more on giving birth

public hospitals continued

Buzzi
Via Castelvetro, 32
02 3496 7470

Clara Mazzi- mother of three
To call the sala parto (delivery room) directly to make an appointment to visit Monday
afternoons, call before 14.30 that day. It's only possible to visit if there aren't too many
deliveries taking place that day. 02.57.99.53.55

The direct phone number of the group that organizes the corsi pre parto (prenatal
classes) along with a presentation on giving birth is 02.57.99.53.61. The classes are
held every first Saturday of the month at 9.30am.

There's a public and a small private part of the maternity ward- this could be the only
downside of the Buzzi (there are few "private" beds, same fares as the Santa Caterina
at the Mangiagalli), but I can tell you that the "public" part is as good as the private one
as it was renovated last year.

Something you should definitely know about the epidural: in no hospital can
you ask for one during labor. You instead must see an "anestesista"
(anesthesiologist) about one month before giving birth at the hospital where
you plan to deliver. He'll check you for free, take some blood samples and on
the day you give birth, you'll have to bring the results of the blood tests with
you to the hospital. Don't forget those results as you may not be able to get an
epidural at all!!

private clinics

Case Di Cura La Madonnina
Via Quadronno, 29
02/ 583 951

Alexandra Nash- mother of four
I've now had three out of my four kids at the Madonnina and chose this small clinic
because my OB/Gyn is one of the founders of the maternity unit. I can tell you that I only
know women, including myself, who have had c-sections there so the after-care is good
and the unit is very quiet! The nurses are attentive, though not doting. There's a certain
amount of sympathy to your pain, though you may still need to ask for (demand!) your
pain meds (Toradol!!) when the going gets rough!

The only real downside to Madonnina, and something first-time moms should seriously
consider, is that there's no intensive care neonatal unit so if any complications arise,
you and your baby and often just your baby, would have to transfer to the Mangiagalli;
however, Mangiagalli is close to the Madonnina. I did have some issues with
breast-feeding my twins at the Madonnina and was very frustrated that the nurses didn't
give me my babies to nurse more often. However, I realized later that the hospital's goal
was to get them to gain enough weight for me to take home. Hindsight is always 50/50!

pre and postnatal care

Gepo- Consultario Familiare
offers pre and postnatal care and midwives
Via Giovanni sul Muro, 5 (Centro)
02/8057045

Tammy Beaulieu- mother of two
I had all my prenatal care at GEPO which is a clinic founded by a Swedish woman. They
have birthing classes which continue after your baby's birth where everyone brings the
baby; it's an exercise type class. GEPO also has first aid classes, etc. My actual delivery
was in Barcelona, but I thought I would share my experience as not so many people
have had a 'home birth" and my delivery was a "water birth" which would be similar in all
homes! In Milan I understand that Ospedale di San Donato offers water delivery ,
which would offer both a more natural delivery, but at a medical facility.

I was interested in a water/home birth for my second child as with my first delivery, the
only aspects of the birth I did not like all were related to the 'clinical experience' rather
than the actual delivery. I went to GEPO and met with a mid-wife who followed my check
ups and when I went into labor, I called the midwife and she came to my house. My plan
was to have a full on 'water delivery' so I had a small pool in my living room.
Unfortunately, we ran out of hot water (no joke) and the neighbors were bringing over
buckets of water to help out (and they were all in a state of shock I was delivering at
home). I did end up with a fair amount of water, but I wasn't floating' . Everything
proceed very quickly, and when the baby is actually born- all the lights are out, only
flashlights with space heaters all around. This is to simulate the conditions of the womb,
it isn't as "shocking" to the baby. My baby did not even cry, she came out, my husband
cut the umbilical cord and she and I both sat in our 4 inches of water. For both myself
and my husband, the home birth was one of the most beautiful and amazing
experiences in our lives. I am happy to share more details, but most are a bit more
graphic in detail! Feel free to contact me for more information if you like.