A few days ago, we (the preggy club in the office - 4 of us) asked HR about Medical procedures when we caught her in the kitchen. It was only then that she made me realize that I will not be getting Maternity coverage from our insurance. Apparently, the full 9 month period wait will complete only on the 1st Dec. I am due on the 23rd November!!! Furthermore, based on my observation from first time mommy friends, it seems the trend is giving birth 2 weeks prior to your due!!! Waaahhh!!! It’s only my boss Katherine (who is now 8 months pregnant) that says one could deliver 2 weeks later than their due date. Gosh! Baby & I would be so lucky if this happens. Although, my best friend Tina gave birth quite late too, I am worried that I could deliver early. :( This only means we have to shoulder a minimum of $2000 delivery costs, plus epidural, plus a major worry of extending to maximum $3000 if ever emergency caesarean is necessary. boo hoo.

The medical coverage was suppose to be $2000. This was why I really opted for a private hospital near our place. Yeah, I have an option of going for Al Wasl Hospital which is like 50% cheaper in every way. Al Wasl Hospital is a public hospital but well known for being a good hospital.

The truth of the matter is I am really not a public hospital type of girl.  I have told hubby about this from the very beginning of my pregnancy.  This was one of my first major decision when we got back from Pinas - which hospital to deliver in.  Of course, this also determined where I would be getting my prenatal care.

- I don’t like the hours and hours of wait.

- I prefer having proper appointments, wherein the set time is followed.

- I like to be treated like a well paying customer.

- I need to feel at ease & confident with the doctor.   I will be treated by this same person for nine months max so I might as well be comfortable with her.

- I like it when the nurses and staff are friendly and very helpful.

- I prefer a place that is highly recommended by many satisfied patients who have been treated and delivered there.

- I don’t like being passed around different doctors unnecessarily.

- I can’t imagine the inconvenience of having to risk getting stuck in traffic when I am due to deliver, therefore, proximity is very important.

- I need to get a good feeling of the place.  Ambience is very important to me.

Reading the points back, I feel like I am looking for a Spa or hotel. hahaha.  Although, all these are met by the current hospital I keep coming back to. My doctor is nice like a mom.  The staff are all friendly and helpful.  The place has a very comfortable ambience that encourages me to keep coming back. We still have to go for a maternity tour to see how the maternity wards or suites look like.  Sigh.  All these definitely come with a price.

Well, this is our first baby so I would like the delivery to be good experience.  We do plan to have more in the future. :)

Sigh. I better start filling up my piggy bank just for the delivery costs.  hahaha.  Think about the other expenses that will follow… ah well… that’s just money.  Imagine the bliss when we finally get to hold our baby in our arms!!!  As a friend said, it is that time that you will realize “It’s all worth it!”

When this year entered, I didn’t expect that this year will bring so much into my life.  I wasn’t expecting that after this and that I will be so blessed to be celebrating my very first Mother’s Day as a Mom-to-be.

Thank you so much to all those who have welcomed me so warmly into this wonderful journey by greeting me.  After all the pain that I went through, this greeting is simply music to my ears.  I have even greater appreciation for each and every moment of this blessing.

Yesterday, Karen celebrated Mother’s Day in the most special way - by bringing her beautiful Danielle Louise into the world just in time to be a full-pledge mommy!!!

Congratulations Karen & Don!!!

Hubby and I got even more excited for the arrival of our very own bundle of joy!  Hubby mentioned to me this morning that we will be checking out baby stuff this weekend. hehehe.

I hope all Mommies had a good Mother’s Day!