If you didn’t read our original blog about having a baby in Uruguay, you can find it here.
We’re happy to report that we’ve made it through the first trimester!
Everything is going well with my pregnancy and the care I’m receiving at Hospital Britanico has been great. I’ve found an obstetrician that speaks English, which has been very helpful, although I am a little nervous about the fact that not all of the labor and delivery staff will speak English.
If it were anything other than delivering a baby, I wouldn’t worry so much about the language barrier. I guess we need to brush up on Spanish medical terminology.
The latest discussion in our house is whether we’re having a baby boy or baby girl… I think we’re having a boy; Brian thinks we’re having a girl. We have another ultrasound next Thursday, so we’re hoping to find out if we’re having a boy or girl in just over a week (right before Brian embarks on a weekend journey to the States to pick up my maternity clothes and baby stuff). Of course we’ll keep you updated when we get the news.
Although I don’t think she quite understands yet, Zoë points to my belly every morning and says “baby.” I still think she’s going to be in for a bit of a shock when we bring an actual baby home in February. But she is a very loving little girl, so I think she’s adjust just fine with a little time.
I was just thinking today about how different it is going to be having baby #2. When Zoë was born, Brian was able to stay with us in the hospital.
This time around, he’ll have to stay with Zoë at night, so I’ll be at the hospital alone with the new baby. While it’ll be different and I’m sure Zoë will be wondering where mommy is, it’ll give me some private bonding time with the new baby before we bring him or her home and mommy is pulled in multiple directions.
That will have both its pros and cons. When I was still recovering after having Zoë, it was nice to have Brian there to change Zoë’s diaper (he actually changed her very first diaper) or bring her to me so I could feed her.
But, I guess the positive side is that I’ll get extra snuggle time with the new baby and can sleep knowing that Brian isn’t laying on an uncomfortable cot next to me ☺ We’ll see how I actually feel about it when the big day comes.
We’ll keep you posted on our blog in the coming months about how things are going. And of course, we’re still working on our ebook to help other expatriate families understand the process of having a baby in Uruguay.
Inga says
Hi Chrystal,
Glad to hear the first trimester went well – now hopefully you can enjoy the second trimester! I wonder if there are any expats down there that were nurses or doulas in their home country who could perhaps give you some doula like support. I think if I were having a baby in another country I’d want to know there was someone who spoke my language who could be there for me during the delivery (for moral support and perhaps as an advocate if necessary). Do they have doulas in Montevieo? Best of luck!!
[email protected] says
Hi Chrystal,
I read your blog from time to time and enjoy it very much. Congratulations on your new pregnancy!
I am an expat, but on the opposite direction: an Uruguayan living in Washington DC. I am now in Mvdeo with my 7-year-old son….I left my high-stress job back in Nov 2008 and decided that this year was a good time to share my original culture with my American son, and for him to finally learn Spanish fluently. So 5 months ago I rented an apartment in 21 y Ellauri and we will be here til Jan.
I wanted to let you know that, as far as medical care is concerned, we became members of COSEM and I’m very pleased with them. I contemplated joining the medical insurance from the British Hospital, but after hearing a recommendation from a friend that COSEM was pretty good, I decided to go with them instead.
The registration process was painless, and they are not expensive. They also include the emergency service in the monthly charge. They have several locations, but the one I go to for my son’s pediatrician is the one across from the Parque Rodo, in 21 y Blvr Artigas.
The day after my son was approved in July, he got the H1N1 flu and got complications, including a pneumonia that required hospitalization. The doctors and medical staff that attended my son were wonderful! I was so impressed by the fact that doctors came to my house when I called them! And once my son left the hospital, we had 5 (yes, five!) daily visits from medical personnel at home for a week. They paid for everything.
Just thought I would let you know of another choice, if you were thinking about something different for your family. I guess the only problem may be the language barrier, if one exists, but I’m sure your Spanish is pretty good!
All the best,
Virginia
Brian and Chrystal says
We have discussed getting a doula as well, but I’m not sure where to start. Especially since the main purpose for me would be to have somewhere there that could help interpret for me.
Brian and Chrystal says
Hi Virginia,
Thanks for the information about COSEM. That’s wonderful that they provided your son with such great care. We have decided to go with Espanola for now instead of Britanico. After we move out of the city next May/June that may change. But it’s just what ended up making the most sense for us with the baby due in February.
Take care,
Chrystal
[email protected] says
Yes, I just saw your post about going with La Española…I have some friends and family who are members of it, with no problems.
Where are you thinking about moving to?
All the best,
Virginia
Brian and Chrystal says
We haven’t decided yet. Perhaps down the coast past Punta del Este toward Punta del Diablo or to the interior to somewhere like Tuacarembo. Another area we want to check out is Salto. Luckily we still have a few more months to figure it out.