HKG: Breastfeeding out and about in Hong Kong: The ‘6 P’s’ to ensure success when nursing in public

I love this! This will definitely help and I hope my friends who read this take heed of the very last two lines of the article, that I highlighted.
Note: for Hong Kong nursing Rooms, I have a compiled list of updated nursing rooms in HKG that you can find here.

**************************************
Article from Sassy Mama HK dated 11 September 2013
Written by Conchita Amende

So, you’re at home with your newborn, and you have chosen to breastfeed exclusively – congratulations! The
feeding is going well at home, with nobody to please but yourselves…
but there comes a time when go out you must, for your sanity, if nothing else! At this point breastfeeding in public can seem like a daunting task.

It doesn’t have to be scary. Remember that at this early stage, your baby is at their most portable, and as long as you
are there, they will be happy. Breastfeeding whilst out of the home is far more convenient than having to tote bottle-feeding paraphernalia around with you. Yet it is something that many new mothers dread, and ultimately avoid. A few tips can make it bearable… even enjoyable!

1. Plan. Make sure your little one is fed and happy when you leave home, and try to plan your trip around the time you know they are most settled. Plan to be near “civilization” when you know they will need the next feed. A hungry, screaming baby in the middle of the supermarket is not much fun for anyone.
2. Prepare. Know your surroundings, and do a little asking around about the best places to stop and feed. There are many pleasant feeding rooms in Hong Kong (check out Sassy Mama’s Guide to Hong Kong’s best feeding and changing rooms here!),and you are never too far from a coffee shop, which can offer a comfy chair and a welcome break. Of course, breastfeeding is positively encouraged at Annerley and mums are always welcome to pop in for a feed! If all else fails, a clothing store changing room can offer a quiet corner for a quick pit stop.
3. Privacy. We all know breast is best, but in a city like Hong Kong it is inevitable that feeding in public is going to get you some looks.Everyone has heard stories of breastfeeding mums being asked to leave a café, mall or museum, but there are many women who have happily fed all over Hong Kong with no problem at all. Feeling anxious can hinder your ability to nurse, so do what you need to when it comes to feeling comfortable about feeding your baby. There are some wonderful nursing covers on the market, or a light sarong, shawl or muslin square is often enough to provide a little privacy. There are also some very clever nursing tops out there too. Be kind to yourself, and wear clothing that is easy to pull up or down without the extra stress of exposing yourself in public.
4. Protection. Even if you have never needed breast pads before, it is a good idea to have some handy the first few times you venture beyond your comfort zone. Delays, stress, and unfamiliar environments can sometimes lead to leakage!
5. Practice. Have a mock outing whilst at home. Practice feeding without your favourite pillow or cushion, sitting up on a hard-backed chair. Hong Kong’s streets being as they are, baby slings or carriers are very popular here, and it is entirely possible to feed baby within the carrier – the trick is to release the straps whilst sitting down so baby can be repositioned. Try it a few times and you’ll soon get the hang of it!
6. Persevere. Your first experience may not be a wonderful one, but keep going – it will get easier the more you do it. Look confident, because looking confident will make you feel it. Before you know it, you’ll be feeding standing up! You are doing the very best thing for your little one and never let anyone push you into feeding in a toilet.
   Be polite, considerate, respectful but firm. Feeding your baby is a human right.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Conchita Amende, Annerley Helper & Parent Academy Principal,
qualified as a State Registered Nurse in England in 1982 and has
continued to work and study for the past 28 years in different areas of
health and education such as ante and post natal care, special care baby
units, health education, and as an assessor and external verifier. She
has been working in the community with families (with children under 5)
for the last 9 years as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse
(Health Visitor UK), and also lectures at universities. As well as her
nursing qualifications, she has practiced as a registered midwife in the
UK, has a post-graduate diploma in health promotion, has training certifications and is currently working towards her certification as a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Conchita has 3 grown-up children, speaks a little French and loves to have a chance to practice! She loves living in Hong Kong and having the opportunity to explore Asia and meet new people.

Other Nursing Stations in the World: Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea

The below are finds from MadPyschMum's Nursing Room Reviews, please support and go to her site for further reviews of each of the nursing rooms for a more indepth information to better equip you with your travels.

[Japan, Tokyo - Narita Airport]

Location: Next to most of the toilets
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser, waiting area.
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair.
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[Malaysia, Johor Bahru - Legoland]
Location: Imagination
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot & cold water dispenser, waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer, microwave
Not available: None!
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur - International Airport Bus Terminal]
Location: Level 1
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot & cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur - Suria KLCC]
Location: Level 2 & Concourse
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser, waiting area
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[South Korea, Seoul - COEX Aquarium]
Location: Kids Aquarium and various location
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Electrical point, baby cot, waiting area (outside)
Not available: Sink (nearby toilets), hot & cold water dispenser, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains only

[Taiwan, Taipei - Miramar Shopping Mall]
Location: Level 4
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, high chair
Not available: Electrical point, bottle warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[Taiwan, Taipei - Taipei 101 Mall]
Location: Level 4
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, child-friendly toilet
Not available: Hot & cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

SIN: Nursing and Breastfeeding Rooms in Singapore

posted by Madpsychmum.com updated 02 August 2013; for reviews on each of the below rooms, you might want to head to her site for more updates since the below is just a list for assistance. She gives a very honest and candid comment on each. Please support her site, here!

FYI - I have found some more information regarding Sentosa Nursing Rooms online that I added to the list.

[HORT PARK]
Nursing Room @ Hort Park Location: Level 1
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink only
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No


[SUNTEC CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE]
Nursing Room @ Suntec Convention (Level 1)
Location: Level 1 and 2
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[LIANG COURT]
Nursing Room @ Liang Court (New Extension Baby Changing Room)
Location: Level B1 Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Existing Nursing Room has a Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser; New Extension has a Sink, hot and cold water dispenser, baby seat
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Existing Nursing Room - no; New Extension - yes
Mode of separation: New Extension = Door with lock

[IMM]
Nursing Room @ IMM
Location: Level 2 (next to the toilets nearest to the carpark)
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, baby holders
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[WHEELOCK PLACE]
Nursing Room @ Wheelock Place
Location: Level 1, near the lifts
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[313 SOMERSET]
Nursing Room @ 313 Somerset (Level B3)
Location: Level B3, 1 and 5
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, microwave, child-friendly toilet.
Not available: Electrical point, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Cubicles with curtains

[AMK HUB]
Nursing Room @ AMK Hub
Location: Level 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot water dispenser, waiting area
Not available: Electrical point, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[ANCHORPOINT]
Nursing Room @ Anchorpoint (Level B1)
Location: Level B1 and 1
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains only

[ARC]
Nursing Room @ ARC (Level 1)
Location: Level 1 and 2
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities:  Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser, child-friendly toilet
Not available: Waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[BEDOK POINT]
Nursing Room @ Bedok Point (Level 2)
Location: Level 1, 2 and 3
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[BHG BUGIS]
Nursing Room @ BHG Bugis
Location: Level 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area.
Not available: Electrical point, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[BUGIS JUNCTION]
Nursing Room @ Bugis Junction (Level 3)
Location: Level B1, 1 and 3, next to the toilets
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[BUGIS+ (previously known as Iluma)]
Nursing Room @ Bugis+ (Level 2)
Location: Level 1, 2 and 3
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[CAUSEWAY POINT]
Nursing Room @ Causeway Point (Level B1)
Location: Level B1, 1, 2, 3, 4
Size: Level B1 = Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers); Level 1, 2, 3, 4 = Average (accommodates 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[CENTERPOINT]
Nursing Room @ Centerpoint Location: Level 6; Mothercare at Level 1 (refer to the below)
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, toilets for both young children and parents.
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of Separation: Door without lock

[CENTERPOINT MOTHERCARE]
Nursing Room @ Centerpoint Mothercare
Location: Level 1 Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[CENTRAL]
Nursing Room @ Central
Location: Level 1 (behind #01-58)
Size: Average (accommodates 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[CENTURY SQUARE]
Nursing room @ Century Square
Location: Level 2 and 3
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser.
Not available: Waiting area, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 1]
Nursing Room @ Airport Terminal 1
Location: Level 2 and 3
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 2]
Nursing Room @ Airport Terminal 2
Location: Level 2, Departure Hall
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser, waiting area, disposable diapers dispenser
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 TRANSIT]
Nursing Room @ Airport Terminal 2 Transit
Location: Family Zone
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser, waiting area, disposable diapers dispenser
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes Mode of separation: Door with lock

[CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 3]
Nursing Room @ Airport Terminal 3 (Level 1)
Location: Various places
Size: The one at level 1 next to TCC is larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, disposable diapers dispenser.
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[CHANGI CITY POINT]
Nursing Room @ Changi City Point (Level 3)
Location: Level 1, 2, 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[CHINA SQUARE CENTRAL]
Nursing Room @ China Square Central
Location: Level B1
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[CITY LINK MALL]
Nursing Room @ City Link Mall
Location: Near to concierge
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[CITY SQUARE MALL]
Nursing Room @ City Square Mall (Level B1)
Location: Level B1, 2 and 4
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes Mode of separation: Door with lock

[THE CLEMENTI MALL]
Nursing Room @ The Clementi Mall (Level 3)
Location: Level 3, 4 and 5
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point.
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[COMPRESS POINT]
Nursing Room @ Compass Point
Location: Level 4 Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[EAST POINT MALL]
Nursing Room @ East Point Mall Location: Level 6 Size: Too small (can't accommodate a stroller)
Amenities: Electrical point
Not available: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[SINGAPORE EXPO]
Nursing Room @ Singapore Expo
Location: Next to Hall 6
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot water dispenser, electrical point, high chair
Not available: Waiting area, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Doors with lock

[FAR EAST PLAZA]
Nursing Room @ Far East Plaza
Location: Level 2, 3, 4 and 5
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, hot water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL]
Nursing Room @ Forum the Shopping Mall
Location: Level 1
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, waiting area
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[FUNAN DIGIAL LIFE MALL]
Nursing Room @ Funan DigitaLife Mall (Level 2)
Location: Level 1 and 2, next to the toilets
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[GARDENS BY THE BAY]
Nursing Room @ Gardens by the Bay (Level 1, Flower Dome)
Location: Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and various locations (see Map)
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[GIANT HYPERMART TAMPINES]
Nursing Room @ Giant Tampines
Location: Level 2
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, waiting area
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[THE GRANDSTAND]
Nursing Room @ The Grandstand
Location: Level 1
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[GREAT WORLD CITY]
Nursing Room @ Great World City
Location: Level B1
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[HARBOURFRONT CENTRE]
Nursing Room @ Harbourfront Centre (Level 3)
Location: Level 2 and 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot water dispenser.
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: A cubicle with curtain

[HDB HUB @ Toa Payoh]
Nursing Room @ HDB Hub
Location: Level 2
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser, waiting area
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[HEEREN]
Nursing Room @ Heeren
Location: Level 3
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink (inside the toilet)
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[HOUGANG MALL]
Nursing Room @ Hougang Mall (Level 5)
Location: Level 2 and 5
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[IKEA]
Nursing Room @ IKEA Alexandra
Location: IKEA Alexandra = Level 2; IKEA Tampines = Level 1 and 2
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, disposable diapers dispenser
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No
**Note from MadPsychMum's personal experience: "Minimally decorated but has some amenities. For such a supposedly child-friendly place, there was also only one nursing room in IKEA Alexandra so you may have to wait very long to use it if it's occupied. The place is also very crowded on weekends and the room may not be cleaned regularly so there may be a bad smell. Definitely in my blacklist of worst nursing rooms. Rating: ★"

[ION ORCHARD]
Nursing Room @ Ion Orchard (Level B4)
Location: Level B4, B3, 3 and 4
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Electrical point, sink, hot and cold water dispenser, bottle warmer, disposable diapers dispenser, standing fan
Not available: Waiting area, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[ISETAN]
Nursing Room @ Isetan Scotts (Shaw House)
Location: Isetan Scotts (Shaw House) = Level 4; Isetan Serangoon (Nex) = Level 3; Isetan Katong (Parkway Parade) = Level 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, high chairs
Not available: Bottle warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

 [JCube]
Nursing Room @ JCube
Location: Level B1
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Cubicles with curtains

[JUNCTION 8] Nursing Room @ Junction 8 (Level 1)
Location: Level 1 Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area.
Not available: Electrical point, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes Mode of separation: Door with lock

[JURONG BIRD PARK]
Nursing Room @ Jurong Bird Park
Location: Birds of Play
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser.
Not available: Waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[JURONG POINT]
Nursing Room @ Jurong Point (Main Building Level 2)
Location: Main Building = Level 2, inside the female toilet; New Extension = Level 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[LEISURE PARK KALLANG]
Nursing Room @ Leisure Park Kallang
Location: Level 1
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[LOT 1]
Nursing Room @ Lot 1
Location: Level B1
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Available: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area
Not available: High chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[MANDARIN GALLERY]
Nursing Room @ Mandarin Gallery
Location: Level 3 Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[MARINA BAY SANDS, THE SHOPPES]
Nursing Room @ Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (Level 1)
Location: Level 1 and 2 Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, child-friendly toilet
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[MARINA SQUARE]
Nursing Room @ Marina Square (Level 1)
Location: Level 1 and 2 Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: : Sink, electrical point
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[MCYS | MSF BUILDING]
Nursing Room @ Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
Location: Level 1 and 5
Size: Too small (can't accommodate a stroller
Amenities: Sink, hot water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[MARITIME EXPERIMENTIAL MUSEUM | S.E.A AQUARIUM, MARINE LIFE PARK]
Nursing Room @ MEM/SEA Aquarium
Location: Next to the toilets beside the souvenir shop
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[MILLENIA WALK]
Nursing Room @ Millenia Walk
Location: Level B1
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, waiting area, high chairs
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, bottle warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains only

[NEX]
Nursing Room @ NEX
Location: Level 2
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, hot water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[NGEE ANN CITY]
Nursing Room @ Ngee Ann City
Location: Level B1 (inside female toilet) and B2 (outside the toilets)
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller in each cubicle)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair. 
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[NORTH POINT SHOPPING CENTRE]
Nursing Room @ North Point (Level B1)
Location: Level B2, B1, 1, 2, 3 and 4
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains / Door with lock

[NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (NUH), KENT RIDGE WING]
Nursing Room @ NUH Kent Ridge Wing
Location: Level 3, inside NUH Women's Clinic (Ruby)
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser (outside), waiting area (outside)
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[OG CHINATOWN]
Nursing Room @ OG Chinatown
Location: Level 5
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser, waiting area, diaper disposal dispenser
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains only

[OG Orchard Point]
Nursing Room @ OG Orchard Point
Location: Level 4, next to Customer Service
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes Mode of separation: Curtains

[ORCHARD CENTRAL]
Nursing Room @ Orchard Central (Level 4)
Location: Level 3, 4 and 7
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[PARAGON]
Nursing Room @ Paragon (Level 5)
Location: Level 3 and 5
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area (outside).
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[PARKWAY PARADE]
Nursing Room @ Parkway Parade (Level 1)
Location: Level 1 and 3
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Level 1 = Yes; Level 3 = No.
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[PLAZA SINGAPURA]
Nursing Room @ Plaza Singapura
Location: Level 3
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[RAFFLES CITY SHOPPING CENTRE]
Nursing Room @ Raffles City Shopping Centre
Location: Level B1 and 3
Size: Level B1 = Too small (can't accommodate a stroller); Level 3 = Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Level B1 = Sink; Level 3 = Sink, electrical point, waiting area and high chair
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, bottle warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[RRESORTS WORLD SENTOSA]
Nursing Room @ Resorts World Sentosa (Festive Hotel)
Location: Level B1, 1
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Available: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[SAFRAToa Payoh]
Nursing Room @ Safra Toa Payoh (Level 1)
Location: Level 1, 2 and 3
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[SCOTTS SQUARE]
Nursing Room @ Scotts Square (Level 2)
Location: Level 2, 3
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[SEMBAWANG SHOPPING CENTRE]
Nursing Room @ Sembawang Shopping Centre
Location: Level B1
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities:  Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, toilet baby holder
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

[Sentosa]
Nursing Room @ Sentosa
Location: Beach station
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door without lock

Nursing Room at Malaysia Food Street
Amenities: Sink, waiting area
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

Nursing Room at The Forum 
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

Nursing Room @ Universal Studios Sentosa
Location: one inside the customer sevice centre near the entrance
Amenities: Sink, waiting area/chair for nursing
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[SENTOSA PORT OF LOST WONDER]
Nursing Room @ Sentosa Port of Lost Wonder
Location: Next to the toilets
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot water dispenser
Not available: Electrical point, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[THE STAR VISTA]
Nursing Room @ The Star Vista
Location: Level 1
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Doors with automatic lock

[SUNTEC CITY MALL]
Nursing Room @ Suntec City Mall
Location: Tower 1, Level 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area.
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[TAKASHIMAYA SHOPPING CENTRE]
Nursing Room @ Takashimaya
Location: Level 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, high chairs
Not available: Bottle warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: A cubicle and curtains

[TAMPINES 1]
Nursing room @ Tampines 1 (Level 5)
Location: Level 2 and 5
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area
Not available: Electrical point, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes Mode of separation: Door with lock

[TAMPINES MALL]
Nursing room @ Tampines Mall (Level 1)
Location: Level 1, 2, 3 and 4, next to toilets
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[TaANGLIN MALL]
Nursing Room @ Tanglin Mall
Location: Level 3 Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[THOMSON PLAZA]
Nursing Room @ Thomson Plaza Location: Level 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, waiting area
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[TIONG BAHRU PLAZA]
Nursing Room @ Tiong Bahru Plaza
Location: Level 2, 5 Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point (level 5 only), hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area.
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains only

[UNITED SQUARE]
Nursing Room @ United Square
Location: Level 1 @ Connectz
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, high chair, disposable diapers dispenser
Not available: Bottle warmer
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock
**One of MadPsychMum's favorite**

[VELOCITY | NOVENA SQUARE]
Nursing Room @ Velocity / Novena Square
Location: Level 3
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area.
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Door with lock

[VIVOCITY]
Nursing room @ Vivocity (Level 2, next to the playground)
Location: Level 1, 2 and 3 (main one is at level 2 next to the playground)
Size: Level 2 (main) = Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers); Level 1, 2, 3 = Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot water dispenser, waiting area (only for main nursing room).
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Level 2 (main) = Yes; Level 1, 2, 3 = No
Mode of separation: Level 2 (main) = Cubicles with curtains

[WEST COAST PLAZA]
Nursing Room @ West Coast Plaza Location: Level B1
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair. 
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[WEST MALL]
Nursing Room @ West Mall
Location: Level B1
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink.
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, high chair, bottle-warmer.
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[WHITE SANDS]
Nursing Room @ White Sands
Location: Level B1
Size: Average (accommodates only 1 stroller)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point.
Not available: Hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: No

[WISMA ATRIA]
Nursing Room @ Wisma Atria
Location: Level 3, inside the female toilet
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink
Not available: Electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area, bottle warmer, high chair.
Nursing area separated from changing area: No
***Quoted from the personal experience of MadPsychMum: Minimally decorated, not very clean and has few amenities. As it is located inside the female toilet, it had a bad smell. It is also often mistaken as a resting area since only a curtain separates the nursing area from the main toilet. In addition, the lack of electrical points in the cubicles may make expressing milk more inconvenient. There is also only one room so you may have to wait to use it if it's occupied. Definitely in my blacklist of worst nursing rooms.***

[YEW TEE POINT]
Nursing Room @ Yew Tee Point
Location: Level 1
Size: Larger than average (accommodates 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser
Not available: Waiting area, bottle-warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains only

[SINGAPORE ZOOLOGIAL GARDENS]
Nursing Room @ Singapore Zoo
Location: Kidsworld
Size: Elephant-large (accommodates more than 2 strollers)
Amenities: Sink, electrical point, hot and cold water dispenser, waiting area (outside)
Not available: Bottle warmer, high chair
Nursing area separated from changing area: Yes
Mode of separation: Curtains

*Although all effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, changes may have been made since the last time this list has been updated.

**This list of nursing rooms is an original and appeared first on MadPsychMum.

US : Nursing Room Locator

I have stumbled on to this really cool site that enables readers to search via State in the US for nursing rooms. I hope this is useful to my readers. :)

Nursing Room Locator (US)

HKG: Breastfeeding And Baby Nursing Rooms In Hong Kong

~ from Geobaby HKG (updated 2013 July 27) and other resources like ChattyBrain.com, MadPsychMum.com, etc

*Note that although there are a lot of mothers nowadays who breastfeed in public, there also some older Chinese in the city who may still find breast feeding in public as taboo so just in case, please ensure proper coverups are available with you and that you show proper decorum. This means show minimal skin as possible and worst come to worst; please use your baby's blanket, if you do not have a nursing top with you.

**Also note that to encourage nursing, the Hong Kong government has also provided baby care facilities in some government offices/premises. They've published a list of these facilities here.

AIRPORT

Chep Lap Kok / Hong Kong International Airport - I have personally used this room (in the picture below) during my last trip back to MNL with S. There are 31 nursing rooms with changing and feeding facilities that are located through the airport. These are (a) #19 in Terminal 1, (b) #5 in Terminal 2, (c) #5 in North Satellite Concourse and (d) #2 at Skypier.This is great if you need to wait a long time for your departure. Then you can nurse all the way to your destination on the plane!
----------------------------------------



CENTRAL / ADMIRALTY

Marriott, Conrad, or Shangri-La in Admiralty - Most have washrooms with a bench and mirror. Also look for the more secluded chairs in lobbies.
 
Pacific Place Shopping Mall – First floor (near Lane Crawford Home and Gift shop) and second floor (directly above first floor facilities, opposite the lifts). Look for the bathrooms where you will find a spacious baby room with a sink, changing table and chair for feeding. Accessible to men and women. One of my favorite rooms!

IFC 2 Building (Shopping Mall) - IFC women's rooms have breastfeeding/changing rooms, 3 to be exact.
(a) the ones across from the cinema in the Ladies' washroom;
(b) 2nd floor, nursing/baby diaper room on the corridor to the bathroom; not in ladies' rm, so daddy can keep u company,  
(c) P3 Near Lane Crawford, Baby Changing Room, small room with one chair, sink, wipes and bottle warmer.

Prince's Building - There are two known citings: (1) 1st floor Ladies' toilet on the first floor. One big chair just right for breastfeeding. There is an attendant keeping the place clean and handing you fresh towels. And in the floors above are some baby and maternity shops including Mothercare, Toto, and a toy store (can't remember the name). (2) On the third floor, not far from Mannings is a silver door with two very nice baby rooms with changing and nursing facilities.

Tiny Footprints - Located inside this lovely baby care shop (10th floor in 1 Duddell Street) mothers will find a colourful, clean and comfortable changing room as well as lounge chairs to feed in. 

MO (Mandarin Oriental) BAR – ground floor of the Landmark building, located in the women’s toilets. One of the poshest changing facilities in town! 

Bumps to Babes – changing table located inside this popular baby & children shop located on the 5th floor of 12, Pedder Street.

Hong Kong Park – located at the park entrance just opposite the Shangri La hotel, near the public toilets. This might not be the fanciest baby room in Hong Kong, but it is clean and a good find if you are in the park. Park Map (on the map there is only an icon for the toilets although the nursing facilities are present)

Eugene Club (chinese site) in Central (next to H&M)

Murray Building - G/F Room G1A
 
Annerley's Midwives Centre in Lyndhurst Terrace - Changing table and breastfeeding facilities
Address: Unit 1801, Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Dan Ryan's - good places to eat with kids and they have changing tables. 

Central Government Offices - 1st Floor at 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar Site


----------------------------------------

WEST SIDE

Westwood Mall (near Belchers in Kennedy Town) there are changing rooms on the ground and first floor.

Macau Ferry Terminal (Shun Tak Centre)  - A changing room is located in the basement and accessible through Maxim Restaurant.

----------------------------------------

KOWLOON / NEW TERRITORIES
Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui - take the lift to the 1st floor where the bathroom is nice.

Eugene Club (chinese site) in Tsim Sha Tsui

Elements Shopping Mall - Located on the first and second floors of the mall near the food village.

Harbour City – Nursery rooms are located on the ground level (near Toys R Us), level two (near Giga Sport and another near Zara), level three (near the Shopper’s Care Centre)

Hotel Ritz Carlton – No presentation needed. The changing room is as snazzy as the hotel itself.
Address: in the ICC building. 1 Austin Road West, Hong Kong

Olympian Shopping Centre – There is a baby care room on each floor (G/F, UG/F, 1/F) but only the UG/F also has a nursing room.  Padded sofas and cubicles with lockable stalls to breastfeed in. For a mall floor plan , click here

Langham Place Hotel, Mongkok - Fifth floor, near the lounge/bar.
Address: 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
Megabox - As the name “mega” implies, this is a large shopping centre located in Kowloon Bay. They boast having a Parent’s room, baby diaper supply and baby stroller lending.

Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong - L2, near the children’s shops offers a family room with private nursing facilities as well as a comfortable changing table.

Grand Century Arcade in Prince Edward - Located on the 5th floor.

Hong Kong Hotel in Kowloon side near Star Ferry - Try any other large hotels as these usually have comfy chairs in the lobbies and clean washrooms for changing babies.

Outside Toys R Us in Ocean Terminal there is a special glassed in area to breastfeed and change babies under the escalator.
----------------------------------------

WANCHAI / CAUSEWAYBAY / NORTH POINT 

Immigration Building in Wan Chai - pretty much in the wait area, I breastfed my son and daughter while waiting for their paper works. The bathrooms are not advisable. Just make sure you have a cover if you are shy to feed in public.

Lee Garden 1 - on the floor with all the baby shops, there a nice room with changer and couch to breastfeed.
Lee Garden 2 - 2nd Floor, outside Habitu, very quiet in the far corner however you are surrounded by tall buildings.

Hysan Place – there are two from memory, one on level 12 and the other is on U/G.


Times Square - There are two options for your (a) Take the fast lift up to the 9th floor and look for the musical instruments shop behind Page One (bookshop). Here you will find a dedicated breastfeeding room as well as a changing room. The lady’s toilet located here also has a baby changing table. (b) Lane Crawford Toilet has Chair and Counter, very quiet.

Eugene Club (chinese site) in Windsor House, Causeway Bay on the 16th Floor.

Sogo Department Store in Causeway Bay- 6th Floor Children's Section

Sino Plaza - UG Floor

World Trade Centre - 2nd and 4th Floors

Hong Kong Central Library - The Babycare Room, located in the Children's Library on the 2/F, is reserved for patrons who need to breastfeed or bottle-feed babies. To protect users' privacy, only one family unit comprising at least one adult and one accompanying baby is allowed to use the Babycare Room at a time. Readers can contact the staff of the Children's Multimedia Room for use. 

Queen Elizabeth Stadium -

Jusco Department Store in Kornhill, Tai Koo - On the 2nd floor near the baby department there is a changing area and a place to breastfeed.

Cityplaza Shopping Centre in Tai Koo Shing - G/F and 3/F

Apita in Cityplaza Shopping Centre, Tai Koo Shing– in the Shopping mall where Apita is, near the baby section

---------------------------------------- 

SOUTH SIDE
Tree - Located on the top floor of Horizon’s Plaza, the flagship shop of Tree also has a cafe, children’s play area and changing room.

Bumps to Babes - changing table located inside this popular baby & children shop located on the 21st floor of in Horizons Plaza (2 Lee Wing Street
Ap Lei Chau Hong Kong).

Stanley Plaza - This clean and comfortable changing and nursing room, accessible to men and women, can be found on the ground floor near the toilets.


DISNEYLAND

Hong Kong Disneyland - tucked away in a quiet cosy corner next o the First Aide Center is the Baby Care Room where you can breastfeed in private. It is right beside the Corner Cafe at the end of Main Street.



----------------------------------------


OTHERS
Pacific Coffee and Starbuck's shops - Most have large chairs and some even have play areas for older children.
Many of the newer Superstore Park N Shops have baby changing/feeding areas with chairs in them. Festival Walk (Kowloon Tong), Paradise Mall (Heng Fa Chuen), Maritime Square (Tsing Yi), Citygate (Tung Chung).

All Mothercare stores have changing areas and usually a chair to sit on. The stores are in Prince's Building, Ocean Terminal, Windsor House and New Town Plaza (Shatin).

Try the changing rooms of Marks and Spencer, Mothercare, Wing On, Lane Crawford or UNY.
If they are not too busy they will usually let you use a room. Sometimes there are chairs. If not, the carpets are relatively clean.


Ikea in Causeway Bay, Shatin and Prince Edward (not far from Fa Yuen Street market) have changing tables and sometimes a chair. Try the cafeteria for breastfeeding. Usually quiet.
 
Discovery Bay/Star Ferries - The rocking motion will even help baby fall asleep!
 
Try feeding in McDonald's or a Chinese Dim Sum type restaurant. They are always noisy, so breastfeeding seems less obtrusive.
 
Jaspa's Restaurant, Sai Kung - A good place to eat with kids, very comfortable with breastfeeding mums in the restaurant.

Maritime Square in Tsing Yi has a nursing room at the same level than all the babies shops and Toys'R us. Very nice and comfortable but don't count on it on week-end, people are queuing up to change baby!

Paradise Mall in Chai Wan - Ground floor, 100 Shing Tai Road

HKG: Giving Birth in Hong Kong

There are a few people who have asked me why we gave birth in HKG.

The usual side comment are:

• why go that far when you have everything and everyone in MNL to help you?
• it's going to be more expensive there, why do it?
• the cost would be double if you are not based there since you would need to have two doctors monitoring you?
• isn't it too much of a hassle?

The above comments are valid but I would believe that E and I did it because we would want to give our baby the option of another life outside of MNL. An option that might be visible only too far down the road so if we, as parents, can do it, why not?

Also our decision's end result may not flourish now but it will later on ~ "hassles" are only a temporary thing...C will surely thank us for it.

Giving birth abroad...some Traveling Abroad Reminders

1. Pregnancy women should bring as much documentation as possible regarding their own medical history and antenatal care that they have received during their pregnancies. This documentation should include details of all tests and scans carried out during the pregnancy as well as any medications prescribed for the mother or any instances in which bed rest was advised. Women who plan to travel abroad to give birth should also advise their doctors and midwives of this as early as possible so that all required information can be collected before its time to travel.
   
   
2. Ensure you place all important documents in your handbag or hand carry bag since you might be asked in various airport gates of clarification and confirmation. Never in your check-in luggage. When in doubt, bring ALL.
   
   
3. Choose an appropriate itinerary. It is not recommended that pregnancy women fly more than three hours when they travel to give birth abroad. It is also not recommended that such women then travel for mor than three hours when they land (such as by car, bus or train). With these guidelines in mind, women should strive to find a travel schedule that will not over-tax their bodies, make them travel too close to the due date or restrict the items (for themselves or their babies) that they can bring with them as luggage.
   
   
4. Elect an appropriate facility in which to give birth abroad is important - if possible, women should be in contact with a doctor or clinic prior to leaving home so that it is known that they will be giving birth and can be put on the "schedule". Women should look for facilities large enough to accommodate any emergencies that could arise, or for facilities known to deal well with any other factors (the birth of multiples, water births, etc). Family and friends who live in the area where a woman will give birth can be a great resource when it comes time to pick a facility and doctor.
   
   
5. Women who give birth abroad will receive a birth certificate from that country but will need to register their child's birth with the British authorities. There are some exclusions to this rule, however, as there are some countries in which foreign births can not be registered. Women should check with the British authorities in that country to find out more about registering a birth abroad.
   For more information about Secondary Citizenship Queries, please refer here.
   
   
6. Women interested in giving birth abroad should make this decision as early as possible to give themselves the greatest amount of time to organize their travel and medical plans. Plan early and do inform the airline carrier of your condition to check what is each carrier's pregnancy regulations. Note that as you wait longer in your term to fly, the heavier and harder on yourself it will be.
   

Midwife IPuiYi) or Newborn Nanny or none?

Warning: If they will want a midwife, they have to start searching (it might be too late since a friend of mine started calling on her 4th month and had some trouble picking the right midwife for them) because good and decently priced midwives are a premium. They are being snapped up like hot pancakes. It's also aluxury to have one since the price is high depending on experience and expectations.

THE GOOD & THE BAD BETWEEN A MIDWIFE / NANNY

the GOOD...

(1) trained/licensed professional ~ a midwife is licensed to take care of the baby and the mom. She cooks, cleans and takes care of both persons so it makes it a lot easier on the mother-in-laws, husbands. She can be given a budget to buy groceries to cook for the mom. Note that she cooks gelai items more and might look stricter than a mother-in-law but the mom can say no to her compared to a mother-in-law.

(2) the experience ~ our midwife taught us so many things that even the other blogs didn't tell us like how to effectively bath a baby, what to do during feedings (not to have him sleep on you so you wouldn't waste so much time of him latched on to you), baby sleep, etc.

(3) the baths!!! ~ Cantonese gelai allows for baths and the midwife can prepare ginger bath water for use as often as the mom wants though I went through two weeks of no bathing just selective washings to still go through the gelai.

the BAD...

(1) the price ~ our midwife is only on a 8hour shift so it's more like 10am to 7pm. She goes home and it's normally the evenings that are tougher...though that's why you get them in the mornings since you're tired and sleepy and would try to catch up on sleep. You can hire them for two shifts - 24/7 service but note the price.

(2) the conflicts ~ there might be conflicting gelai items between Canto vs MNL Chinese styles, etc.

(3) the language barrier ~ not a lot of midwives in HKG speak fluent English. Some hardly utter a word of English though there are some with decent vocabulary. You might have to be patient in finding an English speaking one since most of the ones we were referred to were Canto speaking. (In our case, we didn't mind since E knows a bit more and E's side of the family can communicate for us if we can't.)

My advice...since a midwife normally just stays with you for a month or two, it would be good to have a Newborn nanny already with you also since the midwife will teach or coach the Newborn nanny to continue on and assist you.

For those who would be interested - our PuiYi's name is Ying Jie (Mandarin for "English") - 852.9656.5158, if your are interested. Tell her that you were recommended by Wong Sin Sang or Cheryl Wong.

Note: she doesn't speak much English; speaks mostly Cantonese and a bit of Mandarin only.

HKG Doctors...
I love the doctors in HKG. Pricey but professional. I surely miss Colin's pediatrician since he's so close to the house and very easy to talk to. Love him and my OB who's a wonderful man.
If we are to be blessed again and to give birth in HKG, we hope to have both professionals on our side :)

OB: Dr Eric Lee (Central District)
Office: Room 1501, 15/F, Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central
Tel No: 852.2521.2567
Assistant: Connie

Pediatrician: Dr Vincent Chan (Causeway Bay District)
Office: 2607 Hang Lung Centre, 2 - 22 Patterson Street, Causeway Bay
Tel No: 852.2894.8445

With regards to tips, there are a lot but some are below:

Most important places to get baby supplies in HKG...

• Eugene Club @Central (next to H&M) and Windsor House; Bumps to Babies (Shanghai Tang Building); Marks & Spencer (Central); SOGO department stor (baby/kids section)
  
  
• Baby Photography:
  (1) Michelle Garthe (Colin's photographer)**
  http://www.facebook.com/garthephotoarts
  **studio is @ her home but she can also go to your home but with a small fee; more stylized photos; took Colin's photo @ 11 days old
  
  (2) Cheeky Monkey***
  ***no studio but no fee for any location around HK; more natural photos
  
  
• Diaper Rash Cure:-Mustela's Vitamin Barrier Cream ~ Mustela products (full range) is located in Sogo's 6/F. There's also a Mustela Shop in Shop 220-1 The Galleria 9 Queen's Road, Central HK. If you purchase 5k in one receipt, you get to have a lifetime Mustela discount card. I prefer this than the US' Desitin due to it being better smelling.
  
  
• Baby Wipes Alternatives:
  (1) water and cotton ~ Tenson Baby Cotton Wipes replace cotton balls and make it easier to use than cutting up cotton rolls, available @Eugene Club
  (2) If you need to use wet wipes for convenience especially when out, please ensure the wipes you use wipes with no alcohol. Colin uses Pigeon Baby Wipes and comes highly recommended.
  
  
• Baby Carrier: Combi Magic Compact ~ This is a great carrier since it's used for newborns until 2 years old! We used this to bring Colin back to MNL.
  
  
• Where to Breastfeed and Change Baby ~ follow here (credit to Geobaby's La Leche League HKG)
  
  
• I blogged more on my HKG/Chinese Confinement Regiment here.

Baby Supplies and such in MNL...

• Baby Supplies: Baby Company (various locations like Rockwell, SM Makati)
  
  
• For Breastfeeding/Pre-natal Classes:
  (1) Lactation Coach (i went to this coach)*: Zeny C. Feliciano
  (2) Birthing Coach - Chiqui Brosas (we went to this one)
  *Both can do one-on-one appointments/sessions
  
  
• Breast pumps:- Medela Swing Pump: My mom bought my Medela pump @ Wing-On. You can price compare versus delivery price also.
  
  
• Milk storage plastics: Playtex Standard Pre-sterilized Disposable Liners
  
  
• Baby Bottle Soap (MNL - far cheaper than Pigeon and works even better)
  Karen Lopez
  +639209055530
  You can also email her at momentrepreneur1@yahoo.com
  - she has a store opening in Shangri-la but can do home pick-ups either in QC or Makati
  
  
• Nursing Wears:
  Cher @ Plumeshop
  Sherry @ Contour / Hip Moms and Babies
  Au Lait Nursing Wear - a Singapore store/brand
  Latch Wear - a friend's shop
  
  
• Diaper Rash Cure: Desitin
  
  
• Clothing Brands (department stores/boutiques): Enfant (SM Megamall, Rustan's) especially the bottoms since the garter is specially suited for enfants; Tiny Tummies (SM Megamall), GAP (Bonifacio High Street) ~ wait for sales!
  
  
• Baby Cloths ~ outlet:
  (1) BlueParasol Inc
  Address: 58 Unit 3, Victoria Ave, New Manila, QC (two blocks away from Pizza Hut Bistro, street across St. Luke's Hospital QC)
  Tel: 632.571.8576
  Look for: Maila / Ina
  Items sold: RL/Polo, Carter's, Gerber, etc
  
  (2) Hello Baby / Carter's Outlet
  Address: 43 Zodiac Street Bel Air Makati
  Tel: 632.896.4802
  How to get there, if coming from EDSA, turn right to Buendia then right again after the Shell station, you’ll go straight to the Bel-air gate. That’s already Zodiac St. go straight and find number 48 to your left. The storage room is at the back of the house. Just enter the premises and follow the arrow to lead you to the back. You might want to call first to ask what their new arrivals are.
  Items sold: really cheap mittens/booties/hats/towels/receiving blankets/bibs, etc by Carter's, etc
  
  
• Breastfeeding Tips:
  Freezing Breastmilk
  Thawing Stored Frozen Breastmilk
  Expressing Breastmilk While Traveling
  

Other items...
The above is more for the mom and the baby in HK.
There are other items that parents need to think about aside from the birth and baby's health like the legal side of things i.e. filing baby's birth certificate, permanent resident card, passport, etc.

I found number of good sites with a concise research on being pregnant, giving birth and up to registration with the Hong Kong government:

• lbcaplan@ust.hk
  
• Angloinfo - HKG Family Life & Living in HKG

Please note that if your baby is a Phil citizen (i.e. both parents are Filipinos) like us, you would need to register your baby @ the Philippine embassy within thirty (30 days) of birth so they would send the details to NSO else you would have to file a Late Registration of Live Birth. This would hinder/delay your baby's passport processing.