5 Things to Bring from Abroad Before Having a Baby in China

Published on November 6, 2024 by Ruth Greene, CD(CBI)
(This article originally appeared on JingKings Shanghai’s Wechat channel: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/4_jCD6ulc1RxOABtMM_srQ) When I was giving birth for the first time 14 years ago, China was a very different place. We didn’t live in a tier-one city, and a lot of the...
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Tip & Tricks: Get a passport card

Published on February 13, 2023 by Mark
A version of this post originally appeared on thepreparedexpat.net and is reposted with permission by the author. Each week, The Prepared Expat shares a tip or trick to help you survive or thrive as an expat. This week’s tip is...
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Our 1st Course Launched!

Published on April 13, 2020 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Having a Baby in China: The Course…launched! We’re so excited to announce the launching of our first course! This has been a years-long dream of ours to be able to create this course! We’re also thrilled to be able to...
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Pregnancy & COVID-19

Published on March 20, 2020 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Over the years, Jacquelyn has found evidencebasedbirth.com to be a great resource for pregnancy information. They work hard to distill evidence about pregnancy and birth into understandable points for the rest of us. They’ve already done some excellent research on...
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What does Postpartum look like in China?

Published on December 9, 2019 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
As a followup to his previous video, Watch a Public Hospital Birthing Experience in China from Labor through Delivery, Expat and Youtuber, Alex Absolute, explains some of the unique aspects of postpartum care in China. It gives great insight to...
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Rylee’s Hospital Stay

Published on November 19, 2019 by Rachel Vanstrien
After such a dramatic entrance into the world, the hospital room seemed so calm and serene for the next two hours. I was content to hold our new baby Rylee, answering the nurses’ questions about who we were and how...
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Rare Blood Type in China

Published on November 19, 2019 by Rachel Vanstrien
For foreigners with uncommon blood types, China’s recent medical advances has good news! Hospitals in Jiangxi province felt very uncomfortable dealing with uncommon blood types back in 2012. When doctors learned I had B-negative blood, they strongly recommended I deliver...
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Rhogam in China…it’s Complicated

Published on October 29, 2019 by Rachel Vanstrien
Obtaining RhoGam in China For the latest info on obtaining RhoGam, please contact havingababyinchina.com administrators.Contact us. Until becoming pregnant in China, I regarded my rare blood type as merely a fun fact. My mom had mentioned it to me in...
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Testing a Water Purifier in China

Published on October 6, 2019 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
One of our goals when we returned to China was to find a solution for our drinking water. After having lived with using water “tongs” for many years, we wanted something that was a bit more integrated into our home....
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5 Tips For Giving Birth Abroad

Published on August 8, 2019 by Ruth Greene, CD(CBI)
Ruth’s 5 Tips for Giving Birth Abroad: Tip #1: Know Your options Tip #2: Keep open dialogue with your partner Tip #3: Appreciate your host culture Tip #4: Use the Internet wisely Tip #5: Build your community Watch the video...
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Choosing a Hospital in Shanghai to have a Baby

Published on March 27, 2019 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
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...
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Importance of Exercise

Published on October 19, 2018 by Ruth Greene, CD(CBI)
Ruth is outside getting some exercise with some friends. Exercise is excellent for the mind and body. If you’re pregnant, be sure to check with your doctor to see which exercises you should do. (Youtube video)
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Preterm Labor & Birth in China

Published on September 25, 2018 by Felicity Miller
This post originally appeared on wwambam.com and is reposted with permission by the author, Felicity Miller. Going into premature labour is a very stressful situation to find yourself in. However, there are ways to increase your chance of having a...
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Elijah’s Birth Story

Published on September 17, 2018 by Catherine Esser
This article first appeared on Travelingwithjc.com and is published with permission from the author. On June 16th we went out with friends to feast on half-price ribs at a restaurant in Qingdao called Korona. During the day I had been...
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Transparent – Ruth Vlog #4

Published on September 8, 2018 by Ruth Greene, CD(CBI)
Ruth decides that she’s going to be transparent about the miscarriage process. This is a common enough problem that few people are able to talk about. Hoping it can help others. (Youtube video)
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Getting the RhoGam Shot in China

Published on August 20, 2018 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Obtaining RhoGam in China For the latest info on obtaining RhoGam, please contact havingababyinchina.com administrators.Contact us. Getting a RhoGam shot in China is no easy task. Even back in 2006, when we had our first baby, the doctor looked at...
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Jacquelyn – Pregnancy 1st Update

Published on August 14, 2018 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
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...
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Importing Your Belongings Into China

Published on August 9, 2018 by Jennifer Bennet
Beijing, China As the economy of China continues to grow, the employment opportunities for foreign expats have only expanded. Perhaps your company has offered you the chance to transfer, or maybe you’ve received a promotion that requires moving into the...
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My Life as an Expat Mum in China

Published on May 15, 2018 by Pamela
This post originally appeared on itisreal.net and is reposted with permission by the author. The life of an expat is often viewed as glamorous, stress-free and full of tasty, exotic cuisine. It’s true, living abroad often does include these elements...
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Breastfeeding Infographic

Published on November 24, 2017 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
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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Childbirth and Childcare in Qingdao

Published on September 29, 2016 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
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...
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Teaching Kids to Embrace Cultural Diversity

Published on July 5, 2016 by Catherine Esser
As a couple who have become parents in an exclusively foreign environment, this has been a wonderful chance for us to introduce our child to racial and cultural diversity. We are blessed to be able to raise our son abroad,...
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Battery Sizes in China

Published on May 19, 2016 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
…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,...
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Big News!

Published on March 14, 2016 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
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...
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Medication and Breastfeeding in China

Published on March 4, 2016 by Varya Sanina
In one of my the previous articles I touched on the subject of medication and breastfeeding in China. I always stress that moms need to advocate for themselves and their babies. This applies to public, private and international hospitals in...
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Tips While Traveling to China with your Children

Published on May 12, 2015 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
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...
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10 Things I learned about VBAC in China

Published on April 29, 2015 by Varya Sanina
China is constantly changing and adapting to the rest of the world. However, it is important to have patience and understanding when it comes to certain medical procedures that are still new here. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section) is an...
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Facing Culture Shock in China

Published on April 8, 2015 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
China’s growth as an economic superpower has opened up opportunities for several multinationals to set up operations here and bring their countrymen to run these branches. It is not surprising for local residents to now have expatriates working as colleagues...
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Cost of Living as an Expat in China

Published on April 1, 2015 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Moving to China may seem like a daunting task if you have lived in Western nations but lucrative pay package and a luxurious lifestyle lures many to its shores. Though culturally and language wise there may be many challenges, there...
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18 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding in China

Published on March 25, 2015 by Varya Sanina
When I had my first child in Zhuhai (Guangdong province), I was quite disappointed as there was absolutely no breastfeeding support from nurses or pediatricians at the hospital. The formula was being pushed, the baby latched so badly which resulted...
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Registering Your Baby in China

Published on February 11, 2015 by Varya Sanina
This article first appeared on Deltabridges.com and is published with permission from the author. If you just had or plan to have a baby born in China, here is some very useful information you should be aware of. When you...
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Does China’s One Child Policy Apply to Expats?

Published on January 21, 2015 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
A question that is on the mind of many expatriates heading to China, especially when going with a young family is definitely, “Does China’s one child policy apply to Expats”? The simplest answer is ‘No’, but there are some situations...
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What Expats should know about Healthcare in China

Published on January 14, 2015 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
The healthcare system of Shanghai is finer when compared to second, third tier cities or rural areas, as it is a first tier city. That being said, the healthcare system is still perceived as limited by many expatriates. China being...
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Preparing your child for the transition

Published on January 7, 2015 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
For families with small children, even moving to a different state within their own country can be stressful, let alone moving to a different country like China, which has a culture vastly different from Western countries. Besides the stress of...
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Five Things You Should Know About Living in China

Published on December 16, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
I still remember the time I realized that moving to China might actually be a possibility. I was excited, scared, and really had no idea what to expect. Being considered a “third world country”, I didn’t know how to prepare....
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Moving to China? Here is All You Need to Know

Published on December 2, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
If you are moving to China for work, the first step you should take is research. Do away with old-fashion images of workers in paddy fields. China is especially diverse. In addition to the English-speaking Chinese population, you can expect...
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How is it to live in China as a Foreigner

Published on November 25, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Moving to a new place is always challenging, especially when that new place is an altogether new country. In a country not known for it’s ethic diversity, you might think it will be very difficult to blend in. However, it...
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Interesting Chinese Traditions Related to Childbirth

Published on November 18, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Not only is it fascinating to hear about various pregnancy and birth-related customs and traditions followed by the Chinese people, but it can also help the expat to better understand and be aware of attitudes and behaviors of doctors, friends...
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Preparing for International School in China

Published on November 4, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
When considering moving to China, one of the most important factors to consider is education for your child. While raising a child in China, it’s important that he or she gets the right kind of education. Many expat families living...
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Helping Your Child Deal with Culture Shock in China

Published on October 28, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
China is very rich in culture partially because, geographically, it is a very large nation. Its population of 1.35 billion people constitutes around 50 ethnic groups with customs and traditions varying accordingly. Such diversity can be unsettling for a foreigner...
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Interesting Birthing Customs Followed in China

Published on October 21, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Like most cultures, the Chinese have their fair share of superstition surrounding childbirth and pregnancy. The rich culture and age-old traditions in China are still strictly adhered to. According to legend, pregnancy is considered a “hot condition” so to maintain...
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Culture Shock in China

Published on October 14, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
China is an Asian developing country with a different culture, and as such, people visiting China from other countries or foreigners living in China can sometimes face a culture shock. What to expect Chinese people are generally quite friendly and...
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Fun Activities for your Kids in Beijing

Published on October 7, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Growing up in China can be great fun for your kids if you allow them to enjoy the country. There’s no doubt that children have an open-mind, are receptive and learn new things fast, so make the most of raising...
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Pregnant in China: Some Helpful Tips

Published on October 5, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
For expats living in China, being pregnant can bring up a whole range of anxieties and issues that they might not even fret about in their home countries. Such anxieties come with living in a country with strong traditions, unfamiliarity...
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We’ve had a Baby

Published on October 5, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
We are very excited to announce that we have had another baby! Our daughter was born at home on September 26 naturally. It was such a great experience and vastly contrasting to the birth of our other children. We’re happy...
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Big News Coming Soon!

Published on October 5, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Since we started this site back in 2009 our goal has always been to make having a baby in China easier. From creating some basic information, to our awesome pregnancy vocabulary page, to this Expert Blog, it’s all been about...
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Cost of Raising a Child in China

Published on September 23, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
The Chinese economy has  been flourishing at a rapid  rate. However along with the steady economic progress, the cost of living in China has also been growing over the years. The higher cost of living in China is such a...
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China Calling: Moving with Children

Published on September 2, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Moving to a completely new country like China can be quite a daunting task, and a little bit exciting as well. The jitters can really set in when you are planning a move with children. Concerns over your children/child transitioning...
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Some Pregnancy Traditions in China

Published on July 24, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
  Being pregnant and delivering a baby in China can be quite an experience. One of the most interesting or rather strange things that you may come across, especially in South China, is that people love giving “good advice” to...
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Immunization Information for Travelers to China

Published on July 9, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
In China, the general populace follows the vaccination schedule; still, it is recommended for travelers to get vaccinated for certain diseases before taking a trip to China. Visit your doctor 4-8 weeks before your trip and get the required shots....
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Healthy Pregnancies in China

Published on June 28, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
Are you an expat living in China? Are you expecting, but worried about having a baby in China? With the right information, you can expect to have a healthy pregnancy even while being away from home. Today many hospitals and...
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Raising a Child in China

Published on June 12, 2014 by Jeremy & Jacquelyn Carman
The Chinese culture is one of the oldest cultures in the world with great emphasis on family traditions, discipline, hard work and merit. Chinese parents unquestionably pass down these habits to their children. If you are a foreigner raising children...
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In the Mix (Part 2)

Published on July 31, 2013 by Valerie
The following article is presented by HBIC contributor Valerie Wiens. Valerie has been supporting breastfeeding families in China since 2008. She is a La Leche League leader and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This is part 2 of...
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In the Mix (Part 1)

Published on May 14, 2013 by Valerie
The following article is presented by HBIC contributor Valerie Wiens. Valerie has been supporting breastfeeding families in China since 2008. She is a La Leche League leader and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). In the Mix (Part 1)...
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