It's well-known that raising children can be costly, but what many didn't expect is just how expensive giving birth can be!
A user (@twtsecretsmy) on platform X shared the story of a new father whose wife had a cesarean section in a private hospital, leaving him with a bill that wiped out 70% of his savings!
Hidden Fees At Private Hospital
This new father revealed that his wife had an emergency C-section at a private hospital in July and was shocked when they received a hefty bill upon discharge.
"When we left, the bill showed RM24,000. I was utterly shocked when I saw the total amount. Honestly, when I looked at the hospital's package prices initially, natural childbirth was RM4,000, and a C-section was RM9,000, which I thought was within our budget."
He admitted to not doing enough research beforehand, assuming that fees in all private hospitals were similar. Little did he know that some "high-end" private hospitals, regardless of their package prices, would ultimately charge exorbitant medical fees.
"I'll Choose Public Hospital"
This new father mentioned that his wife didn't have a job, but fortunately, he had some savings.
"However, having a child wiped out 70% of my savings, and I have to accept that. For my second child, I'll choose a public hospital for delivery."
He added that he shared his experience to remind other prospective parents to learn from his ordeal.
As the post started to gain attention, many shared their tips and opinions on the post comments.
Netizens: GH Is Good!
One netizen advised the poster to consider government hospitals next time and even shared the government hospital's bill.
She pointed out that giving birth in a government hospital could save a lot of money, including costs for complications during C-sections and two weeks of observation for newborns in the intensive care unit, all for RM1,916.50 only.
"Don't be afraid to give birth in a government hospital. Instead of spending a fortune in a private hospital, use that money for postpartum care and hire a postpartum nanny."
She continued, stating that the RM24,000 spent by the poster could have covered 44 days of stay in a postnatal centre.
Moreover, many netizens revealed that government hospitals aren't as bad as people might think.
One netizen pointed out that the cost for one night in a government hospital is only RM66.
Another netizen shared that when she gave birth in August in a government hospital, the bill didn't exceed RM120.
Suggestion for Semi-Government Hospitals
Furthermore, some netizens suggested considering semi-government hospitals for a comfortable and cost-effective birthing experience, where the total cost doesn't exceed RM5,000.
"Costs Differ for Weekday and Weekend Births"
One netizen reminded prospective parents that if they plan to give birth in private hospitals, they must clarify all hidden costs.
"If you plan to give birth in a private hospital, make sure to clarify all hidden costs. Costs for giving birth on weekdays and weekends differ. How do we know when the baby will be born?"
