One common question from expat couples in Portugal is: "Are there birth preparation classes in English?" The answer is that while some hospitals do offer birth prep classes in English, it is not very common.
Even if your hospital of choice does not offer classes in English, consider attending them in Portuguese anyway. Doing so has several benefits:
Familiarity with the Hospital: Attending classes allows you to visit the hospital multiple times, helping you get used to the path, the hospital corridors, and finding your way around.
Recognition of Staff: You’ll get to know the faces of the midwife-nurses, which can be very comforting during labor when you recognize a few professionals.
Cultural Integration: It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and language*, which can be a rewarding experience.
*If you want to learn typical Portuguese expressions about pregnancy, labor, and birth, check out my collaborative post with Mia Esmeriz here and here, and also find my interview on her YouTube channel where we speak about having a baby in Portugal.
In addition to hospital classes, some private clinics/private hospitals offer birth preparation classes in English. I have assisted a few couples in finding English-speaking birth prep classes in their living area.
👉 Here are three places in Portugal where you can find birth preparation classes conducted in English:
Uterus in Porto
Hospital da Luz in Porto
Centro Pré e Pós-Parto in Lisbon
These options do not mean that birth prep classes in English are unavailable elsewhere in Portugal. Other hospitals and centers may offer similar services. The ones listed above are simply the ones I have come to know at this time.
If you are an expat expecting a baby in Portugal and want to understand the healthcare system, explore your options, connect with professionals who respect your rights, and build a supportive network, consider booking a 1-on-1 consultancy session with me.
I am on this side!
Tenderly,
Iliona
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