How to get the birthing experience you want (in Bangkok)

I haven't been able to find much time to start writing again, but then I realised that life simply isn't going to give me a few spare hours a day anymore, pa ha ha. So I've promised myself that I will focus on short (and hopefully sweet) posts for a little while. Hope you like them and find them useful...

Here are my top five tips on how to get the birthing experience you want. This is from my experience at Bumrungrad earlier this year.

Ensure you have discussed your wishes with your Doctor

Emergencies happen,

and its important to listen to the professionals when they do,

but at the very least your Doctor should know your basic wishes

before you get into the labour room

Use your partner to be your voice

(they listen to dads more)

Hire a Doula

She will empower you to have a voice when it matters most to you
Article: Doulas - a friend in an hour of need
Article: Doulas Do More

Attend an Antenatal Class

Article: Knocked up.....Now What? Private Antenatal Classes in Bangkok

Politely insist on anything and everything you want

You will ultimately get it if you stick to your guns

We insisted on skin to skin, which admittedly was more of a long awkward cuddle but we got some ✅

We insisted that dad went with bubba to the nursery for her basic checks, and that it was as quick as possible ✅ (they had her back to me before I’d even left the labour room) 

We insisted that bubba came back to me for her eye drops and vitamin k injection ✅ (as above, this was done in the labour room) 

We insisted that she stayed with us ✅ (in fact she stayed with us so much that they almost forgot to do her hearing test and BCG) 

We insisted that I was with her for her hearing test and BCG ✅ (we threatened to not pay if they didn’t allow me to have physical contact with her for her BCG)

So, other than a very quick trip to the nursery with dad, I was with her for everything. We had to be politely forceful, but it’s your child, and no one should/can dictate to you.

You've got this mama!

GET INFORMED, GIVE TRUE CONSENT!

My stork arrived early...

Just a quick post to say that I am very pleased to announce that on the 1st May 2017 our baby girl was delivered safely, and happily, at Bumrungrad Hospital with the aid of Dr Somsri and team, my doula, Rasee Govindani, and of course my wonderful husband.

I went into early labour 9 days early whilst eating our favourite food in our favourite restaurant - xiao long bao in Din Tai Fung - and 17 hours later I delivered our bundle of joy.

I am very pleased to say that, whilst I won't lie - labour friggin hurts! - I asked, and was given, an epidural at 10cms dilated - the team were very respectful of our birth plan, and we got everything we asked for.

Our baby girl was never out of our sight post delivery, and eye drops and vitamin K were administered, after checks were done, in the room with us, whilst Hep B and BCG was administered a couple of days later in the nursery, again with us by her side and immediate cuddles and kisses.

I will write more about how we managed to get the birth we wanted just as soon as I can...but for now I have some very important cuddles to give!

Please don't hesitate to message me if you have any questions, I have already mastered the art of one handed typing, but I might not be blogging for a few weeks.

Big hugs and kisses to everyone out there that is TTC, pregnant or just starting their family. 

It's all such a precious time, be gentle to yourselves!

Baby Blue in Bangkok is not so blue :-)

xxx