Preparing for childbirth is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey, especially for expat women in Portugal. One essential aspect of this preparation is knowing what to pack for your hospital stay. Each hospital in Portugal has its own maternity list, but they are all quite similar. Here’s a guide to help you find and understand these lists.
Hospital-Specific Lists Every hospital has its unique maternity list, but don’t worry—they are all quite similar in their requirements. It’s important to get the specific list for your chosen hospital to ensure you have everything you need.
How to Find the Maternity List
Hospital Website: Most hospitals provide their maternity list as a free PDF on their website. A quick search should help you locate it.
Hospital Maternity Secretary: You can email the maternity secretary to request the list. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask any additional questions you might have.
Birth Preparation Class: During your birth preparation class, the hospital will often provide the list or where to find it.
What If You Can’t Find It? If you’re having trouble finding the list online, try googling "name of your hospital of choice + lista de maternidade." If that doesn’t work, email the hospital maternity secretary directly. When writing the email, consider including other questions you might have, such as: Remember to mention your current weeks of gestation so they can provide information relevant to your stage of pregnancy.Typically, you attend birth preparation classes starting from gestational week 28 to 30. Additionally, note that your partner or another chosen companion has the right to accompany you to the birth preparation classes.
Personalizing Your Maternity Bag. It’s important to reflect on your own specific needs and consider adding extra items beyond what the hospital recommends. Think about including things that will make you feel more comfortable, such as a massage oil, your favorite tea bags, or any other personal items that are relevant to your unique preferences.
Preparing for childbirth in a new country can be a challenge, but having the right information and resources can make the process smoother. If you need more personalized guidance, consider booking a 1-on-1 consultancy session with me. I’m here to support expat women in Portugal from pregnancy to parenting.
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