Giving Birth at St. Luke's Medical Center

Even before I got pregnant with Jacob, I was already thinking where I would give birth to my baby. One playing factor for this decision would be where my own doctor, OB-GYN, would be affiliated to. And since I had been going to one OB-GYN my whole life, it was only the best choice to go with her main affiliated hospital.

My OB-GYN, Dra. Regta Pichay, is affiliated with St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City though she can deliver at St. Luke's Global City too if you wish. She can also help you during birth at The Medical City, but that would require a lot of paper work according to her and the hospital would be strict on her being there. I believe she is a former head of the OB-GYN Department if I am not mistaken. So yes, I was comforted by the fact that she's been helping women give birth years before I had my own period. LOL.

If we had a bigger budget, I'd opt to give birth at St. Luke's Global City for obvious reasons. But the price tag that comes with the luxury of giving birth there can be hefty compared to the Quezon City hospital. St. Luke's Global City had a half-off promo months after they opened, and I was so sad (extremely!) that we didn't make the cut! If only Jacob was due March of 2011 we could have given birth there!

All my check-ups were done at Dra. Pichay's clinic at the Medical Arts Building in St. Luke's Quezon City. Parking can be a complete pain in the ass so we always go on weekdays, therefore meaning Oscar didn't get to accompany me to check-ups majority of the time. I believe Dr. Pichay and him only met during my last check-up, the night I was admitted to be induced! You can read my birth story here.

Giving birth at St. Luke's Medical Center was perfect for me. Let me tell you why:

1. My OB-GYN was the best! 

I kid you not, I practically had my way during labor and delivery because of her. Although the C-Section was unplanned, of course. I was able to follow my birth plan to the T until the time came when I demanded for an epidural. Lol. Silly me. Planning to give birth naturally. Getting induced must have been the reason why my labor was so fast and very painful as far as I've read online.

I'll be sharing you my birth plan later on as well.

2. My induction and waiting time was peaceful

Because of my birth plan again, I was able to stay with Oscar while I was in the process of getting induced in a private room. I told them I wanted to be with him during labor at all times. And because their Lamaze room wasn't available at that time, we opted to get a private room instead. Both of us were able to sleep for a bit, until I was woken up for my second dose of Cerviprime.

3. Doctors, residents, and nurses were professional

I wish I looked less groggy and haggard in our first family photo!

Compared to all my hospital experience, I feel the most at ease with people from St. Luke's. They're not considered one of the best hospital in Manila for nothing. They follow SOP at all times, their bedside manner is great, and they always, always listen to the patient. They even took pictures of us after delivery, even arranged the overhead lighting so there's mood in the picture.

4. Every procedure and process was done efficiently and fast.

Probably because I filled out my papers before I went to L&D, but I didn't do long waiting while I was in labor. Except that time I was in excruciating pain and demanding epidural, they didn't give in until I was dilated enough. But I understood, not at that time though. LOL. I had a lot of exams done at St. Luke's as well, like my Congenital Anomaly Scan.

5. Private room and nurses were awesome!

Photo taken by our friend, Roy. Excuse my hair! The room doesn't get crowded even with 6 people in it.

The room we got was a deluxe private I believe, and it was good enough for me. Not comparable to St. Luke's Global City of course, but it was definitely bigger than a deluxe room at The Medical City. The nurses I got during my stay were nice, except that one nurse who was pushing me to get up already and start walking! Oh how I wanted to slap her in the face during my recovery. But once I got up and started to walk, she got off my back. I really should have listened to her though! But I listed more to my body and didn't push myself. I'm a sissy, I know.

6. And lastly, the food didn't suck!

For the first time, I really enjoyed what I ate there. I can still remember how that sweet and sour fish fillet tasted like. I think it's because it was my first actual meal since I gave birth. It was really nice and not bland at all.

I would definitely recommend St. Luke's Medical Center to all mom-to-bes or BTDT moms who want peace of mind when they give birth. Hopefully by my next child, I can give birth at St. Luke's Global City next!