What Kind Of New Parent Are You?

Whether you’re Kiasu, Conscious or Chill – or a combination of the three! – we’ve got great tips to smooth your journey from pregnancy to birth and beyond.

- Sara Lyle Bow, Karola Clark, Candy Lim + Neena Mittal

Kiasu

Surely, you’ve heard this Singlish term for someone who hates to miss out on the latest thing or best deal. Typically, kiasu people register for everything early, are willing to queue for something they really want and will look through dozens of online reviews to make a fully informed buying decision.

Despite the sometimes negative connotation – being kiasu can be seen as “grasping” or “selfish” – it isn’t necessarily a bad trait when it comes to raising kids! You know what they say, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Here’s how to navigate your new parenting journey, all of you Kiasu mummies and daddies:

During Pregnancy

Clearly, you will do your research here, weighing the pros and cons of private hospitals like Mt. Alvernia Hospital (www.mtalvernia. sg) vs. public ones like KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (www.kkh.com.sg). Fortunately, medical hub SG has accomplished doctors and technological advancements at both types. Questions you’ll want to ask, when deciding on where to give birth:

What are the admission procedures like?

Are there childbirth classes available?

Do you like and trust your obstetrician? Ditto the nurses or midwives?

Is there a Neonatal Intensive Care unit if your newborn requires it?

Will there be a competent paediatrician to attend to the baby once it’s born? Make sure to sign up for hospital tours of maternity and labour wards. Tip: Register early, as they can fill up fast.

For the Birth