An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in It is important to research the local healthcare system when planning for a baby in Costa Rica and to arrange for pre and postnatal checkups both for the mother and the baby. It is also important to make sure that both the mother and the baby have the appropriate vaccines prior to and after birth so that they are as protected as possible from communicable diseases. You should also consider registering your baby with the Costa Rican authorities and obtaining a passport before you leave the country. Finally, it is useful to have a basic knowledge of Spanish, the local language, as it will help you settle into life in Costa Rica and understand any medical advice you receive more easily., Costa Rica

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

It is important to research the local healthcare system when planning for a baby in Costa Rica and to arrange for pre and postnatal checkups both for the mother and the baby. It is also important to make sure that both the mother and the baby have the appropriate vaccines prior to and after birth so that they are as protected as possible from communicable diseases. You should also consider registering your baby with the Costa Rican authorities and obtaining a passport before you leave the country. Finally, it is useful to have a basic knowledge of Spanish, the local language, as it will help you settle into life in Costa Rica and understand any medical advice you receive more easily.