having a baby

My husband and I are thinking about having a baby. We live in Beijing China. I don’t really know where I should even really start with asking questions. Were should I go if we do have a baby? Does any one know a good doctor? What about getting a passport / visa of the baby is that hard? What should I know about having a baby? This will be my first child. I feel so lost. Can any one help me?

A lot of expats go to Beijing United Family Hospital (www.unitedfamilyhospitals.com, Tel. 010-6433 3960) to give birth. You could see a gynae there, they have several good doctors. I personally prefer Dr. Warren Brooks, a very experienced australian doctor. Very patient and takes all the time to answer your questions.

Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMC) is also an option to give birth, it's one of the first adresses for medical treatment in Beijing - but it's more chinese.

The passport procedures for the newborn very much depend on your countries regulations. Check with your embassy in Beijing what you will have to do to get it.


Good luck!

"What should I know about having a baby?" Sounds like you could do a lot worse than get some good books that can take you through the whole period from conception to birth and beyond. Get books with lots of pictures as they are easier to digest. Read them with your husband (force him if you need to as it's important that he knows as much as you) and you'll at least be aware of what's happening at each stage. Good luck.


Re the other practical issues you should get a lot of good advice here (I'm not in Beijing). And I'll add to it by visiting your country's embassy (or its website) as there'll probably be some relevant information available there. [Whoops, just noticed that was already suggested above.]