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

Ballinsloe

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

1 October 2009

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...

As a expat living outside of GaIway City, I had three options for my baby's birth. 1) University Hospital Galway (about 25-30 minute drive) 2) Castlebar In Mayo (about 25-30 minute drive) 3) Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinsloe (about a 45 minute drive). After some research, I discovered Portiuncula was rated as the best maternity hospital in the country and so it was definitely worth the extra 15 minutes in the car. My consultant was Dr. Naveed and he was WONDERFUL!! He gives a scan on every visit and was great for me as a first time mom, because each visit he took the time to explain everything to us. Upon my delivery I received the epidural with no problems. Later in the day, my contractions stopped and Dr. Naveed opted for an emergency c-section. I stayed in hospital for a total of five days after the surgery. Overall, the experience was wonderful. My only regret was that my c-section was ordered at 3:50 and my midwife commented that she knew at noon that I would have to have a c-section. When my baby was born, he was so swollen from the birth. I just wish my c-section had been ordered earlier (not for me, I had the epidural so I was having NO issues, but rather for the baby)

Expat Health Insurance

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

To be honest, when we read that Portiuncula was the best maternity hospital in the country I rang up in hopes that a consultant would take me. I was given the option between two and Dr. Naveed was recommended to me as a first time mom. The midwives on the floor were superb as well.

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

I think a mom would always do some things differently with the second baby. With your first child you are entering such a new, uncharted world. I would absolutely go to Portiuncula and have Dr. Naveed as my consultant. He really was wonderful!

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

Go private, not public!! And to go to D. Naveed. I loved the option of a scan on every visit!! We literally got to see our baby grow!