1. Tell me a little about yourself.
My name is Rose L. I’m 26 years old born in the UK, and I followed my parents and 5 sibling to France at the age of 17. I have given birth to my three children in three countrys, Dylan is 4 and born in England (Kent), Lily is 3 and born in Scotland (Inverness), and Molly is 5 months old and born in France (Periguiex). I am a stay at home mum. When I moved to France with my family and I met my partner after two years of living here. After being together for a year and a half, I fell pregnant with my first child. I did start my pregnancy here but got scared as I was too old to go to school here, so I found it hard to understand my doctor. We moved back to England for two years, and now 4 years down the line, I am still finding it hard to learn the lingo and am pregnant again.
2. Where did you choose to give birth in France?
I gave birth to my daughter in Perigueix hospital, and must say, what a brilliant place. I got an English-speaking doctor that explained everything, even though when you give birth its all midwife lead. I managed to get the only English-speaking midwife.
3. Why did you decide to give birth in this location?
I wouldn’t have my child at home. I was given that option but would rather go to hospital as both my first children were induced and I had BIG babies. I got gestational diabetes with my third too.
4. What were you doing when you began labor?
I was having contractions all day but it wasn’t until at night that things stated to roll, so we were trying to get hold of our friends that were going to watch our older two but couldn’t find them. We rang my sister and she came to watch them. On the way to the hospital, which was 45 minutes away, I think my partner found EVERY pot hole so the drive was painful.
5. Tell us about your experience giving birth in France?
When I got to hospital I was only 3cm, but unlike an English hospital, I was taken to a single room and given a birthing ball. I spent time in the shower until I told my partner to get the nurse. We then went to the labour ward.
6. What was your most memorable moment?
When we got to the labour ward the midwife popped my waters and left the room thinking it will take time. Within 10 minutes of leaving, I told my partner to “knock her up ,” and he had to come back of “isn’t that how we got in this mess,” it was very funny and difficult not to laugh when you’re trying to stop your pushing reflex.
7. Is there anything you would do differently if having another baby in France?
I would do everything, only try not to get gestational diabetes. I didn’t know that I had to see an anesthesiologist, so I only saw him a few weeks before the birth. Also, if I get the same doctor, I will tell him that gas and air DON’T WORK !
8. How was your experience different than giving birth in your home country (if you are a foreigner)?
I had a much better experience here than in England. My son was born after an 8 hour labour in England (6 midwifes keep changing shifts) and 4 hours for my daughter in Scotland (where I was told to go home in the afternoon after having her in the morning). I did have to stay in the French hospital with for 5 days, and even though you go crazy looking at the same walls all day, you get to bond with your baby so much more than you would at home. Also, you don’t have to clean the hospital lol.
Have you given birth in France? Share your birth story… read this post for more information.
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