Hi all,
I have two baby girls now. First one was born May two years ago, naturally, in the Costa del Sol hospital. I was not unhappy with the service there at the time, I do speak Spanish but my midwives all spoke some English as well (my husband is English). I did find though that given the fact that it was my first baby I was feeling pretty lonely and alone (even with my husband around all the time). I had a long labour, with contractions starting at 1 am Sunday and my daughter arriving 4.50 am Monday. I asked for an epidural which I did get but the guy was horrible to me, did not even ackowledge me or talk to me, did not explain anything and it took him THREE horrible and very painful attempts to put the thing in.

The midwives were very kind but no one explained anything to me, no one said it is all completely normal what you are goind through, no one was really there for you unless you buzzed them and nagged them.

As it came to pushing time my epidural was taken off, which I did not know, and then the pain came in with all its force, with me being exhausted after 2 nights no sleep - I thought I could not make it but did in the end, and 45 minutes later my beautiful angel was born.

The aftercare - was not too happy either, if you do not ask you do not get in terms of looking after your baby, I was allowed to watch a video on breastfeeding but had to ask to see them bath my baby, had to ring them in the middle of the night as she kept screaming and I did not know what to do. I just thought that being alone in my room (which was lucky) and being a new mum, they should check up on you especially if they hear the baby scream for a longer period of time, but no one came until I called. And it turned out all she had was wind!

My second birth was a c-section at the USP hospital with Dr Berral, because my baby daughter was breech. I chose a date to go in, chose to go privately this time as I wanted to be in good hands with someone I trust for such an important op. I was looked after very very well, had a private nurse with me from start to finish, she stayed over night so I could rest a little bit. All the staff actually SPOKE to me as a person, not just another patient, they were concerned about my and my baby's wellbeing, and I could feel that and felt calm and comfortable.

I had to have an epidural and was scared after my first experience, but the head of the department looked after me and he has done a wonderful job, with me not feeling a thing! At all times I was asked whether I was ok and whenever I mentioned just a slight discomfort it was dealt with immediately.
Anyone who has had a c-section knows how you feel, all naked and exposed and with lots of strangers around you, but I felt comfortable given the circumstances, everyone was SO NICE!

I had a lovely room (still could not wait to go home!!!) and everything went very well and my second angel was born beginning of December last year.

So having done both options - national security and private - I would chose private all over again, and only wish I would have done it the first time round, because that was when I really needed advice and help. Even though I insist it was not bad in the Costa del Sol and everyone was professional - I just felt more human and looked after in USP.

Also would recommend to have a private midwife to come round your home after the birth, just to check the baby, weigh it and answer your many queries.

Anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, will be more than happy to help!