Soup-for-Moms Programme While we all recognise that breast is best, the most common challenge faced by breastfeeding mothers is ensuring an adequate milk flow for their babies' nutritional requirements. Deliveries leave mothers exhausted, especially for those who experience long labour. Wakeful babies who demand feeding frequently in the night often prevent mothers from taking their much needed rest. It has been clearly documented that such tiredness can lead to a decrease in the mothers' milk supply.

How to Increase Milk Supply
In order to succeed in breastfeeding, you should

•	eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
•	stimulate hormone secretion by massaging the breast
•	position your baby correctly for proper attachment of the baby
•	have a hot, nutritional hot soup. A hot soup before breastfeeding is known for its galactogogue properties ie, increasing the nursing mother's milk supply and helping to achieve the goal of total breastfeeding.

From the successes of many breastfeeding mothers, Thomson highly recommends the Soup-for-Moms Programme. The traditional Asian soups are specially prepared with dietary expert advice from our very own ParentCraft & Senior Lactation Consultant, Mrs Wong Boi Boi. All soups are double-boiled individually to extract, concentrate and retain maximum nutrients from the fresh ingredients.

Why Soups?

•	A piping hot soup enhanced with nutritious ingredients taken before breastfeeding increases the vascularity in blood vessels leading to enhanced milk flow.
•	A protein-rich soup enhanced with nutritious fresh ingredients is needed to build-up and maintain health to every part of the body. The glandular tissue of the breasts is capable of selecting from the blood in the breast the necessary nutrients for the formation and preparation of milk. Thus, the level of essential vitamins, minerals and folate in the breast milk will depend on the intake by the mother.
•	A nutritious soup also provides energy for milk production.
•	Soups provide the necessary fluids. Breast milk consists of 87.2% water.

Non-breastfeeding Mothers Can Benefit Too!
Nutritious protein-rich soups are ideal for providing the necessary protein, vitamins and minerals to nurse confinement mothers who have just delivered back to health.

For maximum effectiveness, the Soups-For-Mom programme is packaged with your daily meals during your stay with us.

Mum's Retreat If you're not ready for home yet even though your doctor has given you the go ahead to be discharged, we have a special programme that enables you to extend your hospital stay with us while we help you prepare your new role as a mother with our carefully selected training sessions and selected confinement diets. This service is subjected to room availability.

In-room Shopping Shop for both baby and mom in the comfort of your room. We have lined up essential products for mothers and newborns at special prices which are delivered right to your room. Home delivery for some items can also be arranged. The in-room shopping catalogues and order forms are available in all inpatient rooms. For more information, please call our Thomson Retail Pharmacy at 6350 8810.

Complimentary Classes During Your Hospital Stay
All inpatients and their spouses are welcomed to attend the complimentary hands-on Baby Bath Demonstration and Breastfeeding classes conducted by our parentcraft specialists on a daily basis, except on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Prayer Room To serve our Muslim patients and visitors, TMC provides a designated Prayer Room on Level 6 for their prayer needs. There are separate rooms for men and women equipped with the necessary attire eg. Sarongs for men, telekong for women.

What to Bring For Your Stay For maternity patients, please bring along your:
•	personal nightgowns (front-open types for easier breastfeeding)
•	maternity brassieres
•	cardigan or dressing gown
•	bedroom slippers
•	sanitary belt (optional)
•	sanitary towels (optional)
•	polythene bags (for your soiled linen)
Note: It is advisable to have a bag ready with these necessary items packed 2 to 4 weeks befoe estimated delivery date. We will provide the following for your newborn baby:
•	baby vests
•	disposable diapers
•	toiletries
•	a baby bag
•	wrapping blanket
•	a pair of mittens
Basic toiletries throughout your stay with us will be provided. However, you may also like to bring along your personal clothing, cosmetics and toiletries for a more comfortable stay. You are advised against bringing large sums of cash or valuables.