You know the term "connections"? The thing that gets you tickets to a sold out football game or reservations at a booked restaurant? I don't have them. Especially not in China.
This week I have learned how very inept I am at navigating the Chinese culture.
Example #1: I have been to the hospital 5 times this week. Five times. (Bus, subway, hospital, bus, subway, home. Travel time: 2 hours each day)
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| Good news: We think everything looks good! My bp is back to normal and my iron is better. There are a few tiny concerns, but we're working on taking care of them. (Almost 35 weeks here) |
This whole thing was crazy...it probably wouldn't have been so frustrating if it didn't have to do with making sure I had a place to deliver my baby! Now that it is over maybe I can look at it as a learning experience?
Here's what you need to know (if you ever plan on delivering a baby in China.):
-They don't do appointments--you show up during a time frame that the doctor is scheduled to work, take a number, and hope to get in.
-Sometimes, she decides not to come to work on the day she is supposed to.
-It costs 1 kuai to see the doctor this way.
-There is this place called the International Department that lets you actually schedule an appointment. It costs 300 kuai.
-Taiwanese doctors are very blunt. This doesn't mix well with a hormonal pregnant mama.
-They also tell you to drink lots of soy milk.
-It takes five trips, constant communication with the hospital staff and your insurance company, and a paid online assistance company to get your insurance figured out.
-You have to give lots of blood. Literally.
It's really not always this hard to get things done here. If we talked to the right person first we would have been able to take care of everything with no hassle. We didn't know the right person so we had to navigate the maze that is
the red tape.
Example #2 to come.
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| Miss A survived this crazy week and is so excited to be down to one nap during the day! |
Hey! I am one of ]aren's friends from highschool. I saw your blog on his Facebook page and I have been following you guys ever since. I am amazed at the adventure you are on. We have an 18 month old daughter, and baby girl #2 due Dec 27th. So you and I really close in our pregnancies. We just moved from Arizona to Colorado this summer for my husband to go to school. Even though we're just one state up and over from where I delivered my first, everything is so different in how they handle things. I feel like I've gone through all kinds of red tape! I can't imagine trying to figure it all out in a completely different country! What an adventure for you guys! Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteMiss C, you are incredible! Not to mention that you look so great! I'm glad that you are getting everything taken care of and that things are a go. You amaze me every time I read your blog. You're literally super woman! We miss you and are excited that the next time we'll see you you'll have TWO cute kiddos! :)
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