Expecting a baby is a significant life event that comes with many decisions, especially for expats living in a foreign country. If you’re preparing for childbirth while residing in Shanghai, you may find yourself weighing the choice between having your baby in China or returning to your home country. This decision is multifaceted and should factor in several key considerations.
1. Medical Insurance and Healthcare Costs
One of the primary concerns is the type of medical insurance you have, particularly regarding pregnancy and childbirth. If you already possess an international or local Chinese insurance plan, staying in Shanghai could be financially beneficial, as you may enjoy lower healthcare costs, especially in private hospitals, compared to your home country. Conversely, if your home country offers more extensive health coverage or even free public healthcare, returning to your home country for the birth could save you money and ensure you receive comprehensive care.
2. Language and Cultural Barriers
While international maternity hospitals in Shanghai cater to mostly English-speaking foreigners, birthing in a public hospital may present challenges. For instance, to ensure effective communication during your medical visits and during the birth, you may need a certain level of proficiency in the Chinese language. If your Chinese language skills are limited, consider engaging a professional interpreter or attending prenatal classes that may help bridge the gap. The cost of an interpreter may be worthwhile if your insurance plan doesn’t cover the fees of an international hospital, or if you’re paying out of pocket.
Another aspect to consider is the cultural differences in patient care and whether you are comfortable with local medical practices.
3. Postpartum Support
The postpartum period can be a hard time for a new mom. It’s important to get enough support and care. If circumstances allow, you could invite a family member to Shanghai to help out during this special time. Alternatively, or concurrently, you could seek out a mother’s group to find support and maybe answers to any questions/thoughts/worries you may have, join Shanghai Mamas! Shanghai mamas has a number of WeChat groups, so you can reach out at any time and connect with mums who live in Shanghai, either through chat or in person at a meetup.
One option that is not widely used by the foreign community, is to stay at a postpartum hotel for the first month postpartum. It may be pricey, but you will get unlimited medical rehabilitation care, 24-hour special nurses for maternal and baby care, nutritious food and won’t need to worry about housework during your stay there. All this allows you more time to focus on your recovery from pregnancy and birth, and time to spend with your newborn baby.
4. Baby and Sibling Care
Another important factor is the availability of childcare support, such as sitters or nannies. In China, hiring an “ayi” (domestic helper) is a common and affordable practice, making it easier for new parents to find assistance. Some families opt to hire night nurses to help specifically with nighttime wakings and feeds.
If you choose to return home, it’s beneficial to have discussions with you family and friends, how they can best support you while you are recovering from the birth. Having dedicated help in the early days can alleviate pressure. If you have older children (or fur babies) – consider who will look after them when you are in the hospital for the birth, and in the months after you welcome the new baby. How does this impact flying home to give birth? Do you leave older siblings here with dad or a carer? If they fly home with you, how long will everyone be gone from Shanghai and how does this impact school for the older children?
5. Seasonal Considerations
While often overlooked, the climate is an important factor when deciding where to give birth. Shanghai experiences hot summers and mild winters, which may or may not suit your preferences. Think about your comfort with these temperatures postpartum and how they might affect your recovery and adjustment with a newborn.
6. Vaccination Guidelines
In China there are strict rules about baby and child vaccinations. If you want your child to be accepted to a kindergarten or school you should follow the official guidelines. The good news is that vaccinations are not expensive in China and also can be done for free at local hospitals or community health centres.
7. Timing for International Travel
As you weigh these considerations, keep in mind the timing of your travel. Generally, it’s advisable to minimize international travel after reaching 28 weeks of gestation, with many healthcare providers recommending caution up to 35 weeks, depending on your health and pregnancy history. Planning ahead can help you avoid last-minute decisions that may be stressful.
In conclusion, carefully reflect on each of these factors as you approach week 28 of your pregnancy. Remember, every family’s situation is unique. Focus on what will work best for your family. This is an exciting time filled with many choices—make sure to prioritize your comfort and peace of mind to help you feel more confident during this journey.
About the Author
Originally from Siberia, Ollie was always passionate about seeing other countries. Her family moved to a western part of Russia and she had a chance to travel around Europe. When Ollie met her husband, they decided to discover Asia and came to Shanghai together. She’s been living in Shanghai for 9 years now and absolutely loves it! Ollie is fond of foreign languages, learning about new cultures, shooting short videos and dancing. In her free time, you can find her learning Chinese on her own or walking around the city and taking lots of videos. She is developing her personal blog on Instagram about her life on maternity leave as @shanghaimomcation. Follow her to see more of her journey.
