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10 things to prepare before giving birth in Spain

Getting Started

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.

Ten things to know before moving to Spain

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!

6) Do take anything that could make your labour more comfortable, such as a pillow, comfy t-shirt or birthing ball. Most hospitals will not offer much in the way of “comforts”. I packed CDs and while I didn’t listen to any of them, at least I had them in case. A big pillow or cushion would have been great to kneel on or lean against, especially with those hard marble floors! A birthing ball would be even better. I would include a good supportive birthing partner in my list of comforts too!
If you are planning to breastfeed, consider taking a breastfeeding pillow with you, as the hospital beds can be uncomfortable and awkward, especially post-caesarian.

7) Pack a coming-home outfit for your baby. Some hospitals provide everything for the baby including blankets, baby-gros, nappies and hats; check with your hospital if you are unsure. You will need some items for yourself such as breastpads, a nursing bra, disposable pants, a nightdress that you can feed from easily, as well as maternity pads, although the hospital can provide you with these during your stay. Pack a couple days’ worth of everything just in case your hospital stay is longer than expected.

It's ok to ask for help. Photo by Jeanine&Preston.

It's ok to ask for help. Photo by Jeanine&Preston.

8) Never be afraid to ask for help or feel intimidated by a language barrier. If you aren’t sure of something, get your partner to find someone who can understand you. Be sure to have at least one person who can speak a little English.

9) Speak to other mums about their own experiences and learn about what you can expect of your hospital care, and other issues. Remember, though, that everyone’s birthing experience is different, even within the same hospital. Talk to as many different mums as possible and get a balanced view.

10) Keep an open mind. Giving birth may well be a different experience in Spain compared to your homecountry, but different doesn’t necessarily mean worse.

Good luck! You’ll be fine.

Text: Claire Ogier / Expatica 2008
Photo credits: Jeanine&Preston

The writer, Claire Ogier runs Mums in Spain, a website for mums and expectant mums to share information and experiences about being pregnant and raising a child in Spain.

2 reactions to this article

nataliajane posted: 2009-08-10 11:28:12

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: 2009-10-08 22:39:31

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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