The ultimate guide to 5-star maternity suites in Singapore

From luxury rooms to hotel-style amenities, Lynn Wee checks out three maternity wards to find out what makes them special.

BIGGER THAN A FLAT

So this is where Fann Wong and Christopher Lee stayed when their son Zed was delivered in 2014. We had heard so much about the swanky suites at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, we needed it to see it for ourselves.

Granted, the hospital has several room categories - and we aren't sure which one the celebrity couple enjoyed - but we were already swept away by its "basic" Junior suite.

Like all wards here, it is fitted with a hotel-grade door and padding around its frame to allow new mums to recuperate in unparalleled privacy and comfort.

Spanning 818 sq ft, the Junior suite is larger than a three-room HDB flat (about 700 sq ft). It has an adjoining living room with plush sofa seats, a work desk, an in-room safe and a mini fridge. There's even an outdoor terrace which overlooks the Thomson vicinity, where you can host your extended family and friends - or take a breather when they leave.

The boutique-like environment is further enhanced by two LED TV sets that come with 29 channels and an in-house channel on maternity, a tablet for mobile Web surfing, and a minibar which comprises a Nescafe Dolce Gusto machine and various bottled drinks such as sparkling water and fruit juices.

We were impressed by its grand bathroom, as well. It is fitted with a rain shower and a high-tech toilet with numerous features, such as automatic lid opening and seat heating, much like Japanese ones. Premium toiletries from Crabtree & Evelyn and an in-suite massage are also included to ensure you're pampered like a queen.

You can also choose your meals from a post-natal menu, which features dishes such as red dates and snakehead fish soup, and braised chicken with preserved cabbage. Dessert? How about papaya with white fungus and red dates?

Hubby's meals are also taken care of, and you can request for parking passes for two vehicles. You will also receive a gift set, which includes items such as a bottle warmer, storage milk container, and an organic baby swaddle.

HOW MUCH: The Junior suite package, which includes normal or assisted delivery with epidural, costs $8,440 for a three-day stay (including GST).

FIND OUT MORE: https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/facilities-services/general-facilities/maternity-wards

ROOM FOR DAD, TOO

Mount Alvernia has several packages with a wide selection of room types for you to choose from. But if plush is what you desire, go for the Family Suite @ Our Lady Ward - the biggest maternity room in the hospital.

The layout is well thought-out and it felt larger than 334 sq ft. The suite includes a range of amenities such as a personal safe, mini fridge, dining table, dressing table, work area, beverage tray, an air purifier and an attached bathroom.

Mums won't have to fuss about bringing sufficient toiletries, as basic in-house toiletries - shampoo, shower gel and body lotion - are provided. Visiting family members and friends will also be kept entertained with the two 40-inch flat-screen TVs, which come with 17 channels, and a DVD and radio console.

Dads will also have a good night's rest, thanks to the suite's separate guest lounge area, which features two daybeds that measure 1.6m to 1.98m, and can be easily converted into an additional sleeping area. Free lodging and meals are provided for the first companion.

Have another family member who would like to stay over, as well? The hospital also offers the option of accommodation and meals for a second companion, with a daily charge rate of $80.25 (inclusive of GST).

Food-wise, new mums have a choice of either confinement food, which features dishes such as double-boiled black chicken with dang gui, and steamed fish with chicken essence, or a selection of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cuisines.

When you're discharged, you'll receive a baby bath tub and a discharge bag which consists of products from various baby-care brands, such as Cetaphil, Pigeon and Nestle.

HOW MUCH: A night at the Family Suite @ Our Lady Ward costs $896.66 (including GST, but excluding delivery charges).

FIND OUT MORE: www.mtalvernia.sg/maternity/maternity

ORDER A GOURMET MEAL

Billed as Singapore's largest private women's and children's hospital, mums will be spoilt for choice with the wide array of maternity wards that Thomson Medical Centre has to offer.

Its Balmoral suite could be a staycation venue of sorts for new parents. At 417 sq ft, the suite has a dining table, work desk, personal safe, mini fridge, an attached bathroom, and a 47-inch full HD smart TV coupled with a sound system.

The TV comes with 18 channels, including in-house Parent Craft education programmes. The latter is a handy guide for new mums and dads on how to care for their baby in the first few months, covering topics such as breastfeeding and bathing baby.

Indulge in a relaxing shower with the complimentary toiletry pouch containing South Korean skincare brand Belif's shampoo, body wash, toner, cleanser, and cream.

Mums staying in the Balmoral suite will also enjoy a wider variety of gourmet food choices than others in the one- and two-bedded rooms. These include ginseng chicken soup and pan-fried minute steak.

Plus, you'll receive a confi nement essentials suitcase, and a maternity bag, which includes a waterproof wet bag, skincare products, a hip and belly wrap, an insurance plan for both Mum and Baby, and a Young Parents magazine with a six-month digital subscription.

HOW MUCH: The Balmoral suite costs $1,738 per day (before GST and delivery charges).

FIND OUT MORE: www.thomsonmedical.com/service/maternity

This article was first published in the Aug 2017 issue of Young Parents.