What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belgium?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Belgium about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said...
"1. Make sure to research the healthcare system in Belgium and the options available to you for prenatal care and delivery. 2. Consider enrolling in a childbirth preparation class to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. 3. Familiarize yourself with the maternity leave and parental leave policies in Belgium to ensure you are taking advantage of all the benefits available to you. 4. Consider joining a local expat group or online forum to connect with other expats who have had babies in Belgium and can provide advice and support. 5. Make sure to register your baby with the local authorities and obtain a Belgian birth certificate. 6. Research the different types of childcare options available in Belgium and decide which one is best for your family. 7. Take the time to explore the local area and find activities and services that are suitable for your family. 8. Make sure to take advantage of the many cultural and educational opportunities available in Belgium for your child," commented one expat who made the move to Belgium.
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"Upon notification of pregnancy: get started on daycare options. Take lessons in the language immediately if you do not speak this, if only for your comfort during the process. Also, your daycare mostly will speak only in French or Flemish to your child if you need to use this option. Be prepared, most appointments are without clothing, which is different from my country! Make sure the people sending you presents from other countries pay the VAT tax as you will be charged for the value of your "gift". Hours are inconvenient for the many doctors appointments, especially if you have a full time job, talk to your boss early about the need for flexibility. Relax: the healthcare system here is excellent and your journey will be very pleasant and supported," remarked another expat in Brussels, Belgium.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Belgium?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Belgium?
- Will I be able to find a job in Belgium?
- What is life like in Belgium?
- What do expats in Belgium appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Belgium?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Belgium accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Belgium like?
- What are healthcare services like in Belgium?
- What are medical services in Belgium like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belgium?
- What are emergency services like in Belgium?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Belgium?
- How are local medical facilities in Belgium?
- As a foreigner living in Belgium, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belgium?
If you live in Belgium, newcomers to Belgium would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.