An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Lake Atitlan

If a friend of yours living in the same country were expecting a baby, what advice would you give her?

If you are considering having a baby in Lake Atitlan, it is recommended to ensure you have access to reliable and high-quality medical care. Consider finding out where the best and most recommended hospitals and medical clinics are located, and to make sure you have an English-speaking doctor. It is also a good idea to arm yourself with knowledge about your legal rights as a parent, such as registering a birth, gaining medical coverage and filing for a foreign birth registration. Additionally, it is important to think about basics such as registering for a secure home birth or planning for transport to a hospital. Furthermore, if you are breastfeeding, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the nearest lactation clinics and build a network of experienced mothers in your community who you can turn to in order to receive advice and ask questions. Be aware of cultural norms and customs and research local maternity, parental and childcare leave in order to be properly informed. Finally, make sure you give yourself time to adjust and to take care of yourself before and after giving birth, such as relaxation techniques, massage therapy and hot springs.