Giving birth at Mission Hospital Phuket

[MichelleRawai]

Hi, just wondering who has given birth there, and what were your experiences? Also if anyone can recommend an excellent doctor there who supports natural birth rather than cesarian that would be great. I have seen a doctor twice there, not mentioning her name, nice enough but not willing to answer my questions, everything is a big rush and she prefers to speak Thai to my husband even though her english is good and we both asked her to speak english only. The main thing that annoys me is the rush of the appointment - today I had a few questions I wanted to ask, and she just brushed them off, saying it's too early to discuss. I'm 4 months now, and just wanted to ask if she normally tries for natural birth, and whether I'd be allowed to move around (or forced to lie on my back in stirrups for example) and have the baby in a comfortable position (eg, squatting, standing - who knows but I'd like to know if there'll be the option.) When she initially told me the due date, she said, due this date, and no later. Basically I just wanted to make sure she's the right dr for me - but I don't feel comfortable, I feel like I shouldn't ask questions, just shut up and do as I'm told. There's not an option to go private (and I've heard enough horror stories about the private hospitals anyway.) Sooo - thoughts? Experiences? Thank you!

[DogNo1]

If you have the option to do so, it might be a good idea to request a change of doctors or go to a hospital where you can find a sympathetic and communicative doctor. Brusque doctors also exist in Seattle, WA where my duughter was treated like a piece of meat when she fainted at a fitness center. Her forehead laceration and black eye were patched up at a hospital but her doctor wasn't much interested in discussing the cause of her fainting, leaving it to her to figure out. In my estimation, that constitutes malpractice but the ER docs are under so much pressure these days that they themselves complain that they can't treat patients adequately.

One suggestion I have is to PM Sheryl to see if she has any recommendations. She's the TV resident medical expert and is always willing to help. She can probably recommend a doctor in your area. Good luck!

[sunnyjim5]

Here in Thailand many people actively seek Cesarean births believing it is somehow 'better'

Even in the most expensive of hospitals the kind of interaction and shared decision making you are seeking will be difficult to find.

If your mind is set on having an agreed 'birthing plan' you will probably have to seek it outside Thailand.

Edit to add

NB

Mission is a 'private' hospital, the public hospital is Vichira also to be found in Phuket town

Edited March 14, 2016 by sunnyjim5

[canathai8]

I have the wrong sex organ to comment constructively per se - but perhaps Cheryl or Patsy Cat (2 long-time, quality female farang TV posters ) will be along shortly to weigh in.

Meanwhile - I wish you all the very best for yourself, your future baby and the father.

And I hope the child learns to speak more than one language - and takes ***music lessons - things that will auger well for their developing brain..

***I used to teach gifted students - and most of them had a musical background as a common denominator of their "status"

[MichelleRawai]

Thank you for your responses! Dog no 1 yes I seen on other forums women in Australia having the same issue with their doc. I get that they are pressured to hurry us along, Mission just schedules each a 10 minute appointment, but a more understanding attitude would be much appreciated. I will definitely see a different doctor next time and see how that goes.

p.s. I saw the forum with the pm sheryl - sorry to be ignorant, but how do I pm Sheryl??

sunny jim 5 i didn't know mission was private too! haven't heard great things about vichira...

canathai8 - thank you! our child will definitely speak english and thai. And as for music, my husband plays brilliant flamenco guitar- so our child will definitely be surrounded by music.

I've been looking into returning to Australia as an option - just not sure if it's doable financially. Hoping the next appointment with a different doctor has a better vibe!

[Patsycat]

Sorry. i no nothing about birthing babies!! Sheryl is the one to contact.

[Sheryl]

There are very few Thai doctors who are supportive of natural birth with strong patient involvement - I know of a just a handful in Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. In Phuket, is supportive of natural boirth and expat women have been happy with him. . Delivery there will cost significantly more than at Mission, however.

Frankly if you can manage to deliver in Australia it will be easier on you both financially and in terms of having the type of birth you want. Lacking that, if you can afford it, then Dr. Suppakrit at Bangkok-Phuket is your best bet.

At a government hospital you will at least not be pushed to have an unnecessary C-section (as is the norm in private hospitals) so in that sense it will be natural, but no choice of position, no father in the delivery room etc. More like Western countries 50-60 years ago.