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You are here: Home Health & Fitness Healthcare 10 things to prepare before giving birth in Spain

12/08/200910 things to prepare before giving birth in Spain

Having given birth to her baby boy Charlie in 2006 without much comprehensive and up-to-date sources, Claire Ogier hopes to lend a helping hand to expectant mums in Spain with her website.

Claire Ogier knows exactly what it feels like to be an expectant mom due to deliver in Spain. The language barrier and the lack of concrete information about giving birth makes the apprehensive experience more nerve-wrecking than it should be.  

Read on to find out Ogier's general tips on how to make the whole process a more smooth-sailing experience. 

1) Not many hospitals offer prenatal classes, but they are worth seeking out. A number of independent midwives offer private and group classes throughout Spain. I regret not having classes as my partner and I didn’t have a clue on the day I was due

2) If you are planning to breastfeed, try to find as much support as possible. Hospital staff encourage breastfeeding but usually lack resources or information.  A local La Leche League group or midwife could offer some support. Failing that, talk to some experienced breastfeeding mums.

Find support for you and your baby.3) There is little support in the hospital after delivery and no health visitor system once you return home, so find someone to help with the house or younger siblings, or request a home visit from a local midwife. Women who deliver by caesarian section, which occurs at a high rate in Spain, should expect a longer hospital stay. They may also find it difficult to move around for approximately two weeks afterwards.

4) Learn how to register your baby before his or her arrival to reduce stress afterwards. Locate your local civil registry office and find out about the process and obtaining the necessary paperwork. Please note there is a time limit on registering your baby.

5) Don’t be afraid to ask questions from your obstetrician or primary care giver. If a tour of the delivery suite is available, request one. It might seem scary when you see it for the first time but it really doesn’t look the same way to you when you are in labour! My hospital didn’t offer me a tour but when I asked for one, they were glad to accommodate. It looked a lot more welcoming on the day!

2 reactions to this article

nataliajane posted: 10-08-2009 | 11:28 AM

i am due to give birth in a few day i live in ibiza which has a lot less options than the main land.
But wish to tell everyone not to panic i am lucky as i speak fluent spanish which does help to understand everything but no worries you will always find some one who can speak english.
Also as for ceserian this is now not true as they are very pro natural birth in spain and the hospitals are very acomodating it has changed alot in the last few years one thing i will say is that the big down side is that the only pain relife is epidural but you can always take a tens machine to the hopital.
please dont be put off by peoples storyie as every one is diffrent and everyone handles pain in diffrent way just remember language barrier or not the midwife is their to help not to make you suffer
embrace the moment.
good luck
xxxxx

Celdm posted: 08-10-2009 | 10:39 PM

Nataliajane - congrats on your new arrival! how did you get on? would be great to have an update on where, how\'s and what\'s of your labour.. I\'m going to be giving birth next year in Ibiza and trying to find more info. Hoping you and little wonder are doing well. x

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