anyone had a baby in Belgium/Brussels?

[nikki73]

Hi I have an interview in Brussels at 38 weeks. I really don't want to miss out on the opportunity and the job wouldn't realistically start for another 6+ months so fits in well with maternity leave etc. I travelled on eurostar at 30+ weeks in my last pregnancy and found it quite uncomfortable but I have no other option. I am worried about going into labour there though and just wondered whether anyone had any experience of giving birth in Belgium. Can I just show up at any hospital/maternite or do I have to book? Any recommendations? Will my EHIC cover me? I doubt my insurance will but they are generally very cagey about rules applicable to pregnancy after 26 weeks...

[Knomester]

I don't have any personal experience but I have 2 close friends who still live in Brussels and have both had babies there recently. If no other fourumites are able to help you I would be happy to put you in touch. Let me know n

[nikki73]

Thanks Knomester.that'd be great.

[uptime]

Would it be worth discussing this with your midwife? I know that when I was considering going by train to Luxembourg for work at a similar stage, my midwife said (in a very polite way) 'no way'!

[sophiechristophy]

nikki73 - just wondered if you had thought about what you would if the baby was actually born there in regards to getting home after? Would you be traveling there alone? Have you thought about how you would get yourself and newborn baby back? Could they not interview you by Skype under the circumstances??

[nikki73]

Yes I have thought about it and dreading it:it'll be a nightmare! Most of all the administrative hurdle of getting a passport for the baby, and then if I have a cs etc but its an assessment centre and they say they can't do it via video link.my first was 2 weeks late and induced so hoping this one won't come early.going on my own but have friends out there. And in a way we wouldn't be missing out on support:no family here.I know its Crazy but one in a lifetime opportunity which if I succeed would really change my kids education opportunities.obviously won't go if I have any issues like bp etc

[Polmoche]

Hi Nikki--I would get in touch with the Belgium Childbirth Trust (BCT) which is like the NCT here. The group is formed mostly by expat British and usually English-speaking mums. They are enormously helpful. You can find their contact details and more info on having a baby in brussels here: http://www.expatica.com/be/essentials_moving_to/essentials/having-a-baby-in-belgium-1437_8504.html

[nikki73]

thanks for the tip.i came across their website yesterday. will definitely get in contact now. thanks