Kuwait City, Kuwait
An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Kuwait City, Kuwait
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Kuwait City
How recently did you give birth in the country that you are reporting on?
9 months 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 went to a private hospital (Royale Hayat). I did not use any medicines for pain management. Epidurals are available, but the labor room has a birthing ball and the induction rooms have jacuzzi tubs. I stayed for two nights after my daughter was born. It was a positive experience overall. They respected my wishes as I conveyed via my birth plan. I was able to move around while in labor, I wasn't connected to a monitor continuously. I was able to eat and drink as I liked. I wanted to be able to choose my position for pushing, but the doctor only gave me two options. Lithotomy position or side-lying on the bed were the choices she gave me even though studies show upright positions are better for mother and baby.
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How did you choose your doctor, midwife or other type of medical professional?
Ultimately, I chose my doctor based on the recommendation of a friend. Before I chose her, I went to see several other obstetricians. My main concern was that the doctor would support me in natural labor and not rush to do medical interventions like breaking the amniotic sac, pitocin, or episiotomy. Obstetricians are the only ones who can attend births here.
If you were to have another child in this country, would you do anything differently in terms of preparation and/or the delivery?
Royale Hayat is expensive, but their labor room set-up is the best for facilitating a natural birth. From what friends have told me about their delivery experiences with Dr. Khalda since my daughter was born, I'm not certain I would choose her again. She seems to be pushing more interventions than supporting the natural process of labor these days.
If a friend of yours living in the same country were expecting a baby, what advice would you give her?
As with seeing an doctor in Kuwait, you really have to educate yourself and be your own best advocate rather than putting all of your trust in a physician. If you want an epidural or a caesarean, you can easily find what you are looking for. If you want a natural birth, you will have to fight for it somewhat because doctors and nurses here aren't used to that. Make sure you get plenty of sunshine and vitamin D because it can cause intrauterine growth restriction. Exercise and eat healthy foods so you will be in the best shape for labor.
