Is it just as convenient to be pregnant and have a child in Italy? Is the healthcare quality the same as it is in the USA? Will they allow you to have an epidural or medical intervention if necessary? Are c-sections common? I had a c-section with my first child and I really would like to have another child very soon...this could happen while I am in Italy. I was informed from my doctor that I most likely will need another c-section if I decide to have another baby. Is this safe to have this done in Italy? Or should I just come back to the states if I am pregnant? What are the procedures and practices? Are they accomodating and comfortable? Thank you!
Jordan, I can briefly say that I had 2 c-sections, the first an emergency one and I was very pleased with the procedures and the treatment I got. And the best part, leaving the hospital without having a huge bill that includes $45 for diapers The hospital I gave birth in is one of the best in Italy though. Others I do not like as much.
Forgot to say, it all depends on where you are and your attitude. Check out the nearest hospitals and the local docs and see where you feel comfortable.
Cristina gave the best advice about being comfortable with your physician/midwife, which holds true even in the States. no trust = bad experience, with anything. Also, Italy is not a third world country! To the contrary, it has very modern facilities, terrific dotors, etc. I had my babies in the States (no drugs, by the way, but short labors ) but wouldn't hesitate to do it in Italy. Shop around until you see something you like! And, have faith in yourself that you can do it, regardless of what is "offered."
quote:Originally posted by jnini: Shop around until you see something you like!
And don't be afraid of public hospitals. They usually look drab, but in my experience in average they offer better assistance than the private ones. Sure, there are poor public hospitals and great private ones, but when in an emergency I would rather be taken to a public hospital I don't know than to a private one that I don't know.
I think you can safely have your baby in Italy. Of course you must find a doctor you like and trust, but in general, Italian doctors are really good.
My sister-in-law has had two of her three babies here in Italy, although she is Canadian. The last time she had her baby girl in Siena and she was really lucky, because they gave her the only "mother's house" a tiny apartment where she had the baby in her bed, with a bath tub to have babies in water and where she was left with her husband and the baby from the very first minute.
That was incredibly lucky: like having your baby at home, although in a hospital.
She only complains about the fact that in general the doctor she has met don't want to give epidural, they prefer to avoid drugs.
I also heard great things about Poggibonsi hospital for the ladies living in the area. A friend of mine was pregnant with twins and that was the only hospital in the area where they would let her have their babies naturally, instead of forcing the labour like they usually do with twins.
quote:Originally posted by Gloria - Casina di Rosa: She only complains about the fact that in general the doctor she has met don't want to give epidural, they prefer to avoid drugs.
This is a common problem in Italy, not only with childbirth but also with terminal illnesses. Pain medicine is at least 20 years back in Italy. My cousin, a few monts ago and when his father was dying of an extremely painful cancer, had to quarrell with a doctor for having his father put on morphine because the doctor claimed that "Pain is a gift from God because it makes death easier". 8-(((( Yet, if an anestesiologist is available at the hospital, the doctor can't refuse to perform the childbirth under epidural injection. If you want to have one, check out the policies about it at the hospital you chose and make sure everyone knows that you WANT it. Also, given the strong connections betwen pain medicines refusals and religion, I would make sure that my dotor is pro-choice: he is less likely to have restricted views on pain medicines.
I had my second child when I was 41 and living in Rome. A c-section, performed by a skilled doctor; 10 days in a private room at Salvator Mundi hospital with a view over the city the Gianicolo hill, an amazingly pleasant experience. The care at hospitals in smaller towns is generally fine, but the facilities may be whimsical. Look around, and trust your instincts.
Posts: 2 | Location: Vermont | Registered: 25 February 2004
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The hospital I gave birth in is one of the best in Italy though. Others I do not like as much. 
) but wouldn't hesitate to do it in Italy. Shop around until you see something you like! And, have faith in yourself that you can do it, regardless of what is "offered."
