Slovak births and maternity in the UK

Thanks to the high standard of health care, the United Kingdom is a suitable country in which to give birth. The social system accommodates present and future mothers, and provides rights, advice and benefits to them. Hundreds of Slovak women have tried birthing in the UK and are more than satisfied with the health and social system in this country. Mothers particularly receive individual care in the form of trained midwives, as well as advantages and financial support from the state.

Midwives instead of doctors

When Slovak women living in the UK find out they are pregnant, they naturally consider the option to give birth in their home country. However, many of them are deciding to stay and, judging by their experiences, a majority of these women have not regretted their decision. The Slovak environment brings many advantages, such as proximity of family. On the other hand, the British health system offers a larger freedom of decision as to where and how to give birth. Women are particularly satisfied with the professional care of the midwives who guide them through the whole pregnancy. The views of some Slovak mothers confirm that the help of midwives is really useful. Andrea, living in London, says about her experience with a midwife: „I was very satisfied with the health care. I was giving birth in a separate room, assisted by a midwife. She called a doctor when I started to have minor problems. A woman gives birth in an operating theatre only when she has to undergo the Caesarean section procedure or when serious complications occur. Midwives are also available for mothers after the birth, make check-up visits and help them with nursing.“

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Antenatal courses for a better birth

Health care in the UK is free, so every future mother should find a general practitioner, unless she has already done so. In case of pregnancy, the visit of a GP becomes a necessity. It is important to obtain all the required information in order to eliminate the risks that may occur during pregnancy. An female employee has the right to a paid day off for attendance of antenatal courses, to maternity leave, maternity allowance and protection against unfair treatment in the workplace. In Slovakia, antenatal courses have no tradition, but in the UK are regarded as common preparation for maternity, birth and the arrival of a child in the family. Research affirms that mothers who attend these meetings are able to easily cope with antenatal pain and birth.

To give birth at home is ‘in’

Although most women give birth at hospital, it is not the only possibility. In some locations, there is a larger number of birth departments and, in others, women can only give birth in centres or at their homes. The UK offers women the possibility to freely decide. The practitioner consults with the expectant mother regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the individual options, on the basis of which she then makes her choice. In recent years, birthing at home has come to the foreground because a combination of the home environment and professional care is a pleasant solution for many women. Opponents of the return to a traditional birth argue that a trained assistant cannot provide adequate professional care and in case of complications the transport to a hospital might endanger the health of the mother and her child. There are arguments in favour and against, so each woman must consider which of the birth methods is the most convenient for her.

Registration of a child in the UK

A child born in the UK must be registered in a given district within 42 days. Registration is possible still at the hospital after the birth or at the registration office. A child born in England must be registered in the English language, but in Wales a bilingual registration is allowed. If the parents are not married to each other, both of them can visit the registration office and sign the registration form. Following the registration of a child, the parents will receive the birth certificate of their child similar to the Slovak birth certificate. This certificate is required for the issue of other documents, such as child allowances and benefits. The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in London helps parents to obtain a Slovak birth certificate and to register their child into the register of births in Slovakia.

After the arrival from hospital with a midwife

After her arrival from hospital, every mother must become accustomed to the feeling that her life will radically change, especially when if she gave birth to her first child. In the confinement period, midwifes further help women. They fulfil the function of nurses who check the health of the newborn babies, weigh them, monitor the healing of the navel cord and give mothers advice on how to care for their babies. They also monitor the health of mothers and their recovery after the birth. On the fifth day they take blood from the baby’s heel from which potential inherited diseases can be detected. A few drops of blood are sufficient for the detection of cystic fibrosis or respiratory problems for which medicine is available. Meetings of mothers and children living in the same neighbourhood, who were born at the same time, are also useful. They are organised by baby clinics.

Maternity leave and allowances

The statutory maternity leave in the UK is 52 weeks. The mother has to be employed to become eligible for maternity allowance. She can take 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave from her employer, plus an additional 26 weeks, i.e. the whole year. An employed woman is entitled to Statutory Maternity pay, so-called Sure Start Maternity Grant, and Maternity allowance. Child allowance is provided to parents in the state where they pay contributions to the statutory schemes. There are several types of child allowances in the UK, e.g. Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit, and The Child Trust Fund. These can be paid to parents until the child achieves adult age or becomes independent.

For more information, visit http://www.slovenskecentrum.sk/…-v-anglicku-#left

Author: Nina Klusová
Photo: sxc.hu

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