What advice do you have for expats having a baby in La Rochelle?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in La Rochelle about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said...

"Firstly, it's important to familiarize yourself with the French healthcare system, which is one of the best in the world. Pregnant women in France are well cared for, with regular check-ups and ultrasounds as standard. Ensure that you have the correct health insurance coverage. If you are working in France, you will be covered by the French social security system, which covers most of the costs related to pregnancy and childbirth. Find a good obstetrician or midwife who speaks your language, as this will make the process much easier. Many doctors in France speak English, but it's always better to confirm this beforehand. Consider taking prenatal classes, which are a great way to prepare for childbirth and to meet other expectant parents. Some hospitals in La Rochelle offer these classes in English. When choosing a hospital or clinic for the delivery, visit several to get a feel for where you would be most comfortable. In France, you can choose to give birth in a public hospital, a private clinic, or at home. Prepare all the necessary paperwork. After the birth, you will need to register your baby at the local town hall (mairie) within three days. You will also need to add your baby to your health insurance policy. Finally, take advantage of the support networks available. There are many groups and associations in La Rochelle that offer support and advice to new parents. This can be a great way to meet people and to navigate the challenges of parenthood in a foreign country," explained one expat living in La Rochelle, France.

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"Do take advantage of the full range of preparation options offered by French social security. Do have the monthly visits and ultrasounds, do check into your chosen hospital starting on the 4th month. Make sure you get your paperwork with social security in order. Do trust the midwives - they definitely know their stuff. Don't get hung up on the possible dangers and the guilt laid on you for gaining too much weight (in my case, 50 lbs. + for each baby, but I lost all of it afterwards and still fit into my "before kids" jeans at age 45!)," said another expat in La Rochelle, France.