Having a Baby in Greece

Greece, with its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and warm climate, has become an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. For those considering starting a family in this Mediterranean haven, the prospect of having a baby in Greece can be both exciting and daunting. The Greek healthcare system is generally of a high standard, with a mix of public and private options available. Expats will find that while the system may differ from what they're used to back home, with a little preparation and understanding, the experience of having a baby in Greece can be a positive one.

Choosing a Doctor

When expecting a baby in Greece, finding the right doctor or midwife is crucial. Expats typically choose an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for their prenatal care and delivery. It is possible to find English-speaking doctors, especially in larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki or on islands with significant expat communities. While there are many English-speaking doctors in Greece, it's advisable to start your search early to ensure you find a healthcare professional who can communicate effectively in your language and with whom you feel comfortable. Recommendations from other expats and international forums can be invaluable in this process. Additionally, some private hospitals have international departments specifically designed to cater to the needs of expats and foreign residents.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Greece is thorough and follows the standard European protocols. Expectant mothers will have regular check-ups with their OB-GYN, including routine ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor the health of the mother and the developing baby. The frequency of these appointments may increase as the pregnancy progresses. Greek doctors are known for being attentive and generally available to answer any concerns or questions that may arise during the pregnancy.

Do Expats Typically Have Private Health Insurance when Having a Baby in Greece?

While Greece has a national health system (EOPYY) that provides care for residents, many expats opt for private health insurance to cover maternity costs and ensure access to private hospitals and clinics. Private insurance can offer shorter wait times, a wider selection of doctors, and more comfortable facilities. It's important to check if maternity care is included in your policy and to be aware of any waiting periods that may apply before coverage is effective for pregnancy-related services.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in public hospitals in Greece can be different from that in private hospitals. Public hospitals are well-equipped and provide competent care, but they may be more crowded and less comfortable than private facilities. Private hospitals offer more personalized care, often with private rooms and additional amenities, making the experience more comfortable for the mother and family. However, the cost of giving birth in a private hospital can be significantly higher, so it's essential to have adequate insurance coverage or be prepared for the expenses.

C-Sections in Greece

Cesarean sections are relatively common in Greece, with rates higher than the EU average. The decision for a C-section may be made for medical reasons or, at times, can be a matter of personal choice. It's important for expats to discuss their birth plan and any preferences with their doctor early on. Understanding the reasons behind the high C-section rate and being informed about the options can help expats make decisions that align with their wishes for childbirth.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management during delivery in Greece is similar to other Western countries. Epidural anesthesia is widely available and commonly used for pain relief during labor. Other forms of pain management, such as nitrous oxide or natural methods like breathing techniques and birthing balls, may also be available, depending on the hospital and the medical team. It's advisable to discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider well in advance of your due date.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Major cities in Greece, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Heraklion, have hospitals equipped with neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for babies who need special care after birth. These facilities are staffed by specialized healthcare professionals and are equipped to handle various neonatal conditions. If you live in a more remote area, it's important to plan ahead and know where the nearest NICU is located in case of an emergency. Expats should also ensure that their chosen hospital or clinic has adequate facilities for newborn care, especially if there are known risk factors or complications during the pregnancy.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Greece

"For the private sector: I chose my obstetrician first. He was affiliated with one of the 3 large private maternity clinics in Athens. It is a very large clinic. Positive points: very clean, plenty of staff on hand 24 hours (even if they are rushed), very modern facilities. Negative points: very expensive (around 2000 euros for the cheapest room option - 6 mothers sharing a room, not including doctors fee); impersonal; breastfeeding difficult because rooming in is near impossible; staff ill-informed about breastfeeding; Too many visitors and visiting hours are not strictly enforced by staff. I had natural childbirth with epidural. Hospital stay: 4 days. The birth experience was positive thanks to a fantastic UK-trained midwife and obstetrician. My experience with the clinic was very negative," commented an expat living in Athens.

"Both babies born at home.Very positive experiences. Just breathing and working with the labour, hot water compressors, loving midwives made my births wonderful.Giving birth in your own enviorment makes all the difference," said an expat in Athens.

"I would give her my doctor and midwife's contact details, would warn her about the prevalence of unnecessary c-sections, give her my book on breastfeeding. Dealing with the maternity clinics requires some know-how but luckily my midwife did this for me (insisted baby was brought to me whenever it cried, etc.), told them I didn't want a systematic enema when admitted for labour, etc. It's very useful to have someone else negotiate this stuff for you, the last thing you want when you're in labour is to have to argue with nurses," said one expat living in Athens.

"If you want a hospital natural birth, get good Dr's names from me,LLL or Birth Voice, if you do no want the hospital experience, but still feeling safer to be close to a medical model, go to the Birth center, again we can advise you to a good midwife, if you want a home birth, there are midwives with a good repitation for exellant home births.If you want the 5 star,'hotel', with a painless, quick c/s, go to any Dr in a private Hosp," wrote a member in Athens.