bellies of differing sizes, closely armed by their husbands. We were split into two groups as the crowd was too big.

The guide was professional, informative, and quite candid. Unfortunately, the rooms were currently full and it was just before check-out time at noon, so we were unable to view the standard single, double, and 4 bedder rooms. Instead, we were only shown one of the deluxe suites, which turned out to be a newly-refurbished, resort-style room with space to fit and entertain the entire family and extended clan. Something which most of us wouldn’t need, or so I assume.

We also viewed one of the delivery suites - the only one in the centre which was equipped with a hydrotherapy tub, essentially a large bath-tub, that can be used for an extra charge of $200 above the package rate, as a form of natural pain relief. We were told that the hospital does not practice water birth, so even if the tub is used, actual delivery still has to take place on the hospital bed. (Only NUH is licensed to perform full water births.)

This may not be a decision-making factor, but the delivery suite that we saw was about half the size of the one I had at Mount Alvernia for my first delivery. Assuming that was the largest one at Mount A, the average size of a delivery suite at Thomson might be about three-quarter of that at Mount A. Again, I wouldn’t infer by the smaller size, inferior quality of service and care or medical equipment. Mount A is an older hospital with the luxury of space, as it’s also situated further up Thomson Road and away from the central area.

In terms of price, Mount A and Thomson are quite on par, perhaps with Mount A costing a few hundred dollars more on average. Both seem to have good quality help and support for breastfeeding and other newborn-related care issues. (Although I suspect, if I really run into problems in that area, I would run back to sister Kang at Mount A. She really helped in resolving the breastfeeding issues I had with my first child.)

I feel a bit torn. While I would like to try something different, the unknown factor causes a bit of hesitation. I’m still leaning towards Thomson Medical at this point, so let’s wait and see.

The strong-willed child

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Vera has been exhibiting more of her steely willpower, particularly when certain activities are ‘enforced’. Bedtime, for instance, or when it’s time to brush her teeth, or head home from the playground.

I have been responding rather inconsistently to her antics. When tired, I would use harsher means to get her compliance, sometimes threatening with, or actually using, the cane.

Recently, however, I’ve been trying to switch tactics a little, adopt a softer approach. Adopting some ideas from a Parenting Simply article, I’ve tried to give her viable options, so she can play a part in certain decisions, such as which dress /shoes to wear, whether she wants to brush her teeth now or later, etc.

I’ve used the problem-solving approach - strong-willed kids are supposedly keen problem-solvers. For example, when her toys are in a mess, and I ask her for help to tidy up: ‘If not, we won’t be able to find your toys the next time you want to play. How?’ More often than not, she would pitch in to help her mummy pick up the toys.

But the key word is of course ‘trying’. Just this morning, I failed miserably, and went into full-fledged battle with her, without fully realising what she had wanted. After it blew over, I finally understood. She was simply wanting my attention — something that I was unable to give her due to the morning rush. It was a battle we both lost.

I’m determined not to get into that situation again. You know, above all the tools and tactics we can employ to manage a feisty child, the greatest of these is love and patience. Thomas the train-loads of them.

At the end of the day, I would be most accomplished if I’m able to look back and say ‘I’ve brought up my kids in the best way possible. By always loving and hoping, and of course, drawing suitable boundaries along the way.’

Read also: Learning to tame the strong-willed child

Vera turns 2!

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Cheeky smile

We celebrated Vera’s second birthday yesterday. Just a small and simple do with the dad, myself and Vera, and my mum.

Just the way we like it.

Vera thoroughly enjoyed the strawberry shortcake - bought from Perla, a specialty Italian pastry shop. It was hard to take a picture of her, because her fingers kept wandering close to the cake.

I’ve decided (together with the hubby) no big over-crowded birthday celebrations for our kids from now on. It’s just so pure and sweet to enjoy the moment ourselves. A bit selfish…but we will of course involve the family and close friends.