Hey girls
I am in the UK…but I have heard horror stories here when it comes to deliveries and the midwives here…
Had my first son in Canada and it was quite a smooth process…plus my family is there so it was nice having some help around..
This time around, I am confused whether to stay here or go back…
anyone has any experiences to share from both countries..then please do, that would definitely help me make a comparison…
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
Canada is more like the US in terms of actual deliveries I believe. I don’t think midwives deliver in Canada unless you opt for one specifically and epidurals are common. In the UK, they promote gas for pain relief, epidurals can be obtained but may not be so easy.
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
Come back to Canada to give birth. I’ve also heard many horror stories of women being pushed/talked into delivering sans epidural and enduring pain unnecessarily which is enough to turn me off. No one is taking away my choices, thanks.
But then I’d come back just for the family support too!
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
do you have coverage by OHIP? i thought if you don’t live in Canada 7 months in a year you lose your coverage.
make sure you have coverage before you come over because it can be very expensive.
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
Eastern, Yeah US and Canada are very similar. The major difference here is they focus on natural births without any medical intervention.
SGC, Epidural is a huge concern…I asked for it when I was in Canada, very early in the labour…and the anesthetic was there in minutes. People have completely different experiences to share here. They won’t induce, even if the need be…which prolongs things for no reason… and highly discourage epidurals! I guess I know that I should go to Canada..but the only reason I am confused is that my son has started pre-school and I’ll have to be there alot sooner to be covered by OHIP..n so he’ll miss many days…or otherwise, I can go late and pay for everything…which I think is alot! …more than $6k..errrr wish things here were similar to Canada…
KKF: yeah will have to make sure of that…ohip says you have to be there for 153 days..
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
yes, 153 days in the LAST 12 months
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
ok will look into that..
Any guppies from UK have any experiences to share…any good ones?
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
So enrol him in preschool here. What’s the difference?
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
Canada for sure. All the people I know that had babies in the UK, for some reason, their babies were offered formula from the get go at birth (even if the mother was breastfeeding). First few days mom’s get colostrum and that is enough for the baby. I don’t get why UK hospitals give formula right away (even if baby was born healthy).
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
Oh and I don’t know how the care is in UK, but I delivered in Canada. I was in labour for almost 24 hours and had several different shifts of nurses and doctors helping me. Every single one of them treated me AMAZINGLY. Giving birth at Mount Sinai was one of the best experiences of my life.
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
my niece recently delivered her baby there and we were all praise. they did a great job. she stayed in the hospital for 36 hours and it was a wonderful experience for her and us waitin g for the arrival of the baby.
that baby is in my avatar! 
she is such a cutie, masha Allah.
how old is your baby, btw?
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
The UK isn’t that awful guys
I have delivered babies here with my own hands and it was all good care IMO.
Main difference between UK and Canada
UK - midwife led and they discourage epi’s as it makes the birth process longer and has its various pros and cons
Canada - Will give an epi as soon as you utter the word and is doctor led.
I am moving to canada and I am a doctor and when it comes time for me to give birth one day I will come back the UK because its what I know what I am used to and what makes sense to me, the UK peeps I know there who gave birth there didn’t like the way it was all about millions of pain killers.
Its not about whats better or worse its about what you are used to and what you are comfortable with!
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
Good to hear some positive words, inspiron!
A friend of mine is a doctor and works in a gynae ward, she has nothing nice to tell. That’s the reason why I got scared. She says she’ll definitely go private whenever she plans her next baby.
Candy_apple: that sounds really good…I’ve heard good things about Mount Sinai…I went to Rouge Valley in Scarborough and it was a very pleasant experience..I was there for 3 nights and I was taken good care of!
SGC, didn’t think of that!! pregnancy brain hehe…
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
Doctors and midwives dont get on haha
Go where your family/mum is so if you have a bad experience then you can be soothed
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
I had both of my kids in the UK and the experience was fine. I asked for painkillers the first time and I was given an injection with a bit of a debate. The midwives were helpful and the other hospital staff was pretty good when I stayed overnight.
I haven’t heard about UK hospitals giving formula milk to the babies, as far as I know they encourage the other to breastfeed.
Hope this helps.
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
My mom gave birth (me) in the UK and loved it, but it was back in the day! I am sure people have a lot of good stories about the UK as well.
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
I gave birth in the UK a few months back and it was nothing like what has been described here… Infact it was quite the opposite. I got an epidural when I asked for it… They did want to go over the pros and cons of having one but I said I already knew and still want it! No one tried to convince me otherwise. Also they encourage breast feeding more than anything!
The only reason I delivered in uk was because my family was there. I could have gone to the best private hospital on my insurance where I live but being with family after delivery seemed like the better option in my opinion!
Hope you have a smooth delivery and a healthy baby Ameen
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
I had my son in the UK and the experience was fine. Yes, its midwife led and they don’t encourage you to have epidurals. The midwives, I got the first time were nice and helpful. I remained in the hospital for 3 days and they helped me a lot as I was having issues with breastfeeding.
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
Awww congrats on your neice MashAllah. Mine is 10.5 months. Time flies!
Re: Delivery in UK vs Canada
The most annoying thing about giving birth in the UK is the Bounty lady 