Giving Birth in Barcelona: What to Expect as an Expat Parent
- annarochdeus
- 24 hours ago
- 4 min read
Becoming a parent is one of life’s most profound transformations, and doing so while living abroad adds an extra layer of emotions, decisions, and questions. As an expat family in Barcelona, you may feel excited yet a little uncertain about what giving birth here actually looks like.
Barcelona is an extraordinary place to welcome a baby into the world. The city offers high-quality maternity care, passionate midwives and doctors, and a growing community of international families. But the system does work differently from many other countries, and understanding those differences can help your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey feel more empowered and calm.
In this guide, I will walk you through what giving birth in Barcelona is really like, the differences between public and private hospitals, what you can expect during labour and postpartum, and how to feel supported, especially if Spanish or Catalan aren’t your first languages.
Public vs Private Hospitals in Barcelona: Understanding Your Options
One of the biggest questions expat parents ask is:
“Should I give birth in a public hospital or a private one?”
Both systems offer excellent care, but they operate very differently. Understanding these differences helps you choose what best suits your needs and expectations.
Giving Birth in a Private Hospital in Barcelona
Many international families appreciate private hospitals because they offer:
The ability to choose your obstetrician
More privacy and comfort
The option for a slightly longer postpartum stay
However, it’s important to know how private hospitals work during labour and birth.
Who Will Be with You During Labour?
Although you choose your doctor, they usually arrive only at the end of labour for the birth itself. Throughout the majority of your labour, you will be cared for by a midwife.
And this is where many expats are surprised: Private-hospital midwives do not always speak English.
Your doctor may be fluent, but the midwife, the person by your side through the most intense hours, may not be.
If you want someone bilingual by your side throughout the entire process, you may benefit from doula support in Barcelona. You can read more about how I support families here: Doula Services: https://www.mymamadreams.com/doula-services
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding support varies significantly between private hospitals. Some are excellent, while others follow more traditional, less updated practices.
If you wish to breastfeed and want reassurance from the very first feed, you may want to explore my breastfeeding consultations in Barcelona. Lactation Support: https://www.mymamadreams.com/lactation-service
Giving Birth in a Public Hospital in Barcelona
Barcelona’s public maternity system is highly respected:
Professionals usually are the most qualified
Equipment is often the most advanced
Care is midwife-led when birth is straightforward
Who Attends Your Birth?
In the public system, you cannot choose your doctor. If your labour progresses normally, the birth is attended by a midwife, who is fully qualified to support and deliver babies independently.
A doctor will only be called if it becomes medically necessary.
For many families, this midwife-led approach feels gentle, respectful, and empowering.
Your Postpartum Stay
Public hospitals typically encourage the shortest safe stay. Once you and your baby are well (around 24 hours), you are usually discharged so rooms can be used for new patients.
In reality, many parents appreciate going home earlier, as hospital nights are often interrupted by necessary checks.
Breastfeeding Support in Public Hospitals
Public hospitals are generally highly pro-breastfeeding and frequently update staff training. This is reassuring if you wish to start breastfeeding with confidence.
If you want support once you are home, my breastfeeding consultations offer continuity and calm guidance.
Language: A Common Challenge for Expat Families
Most expat parents tell me the same thing: “We didn’t expect the language barrier to feel so big.” And it’s completely understandable.
Hospitals in Barcelona work in Spanish and Catalan. English is not guaranteed, not even in private hospitals.
This can create uncertainty during one of the most vulnerable moments of your life.
This is one of the key reasons families hire me as their English-speaking doula in Barcelona, as I can:
Translate and bridge communication
Help express your preferences
Create calm and clarity during labour
Support you emotionally and physically throughout
You can read more about my approach here: https://www.mymamadreams.com/about-me
Why a Birth Plan Is Essential in Barcelona
In both public and private hospitals, presenting a clear birth plan helps your midwife understand your preferences from the moment you arrive.
If you’d like guidance preparing a personalised and culturally appropriate birth plan, I offer dedicated support: Birth Plan Guidance: https://www.mymamadreams.com/doula-services
Preparing for the Postpartum Period
Postpartum is incredibly tender, and having support in place makes a huge difference, especially when living abroad.
You may need help with:
Breastfeeding
Early latch issues
Normal newborn behaviour
Sleep patterns
Emotional recovery
Settling into parenthood
This is why I work holistically through doula care, lactation support, and gentle sleep coaching.
If sleep is something you’d like guidance with, now or later, you can discover more here: Gentle Sleep Coaching: https://www.mymamadreams.com/sleep-services
Join My Free Masterclass: “Birth & Baby in Barcelona” – 11th December
If you are expecting a baby in Barcelona and want to feel more prepared, calm, and confident, I warmly invite you to join my free online masterclass:
What to Expect When Giving Birth in Barcelona
11th December – Free Online Session
In this session, you will:
💛 Understand how public and private hospitals work
💛 Learn what labour & birth look like here
💛 Learn to prepare your birth plan
💛 Meet other expat parents
💛 Ask questions in a warm, safe space
You can reserve your spot here:
Final Thoughts
Giving birth in Barcelona can be a truly beautiful experience. With the right information, emotional support, and guidance tailored to expat families, your birth can unfold with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
If you would like support with your pregnancy, birth plan, breastfeeding, or postpartum journey, I’m here for you with warmth, professionalism, and deep care.
With love,
Anna
Doula · Lactation Consultant · Gentle Sleep Coach
Supporting Expat Families in Spain
