An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Genova, Italy

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

Genova

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

8 month ago

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 had my little boy in Galliera Hospital in Genova last July. My partner is Italian and he thought that it was the best choice as he had heard good reports about the hospital.

I went to the pre natal classes although I cannot speak fluent Italian it help me get used to the staff and always the lay out of the maternity ward. I had a epidural which was my form of pain relief as I would have preferred to use the birthing pool but it was out of order so I opted for the epidural instead.

I had to stay in the hospital for 3 days after the birth. I was so happy when I finally got to leave as I didn't enjoy being in there, on the whole most of the staff were lovely but there were a few staff who spoke to me in English which was very much appreciated.

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Fun, easy and effective language courses designed by language experts. Learn 41 languages from your native language. Anytime, anywhere, on any device. 50 topics to prepare you for the most common situations. 36 vocabulary builders to install words fast. 41 real conversations to give you fluency.
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How did you choose your doctor, midwife or other type of medical professional?

I choose my Doctor through word of mouth mainly because he spoke a bit of English and we had heard good reports about him.

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 definately choose a different hospital. I had to have an operatition whilst back in the Uk as my stiches had not been done properly.

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

I would advise to make sure that you have a birthing plan, go to the anti natal classes just to meet other Mum's and get used to the lay out of the hospitals.