Choosing a Hospital in Shanghai to have a Baby
An interview with an expat mom Having a baby is one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions anyone can make. But delivering in a foreign country can also be daunting. Many expat moms-to-be wonder, “Should I go back to my home country or should I deliver here?” We caught up with Brittany, an expat mom in Shanghai, to hear about her experience choosing a hospital as a first-time mom in China. She delivered her baby boy, Travis, at Jiahui International Hospital last month. This was your first pregnancy. Did you have any concerns about delivering in China? My prenatal care was done at a public hospital and then I switched to an international hospital for the delivery. I made the switch because communication is so important. At the public hospital it became quite stressful because my doctor didn’t speak English and the nurses needed to translate everything. There were…
Introducing our Daughter – Labor & Birth in China
Jacquelyn introduces to the world her 5th daughter. This was her 4th child born in China and she explains what the experience was like. (Youtube video)
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Hooked up to a Fetal Monitor in China
Jacquelyn is sitting in style at the hospital as she’s hooked up to a fetal monitor. (Youtube video)
Shopping over the October Holiday while Pregnant in China
The entire city of Tianjin joins Jacquelyn at IKEA over the October holiday. (Youtube video)
Pregnant in China – What about sexual intercourse? – Jacquelyn Vlog #5
In this video Jacquelyn discusses her experiences with doctors’ advice in China regarding sexual intercourse. *This post should not be considered medical advice. Always get medical advice from a trusted doctor. Here are some benefits sexual intercourse during a healthy pregnancy: Intimacy between you and your partner Hormone in semen that can cause “practice” contractions Strengthens the pelvic floor Releases oxytocin “the happy hormone” You should absolutely avoid sexual intercourse if: You have placenta previa Your water has broken Carrying multiples You are at risk for preterm labor For more, see this post. (Youtube video)
Exercising while Pregnant in China – Jacquelyn Vlog #4
Chinese doctors have different ideas about exercise than that of the West. Jacquelyn discusses a bit about her exercise routine and how it’s been beneficial. (Youtube video)
Flying while Pregnant in China – Jacquelyn Vlog #3
Jacquelyn explains what it’s like to fly in China while pregnant. Sometimes it feels a bit like a guessing game as to whether they’ll let you fly or not. (Youtube video)
Jacquelyn – Pregnancy Update #2
For our 5th baby, we’ve decided to give birth at Tianjin Family United Hospital. This update is a review of the hospital. (Youtube video)
Getting the RhoGam Shot in China
Getting a RhoGam shot in China is no easy task. Even back in 2006, when we had our first baby, the doctor looked at me blankly when I asked about getting the RhoGam shot. With the typical blood types in China and the one-child policy, getting the RhoGam shot is of little priority to most Chinese. The hospital we’re using for our delivery wasn’t able to provide us with the shot directly, but did give us the contact information of a place that could help. This is just a quick video showing how it arrived. If you’re in need of this shot, please contact us and we may be able to help you out.
Jacquelyn – Pregnancy 1st Update
Big news! We’re pregnant…again… That’s right, we’re looking to have #5. If you’ve read our About Us you know we’ve had 4 babies in 4 different locations. #5 will be at yet another location. For this baby, we decided to do some video updates. Here’s the first: (Youtube video)
Tianjin United Family Hospital
Click here to see a video review of Tianjin United Family Hospital
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Breastfeeding Infographic
I came across this excellent infographic from the wonderful people over at www.positivehealthwellness.com. Click on the graphic to visit their site and checkout the wonderful things they’re working on.
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Wuhan Baijia Maternity Hospital
Review by a bilingual nurse from the hospital. Wuhan Baijia Maternity Hospital which is with a good environment and qualified maternity health care, and has signed agreement with more than a dozen of international insurance companies. It belongs to Baijia Maternity Group with headquarter in Shanghai which manages twenty Hospitals altogether in China. More and more foreign clients come to my hospital.
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Chengdu Western Hospital
Review by Lisa Newsham, mychinasolutions.com The location is easy to find as it is right off of the Shu Han Lu subway exit (line 2). Cleanliness is typical for a public Chinese hospital. They have 3 options for natural childbirth: 1. A shared room for labor, delivery and recovery. 2. A VIP room (1 person room), and 3. A birthing room, a 1 person room where you can labor, deliver and recover all in the same room. This room is designed to allow any number of people to accompany you. English Level: Dr. Yang’s English is very good. The nurses are mostly limited to Pleco-like translators on phone. Dr. Yang is one of the most Western-minded doctors I have met in Chengdu. He is very approachable, a very good teacher, and cares about his clients. He is available to answer questions and is very professional. He also has a very good…
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Shanghai Baijia Maternity Hospital
Shanghai Baijia Maternity Hospital a Member of BAIJIA International Group. Following the evaluation criteria of Joint Commission International (JCI) in management, Baijia has introduced Full Care for Women and Infants and the 3H Service: HOME, HOTEL, HOSPITAL. Shanghai Baijia Maternity Hospital is a high-end healthcare provider specializing in healthcare service and health management of women and children. With abundant and premium international healthcare resources, Baijia International Group affiliate hospitals has established long-term technical cooperation with institutes including Waterbirth International, West Coast Ultrasound Institute, Medical Department of Drexel University, the U.S. School of Nursing of Texas Tech University and South Korea Bellrajue (Bear) Female Hospital, as well as strategic partnership with well-known organizations of women and children healthcare in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Europe and the U.S. With departments including: Obstetrics Gynecology Reproductive Medicine Neonatology /Pediatrics Physiotherapy Psychology Birth Services Waterbirth LDR Home Like Delivery Doula Guided Delivery Lamaze…
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Childbirth and Childcare in Qingdao
Last month I had the pleasure and opportunity to sit on a panel for the Qingdao International Business Association (QIBA). The topic of the panel was “Childbirth and Childcare in Qingdao: What are the options for expats?” Check out the “A-listers” I got to sit on the same stage with: Dr. HuYoung, Chair of Pediatrics for Qingdao United Family Hospital Dr. Sally Han, Director of the International Medical Affairs Department at Qingdao Municipal Hospital Dr. Hannah La, an Ob/Gyn at the Qingdao United Family Hospital. Ruth Greene, Doula services, cultural support, and Chinese-English translation for expats in the Qingdao area The panel discussion proved to be very excellent and I hope helpful to everyone in attendance. For more about the topics discussed, click here. For a few more pictures, click here. Video of the event to come soon.
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Battery Sizes in China
…and how to ask for Vodka, too The other day I went to the hardware store to get some batteries. I knew some of the battery names, but one that I didn’t know was how to say “9-volt battery”. So, I went in hoping that I would be able to communicate with the shop owners what kind of battery I was looking for. After a few attempts back and forth he finally brought out the one I was looking for and said, “jiǔ fútè” (九伏特), teaching me how to say the word “nine volt”. Immediately, I heard the similarity of the Chinese word for volt to the English equivalent, and I said, “vole-tuh”, trying to emphasize the sound to make it sound like the Chinese word. The shop owner said, “bu bu bu, fútè“. I laughed and tried to explain that the word must’ve come as an English transliteration. But…
Big News!
Back in China! The big news is that we’re back in China! After a 4 year hiatus, we’re back in the Middle Kingdom! We are living in Tianjin and looking forward to updating havingababyinchina.com with even more great content! I’m sure most of you are thinking? “Oh, I didn’t realize you weren’t in China.” It’s true. We were back in our home country reconnecting with family. But we’re back now! And we’re super excited to be here! Another Project This in no way has anything to do with babies…or China for that matter, but I am working on a new project. It’s been a dream of mine to create a place for people to learn how to trade commodities without all the pressure of brokers and losing potentially large amounts of money. So, I have finally started working on that dream and am now proud to say that I have…
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BenQ Medical Center Suzhou
BenQ Medical Center Suzhou 181 Zhuyuan Road, SND Tel: 0512-80838800 x5800（VIP） Out in SND, a 7 minute walk south from the Suzhou Metro Line 1 Yushan Lu stop. VIP Center for prenatal checks can be completed with Dr. Chen Lumin (Taiwanese, and very strong English skills; she speaks with patients in a fast conversation pace, but fully explains all notes on test reports, etc.) She works on Friday morning. Very new facility, VIP maternity wing is very clean, nice amenities, including big bathrooms, new L&D beds, sleeping futons for spouses, and meals provided.
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What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog in China
So, in my last post I told the story about how I was surrounded by an angry pack of dogs and ultimately bitten twice by a German Shepherd. If you haven’t read about that experience yet, be sure to click here. After I was bitten by the dog – and the initial shock of the situation – we found our way to a friend’s house and told them about what happened. The dog hadn’t done terrible damage to my leg. However, he did break the skin and my pant leg in the area around my knee and hip. This, of course, meant that I would have to get the dreaded rabies shot. If an animal breaks the skin when biting you, his saliva, which may contain the rabies virus, also gets in your blood stream. Basically, if he’s got rabies – so, now, do you. Now, my whole life, all…
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The Time I Saved my Wife and Unborn Child’s Lives
…Or why I’m (irrationally) afraid of dogs Today, as I was bringing the trash outside, I had a moment where I audibly gasped as fear rippled through my body. I’m not exactly a fearful person, but the sight of an unexpected, large dog only 15 feet away from me and headed my direction will cause it every time. Truth is, I’m undeniably and irrationally afraid of dogs. In fact, one time I was literally standing on a 40 degree roof of a house and was seized with fear because I thought I heard a dog coming at me! I guess that’s the problem with irrational fear – it’s not rational. I haven’t always been afraid of dogs. Growing up I liked dogs. At my friends’ houses I wasn’t afraid to pet their dogs. And I certainly didn’t seize up with fear if I saw one. But we never had a…
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Tips to Attain Medical Care in China when you Don’t Speak Chinese
Living or traveling to a foreign country can be quite scary especially when you need medical aid and the people around don’t speak English. If you are traveling to China or planning on living in China, here are some helpful hints that will make navigate the Chinese health care system: Tip 1: Where to go in case of an emergency In case of a medical emergency, the main concern most people have is where is the closest hospital. In China, you can’t just ask where is the closest hospital to treat my emergency. Hospitals function slightly differently in China. Not all hospitals will accept all types of patients. Many times patients arrive at the hospital only to be diverted to another hospital. Hospitals have specialties and mostly, only children hospitals will accept children. So, it is a good idea to find out which hospital will treat your problem before setting…
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Four Reasons Why Raising your Kids in China Is a Good Idea
Expatriates from Western nations who arrive in China for the first time to work and raise a family may feel overwhelmed by the differences in lifestyle and language. But the easy availability of international schools which use English as a medium of instruction removes all worry about education. The cultural barrier is the most difficult to surmount for adults as children are able to adjust much more easily as they come in closer contact with local culture among school friends. Discipline and Respect As an expatriate you know that Chinese culture is very different from yours and may worry that children will feel alienated when they go back home, but the rich cultural heritage of China can teach them valuable lessons in discipline that they will not learn elsewhere. As a parent you can help your children learn the positives of both cultures so they grow up to be more…
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How to Find the Right Gynecologist When You Are in China
The woman’s body is a very fragile and a complex system. A woman needs to spend a lot of time for our regular checks and consultations to keep a check on our system and remain healthy. Choosing gynecologist can be slightly stressful for a woman as she needs to be prepared to share some intimate information with the doctor if necessary. On the whole, a gynecologist may play a significant role in a woman’s health. China is a country which relies on a lot on their traditional Chinese medicine along with the use of advanced technologies. Gynecology in China – China is one of the most developed countries in terms of technology, but they give a lot of importance to their traditional methods of treatment. Chinese medicine handles the gynecology as complicated procedure in which they try to take a deep insight into the problem. Apart from directly treating a…
Tips While Traveling to China with your Children
Planning a vacation to China with the entire family is not so easy, especially if you’re traveling with kids. China is a wonderful place to visit with its many historical buildings, ethnic culture and local cuisine, not to mention the Great Wall; however your kid’s needs and requirements have to be taken into consideration too before you can plan your sightseeing itinerary. Here are a few child-friendly tips to keep in mind while traveling with your children to China: What to pack Apart from carrying any particular or specific brands of food or toiletries that your kids are used to, you can find almost everything in China’s local supermarkets so traveling light, especially with kids, would be preferable. If you are visiting China’s upscale cities like Beijing and Shanghai then you will have no problems finding western brands of goods that your kids are used to. But if you are…
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