SexFruit

So this is kind of a long story, but I'm pregnant and due to give birth any day now, I'm also in Paris and don't understand the healthcare system. How to I find a doctor that speaks english? My French isn't very good. How do I register with a hospital? I know where the nearest hospital is with a maternity ward so if I do go into labour I can get there, but I know I need to be booked in.
I know this is going to cost money as well, I've got the money for it.

If anyone could help out with this then that would be great, I'm just so confused.

Also, what about registering the birth? And getting a passport? Am I best to ask at the hospital?

Andi

Ka Ora!

Welcome to the Forum, Do you have a Carte Vitale or some form of Medical insurance? You need to phone the hospital to get an appointment with gynaecologist/paediatrician sooner rather than later, also if you plan on having an epidural then you will need to see a anaesthesiologist in advance normally. They is a bit more to it but I dealt with it from the mans perspective and the OH is not at hand at the mo.

LordMayor

If you do not have a "Carte Vitale" you must have a european card from your British insurance. You will find a list of English speaking doctors in Paris in the following website: http://www.psychologuebilingue.com/m...s-a-paris.html.
You can also get all the need infos through your embassy.

Garonne

In France a birth has to be registered within 3 days. You can only do that if you are officially a French resident so are you?? Good luck and how exciting!! x

dmu

Hi, how long have you been in Paris? You should have consulted a G.P. and Gynaecologist months ago and followed all the strict procedure (scans, blood tests, ante-natal classes with midwives, etc...). Even if you're in the Carte Vitale system, the Sécu won't appreciate it if you haven't followed the set procedure, but if you're willing to pay and not be reimbursed.... If you only arrived recently, then go to the Hospital you mentioned ASAP and expect to be interrogated as to why you've arrived in Paris so close to the birth. They'll want to see your case history at such a late date. I'm being blunt here, because bureaucracy is strict and you mustn't imagine it'll be a doddle...
When I had my two in a suburbs hospital, none of the staff spoke English (luckily I spoke French). You may find a Specialist who speaks English, but knowledge of English isn't (or at least didn't used to be) a requirement for midwives, nurses, carers and domestic staff...
An official from the hospital will register the birth at the Town Hall of the hospital's arrondissement, usually the next day. (I believe that the father has to do this if you give birth in a private Maternity Clinique). Armed with the birth certificate and your own identity documents, you can register your child at the British Consulate, which will simplify matters when you want a British Passport for him/her. Meanwhile he/she is a French citizen, with a French Carte d'Identité available from birth... You will need this C.I. when you travel together, as well as written permission from the child's father if you travel alone, but that's another question. First things first....
I'm originally from E. Sussex, and if it were me, I'd return there ASAP (via one of the Tunnels) and have my baby where I could communicate comfortably with the staff, rather than go through the trauma of French bureaucracy and procedures at a time when you've got other things on your mind .... But then we don't know your circumstances....
Good luck, wherever!

brioche

It's possible to apply for the passport at the same time as consular birth registration. Doing both is recommended.

Only if one of the parents is a French citizen. Otherwise, there are provisions for voluntary and automatic acquisition of French citizenship when the child is older, if certain residence conditions are met.

dmu

This is good to know, when my two were born, they were included on my UK Passport before they had their own (and my OH being French, they are dual nationality).
Sorry, I was assuming that the father is French...

MillieF

For heavens sake OP go to the doctor quickly. The French system works pretty brilliantly when it comes to maternity, but they have to know that you are there! I had to fill out the forms for the birth of our son prior to his birth with the Town Hall and then my husband had to take a form back from the hospital afterwards. My French was bloody awful when I had my son, look up every possible term to do with birth that you can think of and write a list and find a translation, it will just make it easier. The hospital where you are planning to have your child will give you lists of everything you need to take with you. After the birth you will get help, lots of it, and don't refuse any of it, you get help to get you own body back in order again and the progress and growth of your child will be monitored. Embrace this time, France can and will help, don't let your lack of communication skills take anything away from this magical time. The nurses and doctors where I had our son were kind, fantastic, experienced and helpful. Very best of luck, and joy.