Below you have the answers to some FAQS, but if you would like to know more about Home Birth in Portugal and the Portuguese Birth System in Hospitals and also access the list of Certified PORTUGUESE MIDWIVES assisting HOME BIRTH in Portugal, you have the link below.
1. DO I NEED TO HAVE A BIG HOUSE TO HAVE A HOME BIRTH IN PORTUGAL?
Your team adapts to the space you have. As a Portuguese doula and birth photographer, I have already been in houses with 40m² and the physical space did not interfere with the birth team or the birth of the baby.
2. IS IT NECESSARY TO STERILIZE MY HOUSE?
The house has to be clean and tidy. Maintaining a clean environment reduces the risk of infection for both the mother and the baby. Newborns have a fragile immune system, and clean space helps minimize the chances of harmful bacteria or germs spreading.
3. SHOULD I HAVE AN AMBULANCE AT THE DOOR IF I WANNA HAVE A HOME BIRTH IN PORTUGAL?
If a transfer is necessary, it can be done in the family car or if necessary your doula or midwives will call an ambulance.
4. DO I NEED TO HAVE A BATH TUBE?
The shower can be used as a comfort measure for the pain or, if you wish, an inflatable pool of about 350L can be bought, but most of the Portuguese midwives will bring their birth pool for the birth.
5. CAN PEOPLE LIVING IN APARTMENTS IN PORTUGAL GIVE BIRTH AT HOME? WHAT IF IT BOTHERS THE NEIGHBORS?
It does not usually bother, if any neighbor asks, your birth team clarifies what is happening. And it is not necessary to warn anyone unless you prefer to.
6. DO I NEED TO BE CLOSE TO A HOSPITAL?
It is necessary to have a hospital within 20 minutes of your residence, whether it’s a public or a private one.
7. DO I NEED TO HAVE AN OBSTETRICIAN AT MY HOME BIRTH IN PORTUGAL?
Midwives (obstetric nurses) are professionals trained to attend normal birth, identify complications, make decisions, and provide all the necessary assistance until the appropriate referral in case of complications.
If you´re an expat living in Portugal and you feel it could be good to have some guidance on what to expect for the birth of your baby, the first weeks after, and also to have a different approach than just the medical one, even if you are not sure where you would like to birth your baby in Portugal, you´re welcome to book your free call HERE.
If you would like to read more about the Portuguese Birth System and access the list of Certified PORTUGUESE MIDWIVES assisting HOME BIRTH, you can download the FREE E-BOOKS HERE
I do believe that the way mothers are supported at pregnancy, birth, and postpartum has a great impact on their, and their baby’s health and wellbeing.
How do you feel about it?
(Doula, Massage, Maternity/ Birth photography & Film in Lisbon)
