Navigating Postpartum in Medellín: A Guide for New Moms
Congrats on your latest addition! Adjusting to life with a newborn, especially in a new city, can be challenging enough. Every mom needs support, no matter where they are. To help, I’ve compiled this guide with my notes from the past couple of years to save you some research time and help you find what you’re looking for. It includes essential support for both mom and baby, from Board Certified Lactation Consultants to postpartum care like massages, acupuncture, fitness classes, pediatricians, and child development & stimulation classes.
This guide has been compiled from various Medellín communities, word-of-mouth suggestions, and recommendations from my doctors. Here’s what it covers:
- Breastfeeding
- Postpartum Classes
- Postpartum Massages
- Postpartum Acupuncture
- Pelvic Floor Therapists
- Postpartum Fitness
- Nanny Agencies
- Cleaning Services
- Pediatricians
- Pediatric Neurologists
- Allergists
- Child Development + Stimulation
- Infant + Early Childhood Mental Health
- Music Classes
- Story Time
- Newborn + Family Photos
Below I’ve included some clarifying notes for each section.
Breastfeeding
The “IBCLC” at the end of each name stands for Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is the highest level of training a lactation consultant can receive. You can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account or website. If there’s a phone number, it’s best to message them using WhatsApp.
Postpartum Classes
Both of these businesses offer classes for parents adjusting to life with a newborn, lactation support, and first aid classes. Ser Mamá also hosts a couple of festivals each year, which are a great way to connect with other soon-to-be parents, baby goods companies, and healthcare providers. Their Instagram accounts stay current with upcoming event information.
Postpartum Massages
I would recommend starting with their postpartum lymphatic drainage massage. You can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account.
Postpartum Acupuncture
Angela is also a doula.
Pelvic Floor Therapists
If you have insurance and you get a “fórmula,” or prescription, sometimes they’ll cover up to a certain number of sessions. I have SURA Global and was eligible to get 10 classes covered.
Postpartum Fitness
Many of the Bodytech locations have dedicated Pilates rooms with machines, but at the very least, they should offer Pilates mat classes. If you don’t have a SURA insurance plan, I recommend contacting Industriales in advance. I understand that if you have SURA, you are able to use the facility, but I’m not sure if hydrotherapy is available to those not insured through them. If there’s no website, their contact information can be found via a link on their Instagram account.
Nanny Agencies
If you’re not familiar with Colombian labor laws, trying to get set up as an employer while adjusting to your new family member could be a lot to manage. Agencies are a great way to get the help you need while ensuring said help is receiving the prestaciones sociales, or social benefits, they are owed on top of their salary. Some have staff who are English speakers as well. You can find their contact information on their website. If there’s a phone number, it’s best to message them using WhatsApp.
Cleaning Services
If you’re not familiar with Colombian labor laws, trying to get set up as an employer while adjusting to your new family member could be a lot to manage. Agencies are a great way to get the help you need while ensuring said help is receiving the prestaciones sociales, or social benefits, they are owed on top of their salary. Some have staff who are English speakers as well. You can find their contact information on their website. If there’s a phone number, it’s best to message them using WhatsApp.
Pediatricians
These pediatricians come highly recommended by other foreigners living in Medellín. Some doctors in the guide are specifically noted as English-speaking. While I’ve highlighted these, it doesn’t mean other providers don’t speak English. If they don’t have a website, you can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account.
Pediatric Neurologists
These pediatric neurologists come highly recommended by other foreigners living in Medellín. If they don’t have a website, you can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account.
Allergists
You can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account or website. If there’s a phone number, it’s best to message them using WhatsApp.
Child Development + Stimulation
This was compiled with infants up to 12 months old in mind. Some places will continue to offer programs for children up to 24 months and older which is great if it’s something you’d like to continue attending! Find out more with on the links provided. You can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account or website. If there’s a phone number, it’s best to message them using WhatsApp.
Infant + Early Childhood Mental Health
Carly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the U.S. with specialized training in infant/early childhood mental health, as well as, a certification in infant massage.
Music Classes
You can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account or website. If there’s a phone number, it’s best to message them using WhatsApp.
Story Time
You can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account or website. If there’s a phone number, it’s best to message them using WhatsApp.
Newborn + Family Photos
You can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account.
Not seeing what you're looking for?
MEET SARAH
Welcome! I’m Sarah. I started this blog to be a resource for others around a few of my favorite things: living in Colombia, DIY projects, places traveled, and day-to-day life. My hope is that it can a place of inspiration and encouragement to help you plan the next project or adventure of your own!
