In this episode, we speak to our very first international guests, Úna and Andreas, who share their story of navigating their pregnancy and birth choices as expats having their first baby in Portugal. We hear about their experience of initially choosing a private obstetrician based on word of mouth, before changing care providers late in the third trimester once it became clear that there was a misalignment between their birth preferences, the evidence, and the practices of their chosen care provider. Úna and Andreas’ story is one of research, advocacy, intuition and trust. It highlights the importance of digging deeper in the stories that are shared between the networks of families and friends, doing the work and ultimately trusting your instincts to choose a care provider and place of birth that makes you feel the most at ease, irrespective of the label.

Links:

- "Birth and Breastfeeding: Rediscovering the Needs of Women During Pregnancy and Childbirth"  by Michel Odent

- Doula Carla and her NGO work at OVO Portugal

- "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster  

- World Health Organisation recommendations on episiotomy

- "Hypnobirthing: A Natural Approach to a Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing" by Marie Mongan 

- "Choosing a Care Provider" episode