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Having a Baby in Barbados
Have been following this site for a while as we live very close (Saint Vincent) and know that we are moving to Barbados at some point, we just don’t know when, but it looks like it could be Easter 2008. I have a 3 yr old boy and 2 yr old girl and expecting another baby in May, so have been very interested in all posts regarding schools and where to live etc. I was considering returning to the UK to give birth, but timing sucks with the move so close to my due date, so I am now thinking about having the baby in Barbados. Can anyone give me details of the Bayview Hospital … would you recommend it, are the midwives any good, what kind of facilities do they have? Would love to hear from anyone who has had personal experience of having a baby in Barbados.
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Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Originally Posted by MissyMum
(Post 5653196)
Have been following this site for a while as we live very close (Saint Vincent) and know that we are moving to Barbados at some point, we just don’t know when, but it looks like it could be Easter 2008. I have a 3 yr old boy and 2 yr old girl and expecting another baby in May, so have been very interested in all posts regarding schools and where to live etc. I was considering returning to the UK to give birth, but timing sucks with the move so close to my due date, so I am now thinking about having the baby in Barbados. Can anyone give me details of the Bayview Hospital … would you recommend it, are the midwives any good, what kind of facilities do they have? Would love to hear from anyone who has had personal experience of having a baby in Barbados.
Speak with Shines, she just a beautiful baby girl and delivered at Bayview......(ooooh babies....sorry..broody mama! LOL) RS |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Thanks RS.
Hope you read this Shines - congratulations on your baby girl. I know you must be pretty busy, but would love to hear all about it! |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hi there,
Thanks for the congratulations, my DD was born on 23rd October at bayview via C Section. She is my 2nd daugter and my first was a C Section due to breech presentation. I found the staff at Bayview fabulous in the majority. There was one shift that wer not as friendly as the other 2 but I think you can get that anywhere. The midwife who looked after me during the secton and after was a lady called Jeanette Gittens and I can't rate her highly enough. The midwfe on night duty was also lovely (sorry can't remember her name). The facilities were as you would find in any hospital except there is no SCBU there so if your pregnancy is hgh risk for any reason some may suggest you go the the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where that facility is. You also need to check out where your OB-GYN can deliver at as some only work and Bayview and some only a QEH. Compared to the British NHS system I would say that whilst it is not free the care is very good and I loved the fact that you have an OB GYN who sees you all the way through the pregnancy and then delivers your baby. I think it all depends on what you are used to currently. My OB-GYN is lovely and a very down to earth, sensible person, she even let me leave the following day as my 3 yr old was stressed about my being away at bed time etc. Also the paedatrician I use is first class and again a breath of fresh air compared to a GP in the UK... I would not hesitate to have another baby here... Let me know if there is anything I have missed out or PM me if you like if you have any other questions etc... Congratulations to you Sue xxx |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Shines-- it didn't occur to me that your little one is a Scorpio (just like me!) every time my gardener is here he always finishes our conversations by reminding himself that I am a Scorpio, it cracks me up.
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Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hey honey,
She is actually a Libran, Scorpio begins on 24th...(although I think it depends what calendar you use) I am a scorpio though :D S x |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Originally Posted by shines
(Post 5658103)
Hi there,
Thanks for the congratulations, my DD was born on 23rd October at bayview via C Section. She is my 2nd daugter and my first was a C Section due to breech presentation. I found the staff at Bayview fabulous in the majority. There was one shift that wer not as friendly as the other 2 but I think you can get that anywhere. The midwife who looked after me during the secton and after was a lady called Jeanette Gittens and I can't rate her highly enough. The midwfe on night duty was also lovely (sorry can't remember her name). The facilities were as you would find in any hospital except there is no SCBU there so if your pregnancy is hgh risk for any reason some may suggest you go the the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where that facility is. You also need to check out where your OB-GYN can deliver at as some only work and Bayview and some only a QEH. Compared to the British NHS system I would say that whilst it is not free the care is very good and I loved the fact that you have an OB GYN who sees you all the way through the pregnancy and then delivers your baby. I think it all depends on what you are used to currently. My OB-GYN is lovely and a very down to earth, sensible person, she even let me leave the following day as my 3 yr old was stressed about my being away at bed time etc. Also the paedatrician I use is first class and again a breath of fresh air compared to a GP in the UK... I would not hesitate to have another baby here... Let me know if there is anything I have missed out or PM me if you like if you have any other questions etc... Congratulations to you Sue xxx I guess I need to start by going to an OB-GYN, can you recommend one? I've had 2 normal pregnancies, so not expecting any problems, but you never know! I feel a little more optimistic about this working out, thank you for putting my mind at rest. |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hiya,
My OB-GYN is Dr Agatha Scholar-Shepperd, she is based in Wildey and delivers at Bayview. Shekinah Medical Centre Inc Wildey 426-9983 0r 426-9984 I have also heard that Donn Greaves is very popular but I have no direct experience of him. Greaves Donn Dr Obstetrics & Gynaecology River Rd St M 427-8117 Hope that helps... Sue |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
hi sounds like you wil be busy, your children are all very close in age. we are possibly moving to barbados later in the year. i am also having a baby in may but i chickened out of giving birth abroad. we are staying in england til after the birth. i have 3 children already aged 7, 5 and 1. if you get to barbados would be nice to hear how you get on, and hopefuly we will be out there before too long.
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Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Originally Posted by simon-hannah
(Post 5807180)
hi sounds like you wil be busy, your children are all very close in age. we are possibly moving to barbados later in the year. i am also having a baby in may but i chickened out of giving birth abroad. we are staying in england til after the birth. i have 3 children already aged 7, 5 and 1. if you get to barbados would be nice to hear how you get on, and hopefuly we will be out there before too long.
Congratulations on baby no. 4 and also on the job in Barbados. We are currently in St. Vincent just waiting on a moving date to get to Barbados. I either have to have the baby in Barbados or back in the UK and right now I would prefer to have it in Barbados, it will be much easier and less costly, so fingers crossed we will be over there in the next couple of months ... time is running out, only 15 weeks to go!!! I'll keep you posted ... |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Some things to bear in mind.
As mentioned before, Bayview doesn't have an NICU, so babies in need of it have to be transferred without their moms. But Bayview is generally more comfortable. One of the drawbacks of Bayview is that it's very small, and not staffed 24/7 with people who can perform surgery, including surgical nurses and anaesthetists. If you need an emergency c-section at Bayview, a team may have to be called in, as there may not be a team already there, and you'd better hope the op room has already been cleaned up and sterilized since the last surgery in there, otherwise you have to wait on that too. That hospital is really designed for routine stuff, not emergencies. QEH is much less expensive, but not as comfortable, however, emergency facilities are more readily available. I don't have any personal experience - I have heard good and bad stories there. Which one you choose depends on your tolerance for risk, and the level of comfort you need. There are 2 other options that haven't been mentioned: stand alone birthing centre, and home birth, both of which can be attended by a wonderful midwife and doula. My second and third children were waterbirths at the birthing centre, and it was like night and day compared to my first birth at Bayview (even though that first birth wasn't that bad!). People I talk to are often concerned about what happens in an emergency if you are at the Birthing Centre or at home, but what they fail to realize is that if they are at Bayview and an emergency happens, they might not be much better off! The BC is next door to an ambulance service, it's just up the road from the QEH, and they do keep oxygen and an incubator, plus intubation supplies, and the midwife is trained in infant rescucitation. I personally feel that low risk pregnant women are in good hands with her, but of course everyone has to make up their minds about that. One thing you will find here is that if you want an epidural at Bayview, you have to arrange for one in advance, or there is no guarantee that an anaesthetist will be around to give you one. They tend to use Pethidine for pain relief, or you can rent a TENS machine from an occupational therapist (I did for baby #1). The hospitals don't have tubs to relax in, or birthing balls, or rocking chairs ...... you have to arrange all your own comfort stuff if you want it. You can hire the doula to be at the hospital with you, and that really helps a lot of people, especially those who don't want the drugs, and especially those who get a bad nursing shift who don't give much support. The doula is registered at the worldwide doula association - you can find her there. The BC is in the phone book under Family Birthing Centre. |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Originally Posted by Bajanswife
(Post 5896341)
Some things to bear in mind.
As mentioned before, Bayview doesn't have an NICU, so babies in need of it have to be transferred without their moms. But Bayview is generally more comfortable. One of the drawbacks of Bayview is that it's very small, and not staffed 24/7 with people who can perform surgery, including surgical nurses and anaesthetists. If you need an emergency c-section at Bayview, a team may have to be called in, as there may not be a team already there, and you'd better hope the op room has already been cleaned up and sterilized since the last surgery in there, otherwise you have to wait on that too. That hospital is really designed for routine stuff, not emergencies. QEH is much less expensive, but not as comfortable, however, emergency facilities are more readily available. I don't have any personal experience - I have heard good and bad stories there. Which one you choose depends on your tolerance for risk, and the level of comfort you need. There are 2 other options that haven't been mentioned: stand alone birthing centre, and home birth, both of which can be attended by a wonderful midwife and doula. My second and third children were waterbirths at the birthing centre, and it was like night and day compared to my first birth at Bayview (even though that first birth wasn't that bad!). People I talk to are often concerned about what happens in an emergency if you are at the Birthing Centre or at home, but what they fail to realize is that if they are at Bayview and an emergency happens, they might not be much better off! The BC is next door to an ambulance service, it's just up the road from the QEH, and they do keep oxygen and an incubator, plus intubation supplies, and the midwife is trained in infant rescucitation. I personally feel that low risk pregnant women are in good hands with her, but of course everyone has to make up their minds about that. One thing you will find here is that if you want an epidural at Bayview, you have to arrange for one in advance, or there is no guarantee that an anaesthetist will be around to give you one. They tend to use Pethidine for pain relief, or you can rent a TENS machine from an occupational therapist (I did for baby #1). The hospitals don't have tubs to relax in, or birthing balls, or rocking chairs ...... you have to arrange all your own comfort stuff if you want it. You can hire the doula to be at the hospital with you, and that really helps a lot of people, especially those who don't want the drugs, and especially those who get a bad nursing shift who don't give much support. The doula is registered at the worldwide doula association - you can find her there. The BC is in the phone book under Family Birthing Centre. |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Originally Posted by Bajanswife
(Post 5896341)
Some things to bear in mind.
As mentioned before, Bayview doesn't have an NICU, so babies in need of it have to be transferred without their moms. But Bayview is generally more comfortable. One of the drawbacks of Bayview is that it's very small, and not staffed 24/7 with people who can perform surgery, including surgical nurses and anaesthetists. If you need an emergency c-section at Bayview, a team may have to be called in, as there may not be a team already there, and you'd better hope the op room has already been cleaned up and sterilized since the last surgery in there, otherwise you have to wait on that too. That hospital is really designed for routine stuff, not emergencies. QEH is much less expensive, but not as comfortable, however, emergency facilities are more readily available. I don't have any personal experience - I have heard good and bad stories there. Which one you choose depends on your tolerance for risk, and the level of comfort you need. There are 2 other options that haven't been mentioned: stand alone birthing centre, and home birth, both of which can be attended by a wonderful midwife and doula. My second and third children were waterbirths at the birthing centre, and it was like night and day compared to my first birth at Bayview (even though that first birth wasn't that bad!). People I talk to are often concerned about what happens in an emergency if you are at the Birthing Centre or at home, but what they fail to realize is that if they are at Bayview and an emergency happens, they might not be much better off! The BC is next door to an ambulance service, it's just up the road from the QEH, and they do keep oxygen and an incubator, plus intubation supplies, and the midwife is trained in infant rescucitation. I personally feel that low risk pregnant women are in good hands with her, but of course everyone has to make up their minds about that. One thing you will find here is that if you want an epidural at Bayview, you have to arrange for one in advance, or there is no guarantee that an anaesthetist will be around to give you one. They tend to use Pethidine for pain relief, or you can rent a TENS machine from an occupational therapist (I did for baby #1). The hospitals don't have tubs to relax in, or birthing balls, or rocking chairs ...... you have to arrange all your own comfort stuff if you want it. You can hire the doula to be at the hospital with you, and that really helps a lot of people, especially those who don't want the drugs, and especially those who get a bad nursing shift who don't give much support. The doula is registered at the worldwide doula association - you can find her there. The BC is in the phone book under Family Birthing Centre. |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
http://bayviewhospital.com.bb/specialities.htm
I would suggest that you contact someone at Bayview Hospital about this. They would/should be able to guide you as to a contact person. Good luck. |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Originally Posted by rwg
(Post 5957855)
Hi am a uk midwife currently practising - husband will be relocated to barbados in may 2008 - any idea who to contact for midwifery jobs on the island? many thanks rwg
http://www.familybirthingcentre.net |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Thanks Bajanswife and Sunnibgi
First, apologies - this is the 1st time I have ever used a forum and so you may find the same question (+ added bits) on another thread. I hope to improve! Regards rwg |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Originally Posted by MissyMum
(Post 5653196)
Have been following this site for a while as we live very close (Saint Vincent) and know that we are moving to Barbados at some point, we just don’t know when, but it looks like it could be Easter 2008. I have a 3 yr old boy and 2 yr old girl and expecting another baby in May, so have been very interested in all posts regarding schools and where to live etc. I was considering returning to the UK to give birth, but timing sucks with the move so close to my due date, so I am now thinking about having the baby in Barbados. Can anyone give me details of the Bayview Hospital … would you recommend it, are the midwives any good, what kind of facilities do they have? Would love to hear from anyone who has had personal experience of having a baby in Barbados.
We are currently living in the Grenadines (Mustique) and are also looking to head over to Barbados to live. We have a 15 month boy and a nearly 4 year old girl. We are originally from NZ but lived in London for several years (like so many Kiwis do!) I don't have any advice on where to birth sorry but hope you don't mind me asking you how you got on looking for housing etc when you went over. I am unable to PM you as I have only recently joined this forum. We will head over in a few weeks to have a look at preschools etc and places to live so if you like I can let you know how we get on, although I guess you will be somewhat preoccupied with your plans and new arrival. Good Luck and any information you gather would be great. |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hi Kateric,
Apart from Liat really messing us about (so what’s new) it was a great trip. We were supposed to arrive at 7.30am and, long story, didn’t get there until 2.30pm (yeah, it’s a 40 min flight!), so we had to cancel all our appointments for the first day and squeeze everything in to the second day. However, we saw quite a few places and the first house we saw, we took and we are thrilled with it, just what we wanted and where we wanted it. We are definitely moving over at Easter, so busy packing at the moment (oh what fun!). There are loads of rentals on the market, some are overpriced, but many are very reasonable. We were limited as we have dogs, and unfortunately it seems most rentals don’t allow dogs, but if you are without pets, then you will have lots to choose from. Check out cariblist.com. We worked with 2 agents, Marcia from Terra Caribbean and Junior from Global Estate Agency. I was hoping to get both my kids into Casa Dei Bambini, but my son turned 4 last month and unfortunately she cannot take kids over 4, so he is now signed up for Providence and my DD will be home as my little helper with the new baby until September. I would definitely recommend choosing the school first and then deciding on where to live which is close by. The traffic really is horrendous, I know they are doing major road works at the moment and hopefully everything will be better once they have finished, but having experienced the frustration of sitting in unmoving traffic, I know I couldn’t handle it on a daily basis. I’m sure that’s not a problem in Mustique (lucky you), but something to consider if you hate traffic as much as I do. Anything else I can help with, just let me know. |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hi MissyMum
Thanks so much. I have sent you a PM. Thanks Kate |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
I was hoping to get both my kids into Casa Dei Bambini, but my son turned 4 last month and unfortunately she cannot take kids over 4, so he is now signed up for Providence and my DD will be home as my little helper with the new baby until September.
Hi there, My DD goes to Casa at the moment and will also be moving to Providence reception class in September, let me know when you arrive on the Island and we could meet up. I also have a 4 month old baby... Sue |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hi Sue
How old is your daughter at Casa? Is Casa the best preschool over there? Do you know of any for younger children? Our son is 15 months but hasn't had too much interaction with his own age here in Mustique so I am keen to get him in somewhere for a couple of mornings a week. Also our daughter turns 4 in April and we are not sure where the best place for her is to go. I saw Providence mentioned previously but haven't seen any references to it. Is this a private primary school? Sorry to ask so many questions but our decision to come has happened so quickly and we might head over there at the end of March and try to find a place to live, school etc without having done a look first. We have one friend there who has said that the traffic is horrendous so we need to find preschools, schools first I guess before we decide on living location. We have heard St James is a good spot? Any thoughts really appreciated. Cheers |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Originally Posted by kateric
(Post 5994280)
Hi Sue
How old is your daughter at Casa? Is Casa the best preschool over there? Do you know of any for younger children? Our son is 15 months but hasn't had too much interaction with his own age here in Mustique so I am keen to get him in somewhere for a couple of mornings a week. Also our daughter turns 4 in April and we are not sure where the best place for her is to go. I saw Providence mentioned previously but haven't seen any references to it. Is this a private primary school? Sorry to ask so many questions but our decision to come has happened so quickly and we might head over there at the end of March and try to find a place to live, school etc without having done a look first. We have one friend there who has said that the traffic is horrendous so we need to find preschools, schools first I guess before we decide on living location. We have heard St James is a good spot? Any thoughts really appreciated. Cheers My daughter is 3 1/2 and will be leaving Casa this summer to move to Providence. I have found Casa to be a fantastic pre school, my daughter settled in within 3 days which is a sign she is very happy and comfortable there and the teachers are first class. I don't know of any pre schools for other children, there are nurseries that take younger children, mainly used by local people who need to work. I am sure you sould check someout, there are also a few toddler groups that meets up that you could take your 15 month old too so that may be enough for what you need. Let me know when you a re here and I can introduce you to them if you like. Providence is a private primary school, it is quite a new school but it is worth you checking availability as I know that the reception class for September 08 is filling up fast, another one to try is Codrington. Traffic is not easy at all but Providence or Codrington are not too bad a journey from St James as you can go via back roads in about 30 mins or so. Let me know if you have any more questions, happy to help. Sue |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hi Sue
Thanks so much for all your help. I am in the process of sorting things now. Our daughter will be 4 in April therefore will she not be able to attend Casa? I understand from these forums that they do not take over 4's. What happens when they turn 4? Do you have a contact number to call them? I have had a look at the Providence and Codrington Websites so will give them a call soon to talk about availability. thanks again Kate |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hi there,
My DD goes to Casa at the moment and will also be moving to Providence reception class in September, let me know when you arrive on the Island and we could meet up. I also have a 4 month old baby... Sue[/QUOTE] I will definitely be in touch Sue when we get there, hopefully the Easter weekend. We will be in a short term rental until our house is ready on April 1 and we will be busy getting furniture for it, so as soon as we settle in I will let you know and we must meet up. |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
Hi Sue
Thanks for all your help. I had a good chat with Angelique at Casa and she said that she has about seven 4 year olds there at present who are staying until they are 5 and she can take our daughter so we will have a look when we get there as to our options. I just spoke with a very unhelpful woman at Providence who said that there are no spaces left at all for preschool or reception so that option is out for us anyhow. We are due to be there on March 20 so need to find a place to live ASAP. Is cariblist the best website to use? We have no idea where to live or the proximity to amenities such as preschool but thought somewhere in St James??? thanks again Kate |
Re: Having a Baby in Barbados
St James is good for Casa.
Have you tried Codrington for spaces, I know Providence is full. I also know the unhelpful lady you are referring too :( Let me know how you get on with Condrington, they run a school bus that picks up/drops off in St James... HTH Sue |
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