Having a baby is one of the most exciting events in life, but when you are in a foreign country, it can also bring a sense of uncertainty and stress. As an expat in Cambodia, you might be far from your family and friends, adjusting to new customs, and navigating a healthcare system that’s different from what you know. One of the most important steps you can take for yourself and your baby is to prepare thoroughly for the arrival of your baby. Being informed and prepared can greatly influence your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey, allowing you to approach these moments with greater ease and confidence. In this post, I’ll provide practical tips to help you get ready and create a smooth and positive birth experience here in Cambodia.
Research local hospitals
Before planning the details of your birth, take time to explore the birth options available in Phnom Penh. While hospitals in the city often provide high-quality care for expecting parents, medical practices here might differ from those in your home country. Consider visiting the maternity facilities you’re interested in to ask questions, tour the premises, and get a feel for the environment. This can help you feel more comfortable with your choice.
Cultural and medical norms
Prepare yourself for differences in culture and possibly a language barrier during your pregnancy and birth in Cambodia. Medical practices may vary, and family involvement in childbirth can be more prominent. Stay flexible and open-minded, and consider having support to help you navigate these differences and ensure your needs are met. Additionally, medical interventions such as cesarean and induction are fairly common, especially in urban hospitals. Discuss this with your doctor early in your pregnancy to understand the local medical practices and whether they align with your birth preferences.
Prepare your legal and admin
Familiarize yourself with the process for obtaining a birth certificate, passport, and visa for your baby. Check with your embassy to understand their requirements and timelines, and ensure you gather all necessary documents, such as proof of parentage, marriage certificates, and hospital records, to avoid delays. Planning ahead can save you time and reduce stress after the baby arrives.
Connect with Local Communities
Joining expat or local parenting groups can provide a wealth of knowledge and support. Connecting with other parents who have given birth in Cambodia can help you navigate the cultural differences and share valuable insights.
Consider your birth preferences and priorities
A birth plan is a tool to communicate your preferences for labor, birth, postpartum and baby care. Outlining your birth desires will give you the opportunity to discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Here is what you can discuss and consider writing on your birth plan:
LABOR PREFERENCES
Pain relief. Do you want to avoid pain-medication, or would you prefer an epidural? You can discuss pain management upfront, even early in pregnancy. Epidurals are common in private hospitals in Phnom Penh. Be sure to clarify what pain-relief methods are offered, and to discuss when you would like them to be administered. If you are aiming for an unmedicated birth, specify you don't want medical staff to offer or suggest medication when you are in labor.
Birth position: Hospitals in Cambodia typically encourage women to give birth on their back, but you can request different positions, like squatting, kneeling, leaning on a prop or side-lying. Check with your doctor to ensure your facility and provider support these positions.
Monitoring: Will you want continuous fetal monitoring or intermittent monitoring ? Some women prefer intermittent monitoring for more freedom of movement during labor.
BIRTH PREFERENCES
Vaginal birth or Cesarean birth. C-sections are increasingly common in Phnom Penh. Discuss this early with your doctor, as some providers recommend and practice cesarean more frequently than others. It is essential to ensure your doctors approach align with your birth preferences and desires for the birth of your baby.
Skin-to-skin contact. Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth is a preference more and more couples request. It is also important for bonding and breastfeeding initiation. Be clear about your desire on this, and discuss whether it is standard practice at your chosen hospital.
Cutting the umbilicard cord. Some families want to delay cord clamping for a few minutes after birth, allowing the baby to receive the remaining blood flow from the placenta. The cord can be cut by the birthing person, the partner or the doctor.
SUPPORT TEAM
Birth Partners and Doula: In many Cambodian hospitals, you will be able to have your partner, family member or doula with you during labor. However, this is not always guaranteed, so confirm your hospital’s policy on having support during labor. If you are planning to have a doula, you should ask whether they are allowed in the room.
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
Cesarean. As mentioned, cesarean are relatively common in Cambodia, often for medical reasons, or sometimes for medical convenience. If you prefer to avoid a c-section unless absolutely necessary, I would suggest to clearly communicate this with your doctor.
Induction. Some hospitals may recommend to induce labor if you go past your due date, or offer induction quite routinely, but is is important to understand that induction of labor is not always necessary unless there are medical indications.
NEWBORN AND POSTPARTUM CARE
Baby feeding. You can specify in your birth plan your baby’s feeding preference, whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed, or a combination of both. You can also inform that a doula or lactation conseiller will come to the hospital after birth to offer breastfeeding guidance and support.
Baby care preference. Do you want your baby to stay in your room or be taken to nursery for a while? Do you wish for baby to be wiped, or have a bath after birth, or would you rather delay baby’s first bath?
Once you have determined and discussed your birth preferences, it is time to have an open and honest conversation with your OBGYN who will be present when you give birth. Be sure to have all your questions answered and to be heard.
Prepare for Postpartum Care
Postpartum care can look different in Cambodia than what you may be used to. Be proactive about organizing postpartum support, whether it's hiring a nanny, arranging for a family member to help, or seeking out a doula for continued care, making these arrangements ahead of time can help ensure a smoother transition during those early weeks after birth.
Having a baby can feel daunting in a foreign country like Cambodia, but with careful preparation and open communication, you can set yourself up for a positive birth experience
Keep in mind that you don't have to do this alone - doula support can help you guide you through the process and provide the emotional support and information support you need every step of the way.
Don't hesitate to reach out for support—a doula is here to assist you and your partner throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Whether you need guidance for your birth or help with postpartum care, I’m here to provide the support that works best for you.
Take care,
Claire
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