Navigating pregnancy can be daunting, especially for international newcomers to Tervuren. PregnantinBelgium.com, founded by Kate Elwood, is tackling this challenge head-on. Originally from the UK, Kate has called Belgium home for 18 years now. Her initiative zeroes in on a key issue for Tervuren’s prospective international parents: demystifying Belgium’s complex maternity system.
Pregnantinbelgium.com is tailored to expectant parents across Belgium. It offers a lifeline to expats and even locals. Belgium’s maternity care stands out for its flexibility—options range from hospital births to home deliveries, with choices in gynecologists and midwives. Yet, many new arrivals don’t realize these possibilities exist. “Go ask questions, go shopping, be curious. Work out what you need,” Kate urges, stressing the power of informed decisions.
The website serves as a comprehensive hub, detailing everything from selecting healthcare providers to navigating Belgium’s intricate insurance and social security frameworks. For expats, these systems can feel like a maze, but Kate’s platform simplifies the journey.
On birthing options—home birth, epidural or C-section?—Kate remains neutral. “Make the choices that are right for you,” she advises. “Ultimately, it’s about choosing the best possible birth experience, whatever that looks like for you.” Empowerment through knowledge is her mission.
Language adds another layer of complexity for international mothers. Dutch-speaking hospitals, Kate notes, often provide English support more readily than French-speaking ones. “If you don’t speak French, perhaps choose a Dutch-speaking hospital,” she suggests.
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Beyond pregnancy and birth, Pregnantinbelgium.com touches on postnatal realities. “Ironically, you have to start looking for daycare within three months of being pregnant,” Kate says, spotlighting yet another hurdle for new parents.
Kate’s own story mirrors that of many expats in Tervuren. Arriving for a short stint, she stayed, raising a family with children even coming to see themselves as Flemish. And she’s learnt Dutch, joined community life—from dancing to singing with Tervuren’s four-part mixed choir Furacante. Yet integration remains elusive. “Most of our friends are still expats,” she admits, though she cherishes ties with neighbors.
Pregnant in Belgium isn’t just a resource—it’s a beacon for expectant parents navigating an unfamiliar system, ensuring they’re equipped to make choices that suit them best.
Auteur: Dafydd ab Iago. © Artikel en foto’s zijn gelicentieerd © 2024 voor Tervuren+ onder de Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Internationale licentie.
