The Children’s Therapy Centre provides speech-language and occupational therapy services to children with communication, motor skills or attention difficulties.
We see children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder, Speech and Language Delay, Specific Language Impairment etc.
Website : www.thkms.org.sg
Email : mth@thkms.org.sg
Address : 150A Mei Chin Road #02-01 Singapore 141050
With rising medical costs, if is very important for everyone in the household to have medical coverage. The usual considerations highlighted by financial planners are aimed at determining the wards we would like to stay in, waiting period to be treated and how the policy can complement other policies that we are already holding.
In our Part 2 Series of Family Financial Planning, certified financial consultant, Jamson Chia, addresses some questions on getting medical coverage for a pregnant mother or a new addition to the family.
Question: When can we get insurance coverage for our baby or for the pregnant mother to cover complications?
Answer: You can get medical protection for your baby from as early as 2 weeks old. Current new shield plans do provide medical coverage for pregnancy complications. And the new shield plans also covers congenital abnormalities. However, you should take note that for pregnancy complications, there is a waiting period ranging from 12 to 24 months.
The shield plans are currently integrated together with the basic Medishield. They are primarily payable via Medisave (Limit to S$800 per pax per year for people next age birthday of 80 and below, and S$1150 per pax per year for those whose next age birthday is 81 and above)
These plans are generally rather affordable by most Singaporeans. However, it comes with a co-insurance (ranging from 10% to 20%) and deductibles (ranging from $1000 to $3000), depending on which type of hospital and ward are chosen. And it also differs with different companies.
Generally, for small bills, the co-insurance may not be a lot of money. However, when the bills are huge, the co-insurance could be a huge amount.
Hence, if you can afford, buying riders to cover the co-insurance and deductibles are highly recommended. Do not take on more risks than you can ever afford.
Eg: A child born with a hole in the heart, and requires a 8-days stay in NICU. He With an operation required and say parents chose the B1 ward (4 persons to a room, with air-con and TV). The total bill will come up to approximately S$26,748 today.
Questions: Under what circumstances will the medical policy approval become problematic?
Answer: There will be situations where the application will be rejected.
(a) When the child is born with abnormalities.
(b) When there is insufficient fund in the CPF Medisave (Some companies allow top up using cash, some companies do not)
Question: How do we go about making a claim?
Answer: As you may know, the shield plans are under the integrated system currently. In the event of any hospitalization, you will need to sign a form declaring which shield plan are you currently under. And through the new integrated system, the claim will take approximately 5 - 9 working days to process.
If you have any riders attached to the shield plan to cover the co-insurance and deductibles, you have to submit the final bill to your insurer, for them to do the manual processing of the remaining amount.
This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Jul 09 issue Page 30
Connecting Mothers & Babies…Right from the Start!
Welcome to The Birth Shop! We are a one-stop shopping for all mothers and mothers-to-be. You will be able to find innovative pregnancy and baby products.
Baby Slings..Skincare for Moms & Babies…Labour & Birth…Nursing Apparel & Accessories
Join us at our Sling Cafe and Breastfeeding Mama Gatherings!
Stop by to find out more on what we have
Website: www.thebirthshop.com.sg
Email: thebirthshop@gmail.com
Tel: +65 6570 4681
Address: 22 Sin Ming Lane #08-81 Midview City Singapore 573969
Children are keen learners and naturally curious about everything around them. Our natural environment has so much for children to explore but in this era of high technology entertainment, opportunities for outdoor activities are greatly reduced. Here are 5 outdoor play areas for kids to allow them to interact with and appreciate our natural environment.
#1 Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, situated at the Bukit Timah Core of the Singapore Botanic Garden, is designed specially for children. Interesting features include Tree House with slides and ladders; Floating Platform; Trunk of a 100-year-old Pometia Pinnata; Sensory Garden; Waterplay Area and a Changeable Maze.
Take your time to observe the butterflies, birds and millipedes which are part of the natural environment. Monthly scheduled nature guided walks and workshops are available for children above 5 years old. For more information, please go to the website provided.
Address: Cluny Road Singapore 259569
Opening Hours: 8.00am – 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm)
Closed on Mondays (except on PH)
Admission: Free. The Children Garden is open to children up to 12 years old and have to be accompanied by an adult
Tel: +65 64719961
Website : www.sbg.org.sg
#2 Hort Park
A one-stop gardening hub catering to the needs of gardening enthusiasts, amateur gardeners and even people who simply want to enjoy the flora and fauna. Children love the Recycling Garden where they spot household equipment that is now used to house the plants.
Learn more about common herbs and spices using your five senses at the Herb and Spice Garden. End your trip at the HortMart by buying gardening-related products home.
Address: 33 Hyderabad Road, Off Alexandra Road
Opening Hours:
6am – 10pm daily
Admission: Free
Tel: +65 64715601
Website : www.nparks.gov.sg
#3 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
A 500m long boardwalk provides visitors with an insight of the mangroves and the array of creatures that live within. Three other routes, ranging from 3km – 7km, provide opportunities to observe aquatic pond plants, traditional prawn pond, freshwater ponds and also migratory shorebirds/waders which are usually spotted between September to March.
Free guided tours are also available on Saturday at two timeslots, 9.30am and 3.30pm, on a first come first serve basis.
Refresh yourself after a walk in the reserve at the café near the entrance.
Address: 301 Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925
Opening Hours:
7.30am – 7.00pm (Monday to Saturday)
7.00am – 7.00pm (Sunday & PH)
Admission: Free entry except on Saturdays, Sundays, PH and School Holidays
$1.00 per adult, $0.50 per child/student/senior citizen
Tel: +65 67941401
Website : www.sbwr.org.sg
#4 Chek Jawa @ Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin, a small island at the north east of Singapore, houses a popular tourist attraction, Chek Jawa. With a wide variety of wildlife marine creatures, you will continually be awed.
Children love spotting the fiddle crabs and mudskippers that are common in the mangrove. It is recommended to check timing for low tide to avoid disappointment. Guided tours are available at $60 (maximum 15 people per group). Bumboat ride from Changi Village jetty to Pulau Ubin costs $2.50 per passenger.
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 6.00pm daily
Admission: Free
Website : www.nparks.gov.sg
#5 Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
The nature reserve, with walking trails of varying difficulties, contains more than 840 flowering plants and over 500 species of animals. The reserve’s playground, surrounded by these flora and fauna, is a lovely place for children. Free guided walks are available every 1st Sunday of the month at 4pm.
Opening Hours: 6.00am – 7.00pm daily
Admission: Free
Website : www.nparks.gov.sg
Note: Due to the relative natural environment, do apply insect repellent beforehand to prevent mosquito bites.
Alternatively, walks in the neighborhood can be made more interesting by making occasional stops to look at the plants, flowers, even the insects and talking about them. Equip yourself with magnifying glasses to take a closer look at these lovely living things. Just simply allocate 5 minutes daily and you will be amazed by how much you can discover with your child at these outdoor play areas for kids.
Being pregnant is supposed to be one of the most joyous occasions of a woman’s life. However, there are many embarrassing moments that come with pregnancy. It’s funny to think of it this way, but these embarrassing pregnant problems or moments can also be called side effects. (Just like people have side effects to medications, there are side effects to pregnancy!)
There are many things that women can prepare themselves for like contractions, labor, doctor visits, and the common occurrences of pregnancy. We cannot, on the other hand, prepare ourselves for the embarrassing pregnant problems because no one talks about them.
In this article, we are going to discuss many of the embarrassing moments of pregnancy, the moments that many women are too embarrassed to discuss, along with solutions to each.
Excessive Gas and Bloating
Normally more common in the first trimester, pregnant women experience gas and bloating like never before. The really embarrassing piece of this is the actual passing of gas, you kind-of have to let it out or it causes pain. The solution to this is to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day. Also, cut down on foods like beans, broccoli, and carbonated drinks.
Incontinence
Incontinence gets worse as you progress through pregnancy. The bigger the baby, the more pressure you will have on your bladder, causing the incontinence to become more progressive. In some cases coughing or sneezing can make you to tinkle on yourself. Some women think that drinking more liquid at night, rather than during the day, will help to eliminate this embarrassing moment.
However, it only makes nighttime more unbearable. Kegel exercises are one of the only ways to strengthen your muscles and bladder. These exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, giving you more of an ability to hold your urine. Another option is to wear sanitary pads. This does not stop the incontinence, but it does help with embarrassment.
Odor in the V-Zone
Pregnancy hormones boost the olfactory sense, meaning you will pick up smells that no one else can. Body odour, for example, may become horrifying to you, whereas no one around you can even pick up a slight whiff. Because of this ultra-sensitivity to smells, you may become embarrassed by an excessive female scent. Wear panty liners and change them often. This keeps your v-zone clean and dry, which automatically lessens odors, itching, and discomfort.
Absentmindedness
Have you ever gone to the supermarket to come out with nothing that you needed? Simple absentmindedness happens to everyone, but is increased during pregnancy. (Some say the brain actually shrinks, others say it is because you are preoccupied with this life change.) Regardless of the reason, it is common, and more so in the second trimester.
Beginning in the second trimester, women become obsessed with nursery colors, furniture, the baby, your future, your family, and many other worries, which causes your mind to spazz out from time to time. The only solution is to accept that this is going to happen and that there is nothing you can do about it. Have fun with it!
Overly Emotional
With pregnancy comes a big change and overload in hormones; these excess hormones cause mood swings. Hormones will increase not only your anger and aggressiveness, but also melancholia. The increase in melancholia will cause and excess in weepiness or crying at the drop of a time.
There is a difference between being emotional and depressed. If you notice that negative feelings and emotions are overwhelming you for the majority of the day, you must talk to your doctor, spouse, or someone close to you. There may be other emotional issues at work here and not hormones.
Overall, being pregnant comes with advantages and disadvantages. The positives outweigh the negatives if you don’t let them get to you. All pregnant women experience different variances of embarrassing pregnant problems. Keep a camcorder around, you never know, your embarrassing moment could be a hit at your next party.
Contributed by Celeste Foo
This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Apr 09 issue Page 10
Infant Daycares & services cater to children aged between 2 to 18 months, providing full day and half-day care programmes for the infants. It can be extremely challenging to find reliable infant daycares to entrust your precious infant in, providing a warm and nurturing environment while you are at work.
Thus here are some things that you can look out for before making your decision.
Location
First, select a few infant daycares that are near your ideal location such as your home, caregiver’s home or work place. Most importantly, it should be convenient for you to drop-off and pick-up. Do check if there are any penalties for late pick-up.
Charges
Check out the charges of the infant care you have selected. Shrink the list to those that meet you budget. An infant care can range from $800 to $1500 before subsidy. Check the subsidy you are entitled to with the center.
Note: Your infant need be at least 56 days old at the time of admission in order to claim the government subsidy.
Staffing
According to Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), for staffs that work with infants are required to have a qualified infant care certificate. A minimum qualification of at least a Certificate in Infant and Toddler Care ensures that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to nurture and support a baby’s development in a caring and safe environment. Thus remember to verify the experiences and training received by the caregivers.
Next also ask the ratio of infants to care-givers and the maximum capacity, according to MCYS requirement the ratio should be 1:5 but some center may reduce the ratio to 1:3 to increase the quality care. Observe how the teachers interact and handle the infants and most importantly observe if the other children in the center are happy and engaged in the activities.
Environment
Go down personally to assess the environment. A few areas that they should have are:
Check the furnishings, toys and facilities to see if they are safe, healthy, pleasant, comfortable, convenient, child-sized, designed to be flexible, encourage movement and designed to facilitate choice.
Safety, Health, Hygiene And Nutrition
Find out from the centre about their hygiene and health practices. Ask about their practices with regards to illness, sterilization of utensils and bottles used for food preparation, toys and etc. Look at the changing area on how they dispose the diapers.
Check the menu provided for the infants/toddlers. The centre shall have an individual feeding plan for each infant/toddler that includes instructions from parents.
Programme
Other than the usual routines of nappy-changing, toileting, feeding, nap time, bathing, find out the activities that they carry out with your infant. Your child should be given daily opportunities to move freely in a safe, clean, open, warm and uncluttered area.
Caregivers shall encourage the development of self-help skills (dressing, toileting, washing and eating) as and when the infants/toddlers show signs of readiness. There should also be time, ample space and appropriate materials for different types of free play.
Administration & Records
The centre should have daily observation record for individual infant such as the infant’s feeds, nap time, and bowel movements and etc.
If you are satisfied after the visit, do ask for a trial period and the trial charges for it. Bring your child to see if he/she is happy with the environment. Do check if your infant requires any necessary immunization before admission into any infant daycares / centre too.
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To many mothers-to-be, breastfeeding seems to be a feat that comes naturally to any woman with the slightest bit of maternal instinct. Afterall, women had been feeding their babies like that throughout the course of history. Literature also says that breastfeeding is a “painless, easy and nurturing” part of motherhood – a special bond mothers build with their child that no one else can enjoy. Needless to say, I looked forward to the day when I would get initiated into the fraternity of noble mothers who sacrifice their sexy lingerie for dowdy, totally unattractive nursing bras.
So imagine my horror when little Claudia was born. At the hospital, the nurses would bring a wailing baby into my ward every three hours and shove her into my breasts. There we were - a mentally-unprepared mother, a ravenous baby and many a nurse who had different opinions on how the baby should be latched on. I watched the complementary video on breastfeeding repeatedly in the ward, until my husband thought that his wife’s IQ was flushed out together with the amniotic fluid during delivery.
Things did not become easier when I got home 2 days later. Everyone had different ideas about breastfeeding in the family.
“How much did she drink? Are you feeding her enough or not?” asked Mother-in-law. (Sure. Let me get my measuring cup.)
“Dear, you must try to give our baby all your Mama Nutrients, ok?” encouraged Husband. (Easy for you to say! Why don’t you do it?)
“You grew up on formula. You made it to University, didn’t you? Just give her formula lah.” cooed Mum. (I got my stubborn streak from you. Don’t try to dissuade me.)
“Just hold the baby tighter. In this way, she will drink more milk.” suggested Auntie. (I will not talk back, I will not talk back.)
The truth is, no matter what everyone in the family said or did to show their concern, I felt very lonely on the road of breastfeeding. No one in the family could fully empathise with the sore nipples, engorgement and insecurity about milk supply that I had to contend with.
Some days later, I decided that I would express my milk so that we can monitor how much the baby was drinking. After 30 minutes of looking totally unsexy with horns sucking away merrily at my breasts, I would only yield 60ml of milk. That was a devastating blow to my self-esteem, which was already fluctuating with my depressing post-natal hormones. It did not make things better when even the maid exclaimed “Wah, so little!”
A friend suggested that I see her lactation consultant, who helped her sustain breastfeeding for 14 months. After much pleading, I managed to secure a slot to see her that very day. At the clinic, my breasts were knocked about and my nipples pinched until they were about to drop off – to unblock the milk ducts, you see. The LC also told me to stroke my baby’s chin if she fell asleep while feeding. “Do it like that.” and she nudged my chin until my head bobbed up and down. I was also told that I had low milk supply and should pump every 3 hours, even at night. That would “deceive” my brain into thinking that the demand for milk is high.
Two days later, I found myself “zombiefied” and totally depressed. I had not sleep for more than 2 hours at a stretch and my milk supply had dropped to 10ml. I was mollified. I never felt more vulnerable in my life - the social pressure of breastfeeding weighed heavily on my shoulders. All the other mothers are doing it effortlessly, why can’t I? I was so angry with the breastfeeding books that I had read. Nursing a baby was painful, exhausting and not at all fulfilling!
I decided to turn my back on all unsolicited advice and just focus on my child. I visualised her being healthy and happy, even if it meant I had to supplement her feeds with formula milk. So what if other mothers are busy giving away their excess breast milk or buying new freezers to store them? I am not a cow.
For two months I was able to breastfeed Claudia exclusively but I did not make any effort to pump out the excess. I returned to work and milk supply dropped because of the stress. I pumped just enough for her feeds the next day. It was tough but I held on.
All the above seem to be a haze right now. I am into my thirteenth month of breastfeeding (2 pumps a day and latch on at night). It has been an amazing journey. I still struggle with milk supply. I still feel slightly envious of mothers who have an abundance of milk for their babies. I still think I have been fooled by the books. But I think the whole experience has equipped me with a determination I never knew I possess. Perhaps, the next challenge will be weaning my baby of breastfeeding – something that both she and I will miss very much.
-//-
Advice to mummies who are struggling with breastfeeding:
1) Ignore unsolicited advice – no one knows fully what you are dealing with here. Listen to your baby instead.
2) Try to breastfeed in front of a TV or somewhere where you can read. Babies tend to fall asleep at the breast and if you are the indulgent type, it helps to have entertainment at hand while Junior snoozes.
3) Try to lie down when breastfeeding – this is especially useful at night!
4) There are milk supply boosters (Domperidone, Fenugreek, Motherlove, tapioca leaves, fish soup…) – figure out what works for you. Do consult a doctor first, though.
5) Talk to other mummies, especially those who have gone through breastfeeding. Help and share your experiences and you’ll realise you are not alone.
Story contributed by Angela Yong
This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Mar 09 issue Page 14
Preparing for your first child can be a daunting and confusing task. With so many different opinions and schools of thought on pregnancy, mothers often suffer from information overload. Not surprisingly, we leave it to the men to deal with the financial headache.
In this 2-part series, Jamson Chia, a certified financial planner and father of a 15-month-old girl, offers some advice getting adequate insurance coverage for your child.
1) What should parents-to-be plan for, financially, as they prepare for the arrival of their baby?
Parents should first work out their monthly expenses, and ensure that there is at least a surplus of $300 to $900 per month. Possible expenditure includes:
On top of that, you may want to factor these one time cost items if you are unable to get hand me downs:
2) What is the difference between life insurance plans and endowment plans? Do we have to get both for our newborn?
Life Insurance is mainly divided into 2 groups:
Endowment Plans are primarily used as a savings vehicle, where you know you would need this amount of money by the time the child turns 18, 21 or 24. For a girl(boy), she(he) will most likely enter university when she turns 18(21). Hence, some parents would like to have that sum of money when she(he) turns 18(21).
However, most parents may not be aware that the Singapore Banking system is rather pro education. Whilst you are still an undergrad, the interest for the tuition fee is waived. Hence, you can get the loan, whilst letting your endowment plan continue to accrue more interest and dividends. Hence, you may want to consider getting a plan maturing in 21 years / 24 years for a girl / boy.
For some parents who are financially more savvy, they may opt to do regular investments towards a child’s education planning. If the time frame is long (i.e. more than 15 years), statistics shows that you will get a better return on your money. However, this method needs you to have a right strategy, and a discipline to follow the strategy.
3. Usually, I would do a detailed analysis of the overall family’s financial situation before giving my recommendations. It differs between families. However, general rule:
a. Is the main breadwinner adequately covered? Usually, I would ensure the dad is covered more. Reason: We don’t wish to face the situation where the child not only loses father (Due to death or disability), but also losing mum (Due to the fact that she may have to take on 2 jobs to make ends meet, and hence, not being able to spend time with the child). It will be a double tragedy. It would be pointless insuring your kid adequately, when you are not covered sufficiently. There is no bread on the table when you need it the most.
How much is adequate? I would strongly encourage you to speak to your trusted advisor. He would be able to share with you in greater details, as he would be in a better position to analyze your situation and portfolio.
However, as a general rule of thumb: At least 20 to 25 years of annual expenditure of the family. This does not take into account of inflation.
b. Assuming both parents are adequately covered, you may want to ask, what would you like this coverage do for you? Give your child a head start, so that he/she does not need to worry about his/her 1st policy when they start work?
Honestly speaking, Medical Insurance should be the 1st plan that you MUST get for not only your child, but the entire family. Medical bills can create a financial catastrophe for the family, which can easily be insured for less than $50/month per person. And part of this can be paid via CPF Medisave.
This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Jun 09 issue Page 34
There will be eight sports stations for boxing, table tennis, basketball, fencing, and more for everyone in the family to have hands-on opportunities to try the different sports that will be played during 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games. There will also be a boxing demonstration on both days from 4pm to 5pm. Organized by the Singapore Sports Council.
Date - 17 & 18 July 2010
Time - 12pm - 8pm
Venue - City Square Mall, Fountain Square Basement 1, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
Admission/Tickets - Free
Enquiries: www.citysquaremall.com.sg
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