Interview: Aperio

Giving birth inspires dread in most women who are doing it for the first time. It´s no less daunting for those who have been there and done that. There is good reason to be worried, because no matter how many children a woman has had, there is always some risk involved. Parents hope for an uncomplicated delivery, and if it can be emotionally satisfying as well, then that´s even better. But there are so many things we cannot know until after the fact, and these unknown variables fill us with fear.

Add to all this general worry the prospect of having a baby in a foreign country, where we have no idea what to expect, and it´s pretty terrifying. Medical practices differ from home and the language barrier has never been a bigger issue. Doctors here even seem to treat their patients differently. But don´t give up hope – there´s an institution in Prague that has made it their job help. Aperio´s mission is to inform the population about all kinds of family issues – including birth – and now they´re reaching out to the expat community as well.

Aperio has been surveying services available in maternity wards in the Czech Republic and sharing their findings with the public since they were founded in 2002. They determine the needs of expectant parents and tailor their services accordingly. Their assessment is that in the Czech health care system, everybody gets equal care regardless of their actual needs. So at least we know we won´t get worse treatment just because we are foreign. But what does this mean, in terms of what we are used to in our own home lands? I put some questions to Olga Gajicvova of Aperio.

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From purely medical point of view, majority of Czech hospitals are above average in Europe in maternity care. Therefore, if an expectant mother requires a “medical” birth, with interference of the medical staff in the hospital, then she is fine. However, if she requires company of her own doula or midwife, wants to avoid medical interventions, wants to give birth into the water, or VBAC, then she has to choose carefully among Czech hospitals. 

Among serious issues, however, are substandard quality communication between a client and medical professionals.

The level of care is excellent – and it is appreciated by mothers who have complicated births, or deliver premature or ill babies. However, mothers who have uncomplicated birth and do not want intervention of medical staff, are often forced to accept procedures that they view as unnecessary or are not recommended by WHO.

Yes.

Generally, there is a strong inclination to vaccinate all the children, in spite of the fact that some parents disagree. Parents object that the vaccinations are being administered too early, all children born in Czech hospitals are being vaccinated second day after the birth against TBC.  

Generally, all Prague hospitals are overbooked right now, and therefore most require a registration from 20 wk of pregnancy.  This does not make the hospitals competitive, and they stick to traditional routines.

The maternity wards in Prague are Podoli, Vinohrady, Krc, Motol, Bulovka, Apolinar.

Whichever hospital will be chosen by parents, it is recommended to visit it beforehand, and to inquire about these details.

As the services of each hospital differ, it is recommended to inquire beforehand and to bring toiletries including toilet paper, sanitary pads, diapers etc. just to be on the safe side.

No progress yet.  There is a tendency to limit autonomous performance of their work as defined in EU countries. 

Two years ago, there were several places that supported women who prefer to use alternative birthing styles. Nowadays, these places are being closed or alternative styles are being limited.

Officially, the choice is not available. However, in reality it is possible. 

The emphasis on breastfeeding is significant. In Czech hospital, 91% of hospitals are baby friendly which means that they support breastfeeding.

Whoever can hire a midwife (regardless her nationality), that will accompany the mother to the hospital. The midwife is not a member of the hospital staff.  She cannot act in her professional capacity as a midwife, can only perform duties as a doula, this means accompanying person.  However, it is definitely good to have a midwife or a doula since pregnancy till post partum period.

Pain killers are generally not being administered, only by request and after consultation with doctors.

Nowadays, rooming in is a standard feature. Yes, the hospitals provide basic training to first time mothers.

After non complicated birth, mothers stay in for 3-4 days. After C section, 5-6 days are a norm. Most hospitals offer above standard rooms, for fee round 1000 CZK.  

It is not mandatory, however it is recommended to have a pediatrician selected beforehand. Upon return home, parents contact the pediatrician and he or the nurse come over to check the baby.

As for the name, the form is being signed in the maternity ward. Also, there is a set of documents that a mother is required to bring to the hospital while giving birth, in order to be issued birth certificate. For details, see the brochure “NEBOJUJTE S URADY 2008”.

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Aperio is located in Vinohrady. Near Havlickovy Sady. They offer several services including individual consultations with a doula, and/or midwife, and a variety of prenatal classes. They hold weekend courses for expectant parents in English, and courses for mothers of newborn babies on breasfeeding, caring for a baby,  aromatherapy, massages, baby wraps.