Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
drug you may need to find a way to get it into the country, such as going home yourself to
get it.
EXPAT PROFILES: GIVING BIRTH IN BEIJING
Two expats share their experiences giving birth in local Beijing hospitals.
OLGA
Swedish expat Olga is very familiar with the Chinese lifestyle. She has lived in
Beijing for eight years and is married to a Chinese man, so she admits she's some-
what of a sinologist. When she had her second baby in 2010, she chose Beijing Am-
care Women's & Children's Hospital.
I chose a Chinese hospital firstly because I'm not really affected by culture shock
anymore, and secondly, I was not on an expat package, so BJU wasn't considered. I
did, however, want something nicer than what public hospitals can usually offer.
I had my first baby in 2008 in Sweden and overall it was a very positive experien-
ce. The prenatal care, however, was done in Beijing at Amcare. It was my first baby
and I followed their schedule until the 33rd week and then flew back to Sweden. The
prenatal care at Amcare was generally okay, much better than any public hospital
would be, although still not perfect. I had to do a lot of research for myself. It was
crowded, although not as crowded as nowadays.
When I fell pregnant with my second baby in 2010 I decided to go to Amcare
again for the prenatal care. They are professional and experienced. It's just the per-
sonal attention that is always lacking. This time around, now knowing everything
about pregnancy and childbirth, I designed my own visits: I did fewer prenatal checks
than you should, and fewer tests and ultrasounds. I went for checks only when I felt I
wanted or needed one. I would just say I was out of the city (you're supposed to buy
the birth package and book the delivery time). I didn't because I was still looking for
options.
I would love to have a home birth but it is illegal (in China), and water births are
not perfect here. If I ever needed to have a planned C-section, I would not go to these
private hospitals where it also costs a fortune. The Chinese are great with C-sections
and the process is more or less the same everywhere, so I'd just arrange for a private
room and that would be it.
