Korean Job Discussion Forums

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

Just looking for some information from women who've had a baby in Korea. Feel free to post your experiences, good or bad.

I'm also wondering if anyone went to Seoul National University hospital in Hyewha. Any specific recommendations would be appreciated, ie doctor's names, etc.

Thank you!

KumaraKitty · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

I had our son a week ago at Samsung Mirae here in Bucheon.
We changed hospitals/doctors 3 times before we settled on them.
He was born via C section after failure to progress.
We were using HYPNOBIRTHING (http://www.hypnobirthing.com/south_korea.htm) which really helped us prepare for a joyful natural birth and helped hubby to really support and feel part of the birthing process. Even though I didn't have a natural birth in the end, it helped prepare me and made the process much easier and calmer.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Hi Sarah - are you expecting?????

We are out here in Daejeon, so we went to a local, small clinic recommended to us by another friend. She's had her two kids by the same doctor. We had a good experience, but mostly that's because he speaks great English and is progressive. I would definitely go back to him if and when I have another one!

The Grumpy Senator · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Location: Up and down the 6 line

My wife and I had our daughter at Jeil Hospital in Yeokcheon-dong in northeastern Seoul. They were amazing. We met our doctor once a month for ultrasounds and check-ups for the first 7 months and then bi-weekly until birth. Thankfully, little Bailey decided to come out right at the beginnig of Dr. Hong's 36 hour shift. We had some difficulties during and after labor and Dr. Hong was there every step of the way to keep us informed. We stayed there for a week after the birth and the nurses coached my wife through breastfeeding and other "mom stuff."

I understand Jeil is a chain, and experiences can vary depending on location and individual doctor. However, I would recommend Dr. Hong to everyone.

smurfetta · Joined: 03 Oct 2007

Hi Sarah,

I haven't had my baby yet. But I can tell you about my experience with Seoul National University Hospital. My husband and I went there a couple months ago to check it out and interview the doctor there to see if we wanted to have our baby there. We checked in with the international clinic and then a staff member who spoke English took us to the Obstetrics ward. We went into an office for my check up and the nurse promptly kicked my husband outside. We decided then and there that we didn't want to have our baby there. I wanted my husband to be with me during my appointments. The English speaking staff explained that I would have to get permission from the doctor for my husband to attend any of my appointments. I had previously been going to a women's hospital in Cheonan where my husband was allowed to come sit in on all my appointments so I was really surprised by what happened at SNUH.

Now, I don't have any experience of the actual care of the facility. I've read on this forum that others have had good experiences having their baby there.

Having my husband with me was really important to me. So, it was a big deciding factor when it came time to chose a hospital.

I've since decided on a hospital in Cheonan since it is closer to us than Seoul. We live out in the boonies.

Good luck choosing a hospital. I have heard that Yonsei Severence hospital has a good female obstetrician.

Temporary · Joined: 13 Jan 2008

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"Woah dude"

The Grumpy Senator · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Location: Up and down the 6 line

Just wanted to add after reading smurfetta's post that Jeil Hospital allowed me to be involved in everything. I was at every appointment and ultrasound, I was there for the labor, cut the cord, carried the baby to the nursery and stayed in the room with my wife the entire stay.

I would definitely try to find a place that allows the father to be involved as much as possible. I am sure he will appreciate it and he can help get you through this incredible undertaking.

Hats off to the Mom's out there...Damn, no way I could have done it!!!!!

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

KumaraKitty · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

Guess I should mention that we were much happier with our smaller clinic then the bigger Seoul Women's hospital in our area. Hubby was with me every step of the way EXCEPT the operating room during my unplanned C section. And the SCH here in Bucheon(there is one in Hannam) was horrid, but the Hannam one apparently is better and has apool you can lABOUR IN.
You are right, it is totally dependent on the doctor. Find one you like who is willing to work with you! My hypnobirthing classmate had found a hospital that did aromatherapy massage during labor and was very pro-natural birth and father involvement. I'll try and find the name and location for you! Cheers!

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Scouse Mouse · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Location: Cloud #9

I can recommend (from a male POV) St. Mary's Catholic Hospital in Uijeongbu.

My wife is very happy with the care they have given, and the Doctor speaks enough English to be able to explain everything to me. My wifes blood tests came through showing a high risk of Down's Syndrome, and she wanted to have a procedure to let her know with 100% certaintly. The doctor patiently explained everything in Korean and English so that we both knew what was happening.

She happily lets me sit in during all appointments, though kicks me out during the more 'intimate' examinations. During the many ultrasound scans she happily points out anything 'new' to me, and she assumed that we want a natural birth despite most koreans choosing a C-section.

I would recommend the hospital to anybody in the area!

poet13 · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 4:06 pm Post subject:

Hey dads. How many of you were allowed to be present during birthing? My wife ended up with a c-section for our first child, and I was allowed to be present. I assisted with some parts, sponging bleeders, retraction, "the stretch" Shocked

, and closure. (I have some field training.)
our womens center in Daegu said I would be allowed to be present up until they knocked her out (we will have another c-section), but after that, I would have to wait outside. It's pretty important to us to be together during this.
I'm curious how strict most hospitals are about this.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

My husband (Korean) was with me the whole, entire time. From the moment I strated labour to the when I gave birth. He got to cut the cord and everything.