What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ecuador?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Ecuador about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said...
"Insist on taking a tour of the places where you could possibly have your child. Even if they refuse, (it's not Ecuadorian culture to allow tours in hospitals) try your best to see everything first and understand the conditions before your decision. All public hospitals offer free service for deliveries and C-sections, but since it's free they're usually packed with people. Be prepared ahead of time with everything you will need, but keep a close eye on what you bring in and what's going on around you. Things like baby shampoo, soap, a towel, and clothes are a MUST, because public hospitals won't provide any of it. If you don't bring soap or a towel, you will go home with a dirty baby with wet clothes because you had to dry it off with them. If you go to a clinic, be sure to know the circumstances of your labor and if it's absolutely necessary to have a C-Section if the doctor suggests it, because many have been deceived into the operation unnecessarily because it costs more than a normal delivery. Many doctors are just looking for more money. I'm not sure about the clinics in other cities, but at least in Otavalo, pain medication isn't given in clinics or in the hospital. Be prepared," commented one expat who made the move to Otavalo, Ecuador.
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Ecuador Visas - Law office of Attorney Sara ChacaWith Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
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"Make sure to research the medical facilities in the area beforehand and select one with a good reputation. Visit the medical facility before your due date to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures. Consider registering in a pre-natal class and hiring a doula or private midwife to increase your chances of having the birth experience you want. Be aware of cultural differences between what you may be used to and what is done in Ecuador. Make sure you have the necessary paperwork in place prior to the birth such as your Ecuadorian residency documents, insurance paperwork, and other birth documents. Lastly, be prepared for a few surprises along the way as every birth is unique," remarked another expat in Ecuador.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Ecuador?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Ecuador?
- Will I be able to find a job in Ecuador?
- What is life like in Ecuador?
- What do expats in Ecuador appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Ecuador?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ecuador accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Ecuador like?
- What are healthcare services like in Ecuador?
- What are medical services in Ecuador like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ecuador?
- What are emergency services like in Ecuador?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Ecuador?
- How are local medical facilities in Ecuador?
- As a foreigner living in Ecuador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ecuador?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.