An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Piet Retief, South Africa

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Piet Retief

How recently did you give birth in the country that you are reporting on?

1986

Describe your experience giving birth there. What type of facility did you go to? What (if any) type of pain management did you use? How long did you stay in the hospital? Was it a positive experience? Etc...

I needed a c-section because we knew my daughter was in the breech position. The doctor and facilities were great. I stayed for five days in hospital. At the time they did not have an ultrasound machine. It cost less to have a c-section than for my husband and son to stay in their hotel!

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How did you choose your doctor, midwife or other type of medical professional?

Another American woman living in Swaziland, where we were stationed, used this doctor and the facilities.

If you were to have another child in this country, would you do anything differently in terms of preparation and/or the delivery?

I would probably find out if they had an ultrasound.

If a friend of yours living in the same country were expecting a baby, what advice would you give her?

To maybe go to Joburg. Though everything at the hospital in Piet Retief was great. The care was excellent.