We moved here, I was 23 weeks pregnant.
In terms of follow up, I had already had in UK the 2 ultrasound scans that you would usually have in England or in Barbados for the whole period of a normal pregnancy. I would probably have another 7 consultations until the end of my pregnancy + I had to chose a place where I would like to give birth, a private Doctor or a Midwife led governmental follow up, and I had to enquire about my health costs and possible benefits or support available with health costs.
First week here, I found out that my health costs would not be taken in charge by the employer of my partner. Be aware, it can be the same case with many employers on the island. The health cover is not as good as in Europe (at least, not as good as in France or UK). The reason my pregnancy is not taken in charge by the employer is because they do not take in charge 'pre-existing conditions'.
So, compared to UK, I was losing:
- a full health costs covered pregnancy,
- my benefits for free medication at the chemist,
- my rights for a pregnancy long + a year of free consultations at the dentist,
- the additional financial support that I got after Noa's birth during 6 months to cover my maternity 'leave'.
On the personal 'comfort' side, I had to adjust with 30 degrees more than in the country I had just left and I had to adjust to the mosquito bites that would regularly make my right foot react and get it swollen.
On the other hand, I was now in a country where:
- you cannot do much else than relax,
- the sun was giving me plenty of Vitamin D,
- I could get into the sea as often as I wanted,
- I could get as many fresh coconut milk drinks, fresh mangoes and avocados as I'd like.
Regarding the follow up and "delivery locations" to give birth, here are the several options we have considered:
- A private Doctor delivering at the General Hospital (QE) or at a private clinic (Bayview)
- A polyclinic and hospital governmental midwife and doctor on duty led follow up
- A private midwife birthing centre
Considering the costs of consultations + private Dr fee for the birth + private paediatrician fee + hospital fee for Non National + potential private anaesthetist fee + potential extra costs for a caesarian + some potential additional nights at the hospital...
We found out that the first option would cost us between BBDOS $ 5,000 for a simple birth at the QE to BBDOS $ 10,000 for a more complicated birth at the Bayview clinic. The 2nd option would cost 3 to 4 times less. The 3rd option was in-between in terms of costs, a more relaxing environment, but less safe in terms of equipment available and in terms of rapidity to react if we would have to arrive in an emergency state at the hospital. So, we decided to go for the 2nd option, which seemingly is a more unusual choice for an expatriate here or for some of the persons we had made friends with around us - shall they be Bajan or not.
So, now, I'll describe how the follow up with the 2nd option has been so far...
(to be ctd...)
