Has anyone given birth in the UK, then in France?

[jenpet]

And if so, can you tell of any major differences I need to know of before hand please? Am due to give birth at the local hopital, and I had a very straightforward labour and birth last time around in the UK, and all seems well so far this time, I'd just like to be well prepared for any little differences anyone can help prepare me for...thanks

exaxctly??
Apologies for dire spelling.
I didn't go into details before, but when I was having trouble BFing and DS was screaming the maternité down, I waddled to see a nurse on duty one night and asked her to come and see if I was positioning him correctly, as he wasn't sucking and I was starting to get sore. She looked at me, declared "Madame, l'allaitement est douloureux," and went back to reading a magazine. That just summed it all up for me... BFing is an inconvenience to all and sundry, so why bother?

Just wanted to add that there are some very positive aspects to giving birth in France too. I do think that in general birth is very medicalised but I had a fantastic c-section last year and was exceptionally well cared for - I very much doubt I would have the same care in the UK. I agree that the week in hospital seems excessive but it is so you can have a rest and feel better when you go home. If you don't want to you have every right to check out. As for BF, my hospital was very pro BF this last time though the first time 5 years ago in a different clinic they looked at me as if I was mad to even consider BF twins! But on the whole I would MUCH rather give birth here than in the UK any day.

Hi Jenpen,

I have given birth in both countries. DD1 in Bath, a CS. Stayed 24 hours at the RUH then moved to Devizes birth center (now closed) for five days. It was all OK. They pretty much let you get on with it yourself unless you had problems in which case the mws would help you out. They were fairly laid back about it all.
In France, (I'm in the Lot) the system is very medicalised but very thorough. I had another CS and a 7 day stay in hospital. The mws and staff were terrific, really helpful with bf and great with the baby. I didn't have the issues with ff and promotions of commercial products. I had a private room with ensuite bathroom. The PMI afterwards were also fanastic - loads of support. I am due with DC3 at the end of Oct and am happy to do it again here. It is true that DH was not able to be with me for the CS but he was right outside the door and was invited to help check the baby with the doctor and mws after birth (which was a great thrill for him) and then they brought DD2 to me in recovery to start bf and snuggle. I think the aftercare is better here in France - there is more staff and the food is OK not the rubbish you get in the UK. Hope this helps and best of luck.