Giving birth abroad

[siobhan]

Hi, Im currently living in Germany (Im an army wife and my husband is based here for the next 3 years). I just wondered if anyone had experience of German deliveries? I know they tend to try go for the more natural approach to labour, but Im curious!! I have alreday had 2 boys in England.

 

[Josephine_Beth]

I haven't had any experience with giving birth or being abroad for it but I do live in Cyprus and the care is totally different to the UK. In away that the gov hasn't cut anything off the list for treatment to those who are on the eqv to the NSH, I find this very reassuring.

Anyway, I've dropped youa PM of where you can get some good advice about germany xxxx

 

[Squiglet]

I live in Spain and they have that whole "natural" approach to giving birth, as long as it's in a hospital... Up until recently they didn't even offer pain relief... and now they only offer you it if you are really struggling... so I'm terrified..

Will you be giving birth in a German hospital or a military hospital? Because I would assume the military hospital would be more British in their attitudes.....

 

[siobhan]

No I will give birth in a normal hospital. They dont really have millitary hospitals anymore! They have a couple in the uk but mainly for our boys injured whilst on your.

Im more worried about no gas and air as that is what I coped on before and they dont do it over here! Also the hospital is 45 mins away!!

 

[Josephine_Beth]

They will give you an option for pain relief, they have to. Also, I think a majority of European countries are leaning towards natural rather than c-section, if you are not in a private hospital.

From what I've seen so far, I am happy. I don't think I'd trust a Military hospital, I know Derriford (plymouth) gave me a scare and that was just a civvy hospital with a few military personnel lol

I am sure that a Mil hospital would only give you ibrufen and ice treatment (a running joke in the mil)

 

[Sammystar]

I've had all three of mine here in Switzerland, all delivered by German midwives.

They are very into 'natural' over here, and they've nver heard of gas and air.

I was offerered pethidine with my first, nothing with my second , and I finally got by spinal block with Sam. If you want pain relief you must make it very clear WELL in advance. They won't refuse you but they may well try to talk you out of it. So if you are adament you want it then stick to your guns!

The hospital stay is five days for a natural birth over here, and there is FANTASTIC breast feeding support as well.

Hope it all goes well for you!

 

[Rachael]

I'll keep you posted!

Due to give birth at St Vincents Krankenhaus any time soon(Paderborn, Germany) Hubby is also based out here - I'm due in 5 days so I will let you know how I get on.

I've already been told that they don't do Gas and Air, but that have other options we don't get in the UK such as accupuncture. They definitely do Meptid and Epidurals though!

 

[Rachael]

PS - No, you won't give birth in a Military hospital in Germany, they are few and far between. You will have baby at a German hospital where you will find military personnel working there - You will be privately insured by the army and the hospitals out here are wonderful because they are not public funded like we have in the UK.
-Most of the hospitals that Military personnel are referred to have a lot of English speaking staff outside the military staff, including liason officers etc so there is no need to worry about not understanding what is going on. The Army work closely with the hospitals they have insurance with to make sure all Military personnel and their dependants get to see English speaking care providers where possible.

 

[Josephine_Beth]

Pop over to http://www.rearparty.co.uk, there are a good few ladies who are out in Germany and have been or will be in your position.

 

[Melanie]

I gave birth in Hungary which has a similar out look to childbirth as Germany.

There is no gas and air available here, it not legal to give it during childbirth as it doesnt actually work as a pain killer but a mood changer. You have the right to ask for an epidural at the beginning of your labour and unlike in the UK they wont fight you on it they'll just give you it, my advice take it because there's nowt else coming your way!

I actually found my birth experience to be wonderful, we had some trouble towards the end and they moved heaven and earth to help me give birth naturally and keep Thea safe where as they would have just given me a C section in the UK.

 

[enn]

not related to your topic cause i dont have a clue but are u from ireland and your names pronounced si oh ban together yea

i would of lvoed to have that name but dont think anyone could pronounce it and when i said it to my oh he said its hard to pronounce lol