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

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

Chieti

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

September 2008

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...

It was important for my Italian born husband to have our daughter born in his hometown so we stayed for 6 months (his mom and sister live there). This was my 4th baby, but my 1st in Italy. I packed for the hospital but didn't realize that I needed EVERYTHING, including toilet paper, soap, spoon, fork, cups, water. When I found out that I needed more necessities and didn't have a cell phone I was denied making 1 phone call to let my husband know what I needed, and the staff knew I didn't speak fluent Italian.

Also, they apparently do not believe in pain medication during labor in ANY form-I had 3 natural births but this labor was unbearably intense but I was told to deal with it. I ended up pregnant again this year, but chose to have my baby in the States this time (12-6-09). The hospitals in America are much more private-I had 2 other roommates and no privacy curtain in Italy, and also more luxurious. There wasn't even a shower in the room, only 1 communal one on the whole floor. I was happy that the doctors all spoke fluent English, and the food was very good.

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

My sister in law recommended the doctor, who was excellent and spoke English.

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

Yes, bring my American Midwife and meds!

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

Get a private hospital and doctor-request the option of medication if needed