Having Babies in a Foreign Land

This blog is dedicated to a young dental hygienist in Charlotte who, when asking a few years ago about our big move to the south, responded with "well surely you will come back to the States to deliver your babies."  I think she may have imagined us living in some remote hut with dirt floors and no running water, (which, I have actually heard there are people living in those very situations who have been successfully delivering babies for YEARS...) instead of a major metropolitan area larger than the size of Chicago.

Anyway, although we don't live with dirt floors, pregnancy has been an interesting cultural experience to say the least.  And since it's my first one, I don't know how much of it has been "Chilean" or just human.  Maybe you moms can tell me :)  But I thought it'd be entertaining to compile some of my most frequently asked questions concerning the matter.

Do you guys have good health care?

Yes, thankfully.  The whole system has not been nearly as intimidating as I thought it would be.  We are all set with Chilean insurance and are paying a LOT less than we would be in the States.

Have you found a good doctor?

Yes, again, thankfully.  The first one was a dud, and I really thought I had read more in books and/or the internet than what he was telling me.  BUT, the second attempt was a success :) 

Do you have a good hospital for the birth?

Yes!  They just built a clinic about 15 minutes away that we've only heard positive things about.

How have you been feeling?

Awesome.  I felt exhausted in my first trimester and a little nauseous, but overall I have had a really great pregnancy.

Can you get everything you need for the baby down there?

We can, however the common rule is that you can buy (almost) anything here for really cheap and it lasts a few weeks, but for good quality you'll pay 2-3 times more than you would for it in the States.  So big shout out to Joel pants and Claire who are bringing 2 full suitcases down with them next week, full of baby stuff! 

Do people touch your belly all the time?

YES.  

And to show both sides of the culture, here are the most commonly asked questions I receive from people here:

Well, you're DEFINITELY not riding your bike anymore are you?  (This is rarely a question as much as it is a command.)

Yep.  Sure am.

Have you thought of a name yet? 

Thought, yes.  But the poor kid is already going to have a heck of a time dealing with only one last name (everyone here has two) and a last name that is already impossible to correctly pronounce in its native language.  So we need to give the little man a solid first name that's not impossible to pronounce.  Buuut we also want something original.  So if anyone has a somewhat original name that works well in both English and Spanish, feel free to shoot us an email :)

Wow, you're so big!  Does your doctor think he'll be a big baby?

Um, yes.  Doctor thinks it and I know it.  Not only are we Gringos, we are big Gringos.  I weighed 9lbs, 5 oz. at birth and Tracey weighed 10lbs., 2 oz.  You may begin praying for this delivery experience now :)  

Are you going to have a normal birth or caesarean? 

Chile has the highest C-section rate, 40%, out of any country in the world.   So "normal" just refers to birth that is not a caesarean.  We are going for normal.

When are you going to "get better?"

This refers to your due date.  Unfortunately many people see pregnancy as more of an illness than an experience to enjoy!  Or maybe it's changing and they just use the same phrase they used back in the day.  (Hopefully??)

Are you going to keep working after you have the baby?

Typical maternity leave in Chile is at least 6 months, usually more like 8.  People here can't believe that the U.S. gives so little time to new moms.  But yes, I will keep teaching, probably 6-8 weeks after.  Thankfully we have enough flexibility with our teaching schedules and do a lot of work from home that I'll hopefully be able to continue teaching part time and stay involved with House of Hope.

Are you going to have your baby here or in the States?

Here.  We live here now.

Will your family be able to come visit?

Unfortunately, not everyone.  At least not for the birth.  But my mom IS coming in March!!