An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Chipping Norton, UK

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

Chipping Norton

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

5 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 chose to go to a midwife facility with no doctor present. They only accepted me if I met the criteria of being low-risk, and emergency transfer to nearby hospital would be arranged if necessary. It was a very positive experience -- much more personal and more open-minded than the US. I labored in bath water, using aroamatherapy oils (which are also used at the local hospital). I did not have a water birth and gave bith in a bed. The after care was excellent. I stayed in the facility for 1 week. I was visited by a midwife in my home every other day, until they felt completely confident that all was well with me, my baby and my family.

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

I got the midwife on call, and also accepted the assistance of a midwife in training. I chose the facility based on personal recomendations. My general doctor was pre-assigned to me. She was very nice. I saw her maybe 2 or 3 during my pregnancy. She came to my house to check on me and the baby after I went home.

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?

I would suggest that she also seek out a midwife facility. I would congratulate her on the opportunity to have a baby in the UK.