Having a Baby in Colombia

Having a baby in Colombia as an expat or digital nomad can be a unique and enriching experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. The healthcare system in Colombia is known for its high-quality services, especially in major cities, and many expats find the experience to be positive. However, navigating a different healthcare system, language barriers, and cultural differences can add complexity to the journey of parenthood. Understanding the local healthcare landscape, including finding the right doctor, knowing what to expect from prenatal care, insurance coverage, and the differences between public and private hospitals, is crucial for a smooth experience. Additionally, it's important to be informed about common practices such as C-section rates and pain management during delivery, as well as the availability of specialized care like neonatal intensive care units.

Choosing a Doctor

When expecting a baby in Colombia, finding the right healthcare provider is essential. Expats should look for a gynecologist-obstetrician or a midwife who is experienced in managing pregnancies. Recommendations from other expats or local friends can be invaluable. It is possible to find English-speaking doctors in Colombia, especially in larger cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, although they may be less common in smaller towns or rural areas. International clinics and hospitals are more likely to have English-speaking staff. It's important to start the search early to ensure you find a healthcare provider who meets your needs and with whom you feel comfortable.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in Colombia is generally comprehensive and follows international standards. Expectant mothers can anticipate regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests to monitor the health of both mother and baby. Prenatal classes are also available, although they may be primarily in Spanish. Some private healthcare providers may offer additional services or more personalized care, but overall, the level of prenatal care in Colombia is considered to be of good quality.

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

Many expats in Colombia opt for private health insurance to cover maternity costs. While Colombia does have a public healthcare system, the private sector often provides faster service and more comfortable facilities. Having private health insurance can give expats access to a wider network of hospitals and clinics, and it can also ensure that language barriers are minimized, as private facilities are more likely to have English-speaking staff. It's advisable to check the maternity coverage in your insurance policy and understand what services are included.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in public versus private hospitals in Colombia can differ significantly. Public hospitals are accessible to everyone and can be a good option for those without insurance, but they may be overcrowded and have fewer resources. Private hospitals, on the other hand, typically offer more modern facilities, shorter wait times, and a higher staff-to-patient ratio. They also tend to be more accommodating of expats' needs, such as providing English-speaking staff and allowing for more personalized birth plans.

C-Sections in Colombia

Cesarean sections are relatively common in Colombia, with rates higher than the global average. This trend is more pronounced in private hospitals, where the convenience for the medical staff and scheduling flexibility can contribute to a higher likelihood of elective C-sections. However, vaginal births are still supported, and if an expat prefers to avoid a C-section, it's important to communicate this preference clearly to the healthcare provider and ensure that it is part of the birth plan.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management during delivery in Colombia varies depending on the hospital and the expectant mother's birth plan. Epidurals are widely available in private hospitals, and other forms of pain relief can be discussed with the healthcare provider. In public hospitals, there may be less availability of pain management options, and the approach to labor and delivery might be more natural. It's important for expats to discuss pain management preferences early on with their healthcare provider to ensure their needs can be met.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Hospitals with neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are primarily found in larger cities in Colombia, such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. These facilities are equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies and any complications that may arise during childbirth. Expats living in more remote areas may need to travel to these cities to access specialized neonatal care. It's advisable for expectant parents to research the availability of NICUs in their area and plan accordingly, especially if there are known risk factors for complications.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Colombia

"The two hospitals we were recommended were Clinica del Contry and Fundaction Santa Fe. We chose Fundaction Santa Fe because the doctor we liked was associated with FSF. I ended up having to have a C-section because of preeclampsia, so I can't speak to the process for a vaginal delivery. During the hospital tour I had (before I knew I'd be having a C-section), We saw the delivery area. They have separate rooms for labor, delivery and recovery. The labor rooms seemed small, but were private. The delivery area is kept separate for hygiene, and the recovery room was a shared rooms with several beds. There was also a LDR, where you can do all three in one place, with a private shower, but there's only one, so if it's already in use you are out of luck. I was in the hospital for four days total. The first two days I was a shared room with two other people. It was difficult to sleep and the cabinets with the supplies were next to my bed, so there was a lot of traffic. There was a chair for my husband, but they didn't bring cots for family members. The second two days I was in the maternity ward in a private room with a shower and toilet. It was much more comfortable. They have rooming-in in the maternity ward, but my son was in the NICU so I didn't get to experience that. The rooms in the maternity ward have a fold-out chair that my husband slept in one night, but he didn't sleep well, so we didn't repeat that. The biggest problem was the pain after my surgery. It took a long time (three hours, I think) to get them to bring me the morphine - it was geting to the point that I was shivering and my teeth were chattering from the pain. My husband had to threaten to complain to the on-duty nurse's supervisor. We were later told that Colombian hospitals are overly conservative with pain medications because they are afraid of getting people addicted. Our son was in the NICU for a month. The staff was great, but it's not like a NICU in the States - there are no armchairs, and you can't just hold the baby whenever you want. I didn't get to hold my son until he was 8 days old. They don't allow wheelchairs in, so if you can't walk, you can't go see the baby (I couldn't walk until day three). Everyone has to leave when they are checking in a new baby or if they are doing procedures, so it's really unpredictable whether you'll actually get to spend time with the baby. Some days we were there for four or five hours but only got to see the baby for 30 minutes or so," commented an expat living in Bogota.

"This is the second time I became a father in Monteria, Colombia and both times we have both in Clinica Zyma. The staff was very professional and the facility is clean and we felt safe. The doctors and nurses are well trained and friendly and we trusted them. The facilities weren't new but clean. We had to stay two nights for a natural birth. At six weeks after birth we asked for and received the Citizen Born Abroad certificate. Also processed a passport and social security number through the embassy," said an expat in Monteria.

"If you have a high-risk pregnancy, I would recomment returning to the States. The NICU staff at FSF are great, but if our son had been born much earlier, he would have needed to medevac to the States, where the equipment and medical technology are better. They were fine for his condition, but the NICU chief told us that if the babies are smaller than two pounds, it's more difficult for them, whereas in the States one-pound babies often do just fine. Also, make sure if you deliver in Colombia that you have your husband advocating for you," said one expat living in Bogota.