What is childbirth in Mexico? How does it differ from childbirth in Chile? You may already guess that we want to compare birth tourism in these two countries.For sure, we vote for our beloved Chile! After all, we have serious arguments.
Mexico is an amazing country with a rich history for sure, vibrant nature and unique cuisine. But… Do you know how birth tourism differs from a regular trip? Picturesque ruins, hot sun, exotic nature and spicy cuisine are much less preferable during pregnancy than safety, a comfortable climate and fresh and healthy food.
The safety situation in Mexico is not so pleasant. A gringo tourist is a constant target for street pickpockets and more serious robbers. Even complete fans of Mexico admit: outside the tourist zone, you have to be constantly on guard.
There are worse things: kidnapping is developing. If you are going to the country with an older child, the “gringo baby” (that is, a white-skinned baby of European type) will be constantly at risk. Does the expectant mother need such stress? As for Chile, in terms of safety ratings this country is the leader even among developed countries, ahead of the USA (second place after Canada!). The Chilean police are one of the least corrupt in Latin America.
Walking along the streets of Viña-del-Mar (Chile) pleases not only with the sun and beauty, but also with safety.
The second important moment is the climate. Mexico is subtropical. In the central region of Chile it is Mediterranean. It is great to sunbathe on the beach for two weeks, taking a break from the Russian frosts. But do not forget that if you are going specifically to give birth, you will have to live in the country for at least three months (two before the birth and a month after). Will you be comfortable in the last trimester of pregnancy in conditions of extreme heat and humidity? The undeniable advantage of the Chilean coast is the cool ocean breeze even in the peak of summer.
To enter Mexico, you need a free electronic entry permit. It is issued only for tourist purposes. Entering Mexico with a tourist permit for the purpose of giving birth to a child is illegal and is considered fraud. Moreover, there is a possibility of this fraud being exposed. In July 2019, dozens of foreigners were not allowed into Mexico and even deported from the Cancun airport (the most popular “maternity” destination), because local immigration officers decided that the purpose of these Russians’ visit was not tourism. There have been no such precedents in Chile.
Chile’s mild climate without extreme heat and humidity is very suitable for Europeans!
Many people are attracted to Mexico as a country with the oldest school of home midwifery. Famous Mexican doulas and midwives, such as Angelina Martinez, have visited different countries many times with seminars and master classes. But here’s the paradox. In Mexico, home and natural births are far from common practice! Midwives with their rebozo and healing techniques actually deliver babies only in villages where there is no other medical care. If you want to give birth naturally in a clinic, you will greatly surprise, and, what’s worse, cause resistance from local doctors. This is not accepted. The best option is to consider a cesarean section, which doctors prescribe with excessive enthusiasm.
Home and natural births are legal and are rapidly developing in Chile. There is a legalized institution of home midwives who cooperate with clinics. Moreover, natural births and breastfeeding are promoted in the most expensive and good clinics, such as the Alemana Clinic in Santiago (which is not inferior in quality of service to maternity hospitals in the USA and Europe). Of course, this does not mean that you cannot have a C-section for medical reasons.
Chilean doctors are becoming more and more loyal to natural childbirth!
The most important, the Chilean passport that your future baby will receive provides many more advantages than the Mexican passport! Visa-free entry to the USA, Canada and many other countries of the world will be provided to your child for life, not to mention citizenship of one of the most economically developed countries of the South American continent!
In conclusion, we will say that where your baby will be born is up to you to decide. Our job is to provide objective information from first-hand sources. After all, we live in Chile and chose this country for life for a reason.
