Monday 25 May 2015

Recommended Breastfeeding Books

There are so many books out there that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some books that consistently get good reviews. Here are a few good places to buy books online.
  • The Book Depository has free shipping to Korea. 
  • What the Book in Itaewon can get most books for you. 
  • Amazon is a good option and you can buy the Kindle version of the book. 
  • Thrift Books has new and used books.


The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning
Written by Martha Sears and William Sears

The Sears' book discusses how to get started breastfeeding, how to increase your milk supply, breast pumps, and more. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.




Breastfeeding Your Baby
Written by Sheila Kitzinger

A pictorial guide to breastfeeding with over 200 photographs and diagrams. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.



Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding
Written by Ina May Gaskin

A leading midwife in the USA, Ina May shares her knowledge of breastfeeding. Some of the topics discussed are the benefits of breastfeeding, nursing challenges, pumps, where your baby will sleep, going back to work, medication, weaning, sick babies, and more. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.



The Nursing Mother's Companion
Written by Kathleen Huggins

Consistently a best-seller, this book provides information on breastfeeding after a C-section, re-lactation, nursing a preemie, supplements,  introducing solids, pumping and storing breastmilk, and more. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.



The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America, Revised and Updated Edition
Written by Jack Newman M.D. and Teresa Pitman


Breastfeeding may be natural but that doesn't mean it's always easy. This book is written by two lactation experts who will help guide you through breastfeeding and help you bond with your baby. There is practical advice such as how to get a good latch, what to do if your baby refuses to nurse, avoiding sore nipples, how to make sure your baby gets enough milk, breastfeeding premature and special needs babies, and more. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.



The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Written by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman

La Leche League has set worldwide standards for breastfeeding. This book is their best-selling guide and contains information for working moms, stay-at-home moms, single moms, and moms of multiples. There is information about feeding cues, nursing after a C-section, scientific data about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby, tips for building a support network, postpartum depression, food allergies, weight gain, day care, and much more. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.



More Recommendations
Breastfeeding materials has good recommendations for professionals. The descriptions below are based off of Amazon's descriptions. A Time to Wean by Katherine Dettwyler, PhD is an interesting article. There are a lot of recommended websites, articles, videos, and more at this post about breastfeeding month.
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Tender Embrace Birthing offers childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes and support.


Sunday 17 May 2015

Infertility Treatments, IUI, and IVF in Korea

Updated 7 August 2018

This information was compiled from AngloInfo SeoulKISS, personal experience, and word of mouth. Trying to get pregnant can be a very emotional problem for couples suffering from infertility.

Good Resources
TCOYF
Buy from Amazon
TCOYF by Toni Weschler (Taking Charge of Your Fertility) is an amazing book with information on how to get pregnant and how to avoid getting pregnant. It's the leading book on fertility and women's reproductive health. You might also try reading some of these recommended books about fertility and infertility.

Support in Korea
KISS (Korea Infertility Support System) is a good support group for those in Korea trying to get pregnant. PCOS (& Endometriosis) Support in Korea also has good info.

Hospitals and Fertility Clinics
Korea has hospitals and clinics that are world-renown for IVF and IUI. There is no wait limit. You don't have to wait 6 months if you're over 35 or 1 year if you're under 35; you can go when you want and get tested to make sure that there are no problems and they can start treatment right away.

Legally speaking, Korea only allows fertility procedures to be done to married couples. Be prepared for the hospitals or clinics to ask for your marriage certificate or proof of marriage. Below you can find places that specialize in infertility. You might also be interested in hospitals and birthing clinics in Korea.

Prices
There are many things that influence the price you will pay such as which hospital or clinic you go to, what treatment you require, whether or not one of you is a Korean citizen, what insurance you have, and whether or not the doctor gives you a discount (Some foreigners have received discounts up to 65% and pay what Korean citizens would pay for that particular treatment. I'm not sure why they get discounts or if they ask for them. Some people have said they develop a rapport with their doctor or their doctor takes pity on them. It might be worth asking for a discount.).

There is a government program for people with Korean health insurance (at least one of you must be a Korean citizen) to help with fertility costs. Your hospital would have to give you the documents, then you would go to the 보건서 (public health center) for the grant, which is about 1.9 mil won. The grant is good for 3 fresh cycles and 2-3 frozen cycles (though if you don't do a frozen cycle you can get 1 more fresh cycle covered).

Procedures vary by hospital and depend on what insurance you have. Here's a breakdown of what it cost at Marie Fertility Clinic in Daejeon in 2013 and what it cost at Seoul Rachel Fertility Center in 2014. Below you can find average prices. 
  • IVF costs about 1-10 mil total (with 3-5 mil being the average per cycle)
  • IUI costs about 500,000-2 mil total
Here are some costs that you might incur on average. Ask your doctor since prices vary. 
  • Beta tests: 20,000-30,000
  • Blood tests: 60,000-200,000
  • Egg retrival: 500,000-2,000,000
  • Embryo transfer: 500,000-1,000,000
  • Freezing embryos: 250,000-500,0000
  • Pills, Injectables, suppositories, and pessaries (ex. clomid, femara, menopur, GnRH, and ovidril): 25,000-300,000 per set
  • Semen analysis: 20,000-35,000 
  • Trigger shots: 20,000
  • Ultrasounds/sonograms: 30,000-60,000 for regular ones and 100,000-140,000 for 3D ones. (Starting Oct. 1st, 2016 prices will drop by 70% if you have national health insurance. Here's the info in Korean and in English.)
Blogs about infertility in Korea
A good place to connect with other people who are suffering from infertility in Korea is KISS (Korea Infertility Support System). There are also some people who blog about it.
Once You're Pregnant
Educating yourself is key to getting a good birth. Taking a prenatal class, such as a birthing, breastfeeding, and newborn care class will help you adjust to life with your new baby. Having someone on your side, such as a doula, helps as well. Check out the list of breastfeeding counselors, childbirth educators, and doulas.


SEOUL AND GYEONGGI-DO
Cha Fertility Center: Seoul
569 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02) 3468-3000 or (02) 3468-3439


Cha Fertility Center: Bundang
16 Yaptap-ro 65 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam
Tel: (031) 780-5000 or (031) 1577-4488

 
Cheil General Hospital and Healthcare Center: Seoul
17 Seoae-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02) 200-7357


Cheil Women's Clinic Bundang: BundangInfertility clinic

27 Seonhyeon-ro, 180 beon-gil, Bundang-gu
(031) 725-8500


Dr. Sung's Clinic: Seoul
3rd Floor Hyundai Liberty House
258 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02) 790-0802
  • Everyone speaks English there. 

Dr. Yoo Women's Hospital (유광사여성병원): Seoul
194 Gangseo-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
Tel: 1588-3006 or (02) 2608-1011
  • Don't go on the weekends or you'll end up waiting a few hours. It's operated on a first come, first serve basis, even if you have an appointment. 
  • There's no point making an appointment. Just walk-in during the week.
  • The doctor speaks English, but the nurses and office staff don't. 

Fiona Clinic: Seoul
3rd Floor Dana Plaza
337 Sanggye 2-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02) 591-7111


Haesung Obstetric Gynecology: Cheonan
18-11 Mila 2-gil (Sangyeong-dong 1197), Seobuk-gu, Cheonan
Tel: (041) 572-4567
  • Dr Lee Kwang Yeol and Dr Moon speak English very well. The nurses and receptionist don't really speak English. 

Inje Paik Hospital: various locations
  • Located in Busan, Gimhae, Ilsan, and Seoul

Maria Fertility Hospital: various locations
  • Located in Bucheon, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Ilsan, Pyungchon, Seoul, and New York. 

Marie Clinic: Seoul
76-1 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02) 541-9114


Miz Medi: Seoul
1021-4 Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02) 1588-2701 or (02) 3467-3814


NHIS Ilsan Hospital: Ilsan
100 Ilsan-ro, Ilsan dong-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do
(031) 900-6965
  • Owned by NHS. The translator doesn't speak English well.

Pyeongtaek St. Mary's Hospital: Pyeongtaek
Pyeongtaek-ro 284, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do
Tel: (070) 5012-3420
  • There's one male fertility doctor on staff. He hasn't spoken English to me, but the international center is amazing. I've met two women there who are RNs in the USA. They speak perfect English and understand the culture as well. 
  • They have experience dealing with foreigners as well as military. 
  • In 2015, they had an IVF success rate of 53%.
  • They are famous for IVF south of the Han River.

SAM Medical Center: Gunpo
730 Dangdong, Gunpo
Tel: (031) 467-1000


Sarang-i IVF Center: Seoul
Baekjaegobun-ro 69 (Jamsil-dong 175 beongil), Apple Tower 3F, Songpi-gu
Tel: (02) 419-7501 and (02) 419-7502


Seoul Rachel Fertility Center: Seoul
2nd Floor Lotte City Hotel
109 Mapodae-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02) 3286-7500


Shes Medi: Suwon
288 Jangdari-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon
Telephone: (031) 231-7400
  • English speaking. They have some information on their blog about their services. Their website is also in English.

Yale OBGYN: Pyeongtaek
Hapjeong-dong 757-3, Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi-do
Telephone: (031) 656-3885 and (031) 659-7360
  • There are only male doctors but the nurses, office staff, and doctors speak English.

Yonsei Severance Hospital: Seoul
134 Shinchon-dong, Sudaemun-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02) 392-3404 or (02) 2228-1009
Emergency: (02) 361-2540
International Clinic: (02) 2228-5800 or (02) 2228-5810


OUTSIDE OF SEOUL AND GYEONGGI-DO
Cha Fertility Center: various locations

Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital: Hwasun
322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam
Tel: (061) 379-7892 or (061) 379-8599



Creation and Love: Gwangju
13-21 Gwangcheon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju
Tel: (062) 368-1700


Elle Medi: Changwon
540 beongi, Dangcheon-dong, Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do
Tel: (055) 252-2111, (055) 252-2112, or (055) 252-2113


Good Moonhwa Hospital: Busan
899-8  Beom-il2-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, 601-803
Tel: (051) 644-2002 or (051) 630-0123


Hyosung Hospital: Daegu
105-2 beon-gil, Jung-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu
Tel: (053) 766-7073


Ilsin Christian Hospital: Busan
Donggu, Jungkandan-ro 27
(051) 630-0300 (main) or (051) 630-0597 (Infertility clinic. Ask for Nurse Bora. She speaks English)

  • There is only one doctor there, Dr. Seol, but she is fluent in English and patiently answers questions. 

Inje Paik Hospital: various locations
  • Located in Busan, Gimhae, Ilsan, and Seoul

Joy Mom Baby (조이맘 산부인과): Daegu 
8th Floor Banwol Medical Tower (Namsan-dong)
359 Jungandae-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu
Tel: (053) 254-5252 or (053) 254-5292


Kwangju Christian Hospital: Gwangju
37 Yangnim-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju
Tel: (062) 650-5000


Mari Fertility Clinic: Daegu
ezezlee@hanmail.net
Beomeo-dong, Apple Tower 5F, Daegu
Tel: (053) 745-5888
  • Has good reviews from foreigners.

Maria Fertility Hospital: various locations
  • Located in Bucheon, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Ilsan, Pyungchon, Seoul, and New York. 

Premedi: Gwangju
Myeongan Building 4F, 950 Moonjindae-lo, Seogu, Gwangju
Tel: (062) 363-6655


Saewha Fertility Clinic: Busan
132 beon-gil 28, Minam-ro, Donglae-gu, Busan
Tel: (051) 505-1333
  • Known to be professional and foreigner-friendly. 
  • People travel from other countries just to go to this clinic. 
  • Very advanced technology. 

Seoul Women's Hospital: Daejeon 
1143 Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon
Tel: (042) 488-8275
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Tender Embrace Birthing offers childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes and support.


Sunday 10 May 2015

May is Postpartum Depression Awareness Month

The baby blues is very common. Postpartum depression is the next step up and is more common than what people may believe. Postpartum psychosis is not that happen, but merits immediate help. Here are some interesting articles about Postpartum Depression


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Tender Embrace Birthing offers childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes and support.




Sunday 3 May 2015

Recommended Postpartum Depression Books

There are so many books out there that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some books that consistently get good reviews. The Book Depository has free shipping to Korea. What the Book in Itaewon can get most books for you. Amazon might be a good option if you have someone coming to visit or can buy the Kindle version of the book. The descriptions are based off of Amazon's descriptions.


Beyond the Blue: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression
Written by Shoshana S. Bennett

This book contains information about risk factors, treatment, and prevention. It's straightforward yet compassionate. It's used by many international organizations such as the US Navy, the International Childbirth Education Association, Durham Regional Health Department of Canada, and others. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.



The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood: Coping with Stress, Depression, and Burnout
Written by Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett

This book talks about how to cope with stress, depression, and anger. It also deals with special problems that mothers who have survived abuse or have lost a child may deal with. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.



The Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Depression Support Book
Written by Sandra Poulin

Many women feel like they're the only one suffering from PPD. Crying, feeling worthless, and not being able to sleep are just a few of the symptoms. This book has stories from women from all walks of life talking about their struggle with PPD. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository



The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum Depression
Written by Karen R. Kleiman

This book can help family members of women suffering from PPD. It's easy to read and contains information such as how to misconceptions about PPD, coping, what you can do, medications, recovery, and more. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.



Sleepless Days: One Woman's Journey Through Postpartum Depression
Written by Susan Kushner Resnick

This is a memoir of a woman who suffered from PPD. A common disease, but one that is often hidden away. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.




This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression
Written by Karen R. Kleiman and Valerie Davis Raskin

The authors offer solid, compassionate advice about dealing with PPD. Their self-help program will help you get through PPD and recognize when you need professional help. You will understand the difference between PPD and baby blues, how to deal with panic attacks, where to get help, and more. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.

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