Marie's Birth Experience at Nuevo Belén
Marie* is a German mother who gave birth in the normal area (not natural birth unit) of Nuevo Belén in 2020.
Why did you choose this hospital?
We chose this private clink, as it seemed to be the most convenient one for us. We just had moved to Madrid when I fell pregnant and I did not speak any Spanish. So going to public healthcare/ midwife and hospital just wasn't an option. With the appearance of COVID, being in a private women clinic defenitely was the best.
Marie's Story:
Well, my water broke early in the morning. We went to the clinic and it took a while for them to get all the paper work done and get the payment approved by my insurance. Once that was done I got into my room and basically spent there the whole time in labor. Midwives came every now and than to check on me.
Eventually I was given the epidural due to the time that had passed since the water had broken and not dialing open quick enough. The baby was born the next morning, almost 27 h. after arriving to the clinic.
The birthing room was just a plain empty room with a birthing chair. That's it. The doctor and midwife who delivered the baby were awesome but some of the ones who took care afterwards were rude.
For example no one asked if we wanted the baby to be washed, they just took her and had her screaming the whole time, rubbing soap and water over her little face and eyes. I was shocked and couldn't say anything. I was so angry and didnt know what to do as I wanted this to be my experience with my baby and they took it away from me in an extremely bad manner. But anyway.
The birth itself was ok. Not a beautiful experience as you can read sometimes but the job was done. The baby was delivered save and healthy, my partner could be with me the whole time even in the time of COVID and that's the most important.
Did you have a doula? If yes, how was the experience? If no, how do you think having a doula may have changed your experience?
No I haven't had a doula and well, maybe it would have changed the experience but maybe not. It's hard to say.
Did you feel supported in your chosen method of feeding your baby(ies)?
I chose to breastfeed my baby and I didn't have any help with that. However got support from my sisters who have several children and am fortunate enough that I never had any issues and my baby just drunk like a champ immediately.
Thank you Marie* for sharing this experience. *name changed for privacy
If you'd like to share your birth story in Madrid (hospital or home birth!), please do so here.
Giving birth in Madrid or a new mom in Madrid? Looking for support on the wild ride called parenthood?
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Giving birth is one of the most vulnerable moments in a person's life. There are many factors to consider at all times. The support of a doula from home to hospital adds an additional layer of support for both the birthing person and partner. Continuous care and individualized support both increase the likelihood of satisfaction with one's birth experience, regardless of the birth outcome (C-section, instrumental birth, etc).