Pregnancy and Childbirth in Valencia, Spain?

[ZoeShotFirst]

Hi all!
I've seen a few very old threads about pregnancy and childbirth in Spain, but I'd love to know if anyone has more recent information? Especially about Valencia (Capital), and if the "horror stories" of birthing practices here are true...?
This is all suddenly very relevant to me, so I'd love to hear from anyone in the area! ANY information at all would be great! (as would meeting up for a coffee if anyone is actually close by)

I've had a baby in Spain. Happy to help if I can.

Thank you Headinthecloud! I was getting worried that I was the only person on mumsnet interested in Spain at the moment.
Are you still in Spain?

I am yes. Is this your first?

Yup. And all the nervousness of the unknown is being combined with the "awful" stories about Spanish lack of choice for pregnant mums that I've been reading about on the internet... :D

I'm in Valencia. Whereabouts are you?
And how many/how long ago did you have kids in Spain?

Hola! I live in Valencia (Gandia), gave birth in Madrid 7 years ago. Lovely experience, truly great. Compared to friends in the uk I was very lucky (although I couldn't speak the language at all back then) Brilliant after care in rooms of two or three max. Kept in as standard for 1 night.

They are quick to perform a c/section if there are any delays, this is a default position. I managed a very quick labour though and had a v birth.

One thing... beware they will pierce all girls' ears day 2 and think you are a wierdo if you decline... true fact! Just decline and be prepared for everyone to think your baby is a boy whether (s)he is or not.

everyone so lovely and helpful here, seriously very lovely. I promise!

'Routines' very frowned upon.

oh, no birth plans as such or an hv. you have the baby, have a a week and then 6 week check up and apart from normal jabs etc, it's 'adios' in a very nice, get on with it, way. I preferred this TBH.

Was there any of the "compulsory episiotomy" and "mandatory drugs" that other people have complained about?

I don't mind what happens really, so long as I get a healthy baby at the end of it, but I'm really nervous about them doing all of these (apparently unnecessary) procedures without even asking me or explaining what they're doing?

WELL DONE for going through a whole birth with no Spanish! I imagine you didn't have much of a choice at the time, but still, it's an incredible feat!

Did you have anyone there to ask questions to in English or did they kind of talk over your head and get on with it?

Oh you have to speak Spanish or have a DP who is Spanish speaking I think, I had Spanish DH. You have to sign for any drugs I seem to remember. I had an episitomy, didn't ask, I just needed one and didn't bother me at all.

It really was the best care and rates top of all my friends' experiences at that time, I can't imagine it being any better but then, I've only given birth here.

In Valencia, it will help if you speak or understand a bit of Valenciano. Just been in hosp here and it was all anyone spoke to each other, I was surprised. But obviously everyone speaks Castellano too, but there will be talking over you head in Valeciano but in a nice way.

Just go with the flow and you'll be fine. I am not a relaxed person AT ALL and I coped. Also, you know how mothers and babies are really respected here!

My experience was very different (Malaga) I had a birth plan so ask your midwife for a copy of the booklet you fill out.
Yes, I did have an episiotomy but did not bother me at all. I had an epidural, quick to bring it when I needed it.
I had a really lovely experience. I found the medical staff really helpful. My baby was always with me from the moment she was born so the Dr does all checks in your room. They make sure you know how to deal with after care of the cord for example as you don't get home visits

I meant to add I had a daughter and they didn't offer to pierce her ears for us. By all accounts this is quite rare now although it was the norm at one stage.
Good luck with everything x

Phew!
Thank you both for replying with such positive answers! Obviously, things can change in a heartbeat (literally!) at the time of the birth, but it's so so SO calming to know that it won't be (as I was imagining it from the reports I've read) like an alien abduction totally against your will!

Hi ladies,

Wondering if there is any pregnant ladies in or around Alicante, appreciate the thread is a year old but clutching at straws here!!

X

Hi, I'm 6 months pregnant with my first living in Alicante centre still undecided whether to go public (Alicante General) or private (medimar) Any advice would appreciated x