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An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Rio de Janerio, Brazil

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

Rio de Janerio

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

5 years / 3 years

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 moved to Brasil when I was 5 months pregnant with a pre-existing 'clotting' problem so was initially worried about the facilities and care but the pre-natal care was absolutely fantastic and the doctors spoke English (which was a major bonus!). Although most Brasilians choose C-Section I requested a natural birth and they accommodated my wishes and I was not pushed into choosing to have a C-Section. With my second pregnancy there were complications and at a late stage in my pregnancy I was advised that a C-Section would be best for both myself and the baby but felt happy that this was the best advice. Both births were at the Perinatal in Laranjeiras and this is a private maternity hospital with top notch facilities and en-suite rooms (so my husband was able to work and stay with me using the internet access in the office area and the nurses made him up a bed in the evenings)

Pain management can be whatever you choose, they do not believe that a woman has to suffer during childbirth and for my first, natural birth I had an epidural. During my second birth my husband was also with me during the C-Section and got to see 'baby' coming out and cut the cord and they also pulled the screen down when they pulled him out so I could see him too. It was a very relaxed, happy procedure with music and chatting. You can also choose to have the birth filmed and although I didn't choose this option at the time think it's a lovely idea (for private viewing!)

Aftercare is wonderful and you can choose to have your baby with you in the room or they will take care of them in the baby unit and let you rest if you choose, just bringing baby up at feed times.

For my first I was in the hospital 3 nights and with the C-Section 4 nights but I felt able to go home after that - although if you're unsure and feel you need more time you are not rushed out.

I think both my births were a positive wonderful experience and I would recommend Rio for any type of health issues as the care is fantastic (private care at least!)

Oliveira LawyersOliveira Lawyers
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Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.

Oliveira LawyersOliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.
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How did you choose your doctor, midwife or other type of medical professional?

With my first birth I was recommended the hospital and was appointed a doctor on arrival for my first appointment. He could not be there for the birth so I was appointed the doctor on call, which was fine. With my second child I went with recommendations from friends as I did not want to travel to the hospital for every pre-natal appointment and was able to see the doctor locally and then just go to the hospital for the birth. All the doctors at the Perinatal work closely together and I felt confident that should my doctor not be available that I would be in capable hands - obviously this was an issue as it was a pre-sceduled C-Section.

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

No, as I said I had two children here - the only thing I did differently the second time around was to have the doctors appointments and ultrasounds locally rather than travel to the hospital every time (as mentioned above because of a preexisting medical problem I had weekly ultrasounds and more regular appointments) and with a child already at home I wanted to make these appointments as quick as possible.

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

Stay put, you won't get better care than you do here!

Oliveira Lawyers
Oliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered!
Get Quote

Oliveira LawyersOliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered!
Get Quote

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