As an expat living in Portugal, navigating the healthcare system during pregnancy and childbirth can be challenging, especially when language barriers are involved. One resource I highly recommend is the book "Nascer Saudável" by Sandra Oliveira, a seasoned DONA certified doula, founder of Bionascimento, with over 18 years of experience and more than 200 births attended in Portugal. I had the privilege of completing my doula certification course with her back in 2019/2020, and I can personally attest to her expertise and dedication. This book is a treasure trove of information, and I truly wish it were available in English so that more people could benefit from it.
Sandra Oliveira’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of hospital births in Portugal shine through in this comprehensive guide. "Nascer Saudável" not only provides a detailed and realistic overview of hospital births in Portugal but also includes relevant statistics, numbers, and references to answer your questions about the process.
The wealth of information is presented in an easy-to-understand and tangible way, making it accessible even for those who might be new to the subject.
One of the book's standout features is its focus on evidence-based information. For instance, it introduces readers to resources like the Cochrane Library, teaching you how to understand and navigate scientific literature. This approach brings clarity to expecting mothers and their partners, helping them make informed decisions based on the latest research and evidence.
If you or your partner know Portuguese, this book can still be a valuable resource and a perfect opportunity to explain to each other what he/she is reading and having fruitful and very useful and necessary conversations about the topics covered in this book. Additionally, if you want to improve your Portuguese or focus on translating certain chapters, this might be a useful alternative for the time being.
The book covers typical and frequent medical procedures you might encounter during childbirth. Additionally, it includes a collection of real birth stories at the end, offering personal insights and experiences that can be both reassuring and informative.
Having access to this kind of resource in English would be invaluable for expat women in Portugal. It would provide clarity, build confidence, and help bridge the gap between different healthcare systems and cultural practices. If you are an expat pregnant in Portugal and want to gain a thorough understanding of the hospital birth experience here, this book is a must-read.
Until such a translation is available, I am here to support you. Consider booking a 1-on-1 consultancy session with me to help you navigate the system, understand your options, and connect with professionals who respect your rights. Together, we can make your pregnancy and birth experience in Portugal as smooth and informed as possible.
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