Guide to Maternity Hospitals, Prenatal Classes and Breastfeeding Classes in Singapore

Pregnancy and the lead up to childbirth is a milestone and a truly exciting time. However, because there are so many crucial decisions to be made and so many things to be learnt in less than a year, we understand how overwhelming this time can become.

That’s why we’ve collected the following resources to help you make some of these decisions, with a list of some of the top Singapore maternity hospitals, great places to take prenatal classes and additional places to learn about breastfeeding. Taking a class also has the benefit of providing comprehensive information that will greatly assist you in this time. Keep reading to learn more.

Maternity hospitals

Deciding where to have your baby is a big decision. You want to make sure it’s a comfortable environment, but it’s not just the physical aspects of the hospital that are important. There’s the staff, the doctors, and the nurses. Perhaps you also have preferences for the type of birth experience you would like to have. All of these factors play a role in deciding which maternity hospital is right for you. Luckily, there are many high quality hospitals on offer in Singapore to choose from. Below are a few that you may wish to consider.

Gleneagles Hospital

Gleneagles Hospital provides a variety of private room options to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. They also provide complimentary services such as head and shoulder massages and limousine transport for those wishing to experience childbirth in style. A range of suites are on offer with included services bundled with different room packages.

KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital

The largest hospital that specialises in care for women and children, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital offers a full portfolio of high quality care options, including 28 private delivery rooms, the ability to choose an obstetrician to conduct the delivery, whole of pregnancy care, health screenings, a nursery, and on site birth registration.

Mount Alvernia Hospital

Take a tour of the facilities at Mount Alvernia Hospital to get familiar with the packages on offer, at this world class hospital which delivers over 5000 babies yearly. It’s Singapore’s first private and only not-for-profit Catholic hospital.

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Mount Elizabeth Hospital is another high quality option. You can choose from private or ward rooms, and there’s also ‘Parentcraft’ services which can answer all your questions about general newborn care, bathing and breastfeeding. Choose from a range of different options according to your preferences and budget.

National University Hospital

Packages which suit Singapore citizens, permanent residents and foreigners are on offer at National University Hospital, along with Antenatal packages and a pre-registration service. Additionally the medical and nursing staff will help show you how to care for yourself and your baby after delivery.

Prenatal Classes

Prenatal classes are a great way to get ready for childbirth, and will help to ease many of your concerns as you approach the big day. If it’s your first pregnancy you will no doubt have many questions about your body, diet, exercise, hospitals, and health. Even if it’s not your first child, you may still have questions, or may wish to have a different experience this time, and going to a prenatal class can be a great way to learn more and feel as prepared as you can. The following are some examples of prenatal classes that you can take in Singapore.

Mother & Child

A prenatal and postnatal education centre, Mother & Child provides a range of classes that can maintain a continuity of care through childbirth. In terms of prenatal care, there are classes that help to address your expectations of pregnancy, as well as childbirth preparations classes, massage therapy and TENS machine hire.

Parkway East Hospital – Antenatal Care / Parentcraft

Parkway East Hospital provides an antenatal course to give you all the information you need as you prepare for childbirth and parenthood. Husbands are encouraged to also attend the sessions. There is also a segment specifically addressing the father’s role as well as exercise sessions that help keep you in shape and get you ready for childbirth.

Thomson Medical

Thomson Medical offers the choice between a one-day intensive course for those looking to get as much knowledge as quickly as possible, and also a four-week course that also addresses a few additional topics. Additionally, they provide a course on hypnobirthing, which teaches you how to relax naturally and thus lessen your dependence on medication.

Mount Elizabeth

Gain clarity in your journey towards parenthood, and have your questions answered at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. They will teach you about maternal nutrition, relaxation training, breathing exercises, breastfeeding and how to look after your newborn. It’s a great way to get all the information you need and build your confidence and knowledge.

Mount Alvernia

Mount Alvernia provides parentcraft services to assist you through your pregnancy. They adopt a whole of care approach and can provide you with information about what to experience through your pregnancy. Key features of their prenatal service include consultations, education courses, and the ability to arrange home visits at your request.

Singapore General Hospital

In addition to routine visits, checkups and ultrasounds, Singapore General Hospital also provides antenatal across four sessions addressing normal changes in pregnancy, nutrition, psychological preparation, breastfeeding, parentcraft, a tour, pain relief and preparation for delivery.

Breastfeeding Classes

You’ve probably heard a lot about breastfeeding – both good experiences, great advice and not-so-happy stories as well. Taking a breastfeeding class will provide you with valuable information and allow you to make important decisions based on facts, as well as making you feel more comfortable (especially if this is your first rodeo!). There are many breastfeeding-specific classes available to choose from, and we have gathered a selection of those that are on offer below.

Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group

Find emotional support and encouragement at the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group, which runs a number of events throughout the year. In addition to providing support, you can also take classes, counselling, and attend events which provide information about breastfeeding. All workshops on breastfeeding are delivered by accredited educators.

Mother & Child

Reach out to Mother & Child for information about good breastfeeding and feeding techniques. If you experience discomfort, certified lactation consultants are well placed to help you and may be able to improve your technique. Mother & Child also offer additional pre and postnatal services to assist you adapt to the challenge of being a new mother.

Thomson Medical

For many women, breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally – it takes a lot of work. You can get in contact with the team at Thomson Medical for a personalised breastfeeding consultation, which can be in the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, they also offer a workshop which covers topics such as maintaining your breast shape and weaning your baby off breastmilk.

Mount Alvernia

Like many hospitals, Mount Alvernia includes breastfeeding specific information as part of their maternity care. In addition to prenatal classes, they also offer consultation for breastfeeding and can also arrange for home visits.

Beloved Bumps

Learn how to breastfeed or bottle feed correctly in this unbiased and non judgemental class. Choose from a variety of locations across Singapore – so you can attend the one that is closest to you. Beloved Bumps also has an emphasis on getting to know other couples, and provides a postnatal reunion so you can keep in touch with others that are going through the same experience as you.

Choosing your prenatal and postnatal care facility

Having a baby is an exciting time – yet there’s so much to learn and prepare for it. Choosing a great maternity hospital and package is one of the biggest decisions you will make, but taking prenatal classes and learning about breastfeeding will help to ease your concerns and will give you confidence. We hope you find this article useful as you go through this exciting period of your life with your little one.

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