Expat Focus25 Apr 2025

Why This American Mom Was Stunned By French Maternity Care (And You Will Be Too!)

Ever wondered what it's like to be pregnant in a foreign country? In this episode, Carlie chats with Sarah, an American living near Paris who recently welcomed her baby daughter Laura into the world.

Sarah takes us through her entire French pregnancy journey - from those first nervous blood tests to her unexpected emergency C-section. She shares the real differences between French and American maternity care, including the shocking perks (priority cards that let you skip lines!), excellent healthcare coverage, and those amazing 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.

You'll hear about the French approach to prenatal appointments, midwife care, and what really happens in French hospitals (spoiler: they actually encouraged her to eat a burger before delivery!).

Whether you're planning a move abroad, expecting a baby, or just curious about healthcare differences around the world, Sarah's story offers both practical advice and emotional insights into one of life's biggest adventures... in a foreign language!

#expatlife #moveabroad #france

00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback

00:20 Meet Sarah: An American in Paris

01:38 Sarah's Journey to France

04:06 Discovering Pregnancy in France

07:33 Navigating Prenatal Care

11:54 Childbirth Classes and Preparation

15:49 Hospital Choices and Birth Plans

18:57 Sarah's Birth Experience

29:04 Quick Birth Experience

30:59 Hospital Stay and Recovery

32:46 Newborn Care and Challenges

34:26 Support from Nursing Staff

38:04 Navigating French Healthcare

42:56 Unique Aspects of French Pregnancy

52:11 Maternity Leave and Benefits

54:26 Final Thoughts and Resources

Sarah's blog - https://abuckeyeinparis.com

Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abuckeyeinparis

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