Navigating Pregnancy in Medellín: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
When I first moved to Colombia, I was four months pregnant with my second child. Thankfully, I had some idea of the appointments I needed and what to expect after having my first child in Colorado. However, I still searched for resources on navigating pregnancy in Colombia. Now, having just had my third baby—my second born in Medellín—I wanted to organize my notes for current and future expecting mothers looking for support and planning to have their babies here too.
This guide has been compiled from various Medellín communities, word-of-mouth suggestions, and recommendations from my obstetrician. It includes:
- Emergency Hospitals
- Obstetricians
- Doulas
- Pelvic Floor Therapists
- Perinatal Psychologists
- Prenatal Classes
- Prenatal Fitness
- Prenatal Massages
- Maternity Clothing
- Baby Stores – New
- Baby Stores – Used
- Baby Furniture
Below I’ve included some clarifying notes for each section.
Emergency Hospitals
These are the most often recommended hospitals in case of an emergency. I’ve been to both for myself and my children and had positive experiences based on the care and attention we received. Clinica El Rosario is well-known for their maternal care and where I delivered both my second and third children.
Obstetricians
These obstetricians 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.
Questions to consider when reaching out:
- Insurance Acceptance: If you have insurance, do they accept it?
- Language Proficiency: 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.
- Delivery Preferences: Some providers may be more inclined to recommend cesarean sections. If a vaginal delivery is important to you, make sure to discuss this preference with your provider.
Doulas
If they don’t have a website, you can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account.
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.
Perinatal Psychologists
If they don’t have a website, you can find their contact information via a link on their Instagram account.
Prenatal Classes
Both of these businesses offer classes for parents, including pregnancy support groups, 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.
Prenatal 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.
Prenatal Massages
Maternity Clothing
Some of the baby stores linked below, like Éxito, Pepe Ganga, or El Mundo de Laura, offer limited maternity wear. These recommendations are for dedicated maternity clothing options. If there’s no website, their contact information can be found via a link on their Instagram account.
Baby Stores - New
Baby Stores - Used
Thrift stores like Goodwill are not common in Colombia, but these accounts are great for finding second-hand baby goods, with occasional new items as well. If you’re looking for something specific and don’t see it on their social media, I suggest sending them a message directly via WhatsApp or Instagram to check availability. Sometimes they might even put out a call to their followers asking if anyone is looking to sell what you need. If there’s no website, their contact information can be found via a link on their Instagram account.
Baby Furniture
Looking for something specific?
I’d love to make this guide more inclusive and currently looking for recommendations to support expecting mother’s interested in more holistic, home birth experiences. If there’s something you think that I’m missing to include in the next updated version of the pregnancy guide, please leave a comment below and I’ll see what I can find to add next time!
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!
