Moving to Senlis

[movingtofrance]

I'm looking for some advice please, here is our situation;

DH started work in September just outside Chantilly, livng in Senlis. I am due DD in May, we have DS who is nearly 3 and I will be on maternity leave for a year so are moving over in April. I'd be grateful for any comments on the following;

1. Will be having the baby in Senlis hospital, so any experience of this would be interesting to hear.

1. I am undecided as to whether to send ds to local maternelle or the montessori, I have great recommendations for the local school but I don't know whether the all french environment will be too much??

1. Are there any good furniture shops / kitchen shops around the area ? we might just have to rely on Ikea for the kitchen and sofas etc.

Any other bits of information would be gratefully received - we have visited and really like the town.

Hello,
Just seen your post.

I had my DD in Senlis hospital in 2010. I can highly recommend it. I know a fantastic midwife too - English and very gentle and caring. The hospital is fairly new and recent and they are fairly up to date on active labour. They have a birthing ball but no pool as of yet! The midwives and maternity nurses were mostly very supportive and knowledgeable about breastfeeding.

One thing - if you plan on having an epidural you must meet with the anaesthetist prior to giving birth and have a bloodtest to ensure that you are not allergic. You have to join up with a group of other pregnant women and fill out a few forms before they give you the prescription for the bloodtest.

Senlis is just off the A1 and if you travel about 20 mins towards Paris there is Paris Nord where you will find IKEA, Castorama etc.
Senlis is lovely - I hope you will be happy there.
I have no idea about schooling or anything, but there is an English 'school' in Chantilly which meets once a week on Wednesdays when the children are off school. It is called APARC IIRC. You can find information here: www.chantillyexpat.com

PM me if you think I could help any further.

thanks Flyingcloud