Delivery and Labor price in KL and again DPCMC

So, I'm back in this because I'm pregnant with #2 now. I was diagnosed pregnant again when my first was 9 months. OMG. I was very sure it happened on the only day, and that one day changed my life 360. LOL. Not really 360 degrees but I was sure there would be no more 'me' time if I got 2 kids below 2.

So, I've been searching for private hospital to deliver again as I don't want to be charged another 17k this time. I even considered delivery in government hospital under FPP schemes (SG. BULOH, SELAYANG & PUTRAJAYA only available). But, my husband doesn't seem to like government hospital. Ok, as long as he pays. And CAN pay. Seriously I don't mind where.

Since communication at home is really hard for both of us. I just e-mailed him about this. Lucky he replied after a few days. If not, months.

Firstly, I started going to checkups late, like in my 6/7th month, in early/mid February.

At first I went to KKIA (first time) when I was 1 1/2 month pregnant, and was told to register first.

That time the car broke down, so I have to take UBER/GRAB, but I was canceled on TWICE and that pissed me off because i need to when the timing is right. I mean, I need to be there before my baby's naptime, so when it's my turn for checkup he'll be asleep and I can just put him inside the stroller.

But, it was hard to get UBER/GRAB around that area (KKIA). So, having had to come again, I decided to come later at 3/4 months.

By the time I was 22 weeks, I decided to just go to the hospital where I delivered my first baby (DESA PARKCITY MEDICAL CENTRE) and actually started seeing my obgyn, Dr. Jaspal Singh in mid Feb. I was already 30 weeks or more that time.

Before that I went to do a few ultrasounds, and one detail scan+3D 4D scan at Kota Damansara PUSRAWI. Everything was fine, and I was just relieved that's why I went to see the doctor later in my pregnancy.

So, never had any experience with KKIA, I can't say much what I've done. But I've done blood and glucose as well as urine test at the hospital.

However, my blood test result showed that I have low HB (haemoglobin count). And so I was told to take folic acid, in addition to obimin that I'm taking. And repeat the blood test after a month or so.

Anaemic. Yes, that's me. In case of operation, i would lose a lot of blood. In malay they called 'tumpah darah'. And I would need blood transfusion to keep me going.

Since I myself opted for elective c-sect because it's much more cheaper than having emergency (in case VBAC goes wrong), I started searching for hospitals with cheaper LSCS charges. That's when I emailed my husband about it. He gave me a link.

https://gynecologistmalaysia.blogspot.my/2016/05/maternity-package-malaysia-review.html

However, this is 2016's price list. not even an updated one.

I checked, and thinks FPP would be the best. But since I'm already late in 3rd trimester, I tried calling the nearby hospital and they're FULL.

So, after the next appointment, I asked the hospital concierge how much would it cost for elective c-sect and was told it would be around RM11K++ I thought it's much better than 17K right? And my husband just told me a few days ago, he has only 15k in savings. I was like speechless.

WHY ON EARTH DID YOU INSIST ME GOING TO PRIVATE?? Is government's service so bad? I mean I've heard stories from my less fortunate friends, and yeah, certain parts are scary. But, it saves money. What's important is the recovery (for me).

I have a toddler and by the time #2 born, he's not even 2 yet. I would need more help than now. During my first confinement, I hired a confinement lady for 2 weeks only because I thought I would be doing better after 2/3 weeks. But I was wrong. Recovering from c-sect is slow and yes, painful in everything I do. Not to mention I had to handle the baby myself after the CL service ended.

Meanwhile, my husband helped with nothing. Not even laundry, not even with the baby, nor house chores and cooking. Luckily I ordered confinement food service after the CL services ended. So, I need not to cook.

So, this time, I already booked a stay-in confinement lady for 3 weeks (actually wanted for a month but the price is RM5K). So, I just opted whatever I can pay for. 3 weeks for RM3.7K and I just paid 30% deposit last month. But seriously, with my first experience, and having a toddler now, I need more time to get help with. Even this CL don't sleep with the new baby. I wonder if I can ask if she can take care of the baby at night for the first week if I'm too tired.

I chatted a bit with the lady at the concierge. Well, she's so friendly. Oh yeah, I asked her about PMC i-KIDDO CLUB that I saw at the registration counter earlier. And she told me that every baby born in that hospital is entitled to join the club.

OK, my first baby was born there. Why not join? Then she told me the benefits, and it's really beneficial if you want to save a bit more money.

The benefits are:

1. FOR THE CARD HOLDER
* 30% room disc (single exec, single std, 2 bedded only)
* 15% disc hospital charges inpatient/outpatient (including vacc!)
* annual bday treat: get RM100 HSC cash voucher for any wellness programme
* special invitation to "PMC field trips" (hosp tour)

2. FOR THE FAMILY MEMBERS (PARENTS & SIBLINGS)
* 20% room disc (single exec, single std, 2 bedded only)
* 5% disc hospital charges inpatient/outpatient (including vacc!)

Expiry date: After 3 years of registration

It's a good or better bargain right?

But I changed my mind after my husband told me he doesn't have much. Well, I just want to help ease his burden, and not to mention to get my monthly alllowance for this month too so that I can pay for the CL services (70% more). He's going to spend so much on private hospital charges and I won't be getting this month's allowance for sure.

Then I looked at UMSC. It's semi-private, and in 2016 the price for c-sect is RM8K. So, it was just few days ago I went there to ask the estimate price for elective c-sect. And the lady in charge told me it costs 11-13k for c-sect. I was like..."ok, nevermind"

Then, I went to UMMC (government), and yeah, it was wayyyyyy moreee cheaper than private. I really don't mind. But I was too late in my pregnancy and the nurse at the registration counter was having a hard time to actually book a slot for me.

She checked on the particulars given by my private doctor, and said I'm high risk and too late for my case (low hb and low gap between #1 and #2). But she managed to chip me in, and this Monday is my first appointment with the doctor. I need to come early.

So, I said to myself "this is it that I'M GOING TO DO,". I'll deliver here and at least if there's any complication, they have all the facilities. I also told her I want to try VBAC if the doctor permits. But I'm also okay with elective operation. I know this would save my husband's pocket and I really hope that he sees me not as a burden. And that I would get my allowance so i can settle a few things.

Well, let's see how it is.

THE STORY OF MY DELIVERY & LABOR AT PARKCITY MEDICAL CENTRE

Last 2016 I gave birth to my first child - a boy 👶at a private hospital.

Firstly, I wanted to go to Pantai Hospital at Bangsar as it was the nearest to my place in Sri Hartamas (15 minutes drive). So, I went to this clinic in TTDI, Klinik Wanita TTDI because the doctors are ob gyn in Pantai Hospital. It was just perfect.

I started going to the clinic after I finished my travelling, which takes about one and half month during first trimester. When I came back I was already near 4 months pregnant 😁

And my husband who just got the job during early pregnancy was working in JB, while I'm in KL. So, I didn't choose to go to KK (KLINIK KESIHATAN) because I hated waiting alone, and seeing other couples that come as husband and wife just would make me feel more jealous and lonely. lol

Ok, back to the main point. What I want to write about is the cost of the private hospital that I went to and also the confinement service.

As I said before, I wanted to deliver at Pantai Hospital. After a thorough research, I think Pantai would be the best. I've got friends who are nurses there, at least I won't be bored, I guess.

But, at the last minute I had to change. My husband and I, we're moving to Desa Parkcity because there were cases when my cat went out of the apartment and the management threw him somewhere. I was so upset when I got my cat back a little bit traumatic, messy and dirty.

Desa Parkcity area is more pet-friendly, even the condominiums allowed to keep pets as long as they don't cause problems.

Ok, back to the main point 😅

My husband said better we go to Parkcity Medical Centre under SIME DARBY as it's much nearer to our house. I've searched the costs of delivering there, and it's a bit more expensive than Pantai. But, he's paying, so if he said it's okay. It's okay. 😆The nearer the better.

I was already nearly 8 months pregnant that time (or 7+), so it was a bit late to check with the doctor. But it's private mah, as long as you have money, anything can be done.

For the transfer, I had to ask for the records I did with the current ob gyn before I see the new obgyn. I got a copy of the book (I don't know why I didn't get the book, instead just copies).
But anyway, I've done blood test (again), urine test, glucose test and vaginal test - Some tests weren't done by my previous obgyn. Well, it turned out everything was OK despite the fact that all those test done during third trimester, and late. And no test done to check for down syndrome. But in the scans, he looks fine.

The last check up before I went into labor was few days before I started having contractions. I felt it since the night before, but I thought it's just normal since I've been going to the bathroom to poo - excuse my language. The next day was supposed to be cleaning day and I already called the cleaners. I mean, I have another check up before my due date. Cleaning is the last thing to do before labor. I'm glad I asked them to come. But the contractions keep coming, and frequent, and strong. "This must be it, the real contractions," I thought. Finally the baby wanted to come out to the world 😑😔😖😌

So, I walked out without waiting for my husband, took the bags that was ready a week or two before. I called my parents to notify them, and asked for forgiveness and blessings, just like in typical drama. haha

Once we reached the hospital, we went to the obgyn clinic to notify the nurses and doctor, and I was taken to the delivery & labor room. While my husband checking me in and pay the deposit, I was put in single bed room. It's a nice single room with a sofa and a coffee table at the corner. Perfect for my husband to sit on and wait for the labor.

Wires was put on my belly and it could detect the baby's heartbeat and contractions. The nurse that was attending to me told me that the contractions I'm having were strong ones. The highest. I could only smile. I was hoping everything would run smoothly and fast delivery.

But they asked me to wait as it was Saturday and the doctor is already back, and he's coming in a while. The nurse check my opening, and it was only 3cm that time. I think I waited less than an hour before I asked her whether the doctor's coming now. The pain was so strong that I cannot wait anymore.

At the moment I just felt so upset that nobody was there to support me except the nurses, they even taught me how to breathe 😂My husband? As if he's not there.

I think because they saw that my contractions were strong, so they asked me if I want epidural or local anaesthesia to lessen the pain. I chose local anaesthesia. I've heard about people taking epidural and a lot of scarystories about it, so, NO.

Before the injection, they took out the belt and I was told to lie on my side. After the injection, they put it on. Few minutes later, I didn't feel the pain much anymore, instead just a bit high and feeling fatigue? lol

But I noticed that the machine were going weird as the numbers sometimes on and couldn't be read. I don't know about it. So, when the nurse came in to check on me, I asked her to fix the belt because the machine was not able to read. So, she turned the belt here and there, hoping to get a better reading.

It was at that time I saw that she was worried. She called in another nurse, and asked her to do it. But the same result happened. The readings were there, but something about baby's heartbeat cannot be detected? It happened right a few minutes after I got the injection. Is it because of the anaesthesia? I think maybe the baby is as drowsy as me at that time. As a first time mother, I don't really know much, so I didn't get panic.

I still don't know whether I was high because of the anaesthesia or just tired (I didn't sleep well the night before). But I clearly heard what they were saying, and one of them went out to call the doctor to notify. Then, she came back inside to tell me that the doctor is coming, but gonna take some time.

Meanwhile the other nurse was still trying to position the belt to get a good readings. And after a few trials, the machine showed readings, but, yes, as she said, the baby's heartbeat was inconsistent. Me? I was a bit blur and honestly I was not feeling anything. But I did hope that the baby would be okay, and it's just because of the effect of the anaesthesia. Maybe he's also high like me, lol. Well, it's a lie if I didn't feel worried after carrying him for the past 9 months. I want to see him alive and well.

Few seconds later the readings became consistent. I'm still having strong contractions (maximum reading of contraction on the machine) but I just felt it less, and sometimes not at all due to being drowsy. His heartbeat also became normal, although last few minutes caused panic among the nurses.

Then, about half and hour later the doctor came. He checked with the nurses, and next, he checked my opening, but it's still 3 cm. I was told that he would break my water first.

After the water broke, again, his expression was not so good. So did the nurses. He told me that the baby had pooped inside the water, and we didn't know how long has it been since he pooped, so, not to risk anything to the baby, I might have to do emergency c-section.

Seriously I was so blur that time when he explained, but I did tell him I want normal delivery. He told me it would take a long time to wait for the opening to fully dilute (10 cm). Maybe not gonna be today. I remember when he said that it was 4 p.m something. So, I told him to discuss with my husband and I'll agree if he agrees.

He did. BITCH, he said we agreed on doing c-sect at first. HELL NO! WHEN DID I EVEN AGREE?? It's a major operation and I never operate on anything. And yeah, that time I was mad and upset, but I will agree on anything that would save my baby's life if he's at risk.

Then, he went to fill in forms and everything. I was given the papers to sign (release form to be operated). I was told that husband not allowed to enter the operating room for emergency cases.

Later, I was prepped for the surgery. The anaesthetist came and asked me whether I want epidural or anaesthesia that would make me feel numb from waist to below. As usual, I chose the anaesthesia, not epi. He told me to curl and hold my knee and he injected the anaesthesia on my backbone. It went smooth and not painful at all.

After that I was moved to the operating suite and they put me in a corner to wait for the surgery room to be ready. After 10 minutes or so, they moved me to a room, and on the way there, I saw in another room, another pregnant woman was on the operating table. Why must the door be opened? lol. Scares me so much.

But once I got inside, I was not feeling anything. Not even scared. It just happened so fast for me to feel anything. Excited? Not really. I was like 'what's gonna happen, let it happen'. I gave up? I was not sure. But there I was.

I was moved to the operating table, arms strapped (I was wondering why the arms weren't let free) and the guys covered me with something and my sight was separated with a green cloth, so that I won't be seeing the operation. But I want to see how it's done.

Then the operation started. There were 2 doctors, one was my gynae doctor and one was the pediatrician. I could feel something happening down there, but I just didn't feel pain. I could feel my tummy being opened (like yanked but not yanked), and something like coming out. In short, I could feel the movement, but not the pain. What an experience. If I was to see it live, maybe I would've fainted lol.

6.09 p.m. I heard a crying baby. The baby has gotten out!! Finally 😁 I heard the doctors were talking to each other and to the attendants, and saw the ped took my baby to a place behind me to be checked. Luckily I can still move my head to see him, and there he was, looking so pretty and handsome and awesome and well (just physically).

At least his crying showed a good sign. He looked so much like his daddy, but more DASHING! I was so IN LOVE with the baby. Why so cute? Maybe it's the baby's charm. Babies are cute so that they could catch everyone's heart. And there I was wondering why would there be babies left for dead and thrown away. For a moment I was sad. To have a baby is like getting a present. Not everyone could get a present. God bless me.

After the ped checked on him and wrapped him in a blanket, he came to ask whether I want him to adzan the baby or let the father do it later. I told him as soon as possible, you can do it. Then, he took the baby to me (or he took the baby when he asked me) and I was just glad and happy to see him. Oh I would never forget that moment when I can see him clearly. From not feeling anything, I could feel a bundle of joy.

Soon, my baby was taken up to the nursery while my obgyn still finishing on me. After everything's done, I was taken to the post-op room when I was told the nurses changed shift and as the single room in the ward not ready yet, I might have to stay for a while at the delivery and labor ward (the room I stayed previously). But as it's shift changing time, so, there's nobody at the moment.

I just cannot wait to see my baby again, to cuddle and feed him. In the excitement, I was taken to my room. Nobody was there but the nurses. The doctors were already gone. My husband was nowhere to be seen. Not even until after the baby came in with a nurse and a breastfeeding consultant. She checked whether I have milk already, oh yes I already had it when I was 8 months pregnant. She taught me how to latch and start breastfreeding. Thankfully it was a success for a first timer :)

Surprisingly, it's a different feeling. By now, I know it's what we call 'bonding'. It's a different bonding between you and your husband. Maybe because of hormon. I was just happy to see him, or more to stare on him.

After the surgery and first breastfeeding, the nurse asked if I wanted the baby to stay with me or at the nursery. Then, thinking that I was really tired and sleepy, I said I wanted to rest, so the baby can go to the nursery. I also requested for a breast pump if they have any so I can pump out the milk for the baby.

FYI breast pump is available on first come, first serve , and it's charged per day. If you're thinking about pumping, maybe better you take a manual pump or even better buy your own electric pump so that you don't have to rely on the hospital ones.

Oh yeah, they're using SPECTRA S2 - the blue one with a handle and there's another one - local brand - I forgot. But I got the local one and it hurts when I first pumped. Maybe because the shield was too small for my breast. The charge for breast pump/day was RM20. Quite cheap yeah.

I had chosen single room, and the first deposit my husband paid for was RM6000. But that's for normal delivery. Never had we thought I'd be doing an emergency c-section. The total bill was RM17K++. I don't know where I put the total bill. But I still remember it was 17k for both me and the baby for a 5 days stay at the hospital. It includes neonatal treatments for jaundice and service charges.