Sassy Mama Hong Kong - Experts - 1

Guide To Baby Passport Applications In Hong Kong

Karen Chiang — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 22:00:10 +0000

Applying for a passport for your newborn baby in Hong Kong can feel like braving the MTR at rush hour, but have no fear Sassy Mamas — we have it sorted! We’ve done the research and included useful links to help you more easily navigate the process.

While getting your newborn a passport may seem daunting, in reality, it’s quite easy for passports for most countries in the world. What is essential is getting all documents and paperwork in order (births in Hong Kong have to be registered within 42 days of delivery). Sit back and relax as we help you navigate through the process of applying for your newborn baby’s first passport in Hong Kong.

Sassy Mama Tip: There are a bunch of small photography shops on Wellington and Stanley Street in Central that will do baby passport photos. Most baby passport photo requirements include having a plain white or light background, so mums may consider bringing a white bed sheet to cover their hands while supporting a baby for the photo.

Here’s how to get a passport for your baby for the following countries:

Hong Kong
Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
France
India
USA

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong government wins on accessibility and ease of baby passport application. To apply in person (with original documents), you can make an appointment online or by phone 2598 0888. You can also apply by post or drop-in (with photocopied documents), but this may extend the process by two to three working days. Within 14 working days, you can collect your baby’s passport at any of the seven locations, or even designate a representative to pick it up using a signed authorisation (ID 678).

Is my child eligible for a Hong Kong passport?

If your child is a Chinese citizen, a permanent resident of the HKSAR and a holder of a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card (see these FAQs to learn more), then yes!

What do I need to apply for?

The only paperwork you’ll need is the simple two-page ID 842 form, found here. But if your child does not yet have their permanent identity card, an additional Acknowledgement of Application for a Hong Kong permanent identity card (ROP140/140A) is needed.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

If your child already has a permanent identity card:

The completed ID 842 form
The child’s Hong Kong permanent identity card
One recent colour photograph on a white background (40mm width X 50mm height)
Consenting parent’s Hong Kong identity card or valid travel document
The child’s birth certificate with the consenting parent’s name, or a court order for proof of consenting legal guardian’s custodial rights
Application fee (HK$185 for 32 pages or $230 for 48 pages) to be paid via EPS, cash or credit.
One additional document with proof of identity or a Form for Countersignature (ID 641) with a copy of the countersigner’s identifying document

If your child does not yet have a Hong Kong permanent identity card:

The completed ID 842 form
Completed application form for a Hong Kong permanent identity card (ROP140/140A)
Document supporting the child’s right of abode (a Hong Kong birth certificate showing permanent residence status is sufficient)
The child’s birth certificate with the consenting parent’s name, or a court order for proof of consenting legal guardian’s custodial rights
Two identical recent colour photographs on a white background (40mm width X 50mm height)
Consenting parent’s Hong Kong identity card or valid travel document
Application fee
Plus one other document with proof of identity or a Form for Countersignature (ID 641) with a copy of the countersigner’s identifying document

Our local government certainly made this a pain-free process, and has even provided a condensed guide to filling out the forms here. Your tot will be a milk-tea-sipping, egg tart-gobbling child in no time!

Australia

To obtain a baby passport from the land down under, you’ll need to visit the Australian Consulate-General in Wanchai to submit forms in person with your child. Luckily, there are convenient times for lodging applications, from Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. In roughly six weeks, you can pick up the newly minted baby passport or have it delivered by mail.

Is my child eligible for an Australian passport?

If either parent or guardian is an Australian citizen, your child is eligible for an Australian passport.

What do I need to apply for?

You’ll first need to apply for Australian Citizenship by descent (this takes around one month), and you’ll need your child’s original Hong Kong birth certificate in order to apply. After making an appointment at the Passports Office, you can fill out the form for Australian Passport Overseas Application online, and print out to be signed and dated. Alternatively, you can collect a paper copy at the Wanchai Passports Office.

To complete the passport application form, both parents with parental responsibility for the child must give consent on the form, and the consent signing must be witnessed. This can be done at the Consulate-General by appointment.

Each passport application must be supported by the child’s original Australian Citizenship Certificate or original full Australian Birth Certificate to prove Australian citizenship. Extracts, commemorative birth certificates or birth cards cannot be used.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Here’s a checklist for the necessary documents and forms when lodging your application:

The completed Application form
Application fee (HKD $1,461 for a five-year validity passport), not including any additional Consular Fees if needed. Only HKD is accepted, and this can be paid in cash or credit card. This fee is adjusted monthly, so be sure to check out the fee table before you go.
The child’s proof of Australian citizenship (see requirements above).
Your proof of citizenship, either your Australian passport (valid for two years or more) or your Australian Citizenship Certificate.
Original birth certificate (with the names of both parents) or a B-6 form if no birth certificate is available. If the birth certificate is not in English, a certified translation is required.
Two colour photographs (35-40mm width X 45-50mm height), with one signed as a true photograph by a guarantor (someone who possesses an Australian passport or employed in specific fields)

For further details, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a super helpful Overseas Note for passport application.

Canada

So you hail from the land of maple syrup and ice hockey? It’s relatively straightforward to get your child’s passport from the Consulate General’s office in Quarry Bay. You can mail in or drop-off your application, or make an appointment to present your documents in person. It takes around 20 working days to process an application, but you should allow five to six weeks in total to include mailing time.

Is my child eligible for a Canadian passport?

If either parent is a Canadian citizen before your child was born, then your child is eligible for a Canadian passport.

What do I need to apply for?

You’ll need to complete a passport application form online or on paper, as well as the following list of documents:

A completed Child Abroad General Passport Application Form (PPTC 042), signed by both parents or legal guardians (if applicable).
Proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g. a long-form birth certificate or citizenship certificate).
Proof of parentage or legal guardianship, and any documents related to custody or decision-making (if applicable).
Any valid Canadian passport or travel document issued in the child’s name.
Two identical Canadian passport photos, with one signed by a guarantor.
Payment receipt showing passport fees have been paid online.
If documents are not in English or French, an official translation is required.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Both parents must be present for the application process along with your child.

A fully completed application form
Two identical passport photos (50mm wide X 70mm high) – one must be signed by a Guarantor (the ‘other’ applying parent can be your Guarantor)
Original or certified copies of required documents (see above)
Payment receipt for online fees.

You can find all the details along with the link to the online application process on the official website.

United Kingdom

The good news is that the entire British passport process is completed online without need for any appointments in person (interviews in special cases), the bad news is the whole process can take over eight weeks, so make sure you’re planning well ahead!

Is my child eligible for a British passport?

If you or your partner are British “not by descent”, meaning that someone was able to obtain British citizenship either on their own or were born in Britain, then your child will be able to become a British citizen “by descent”. You can learn more about your child’s eligibility on the government website.

What do I need to apply for?

A passport and a digital passport photo taken at home or at a photo shop (detailed guidelines are given during the online application process).

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Since everything is conveniently done online, you’ll only need a credit card. Some additional details to have on hand:

Passport numbers of both parents
A digital passport photo
A complete colour copy of any other current passports issued by other countries
Plus additional supporting documents that may need to be provided in this handy-dandy chart
A MasterCard/Visa/Visa Electron/Visa Debit card to pay a total of £85.36 online, which includes the passport fee (£65.50) and courier fee (£19.86).

You need to enter all this into the online passport application service website, and once the application is through you can continue to track your application online.

France

Is my child eligible for a French passport?

If at least one parent is a French national, your child is eligible for a French passport.

What do I need to apply for?

Applying for a French passport in Hong Kong can sometimes be tricky. It requires original documents and a complete set of photocopies and the consulate is often very crowded. So go through these details carefully to make sure you have everything you need before making an appointment online.

Along with the passport, you must apply for a request for transcription of the birth certificate (to be completed by the French parent). While requesting transcription, it is necessary to indicate any accents on the child’s first name.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Your baby. All passport applications require the physical presence of the applicant, though you needn’t bring your child (under 12 years old) while picking up the passport.
One passport photo taken less than six months ago, refer to photo requirements here.
A transcribed copy of your baby’s Hong Kong birth certificate.
Proof of French nationality of at least one parent on the date of birth of the baby.
Passports of both parents with photocopies
A French marriage certificate. If you have a foreign marriage certificate, it is advisable to request a transcription from the French consulate.
The parents’ family booklet with a photocopy of the marriage page (if you are married); otherwise a full copy of each parent’s birth certificate.
A request for transcription of the birth certificate. You can download these forms here.

India

Is my child eligible for an Indian passport?

If either you or your spouse is an Indian citizen, then your child is eligible. Note that Indians are not allowed dual citizenship, so this will be the only passport you will apply for.

What do I need to apply for?

If you are applying for an Indian passport for your newborn baby, you’ll have to first apply for the birth registration certificate online and declare that the child does not hold a passport from any other country. Remember that passport and visa services have been outsourced to an external application centre, BLS. The application usually takes a month (20 working days).

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

An application form that has been filled in online and then printed out
You must bring your baby
An affidavit signed by both parents and attested by the Office of Oath Commissioner of Hong Kong/Macau.
Both parents must be present or a single parent with passport of both. You must also produce an affidavit if you are a single parent or if the other parent is not available for certain reasons (mentioned under para II). If a parent is unable to obtain the consent from the other parent for obtaining the passport for the child, another affidavit must be submitted along with supporting documents.
Original and self-attested photocopies of the first two and last pages of the parent(s)‘ passport(s).
Original and self-attested photocopies of the HKIDs/valid visas of the parent(s).
Three recent passport-size photographs (2 inch X 2 inch) with full face and ears visible and a white background
Original and self-attested photocopy of the baby’s birth certificate
Original and self-attested photocopy of the marriage certificate of parents.
In case one of the parents is a foreign national, a certificate from the Embassy/Consulate of the foreign country stating that the child has not been registered as its citizen and not been issued a passport OR a signed affidavit by the parents, attested by the Office of Oath Commissioner of Hong Kong.
An undertaking submitted by both parents declaring that they have not applied for foreign nationality for the baby.
Fees of $679 (including passport and birth registration fees)

Refer to the BLS International page for more details about applying for an Indian passport for newborn babies.

USA

Applying for an American passport requires just three simple steps. Make an appointment at the US Consulate in Hong Kong online for business hours, Monday through Friday.

Is my child eligible for an American passport?

If either you or your partner are American citizens, then your child is able to receive a US passport too.

What do I need to apply for?

You will need the Passport Form (DS-11 form) completed either online or by hand. Ignore the part of the form which asks you to mail, and rather, bring it with you to the Consulate once you’ve made an appointment online. For children born outside of the US, you also need to apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Your baby must be at the appointment
Both you and your spouse must be present, and bring your passports
Or, your passport and a copy of the other parent’s passport, along with a notarised form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) signed by the absent parent
Your child’s birth certificate (original and official translation, if not in English) or any of the following: Consular Report of Birth (FS-240); Adoption Decree; Court Order establishing custody or guardianship; or an Official school or medical records showing both parents’ names, to be used a proof of parentage
A document proving US citizenship, which can be any of the following: a US birth certificate or CBRA; a US naturalisation certificate; or a certificate of citizenship (issued by USCIS)
A US passport-sized photo of your baby (2 inch X 2 inch or 5cm X 5cm) on a white background
USD$135 in cash (USD or HKD) or by credit card (USD only) to pay the application and execution fees.

For more details, check out the step-by-step guide here. Once these things are in order you’ll be ready to jet off with bubs! Bon voyage, mama!

The post Guide To Baby Passport Applications In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Chinese Soups That Help Breastfeeding And Postpartum Replenishment

Sassy Mama — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 22:00:09 +0000

Chinese soups can play an important role in postnatal recovery. We spoke to a practising certified Naturopath and Herbalist about traditional Chinese medicinal recipes and herbal soups used for postpartum replenishment. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery after pregnancy and delivery!

Congratulations, mama! You did it and now you have a newborn in your arms. As you enter this new phase, know that you have a fantastic journey ahead. A woman who has recently had a baby is a bit like a car that has been driven from Mongolia to Hong Kong. That car really needs some maintenance! You wouldn’t expect that car to run well for long if you kept putting gas in the gas tank and neglected the systems that combust that fuel, would you?

Common postpartum distresses (4 to 6 weeks after delivery) are depleted energy, breastfeeding problems and emotional fluctuation which can develop into postnatal depletion (lethargy, memory disturbances and bone and hair challenges). You owe it to yourself (and your baby) to care for yourself. It’s also considered the golden period to nourish and rejuvenate yourself and grow to be a great mum.

We spoke to Peggie Zih, a practising certified Naturopath and Herbalist at Zenses in Health to find out more about Chinese soups and their role in postpartum recovery. Peggie specialises in diet and herbalism by combining traditional Chinese, Western and Ayurvedic herbalism.

Why Have Chinese Herbal Soups After Delivery?

The first thing after delivery is about establishing a nutritious milk supply. This is important for developing a bond between you and your baby and supporting your baby in developing a healthy immune system. Breastfeeding and postpartum recovery are closely related. Why?

When you breastfeed, oxytocin will be released which increases milk supply. Oxytocin is also an important hormone for uterine retraction which will also prevent haemorrhaging.

“Besides, breastfeeding burns 300 to 500 calories per day and you’ll need to consume 2 to 3 cups more fluids than non-breastfeeding moms.”

Your baby demands nutrients from the breastmilk regardless of the mother’s body. So now you can see how repletion and rebuilding of nutrients in an easily assimilated way is critical during postpartum if you want your baby healthy and cherished.

Nutrient-rich fluids, soups, in particular, fit this bill perfectly – ingredients slow-cooked in water making the nutrients more digestible and quickly absorbed. Nourishing the blood, energy, and body systems will enable you to keep on a healthy high note in your parenthood. Chinese culture (and many Asian cultures too) have a long history of eating nutrient-rich soups during postpartum. Those who went through a planned postnatal recovery programme often feel stronger and younger than pre-pregnancy!

Ingredients To Put In Your Chinese Soup For Optimal Postnatal Recovery

Gentle and natural energy boosters will be vital during the first two weeks. These are food ingredients and mild herbs that are perfect with a focus on breastmilk let-down. Some herbs for lactation:

Fennel seed, which also helps with baby’s colic
Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus), increases prolactin which in turn boost breast milk supply
Tong Cao, has a slight diuretic effect which can lead to potassium excretion

Other food ingredients that are also helpful in let-down include peanuts, cashews, lyceum berry, snow fungus, figs and Papaya.

Chinese Soup Ingredients: Herbs For Lactation And Better Sleep

As bleeding stops (usually happen 10 to 14 days after delivery), you can increase tonic herbs in your soup to support your blood and energy building. Examples include Dang Gui, Dang Shen (Codonopsis), and Red Sage. All these herbs nourish blood and enhances circulation.

You can use American Ginseng, Ashwagandha or Siberian ginseng in replenishing energy. Adding a small amount of Chen Pi or Orange peel to your soups also has carminative/qi regulating effect to prevent any stagnation or congestion. Your sleep during the initial weeks tends to be intermittent so getting restful sleep will help with your mental health as well as your breastfeeding – you can use lotus seed, lily bulb, longan berry, Orange Daylily, and Reishi mushrooms (Ling Zhi).

Chinese Soup Ingredients: Nourishing Herbs

As the postpartum journey progresses, you may want to reduce fluid retention. You can use a combination of herbs and food for reducing fluid retention, improving digestion and boosting circulation to get back to your previous fitness levels. Try: Lycium berry (Gou Qi Zi), sprouted red/black beans, Black Fungus, Siberian Ginseng, Hawthorn Berry.

Legumes are excellent nourishing ingredients for Chinese soups, as sprouting will enable the breaking down of nutritive protein in an easily assimilated fashion. The fibre in the soup promotes digestion and healthy bowel movement.

Where To Get Good Ingredients For Your Chinese And Herbal Soups

To make the soups needed for postnatal recovery and replenishment, the key is choosing the right and quality ingredients. We want mothers to get maximal nutrition without having to worry about any pesticides, hormones, sulphur or heavy metals. It would be a shame to let toxins through this critical time!

Look at places that offer fresh and organic ingredients. There are also a lot of alternative therapy practitioners in Hong Kong who offer postnatal recovery programmes and suitable diets, ingredients and supplements. Find one that’s suitable for your needs and have a happy and healthy postpartum period. If you have a confinement nanny, she would be happy to help you make the most nourishing Chinese soup you need.

Where To Order Chinese Soups For Postpartum Recovery In Hong Kong

Not feeling so confident about making your own Chinese soups and confinement meals? Don’t worry! There are plenty of Hong Kong meal delivery services that include confinement meals. Read though our guide of the best meal delivery services in the city to pick the best plan. There are even options for babies and toddlers so new mums can rest and recover as they should!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2016, and most recently updated in October 2024.

This is part of a special series, “All About Breastfeeding In Hong Kong“. For more posts on breastfeeding in Hong Kong, click here.

The post Chinese Soups That Help Breastfeeding And Postpartum Replenishment appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Maternity Insurance In Hong Kong: Health Insurance For Pregnancy And Childbirth

Sassy Mama — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 22:00:53 +0000

Having maternity insurance in Hong Kong is a must if you plan to deliver your baby in a private hospital. Navigating the very specific pregnancy clauses on your health insurance, well that’s the tricky part!

If you plan to have children in a Hong Kong private hospital, maternity insurance is something you need to consider sooner, rather than later. This type of coverage isn’t a basic inclusion in most health insurance policies and the cost of giving birth in Hong Kong certainly isn’t something to laugh about. Here’s what to look out for in a good maternity insurance in Hong Kong.

Giving Birth In Hong Kong: How Much It Costs?

First, the good news is that Hong Kong is home to some of the best medical and healthcare facilities in the world. Hong Kong ID card holders are given access to quality services at public hospitals. If you don’t have the card though, or prefer the less crowded maternity wards at private hospitals like the Matilda, Gleneagles or Sanatorium, giving birth can cost upwards of $100,000 – and that’s just for a normal delivery!

Hong Kong Maternity Insurance: What Does It Cover?

Maternity insurance can help you offset the mind-boggling costs. Now, basic maternity coverage usually has the following inclusions:

Pre-natal care. Including consultations, check-ups and treatments during pregnancy
Post-natal care. Including hospitalisation, newborn care, checkups, treatments and more

Aside from basic coverage on doctor visits, ultrasounds, labour and delivery, a good health insurance plan should also take into account the possibility of complications. With maternity insurance, you can also get covered for the costs of the following:

Treatment for congenital birth defects and other complications
Delivery with complications
Caesarean section
Delivery requiring emergency surgery
Congenital defects treatment
Extended complimentary coverage for newborns

Sassy Mama Tip: You’ll want to read the fine print on inclusions and limits very carefully! For example, some maternity insurance providers will only cover prenatal checkups with an obstetrician and not a midwife.

Maternity Insurance Terms And Meanings You Need To Know

Local maternity insurance — Only covers you within Hong Kong

International maternity insurance — covers you internationally (exclusions may apply)

Waiting periods — Specifies how long you need to wait before receiving any maternity-related benefits. To make the most out of your insurance plan, the idea is to apply for maternity coverage before you conceive, or just as you’re planning to have a child.

Until conception — This mandate on your maternity insurance plan means that you’d need to wait a certain period after purchasing the plan before you can conceive, in order to enjoy full coverage on the costs of pregnancy.

Start of plan — Your maternity coverage starts after the waiting period is complete. You can conceive any time after the purchase of the policy but won’t be able to make a claim within a specific period of time.

Insurance year — Most maternity insurance policies will have annual limits, but it is worth knowing whether yours resets on 1, January, or on the policy anniversary. For example, let’s say you’re due to give birth in January, and the policy covers $50,000 per year. If you spent $40,000 on pre-natal checkups in the first 8 months of pregnancy (taking you to December), then your premium will reset, giving you another round of $50,000 to spend from January onwards on the birth and post-natal care.

Emergency Complications — Most maternity insurance policies should have clauses for medical emergencies and complications.

Maternity Insurance In Hong Kong: Other Things To Consider When Purchasing

There aren’t maternity insurance-only plans in Hong Kong; maternity coverage is usually an add-on to a general health insurance plan. On the plus side, when you up your medical insurance to include maternity benefits, it will often come with a range of coverage that you might not have previously considered — acupuncture, chiropractic, psychology and counselling and more.

It’s also worth knowing that if you have a complicated, high-risk pregnancy or go into pre-term labour (usually before 34 weeks), you will most likely be referred to the public maternity wards for treatment, regardless of your private maternity insurance.

The insurance landscape can be complicated when it comes to maternity coverage. This is one time when it is probably best to talk to a broker to discuss the pros and cons of maternity insurance policies with different providers. One might have a higher coverage, but a longer waiting period. Another might involve co-payments or deductibles. Only you can make the decision on which is best suited for your needs.

The post Maternity Insurance In Hong Kong: Health Insurance For Pregnancy And Childbirth appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Obstetrician And Gynaecologists In Hong Kong: Tips For Choosing An OBGYN

Sassy Mama — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 22:00:01 +0000

Choosing an obstetrician and gynaecologist should be your top task as a soon-to-be-Mama. Here are the best OBGYN clinics in Hong Kong.

A good obstetrician and gynaecologist who you trust and respect is almost as important as your partner when you’re expecting. Even if it’s not for delivery, they will help with your annual health checkup and any issues related to menstruation, fertility, sexual health and more. We’ve rounded up the best obstetrician and gynaecologist clinics in Hong Kong and highlighted everything that you need to consider when deciding on an OBGYN in Hong Kong.

Obstetrician And Gynaecologist Clinics In Hong Kong

Matilda International Hospital – Widely respected obstetricians and gynaecologists in Hong Kong

Matilda International Hospital offers a complete range of maternity services including antenatal care, hospital care for delivery and postnatal support. Plus, you can also get trusted guidance for family planning, fertility consultation and menopause and treatment for endometriosis, incontinence and more.

Matilda International Hospital, 41 Mount Kellet Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 6016 1680, www.matilda.org

Gleneagles Hospital – Comprehensive obstetrics and gynaecology services in Hong Kong

Gleneagles Hospital has a multidisciplinary obstetrics and gynaecology team that uses cutting-edge technology to offer a range of treatments from menopause and gynaecological oncology to antenatal care and post-natal advice. Check out its full range of services here.

Gleneagles Hospital, 1 Nam Fung Path, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, 3153 9000, WhatsApp: 6452 3581, www.gleneagles.hk

Canossa Hospital (Caritas) – Personalised OBGYN services in Hong Kong

Accredited by the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, the maternity unit at Canossa Hospital offers personalised and experienced care to pregnant women from preparation for childbirth to exercise classes to help maintain general fitness. Plus, it has specialist clinics offering outpatient gynaecology services, refer to its list of clinics here.

Canossa Hospital (Caritas), 1 Old Peak Road, Hong Kong, 2522 2181, www.canossahospital.org.hk

OT&P Healthcare Family Clinic – Obstetricians and gynaecologists in Hong Kong covering all stages of women’s health

OT&P’s women’s health services cover all stages of a woman’s health such as adolescence, fertility, pregnancy and beyond. From gynaecology and midwifery to paediatrics and women’s mental health, you’ll be in good hands here.

OT&P Healthcare Family Clinic, LG/F Century Square, 1 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2155 9055, www.otandp.com

Central Health – OBGYN offers all-rounded care for its patients

The expert team of obstetricians and gynaecologists at Central Health works closely with its general practice, paediatrics and other services to ensure seamless, all-rounded care for its patients. Check out its team and services here.

Central Health, 3/F, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2824 0822, www.centralhealth.com.hk

More Obstetrician And Gynaecologist Clinics In Hong Kong

Family Planning Association – Sexual and reproductive health services for all women. www.famplan.org.hk
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital – A wide range of compassionate and personalised gynaecological and obstetric services in Hong Kong. www.hksh-hospital.com
Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital – Has maternity wards that are specifically designed with patient comfort as the priority. www.twah.org.hk
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital – Family-centered, maternal and child care for you and your baby. www.hkbh.org.hk
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – A wide range of women’s health services including health consultations, gynaecological exams and diagnosis, prenatal screening and more. www.hkah.org.hk

Tips For Choosing An Obstetrician-Gynaecologist In Hong Kong

Look For Recommendations And Bedside Manners

Scan online forums, testimonials and official websites and enquire about consultation fees. Schedule an introductory appointment with the specialist of your choice. Observe the doctor’s bedside manners. A doctor with whom you can be upfront about worries, one who answers your questions thoroughly and has the magic mix of knowledge and compassion to soothe any nerves is the best doctor for you and the baby.

Have A Birth Plan

You won’t have one as soon as you find out you’re pregnant (unless it’s not your first). But you will have a broad idea of what you want and don’t (natural birth, C-section, V-BAC, etc.). Through your antenatal checkups, reiterate these with your doctor.

There is no sure-shot way of giving birth and your obstetrician may have to change direction, depending on how the pregnancy and labour progress. But if things are on track, it’s integral that the doctor is on board with all your wishes, be it for the birth or post-delivery plan.

Check The Doctor’s Availability And Accessibility

Doctors are busy, no doubt, but if they aren’t likely to be available when you need them, they aren’t right for you. This might happen for a variety of reasons. If you are a high-risk patient, if it’s a second baby, etc., you may expect to have shorter labour or more immediate assistance.

A doctor who can get to the hospital you’re booked into faster than others will be an advantage. Babies rarely follow a schedule (unless it’s a planned C-section), but check your doctor’s holiday calendar close to your due date (especially if it’s around Christmas or the summer holidays).

Editor’s Note: “Obstetrician And Gynaecologists In Hong Kong: Tips For Choosing An OBGYN” was most recently updated in August 2023 by Najuka Redkar. Special thanks to Nikita Mishra for her contribution.

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“Just Because Breastfeeding Is “Normal” Doesn’t Mean It’s Easy.” Your Questions Answered By A La Leche League Leader

Sassy Mama — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 22:00:06 +0000

“For mothers who want to breastfeed: you have it in you to do the hard work!”. We speak to experienced breastfeeding expert, La Leche League Leader, and mum of two, Molly Grenham. Your breastfeeding questions are answered, mama.

The dream scenario for many breastfeeding mamas is to be someone who effortlessly can hold the baby at our breast with one hand and juggle all other commitments with the other. No surprise then, that when reality (and our babies sometimes) bites, we can feel like giving up.

Breastfeeding can be challenging and, in some cases, it is even more so in Hong Kong. To help all mamas who want to breastfeed, we speak with breastfeeding expert Molly Grenham, a La Leche League Leader in Hong Kong, to ask her some breastfeeding questions.

Find out:

The most common breastfeeding complaint in Hong Kong
Why it can be challenging to breastfeed in Hong Kong
Molly’s four top tips for breastfeeding and more

Part of La Leche League International, this nonprofit, La Leche League in Hong Kong is dedicated to providing support, encouragement and information to women who want to breastfeed. Let Molly help you and your little one get started on your journey!

Editor’s Note: “Your Breastfeeding Questions Answered By A La Leche League Leader” was originally published in July 2020 by Anita Balagopalan and updated in July 2022 by Alex Purcell Garcia.

This is part of a special series, “All About Breastfeeding In Hong Kong“. For more posts on breastfeeding in Hong Kong, click here.

The post “Just Because Breastfeeding Is “Normal” Doesn’t Mean It’s Easy.” Your Questions Answered By A La Leche League Leader appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Preparing For Birth In A Public Hospital In Hong Kong

Sassy Mama — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 22:00:49 +0000

Giving birth in a Hong Kong public hospital might seem like a daunting prospect. Thankfully, we live in a city with world-class, affordable health care and Sassy Mama is here to help with everything you need to know about prenatal care and delivery in the public hospital system.

So, you’re pregnant? Congratulations, mama-to-be! If you’re a first-time mum or are new to Hong Kong, deciding where to give birth is important and can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what is involved. Sometimes, the decision is made for you, given the prohibitive costs of private hospitals or if you have complications. If you have opted to deliver at a public hospital in Hong Kong, we’re here to help.

How To Register Your Pregnancy At The Hong Kong Public Hospital

Upon confirmation of your pregnancy, you will be provided with a letter from your midwife/GP/obstetrician. With this letter, you will be able to register with the public maternity system in Hong Kong.

At the earliest opportunity, call your nearest Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC). These are external clinics associated with some of the public hospitals. You could also call the hospital directly to make your first appointment.

Need To Know: All public hospitals work within catchment areas; therefore you will have a designated public hospital based on your address.

However, if you have a preference for an alternative public hospital outside your catchment area, then there may be the option of registering with them, depending on their capacity (look below for our list of public hospitals, including reviews by Sassy Mamas who have given birth in them). In this case, it would be wise to call your chosen hospital directly to enquire about their availability.

Documents Required To Register Your Pregnancy

Once you have made your booking appointment (there is usually around a 4-week waiting time for this), then you can gather the required paperwork. To register, you will require your confirmation of pregnancy letter, your Hong Kong ID card, a proof of address letter (i.e. bank statement or phone bill), copies of any recent blood tests or scans you may have had done privately or overseas and (if you are married) a copy of your partner’s Hong Kong ID card.

What To Expect From The Public Hospital System During Pregnancy

You will be seen by both midwives and doctors in the public hospital system. These appointments may be at either an MCHC or at your designated hospital. Some public hospitals provide two ultrasound scans – one at 12 weeks and another at 20 weeks. However, these are not provided by all hospitals. Your hospital will advise you to have these scans done privately if they do not offer them.

Sassy Mama Tip: Many mums-to-be choosing to deliver in the public hospital opt to supplement their maternity care with a package at a midwives’ clinic or with a private obstetrician who can cover scans and tests leading up to the birth.

Many hospitals offer tours of the maternity ward and some also provide basic antenatal classes (check if these are in English before signing up) covering things such as pain relief options and positions for labour and breastfeeding. It’s a good idea to talk to your midwife at your first appointment about the hospital tour and classes if you are interested in joining, as they tend to get booked up relatively quickly. Some public hospitals also provide a birth plan template for you to complete prior to delivery (if not, you can download Sassy Mama’s birth plan template here).

Hong Kong Public Hospital Labour Wards

On arrival at the hospital for delivery of your baby, if you are found to be less than four centimetres dilated, you will be admitted to the antenatal (or pre-labour) ward until you reach active labour. In this ward, partners are only allowed to be with you during visiting hours, which are typically an hour at lunchtime and two hours in the evening. The ward is also shared with usually six to eight beds in one room.

Hong Kong Public Hospital Delivery Room

Once you are transferred to a delivery room, your partner will then be able to join you for the remainder of the labour and delivery. However, some public hospitals do differ in practices and processes, therefore it is advised to discuss this with your midwife during one of your antenatal check-ups to gain an understanding of your chosen hospital’s policy.

In the Hong Kong public hospital system, midwives conduct the majority of deliveries, with doctors on call to deliver should a medical need arise. Once you reach the delivery room, the care is usually one-to-one with your allocated midwife, with other midwives and doctors on hand for assistance. The majority of public hospitals in Hong Kong are also teaching hospitals, so it is likely that you will be asked if you consent to have midwifery or medical students present.

Once you have delivered your baby, you then usually remain in your delivery room for around an hour and a half before being transferred to the postnatal ward, which is similar in set-up to the antenatal ward.

Hong Kong Public Hospital With A Newborn

Partners are again limited to visiting hours here and you will be in a shared ward. You should expect to stay for around 36 hours following a normal delivery and for at least 48 hours following a Caesarean section. There will be midwives and lactation consultants on hand to assist with breastfeeding, so be sure to ask should you require any help from them during your stay in the hospital. Your baby will be checked by a paediatrician before being discharged and you will be asked to return to the MCHC in the first week for your baby to have a weight and jaundice check-up. There are currently no at-home midwife visits provided by the public system in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Public Hospitals

Now that you understand the process, it’s time to weigh up your options. We love that the Hong Kong public hospital maternity services come at a minimal cost (you can even pay for the delivery with your Octopus card!). Cost aside, most of the public hospitals in Hong Kong are well-equipped for any sort of medical emergency. You can find a full list of Hong Kong’s public hospitals and a review of the admission procedures here. These are a few worth considering.

However, giving birth at a public hospital in Hong Kong is definitely not for everyone. The language barrier, lack of pampering, the food (yes!) and the strict rules and regulations concerning visitors and birth partners can deter some. So, to help with your decision, we asked a few mums to tell us about their birth experiences at some of the reputed public hospitals here in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Public Hospital Birth Experiences

Emily Chu, mum of one. Delivery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2022

I had a really great experience at Queen Elizabeth Hospital despite giving birth at the height of COVID restrictions. It did mean that birth partners weren’t allowed to be in the delivery room and there were also no visitors. I delivered via emergency c-section after an eight-hour labour. The public hospital team were really kind, always checking on me and helping me call my husband (mobile phones are not allowed so I had to use their landline). When I had a bad reaction to the local anaesthesia during surgery, the team held my hand, distracted and reassured me that everything was fine (and it was!).

“I think if my husband was with me, he would have freaked me out more!”

The staff were generally really friendly (although I think being able to speak Cantonese did help) and would respond quickly when you called them. The Queen Elizabeth hospital lactation consultants were available once a day and were a great help, although you may have to seek them out actively. The best part, paying the $600 bill by octopus card!

Sassy Mama Tip: Prepare yourself as much as you can in terms of what to expect, the procedures, any COVID restrictions, and what to pack in your hospital bag (eye mask, earplugs, power bands and snacks are a must!). I attended a brilliant public hospital workshop at Annerley and I think this really help set my expectations and allowed me to have a positive birth experience despite not having my partner with me.

Farrah De Sousa, mum of two. Gave birth at Queen Mary Hospital in October 2022

I found the overall experience at Queen Mary Hospital and in the public system to be good. In my experience, the doctors were informative and caring on admission for my c-section delivery.

“The nurses in the ward were very busy and you need to speak up if you require assistance.”

It’s also quite noisy on the ward at night so take earphones if you want to get some sleep. It’s no secret that the food is awful so it’s better to have someone bring you meals and snacks. Visitors were allowed during visiting hours and drop-offs and deliveries were accepted anytime.

Tarana Desai Shah, mum of one. Delivery at Queen Mary Hospital in 2013

“Queen Mary Hospital has given me a second chance at life.”

This is no exaggeration – my experience of the hospital pre and post-delivery has been nothing short of the gold standard. I had a very smooth pregnancy and had planned to deliver at a very prestigious private hospital. But an emergency at 36 weeks saw me transferred to Queen Mary Hospital. The doctors were experienced enough to deal with an “Aortic Dissection“ (even though they had not come across a case like mine in decades) as they patiently explained to us what was wrong with me as a layman.

“They worked fast to plan an emergency c-section, followed by a gruelling 12-hour heart surgery, all within 24 hours of admission.”

My daughter was initially kept in the NICU for observation. They encouraged breastfeeding as soon as I got back my strength post my heart surgery. The positivity of the staff and constant encouragement around me helped me recuperate faster than I could imagine. I was ready to go home and put this entire ordeal behind me within 11 days of being admitted.

The icing on the cake was the fact that giving birth to Isha was cheaper than a meal at one of my favourite restaurants! I still continue to be a big fan of the public hospital system as I regularly visit them for six-monthly checkups, CT scans and medication collection.

Elly Liu, mum of one. Delivery at United Christian hospital in 2018

I’d say the facilities are very good there and the fees are great. However, overall the experience was average. I was feeling really unwell after giving birth and it was really hard for me to move.

“They only provide basic care and comfort services which I personally think was not enough.”

I attended public hospital classes about what to expect after delivery and how to check if the baby is hungry or full. I did all the checkups they provided before giving birth. They also taught me how to breastfeed and what exercises I should do to recover better.

Jess Mizzi, mum of two. Delivery at Queen Mary Hospital in 2018, second delivery at Matilda Hospital in 2020

I didn’t have the best experience at Queen Mary Hospital. I practised Hypnobirthing as I knew that getting an epidural was highly dependent on the availability of an anaesthetist. Unfortunately, that meant I was a little too calm and the staff didn’t really take me seriously, even though I’d laboured at home for 12 hours. No one checked how far along I was until I screamed out and they realised I was ready to push.

“They told me “we’re a bit busy today, you’re going to have to wait a while!” My son was having none of that and was born within two hours.”

Unless you make a fuss you won’t get much attention (take note, anyone doing Hypnobirthing or CalmBirth). That said, I chose to go to the public hospital because of the medical care and it was good, as expected, and the pregnancy and delivery were without complications.

Because of my experience, I took out a very comprehensive maternity insurance policy so I could give birth privately the second time around.

Maura Thompson, mum of two. First delivery at Queen Mary Hospital in 2013, second delivery at Matilda Hospital in 2016

The medical care at Queen Mary was great. If I were to change anything it would have been to ask for an epidural earlier. Once I decided I wanted one, my request came in too late and the anesthesiologist was busy so I couldn’t get it. The strict visiting hours made it hard to feel comfortable when you have to be away from friends and family. But for me, I actually turned this into one of the most positive parts of my public hospital stay as it allowed my daughter and me to have an amazing bonding time.

I opted for a public hospital birth after realising that my medical insurance didn’t cover the cost of delivering at a private hospital. We knew we would want another baby at some point so we made changes to our insurance plan ahead of time so it would allow for more coverage the second time around. I have no complaints about either decision.

Anthea Fernandes, mum of two. First delivery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2014, second at Princess Margaret Hospital in 2016

“Don’t go to a public hospital expecting to be pampered like a Princess.”

But it will help you get into the groove of motherhood super quickly. The medical care I received in both hospitals was excellent! I preferred the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to Princess Margaret, but only because it was less crowded at the time I was there.

Anita Balagopalan, mum of two. First delivery at a hospital in India in 2013, second at Queen Mary Hospital in 2015

My first delivery was a disaster. In comparison, the medical care at Queen Mary was outstanding! I didn’t get an epidural (though I had been harping about it for two hours), but active labour happened in such a flash, it wasn’t missed either. I didn’t have a birth plan but verbally instructed the staff that I wanted immediate skin-to-skin contact. That was done and most of my requests were listened to (except the epidural, of course!). The staff dealt with my panic about breastfeeding very gently and it ended up being so easy and natural.

Editor’s note: Preparing To Give Birth In A Hong Kong Public Hospital was most recently updated in January 2023.

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