Birthing in France – all you need to know!

A comprehensive guide to birthing in France with confidence.
By Sophie, aka Octomama, a French doula, ex-expat herself for over 10 years.

Bonjour, beautiful mom-to-be! And Félicitations !

As an expat mum venturing into the world of childbirth in a foreign country, you must have a million questions running through your head leaving you even more overwhelmed, right?

How does the French healthcare system work? And when it comes to pregnancy?
Or What does the birth culture look like over here? What are my options?
How can I ensure a positive birthing experience in a new environment?
And what about postnatal care?
And so on.

First, don’t worry, it’s totally normal! In this article, I’m gonna walk you through the ins and outs of birthing in France, from navigating the healthcare system to embracing cultural nuances and more so you can relax and enjoy this amazing journey to motherhood.

C’est parti!

Unlocking the French Healthcare System

Let’s start with untangling the mysteries of the French healthcare system: how can you be sure that, as an expat mum, you’re fully equipped to access the care you and your baby need?

La sécurité sociale

The first step is to ensure you’re registered with the French healthcare authorities (La Sécurité Sociale or CPAM – locals call it just La Sécu). This typically involves obtaining a Carte Vitale, the national health insurance card, which grants you access to all medical services and maternity benefits. It’s a must and it can take a while to get one so make that a priority on your to-do list!

The universal healthcare system here is without a doubt one of the best in the world. Particularly when it comes to maternity services. I mean, did you know that from your 6th month into pregnancy until birth, ALL your medical expenses are covered? Regardless they’re related to your pregnancy or not! You basically get it all covered while pregnant here, and up to 12 days after birthing your baby.

Declare your pregnancy within the first 3 months

To make sure that you and your baby receive the best medical coverage , you’ll need to declare your pregnancy to the Sécu within the first 14 weeks. Usually your medical provider handles it for you online, but you might have to do it old-school with pen and paper yourself. So make sure you keep track of it and that the Sécu does have the info on time. It’s a little admin, true, but considering all the benefits you’ll get and the fact that having a baby in France can be basically gratuit, I’d say it’s worth being a little proactive on the matter.

Choosing the Right Birthing Environment

Depending on where you actually live, big town or countryside, you can expect a variety of birthing environments, ranging from public maternités to private clinics and birthing centers (maisons de naissance). Home birthing can also be a possibility depending on where you are based. Each option has its specific requirements, services (and prices), so it’s important you consider your preferences and needs prior to making your decision. It’s quite a lot of info and nuances to take in so that’s typically where a French doula can come handy.

I’ll come back with more details on healthcare providers and how you get to choose (or not) who attends your birth in a coming article.

Embracing the French birth culture

France is no different than most Western cultures when it comes to birth. Still you might want to know that we’re European Champions when it comes to epidurals (8 out of 10 birthing women). C-sections represent 21% of births which is not crazy high but still above the WHO’s recommandations of 10-15%. So yeah, unlike in most Nordic countries for instance, birth is culturally considered a medical event in France. And most mums you’ll come across will tell you that they took the péridurale.

Planning on a physiological unmedicated birth?

It’s still totally possible to have a physiological birth ici, but keep in mind that it’s not the cultural norm. So the cours de prépa à la naissance that are offered prior to birthing your baby in France will clearly not be enough if you plan a natural birth.
Meaning you, and your partner, will have to prep for it intentionally to ensure you get all the resources and support you need on your baby’s B-day.

Book your FREE consultation call today!

30 minutes to meet and find out how I can support you on this amazing journey.

Let’s chat!

Navigating Language and Communication

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room now: the language barrier. One of the challenges most expat parents come across when having a baby in France is overcoming language barriers within the healthcare system. I don’t know how bilingue your are but keep in mind that most providers you’ll meet will speak little to no English. There is a great cultural diversity here, so healthcare providers are actually used to working with patients from different backgrounds. Still you might consider getting familiar yourself with basic French medical terminology and phrases. Or have someone doing the traduction for you and bridge the gap to make sure there’s no miscommunication between you and the medical staff.

Postpartum Care and Support

What about after your birthed your baby in the hexagone?

➡️ Click here to find out more about post partum support.

Maternity stay

In France, new mums typically stay in the hospital for 3 days after giving birth (up to 7 days after a C-section), receiving attentive care from medical professionals for both mum and baby. They’ll usually guide you through the 1st steps in nursing your baby, particularly if it’s your first round.

The PRADO initiative

Back home, you’ll have the option to get the visits from a midwife for the first 12 days after your baby’s birth. These visits are not mandatory but it can be a great option if you feel you need reassurance and assistance with newborn care or any other concerns regarding your own health.

God bless your périnée

Postpartum perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, while not commonly discussed in some cultures, is a standard practice in France (and again it’s fully covered by La Sécu). You’’ll commonly have the visite des 6 semaines with your midwife or an habilited physio (kiné) after birthing your baby in France. You’ll get an assessment and then they’ll plan with you the following appointments for optimal recovery and long-term well-being. I think this is truly gold. Plus you can do it anytime you want (my Mum did hers last year and she’s 66 years-old!).

About breastfeeding

While breastfeeding is encouraged in France, note that comprehensive support may be lacking in some areas, even in the maternité. Breastfeeding is a priority for you? Then you might wanna consider recruiting your own support team: a doula, a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group. Again, it’s totally up to you and your project for your little one! Just make sure you receive the guidance and encouragement you need, whatever you choose.

Did you just say Doula?

It’s true there are plenty of resources available here to care for you and your newborn regarding your santé. But when it comes to support and care on a practical and more emotional level, you might feel a bit let down. Birthing in France, you’ll realize there’s little community spirit around here. People will most likely offer you a doudou or a turbulette for you newborn than actual help with the house. Let alone dedicated time and consideration for your feelings as a new mom. Again that’s where the doula magic could and will happen.

Bienvenue à toi, I’m Sophie!

Holistic doula and mum of 3. I’ve been through it all: from péri in the hospital to the most empowering and joyful home birth. And it is now my job passion to support and offer comprehensive guidance to mums like you. From tailored birth plans to mindfulness techniques and emotional support, I’m dedicated to ensuring that you feel confident, supported, and prepared to embrace the magic of childbirth. Because…every mom deserves it!

So there you have it, mama – all the essentials about birthing in France. It’s gonna be an incredible adventure, and I tryly hope you make the best of your experience birthing in France.

I can’t wait to meet you and eventually be by your side every step of the way.

Bon voyage !

Sophie

>> Liked this article? <<
Share the love & knowledge to an expat mum with the links below :

Birth & Post Partum Doula
in Pessac / Bordeaux (33) and online

Important : A doula is not a healthcare professional. I do not make any diagnoses, prescribe medication, or provide care instructions. I also do not offer the official « childbirth preparation classes » as your healthcare provider does. My support is complementary and not reimbursed by the CPAM.