The Ultimate Guide to Giving Birth In Portugal Part 3

Holistic Options and Postpartum healing

(Plus some useful Portuguese words and phrases)

Midwife-Led Care

This is very common in Portugal. Parteiras or Enfermeiras Especialistas (midwives) are the primary care providers for low-risk women during labor and delivery, especially in public hospitals. There is little to no need to advocate for a midwife, as they will most likely be provided for you.

A doctor will typically only be present if there are complications or the pregnancy/birth is high risk. If you would like a doctor instead of a midwife, you should consider attending a private hospital.

Natural Birth (without epidural)

This is common, but just like in most English-speaking countries, it will need some advocacy. The epidural is routinely offered to laboring patients and there is a strong medical culture that views pain management favorably.

However, it is common for patients to forgo an epidural and other pain medical management strategies. If you want to do this, make sure to write in your Plano de Parto (birth plan): "Desejo tentar parto sem epidural. Oferecer apenas quando eu pedir." (I wish to attempt birth without an epidural. Offer only when I ask.) And plan some alternative pain management strategies with your midwife and birth partner.

Birthing Balls, Showers, Movement

This is fairly common. Most public and private hospitals in Portugal allow you to use birthing balls and give you access to showers and tubs.

Movement is also highly encouraged by Portuguese midwives, provided continuous monitoring is not required.

Add to your Plano de Parto: “"Posso usar a bola de parto/duche?" (Can I use the birthing ball/shower?)” If asked to stay in bed, ask if intermittent monitoring is possible to allow for movement.

Full Water Births

These are still rare in public hospital births, but if you would like a water birth, they are becoming more common in private hospitals. Make sure to find a private maternity ward that offers a Parto na Água (water birth.)

Birthing Centers/Home Births

Birthing centers are not very common in Portugal. It will be difficult to find any sort of dedicated birthing center in the country. Almost all births occur in a hospital maternity unit. 

Home births are legal but also uncommon. And they are rarely subsidized by public or private insurance. It is possible to find a private independent midwife who will help you give birth at home, but you might have to pay out of pocket. If you plan to do this, start researching early in your pregnancy.

It is recommended to accept that your birth in Portugal will be in a hospital, but it can still be a beautiful, empowering experience!

With advocacy and communication with your midwives, you can have the birth you planned for.

Vaccines

At birth, your child will receive the Hep B vaccine. All vaccines in Portugal are free, and vaccine culture is very strong in the country. Almost 98% of the population are fully vaccinated for most diseases. They are not mandatory for immigration or registration purposes, but they are highly encouraged.

Postpartum Community Blueprint

Finding Your Tribe

Below is a list of Facebook groups for Portuguese Expat Moms. I update the list regularly, but always try searching for your own just in case things have changed:

·    Portugal Expat Hub

·    Expat Families with Kids Moving and Living in Portugal

·    Expat Families in Portugal

·    Millennial Expat Moms in Portugal

·    Lisbon for Parents

·    Expat Life Lisbon – Moms only

Search for your own city on Facebook and other sources to find even more local communities!

If you can afford it, and you think you might need it, try looking for Apoio Domicillário (home support) or in home child support before you give birth.

Remote and In-Person Doula Support in the 4th Trimester

The fourth trimester a term for the first three months after birth. It’s a time of intense physical recovery, hormonal changes, and lifestyle adjustments. For expats or immigrants to Portugal, this phase can often feel isolating, as family support is often scarce.

Postpartum doulas can help bridge the gap and help during the entire postpartum process. Unlike a birth doula, who focuses on the pregnancy and labor process, the postpartum doula specializes in mothering the mother and supporting the family as they adjust to this know phase of life. Here are some of the things a postpartum doula can offer:

·    Physical recovery:

o  Preparing sitz baths, offering warm compresses, light massage, ensuring the mother is resting and hydrated.

o  As an expat, the doula can provide the support that a mother, sister, or auntie would provide in their home country.

·    Newborn care:

o  Demonstrating swaddling, bathing, cord care, and calming techniques; watching the baby while the mother sleeps or showers.

·    Nourishment and Light Housekeeping

o  Preparing simple, nutritious meals, loading the dishwasher, starting a load of laundry, tidying the recovery space.

·    Feeding support

o  Emotional encouragement and practical setup for both breastfeeding and formula feeding, but generally not medical lactation advice (which requires a certified Consultant).

o  A doula can often also refer you to local lactation specialists (Consultores de Lactação).

·    Virtual Support

o  Holding space to debrief the birth experience; screening for signs of perinatal mood disorders (PPD/PPA); validating the emotional transition.

o  Helping you develop realistic sleep/feeding schedules; organize the nursery; optimize baby gear; manage visitor expectations.

o  Help you address common newborn issues (gas, fussiness, mild feeding concerns); connecting you with appropriate local medical care (pediatricians, therapists).

What I Offer

I’m an international doula with training from the US, and a master’s degree in global reproductive health from Sweden. I study the birth system in Portugal so I can better assist parents who recently moved to the country but still want to build their family in their new home!

I provide virtual care wherever you are in the world.

Everything listed as a duty of a doula in the informational guide above, is a service that I offer.

Here you can find my packages and offerings. I can’t wait to join you on this journey!

(All of the services in the packages are available individually as well)

Important Portuguese Phrases

Pick your favorite phrases and print them onto laminated cards to keep on your person throughout delivery/appointments

During Pregnancy/General Terms

Blood tests	Análise ao sangue
Hospital	Hospital
Induction	Indução
Maternity ward	Maternidade
Midwife	Parteiras, Enfermeiras Especialistas
Obstetrician	Obstetra
Placenta	A placenta
Pregnancy/Pregnant	Gravidez/gravida
Prenatal care	Cuidados pré-natais
Prenatal vitamins	Vitamina pré-natais
Ultrasound	Ultra-som
Vaginal exam	Exame vaginal/exame de toque

Labor and Delivery

Birth	Nascimento
Breathe	Respiração
C-section	Cesariana
Contractions	Contração
Epidural	Peridural/Epidural
Episiotomy	Episiotomia
It hurts/I am in pain	Dói / Estou com dor
IV drip/needle	O soro / A agulha
Labor and delivery	Trabalho de Parto
My water broke	Rompeu as águas
Push (to push)	Fazer força
Skin-to-skin	Pele-a-pele
Stitches/sutures	Os pontos / Sutura
The head is coming/crowning	A cabeça está a sair
Water birth	Parto na Água

L&D Questions and Phrases

Can I use the birthing ball/shower?	“Posso usar a bola de parto/duche?"
Can I walk?	Posso andar?
Have you reviewed my birth plan (Plano de Parto)?	"Reviu o meu Plano de Parto?"
I consent/I do not consent	Eu consinto/eu não consinto
I don’t want	Não quero…o
I need…	Precio de…
I want	Eu quero…
I wish to attempt birth without an epidural. Offer only when I ask	“Desejo tentar parto sem epidural. Oferecer apenas quando eu pedir."
Slowly/calmly	Devagar/con calma
Under what conditions would continuous electronic monitoring be required?	"Sob que condições seria necessário monitorização eletrónica contínua?"
What is the policy on walking and movement in this ward?	"Qual é a política sobre andar e movimento nesta enfermaria?"
What is the routine for skin-to-skin and cord clamping after birth?	"Qual é a rotina para contacto pele-a-pele e pinçamento do cordão umbilical?"
When can I start breastfeeding, and is there support immediately available?	"Quando posso começar a amamentar, e há apoio disponível de imediato?"
When will the doctor check on me, and what is the typical schedule?	"Quando é que o médico me vai examinar, e qual é o horário típico?"
Who is the lead midwife/nurse on call for my care right now?	"Quem é a parteira/enfermeira responsável pelo meu cuidado agora?"
Why/What is the reason?	Qual é a razão?

Postpartum

Baby	Bebê
Breast	Seio
Breastfeeding	Amamentação
Crib	Berço
Diaper (Nappy)	Fralda
Lactation Consultant	Consultores de Lactação
Latch	A pega
Nipple	Mamilo/bico
Poop	Popa/o cocó

Document/clerical terms

Birth certificate	Assento de Nascimento
Birth registration	Nascer Cidadão
Health center	Junta de Freguesia
Pregnancy health packet	Boletim de Salúde da Grávida
Public healthcare number	Número de Utente
Public healthcare system	Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS),
Public registry office	Consesrvatória do Registo Civil
Public registry office	Loja do Cidadão
Residence Permit	Título de Residência
Tax number	NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)