The woes of delivery overseas

No Maternity Insurance for Locals--We are on a local insurance plan, so that includes us.  We knew this moving here.  And though it's disappointing, we were happy to take a hit if we were fortunate enough to have another baby.  Baby stuff (strollers, clothes, etc) easily costs three to four times what it does in the US.  I just read in the paper that last year's birth rate was at record low for Singapore.  Hello?!  No wonder.  Singapore does so many things well and have so many great policies, but let's stop and think about what's contributing to the low birth rate!  And some education please about all the methods of birth control may be helpful.  I was also reading how it's a problem that women are choosing abortion as a method of birth control over the pill because the pill can really wreak havoc on one's complexion.  A nice complexion or an abortion?  


Peeing on a Stick--I am grateful we aren't living in some backwards place without modern medical care.  But there are some strange things, like not routinely screening for gestational diabetes (except for in us fatty westerners who have HUGE babies) and strep-B.  The one thing though that I am so glad I only have to do a few more times is my protein/glusose test.  I thought getting the sample into a cup was a challenge with a growing belly but here you do it on a little stick.  Then you go back to the waiting room and stand there like a moron smelling the fresh drops of urine covering the stick while you wait for the nurse to come look at it.  It feels like an eternity.  After she looks at it then you and says, "Ok, normal.  Throw away." Then you get to toss it and wash your hands.


Language Barrier and 30% surcharge:  I'd hoped to do a VBAC this go around, but little Lizzie is being stubborn and won't move out of the breech position.  So, I'm finally accepting that and thinking of the benefits of scheduling the delivery.  I got a text yesterday that my doc wasn't going to be in Wednesday, so I called and rescheduled my appointment for Friday.  I asked some questions about scheduling the c-section because I wanted to know how it worked to schedule one.  I found out it's a 30% surcharge for the doctor, hospital, everything if I schedule it instead of waiting until I go into labor and then just having a c-section.  What the hell?  Honestly?  Is it not more convenient for them?  Is it not safer?  Makes NO sense. The woman was so hard to understand and just kept saying, "yes, horoscope birth 30% surcharge"  Me: "The doctor said I have to schedule it if she's breech.  Can you tell me what you mean by horoscope birth?" W: "No, chose birthday means horoscope extra 30%. Maybe you have baby turn.  Have natural (meaning not scheduled) birth no surcharge."  I get so sick of trying to communicate with people here.  English is supposed to be the lingua franca.  It's the language they're educated in. They are supposed to speak it well.  I'm not being some obnoxious American who thinks they should just speak English because I do.   I'm hoping the woman who answered the phone just didn't know what she is talking about.


Confinement: If I had a quarter for every time someone told me how I couldn't go out of my house for a month after the baby was born, drink cold water,  or shower I'd have enough to pay for the said surcharge in #3.  At first I was polite, even though I think not showering for a month after giving birth is ABSURD!  I mean, it was cute that the sweet little old lady who is making the blessing dress said she'd do it quickly so it would be done before the baby was born since I couldn't go out for a month after, but now it's just annoying.  I'm tired of being treated like an invalid and told to be careful every step I take!!  And some other facts for all you know-it-alls out there: getting sunburned will not harm my baby, swimming will not cause a miscarriage, and painting my toe nails will most definitely not give the baby birthmarks or discolorations!!  And do you know what else?!  We are thrilled that we will have two girls, so don't pity me for not having a boy when you ask what I am having!  And one last thing--my being outside during the lunar eclipse did NOTHING to comprise my baby's health.


People walk soooooooooo  slowly--Walking slowly is something that has always grated my nerves, but lately--oh!!!!!!!!  Why do I, at 81/2 months pregnant with a toddler in tow, still walk faster than 75% of the population?  Seriously people--kick it in gear!!


And now that I have that all off my chest, I feel much better.   Soon we will have a beautiful baby here and all of this won't matter.  Well, except I'll be scorned when people see me outside during that first month.  I wonder if they'll turn me in.  I'm off to do my headstand and pelvic exercises.  Gotta relax that uterus and help this baby turn!