Knocked up.....Now What? Basic labour packages in Bangkok

UPDATED at 30th July 2017

There is a lot to think about when you are growing a baby, and cost might not be at the forefront of your mind, but it is worth thinking about sooner, rather than later, as it may affect your decision of hospital (and Doctor).

If you do not have medical insurance that is covering the cost of your labour then the hospitals try to make it easier for you by advertising Birthing Packages, but you really do need to look into the small print.

TIT - Top Tips for dealing with Doctors and Hospitals in Thailand

Just a quick post today as I was musing over what I thought made the most successful Doctor visits in Bangkok

Knocked up....now what? Maternity and Paternity Leave in Thailand

So I assume you are reading this post because you are pregnant and working in Thailand. 

Hmmmm, you are not going to like the next bit.

Expectants mothers are protected by law here (Labour Protection Act 1998), BUT we only get 90 days leave per pregnancy, and only 45 days of that is on full pay, the other 45 days is on the Social Welfare Fund, oh and that allowance includes weekends and any public holidays.

It sucks, and if at all possible it pays to plan your pregnancy when the public holidays are light, so for example in 2017 try to pop your little one out in Feb/March or June/July or Sept/Oct (www.timeanddate.com/holidays/thailand) Don't be like me and find yourself heavily pregnant in the hottest month of the year, and have the longest National Holiday in the middle of what would be ideal maternity leave. Such is life and if this pregnancy journey has taught me anything it is to "roll with the punches".

Knocked up....now what? Cervical Examinations

Cervical exams used to be a routine procedure in Western practises for the later stages of pregnancy (normally from 36 weeks) I therefore, rightly or wrongly, questioned whether it was something routinely practised here in Thailand.

TIT – It takes more than two to Tango in Thailand

and how to improve your “Lead” dancer

Knocked up….now what? More tests…am I Diabetic?

Before I talk about diabetes (more precisely the gestational variety) I have to have a huge moan about the Thai Healthcare system AGAIN! Sometimes I think they are purely in this business for the money, I mean purely, no Hippocratic oath, no caring for the patients, no ethics, just plain wealth and extortion!

Knocked up….now what? Other mothers (know best) ….

After a particularly bad long haul flight I was recently suffering from jet lag and innocently posted the above photo on Facebook - a mug of hot chocolate and the book I was reading at the time. I was reading Gina Ford.