An expat mom who had a baby in Italy talks about finding a doctor willing to assist with a homebirth, the birth and follow-up care.
Montesilvano, Pescara
March 2018 (9 months ago)
I had a home waterbirth in Italy, not common for my area of Abruzzo. When I was 7 months pregnant, I was actually looking for a doula, which is also not common in this area, and didn't know much about homebirths. I was only convinced that I wanted a waterbirth (I love bathtubs and warm water).
When I was in my birthing class, I learned that two of the nearby hospitals in Pescara and Chieti had bathtubs, and Chieti only had one bathtub. Since it was on a first come first serve basis, I wasn't guaranteed a spot. In class, we were given tips that we have the right to not have the baby taken away from us, and not to be rushed in the process at the hospital. At that point, it started to seem unnatural to go to the hospital, so when I finally found an obstetrician to assist at home, it felt right.
I had strong contractions for four days, and 24 hours before my daughter was born I had the type of contractions in which you can't talk through them. We called the doctor in the early morning after I had trouble sleeping all night, and by the time she arrived I was already 8 cm dilated. We had music on in the background, and an inflatable birthing tub in the living room. My doctor was the best -- I went at my own pace and she told me I was "brava" the entire time. I sucked on oranges and she gave me some homeopathic drops for the pain. They even took photos with my professional camera!
My baby was actually born with her cord around her neck, and my doctor didn't even alarm me about it. She stayed a full 24-hours after my daughter was born, and did 4 additional home visits to make sure she was gaining weight, latching on, etc. It was a very complete service and I would 100% do it again just for the support I was given!
PassportCard Introduces an innovative approach to expat health insurance with no out-of-pocket expenses, no paperwork and no long claim processing, facilitating payout on the spot when you really need it. Outstanding service validated with more than 2 million customers for over 20 years. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.
When I was looking for a local doula, I instead found a center called Il Melograno in Pescara. There I was recommended to speak to the only doctor in the area (90 minutes away) who they knew of and did homebirths instead. This doctor informed me about homebirths, how monitoring went during pregnancy, etc., and that's when I decided that it seemed right. She actually ended up getting really sick the Monday before I was due (I gave birth on a Thursday) so I was recommended to another doctor, but who lived 2.5 hours away. It's crazy looking back at it now, but I'm actually so happy I was recommended the new OB who helped deliver my baby -- we love her so much that we even have brought her for check-ups as an excuse to spend time together.
I would have relaxed more. They love pregnant women in Italy! Most women actually wear a necklace with a bell when pregnant. You have priority to go to the front of the post-office line or at the supermarket. Having bloodwork done here was a breeze at the hospital too.
I actually didn't tell most people here I was having a home birth because I didn't want to be criticized or asked so many questions (the most common one was "is it safe?"). I'm not sure if I'd tell or not tell people if I do it again. It's a personal choice but I felt there was so much stressing commentary.
I'd tell her to shrug off the opinions people impose on you, and to not take it personally. For example, don't worry if you don't want to know the sex, or if you don't want to share the name.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Italy from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
An overview of the healthcare system in Italy - public and private hospitals, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), getting your Tessera Sanitaria (healthcare card), vaccinations for Italy, prescription medication availability and more.
5 expat moms offer candid insight into what it's like giving birth in Italy - from bringing towels and toilet paper with you to the hospital to being refused pain medication. And, like most advice in Italy, word of mouth is the best way to find a good OB/GYN.
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about healthcare and health insurance for expats in Italy.
Additional information about healthcare and health insurance for foreigners in Italy.
An expat in Italy discusses health care, pharmacies and health insurance costs. She explains that the cost of health insurance is nominal compared to the US and prescription medicine is very inexpens
Get established with a local doctor before you actually need one--you will need a primary car doctor to refer you to specialists.
Help others moving to Italy by answering a set of questions about health insurance, public healthcare in Italy, prescription medicine, quality of medical care and emergency services.
Read recent baby reports submitted for Montesilvano, Pescara and Genoa.
If you're an expat parent who had a baby abroad, write a report about your childbirth experiences to help other expecting expat parents.
The American Women's Association of Rome remotely collaborated on a cookbook during the pandemic. It's available now and part of the proceeds are donated to Italy's Protezione Civile, to aid those health professionals who have been on the front lines during the pandemic.
Expats in Italy report loving their lifestyle and experiences in the Mediterranean nation despite the challenges of a slow-moving bureaucracy.
Italy is beloved by expats, global nomads and retirees. We've compiled a list of the 12 best places to live in Italy based upon expats' recommendations. They include Liguria, Puglia, Rome, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Sicily and more.
An overview of the healthcare system in Italy - public and private hospitals, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), getting your Tessera Sanitaria (healthcare card), vaccinations for Italy, prescription medication availability and more.
5 expat moms offer candid insight into what it's like giving birth in Italy - from bringing towels and toilet paper with you to the hospital to being refused pain medication. And, like most advice in Italy, word of mouth is the best way to find a good OB/GYN.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Italy from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
An overview of the healthcare system in Italy - public and private hospitals, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), getting your Tessera Sanitaria (healthcare card), vaccinations for Italy, prescription medication availability and more.
5 expat moms offer candid insight into what it's like giving birth in Italy - from bringing towels and toilet paper with you to the hospital to being refused pain medication. And, like most advice in Italy, word of mouth is the best way to find a good OB/GYN.
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about healthcare and health insurance for expats in Italy.
Additional information about healthcare and health insurance for foreigners in Italy.
An expat in Italy discusses health care, pharmacies and health insurance costs. She explains that the cost of health insurance is nominal compared to the US and prescription medicine is very inexpens -
Get established with a local doctor before you actually need one--you will need a primary car doctor to refer you to specialists. -
Help others moving to Italy by answering a set of questions about health insurance, public healthcare in Italy, prescription medicine, quality of medical care and emergency services.
Read recent baby reports submitted for Montesilvano, Pescara and Genoa.
If you're an expat parent who had a baby abroad, write a report about your childbirth experiences to help other expecting expat parents.
Copyright 1997-2021 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.