1) Not many hospitals offer antenatal classes but they really are worth seeking out privately if this is the case for you. There are a number of independent midwives offering classes throughout Spain. You can either join a group class or in some cases have private sessions. I didn’t have any and I do regret this, not just for me but also for my partner who didn’t have a clue on the day! www.mumsinspain.com
2) If you are planning to breastfeed try to find as much support as possible. Hospital staff do encourage you to breastfeed but most do not offer anything in terms of help or advice. It is possible that you have a La Leche League group in your area who could give good advice, or if you have used a midwife for antenatal classes they could offer some support. Failing that talk to some experienced breastfeeding mums. www.mumsinspain.com
2) If you are planning to breastfeed try to find as much support as possible. Hospital staff do encourage you to breastfeed but most do not offer anything in terms of help or advice. It is possible that you have a La Leche League group in your area who could give good advice, or if you have used a midwife for antenatal classes they could offer some support. Failing that talk to some experienced breastfeeding mums. www.mumsinspain.com
3) There is a high caesarian rate in Spain, particularly private hospitals. It is best to be prepared for this just incase by reading up a little about them and what expect. Your hospital stay will be longer than a natural delivery which is normally one over night stay, with caesarian it is up to 5 days and you should expect to find it difficult to move around for approx 2 weeks afterwards. This is worse case scenario but it is better to be prepared. Even if you do have a natural delivery it would pay to plan to have help when you come home.
There is little in way of support in the hospital after delivery and nothing when you come home, no health visitor system like in the UK, so someone to help with the house or younger siblings would be a great help, and possibly a home visit from a local independent midwife to check you and baby are well and coping. www.mumsinspain.com
4) It will save a lot of stress if you could make sure you know how to go about registering your baby before their arrival so that neither you or your partner are panicking after the baby has arrived wondering how to go about it. Locate your local civil registry office and find out a little bit about the process and what papers you will need to take. 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 I did ask for one and they were glad to accommodate. I was horrified afterwards but it all looked a lot more welcoming on the day!
6) Do take anything that could make your labour more comfortable, i.e. a pillow, comfy T-shirt, birthing ball. Most hospitals will not offer much in the way of “comforts” so better to be prepared. I did pack CDs with me but I didn’t listen to any of them, but at least I had them incase. A big pillow or cushion would have been great to kneel on or lean against though with those hard marble floors! A birthing ball even better! I would include a good supportive birthing partner in my list of comforts too!
If you are planning to breastfeed perhaps take a breastfeeding pillow with you as the hospital beds can be uncomfortable and awkward to get a good position in, especially post-caesarian.
7) Pack a coming home outfit for your baby, but hospitals tend to provide everything for the baby including blankets, baby-gros, nappies, hats, etc. Do check with your hospital first if you are not sure. You will need some stuff for yourself though like breastpads, nursing bra, disposable pants and a nightdress that you can feed from easily as hospital robes are not practical for this, as well as maternity pads, although the hospital can provide you with these during your stay. Better to pack a couple of days worth of everything just incase your stay in hospital is a little longer than expected.
8) Never be afraid to ask for help or feel intimidated by any language barrier. If you aren’t sure of something get your partner to find someone who can understand you, there is sure to be 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, etc. Do remember though that everyone’s birth experience is different, even within the same hospitals. Horror stories do the rounds wherever you live. Talk to as many different mums as possible and get a balanced view. www.mumsinspain.com
10) Keep an open mind! Giving birth may well be a different experience in Spain compared to the UK for example, but different doesn’t necessarily mean worse.
Good luck! You’ll be fine
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