An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Panama City, Panama

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

Panama City

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

9 years 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 the Centro Medico Paitilla in downtown Panama City. It's a modern hospital with english speaking doctors, however, while not all of the support staff (nurses, technicians) are bi-lingual - they are all very caring and professional.

I was given an epidural to manage all pain.

I stayed in the hospital ten days, the much lower costs ensured my insurance company did not have any issues with the length of stay. Delivered twins, had two neonatal teams on hand for the delivery, private room for 10 days - all for under $6,000.

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

Word of mouth.

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

No.

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

Don't be afraid, most medical professionals received their training in the United States. Panama is renowed for having the best medical care in all of Central America.