My transcontinental experiences have opened my eyes to what other women go through in their pregnancies. Overall, it’s important to stay educated, learn as much as you can about the culture around you, find a doctor you trust, and listen to their advice. Instead of feeling confused or conflicted about cultural differences, listen to your doctor and their medical advice. So, for example, if someone says, “Oh, you’re pregnant; you can’t eat this particular food or drink,” I go with it rather than starting a debate. At the end of the day, I know which decisions are approved by my medical practitioner. And that’s a lesson that’s been true on every continent: Amid the noise, you have to trust yourself. Without wanting to offend my doctor or her medical culture, I gently tried to push back the date, and we worked with the doctor to find a date that made both of us comfortable. At my first meeting with my midwife (it’s standard to see a midwife rather than a doctor), I kept waiting to be asked to step on a scale or to give blood. In Italy and China, I’d had so many blood tests done, I never knew what was being tested. She explained that they believe childbirth is a natural process, and they try not to disturb me or the baby except as needed. I now try to be well-informed. For example, the Dutch system allows expectant mothers to choose where to give birth—in a birthing center, at home, or in a hospital—I need to deliver in a hospital since my last delivery was via C-section. This is fine by me, but I’m glad I was informed at the outset. I know now that you simply cannot be afraid to speak up and ask (or shout) for what you need.
