What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ypres?

"Firstly, it's important to familiarize yourself with the Belgian healthcare system. Belgium has a high standard of healthcare and maternity services, so rest assured that you will be well taken care of. You should register your pregnancy with your local commune as soon as possible. This will ensure that you receive all the necessary prenatal care and benefits. Belgium offers a range of prenatal classes, which can be a great way to prepare for the birth and to meet other expectant parents. You should also start looking into maternity leave options. In Belgium, mothers are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave, and fathers are entitled to 10 days. If you're not fluent in Dutch or French, you might want to find a healthcare provider who speaks your language. Ypres is in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, but many healthcare professionals are multilingual. Belgium has a system of 'kraamzorg' or postnatal care, where a trained professional visits you at home after the birth to help with the baby and give advice. This can be particularly helpful if you're far from family and friends. Finally, remember to register the birth with your home country's embassy or consulate, as well as with the local Belgian authorities. This will ensure that your child has all the necessary citizenship and identity documents," said another expat in Ypres, Belgium.