How much does it cost to have a baby in Hungary?

The answer is not simple. It depends on a number of factors, such as what kind of insurance – if any – you have, and what kind of birth experience you would like.

With Hungarian or EU health insurance, and getting all your care through state clinics, it’s possible to have a baby for free in Hungary.

With no insurance, and choosing a private clinic for your prenatal care and a private maternity ward to give birth, your bill can exceed HUF 1 million.

That is quite a range, with everything in between possible, of course. Read more about your options here: Birth in Hungary: How much does it cost?

If you are still confused about how prenatal care and birth services work in Hungary, I’m glad to answer any questions you have. Please make an appointment.

1. Expecting in Hungary. Sunday April 25, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: Prenatal care in Hungary, how to find and choose the right hospital/doctor/midwife for you, who is the védőnő and what is her function, what kinds of maternity benefits (if any) are you eligible for, how to register a baby’s birth in Hungary if one or both parents are foreign nationals, what’s your due date and why is determining it correctly important, thinking ahead to your birth experience, and how much you can expect to pay for a birth in Hungary, what hospital routines you can expect in Hungary, what pediatric routines (including vaccinations) you can expect in Hungary

Handouts: list of English-speaking obstetricians in Budapest, list of hospitals and clinics with maternity wards, birth plan worksheet, list of registrars, registration and maternity benefits information sheet.

2. Labor and childbirth. Sunday May 2, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: mother and baby at term, how does labor start, when to go into the hospital or call the midwife, inducing labor, what are the stages of labor, what to expect during each stage, what does it feel like at each stage, what can the helper do at each stage, the importance of positioning for mother and baby, natural and medicated pain management, how to avoid an episiotomy, what to expect at a Hungarian hospital, what to expect during a C-section, what to expect during a premature delivery, recovery from birth, how to prepare for the immediate postpartum period

Handouts: what to pack for the hospital, English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, birth plan worksheet, What Is Labor Like article, What About the Pain in Childbirth article, C-section article

TIME and LOCATION CHANGE!!!

3. Newborn Care. Sunday May 9th, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: what is a just-born newborn like, what does the Apgar score mean, when to cut the umbilical cord, cord blood banking, what do newborn babies expect from the world, why is skin-to-skin contact important, why is early and frequent breastfeeding important, baby’s secretions: what’s normal and what’s not, feeding and expected weight gain, burping, sleeping, dressing, bathing, umbilical cord care, crying and comforting, types of babies, learning, playing, baby wearing, how to survive the first six weeks

Handouts: English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, breastfeeding cheat sheet, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

Location for this one class: XI. Vak Bottyán utca 3. 3rd floor #1. Press 60 or Békés on the intercom to be let in. Map.

4. Breastfeeding. Sunday May 16, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: why is breastfeeding good for the baby, why is breastfeeding good for the mother, how to get off to a good start and avoid problems down the line, how does milk production work, how to ensure you have enough milk, how can you tell whether baby is getting enough milk, feeding on cue versus feeding on schedule, sore nipples and other breastfeeding complication, lots of pictures and videos about how to get the baby on the breast correctly (to avoid damage to the nipples and ensure proper milk flow), when to express milk, how to express milk, how to safely store milk, using artificial nipples (bottles and pacifiers), herbs and foods to increase supply, breastfeeding and illness, breastfeeding and medications

Handouts: breastfeeding cheat sheet

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Fees and organization

Private classes: HUF 10 000 per occasion

Group classes: HUF 5000 per couple for groups

Location: Életkör, II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b, 3rd floor #3 (Életkör buzzer)

Please RSVP so I know how many handouts to bring! And feel free to forward this email to anybody you think may be interested.

Birth Prep classes will be held again in April. Sign up now to reserve your place! Scheduling is still flexible, weekday, evening or weekend timeslots available!

1. Expecting in Hungary

Content: Prenatal care in Hungary, how to find and choose the right hospital/doctor/midwife for you, who is the védőnő and what is her function, what kinds of maternity benefits (if any) are you eligible for, how to register a baby’s birth in Hungary if one or both parents are foreign nationals, what’s your due date and why is determining it correctly important, thinking ahead to your birth experience, and how much you can expect to pay for a birth in Hungary

Handouts: list of English-speaking obstetricians in Budapest, list of hospitals and clinics with maternity wards, birth plan worksheet, list of registrars, registration and maternity benefits information sheet.

2. Labor and childbirth

Content: mother and baby at term, how does labor start, when to go into the hospital or call the midwife, inducing labor, what are the stages of labor, what to expect during them, what does it feel like at each stage, what can the helper do at each stage, the importance of positioning for mother and baby, natural and medicated pain management, how to avoid an episiotomy, what to expect at a Hungarian hospital, what to expect during a C-section, what to expect during a premature delivery, recovery from birth

Handouts: what to pack for the hospital, English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, birth plan worksheet, What Is Labor Like article, What About the Pain in Childbirth article, C-section article

3. Breath and Touch

Content: Practice different labor positions for maximizing comfort and efficiency, try relaxation and massage techniques for loosening muscles during labor, discuss and try various breathing patterns and their usability during labor. This is a very hands-on, practical workshop where we TRY everything. Wear loose and comfortable clothing!

4. Newborn care

Content: what is a just-born newborn like, what does the Apgar score mean, when to cut the umbilical cord, cord blood banking, what do newborn babies expect from the world, why is skin-to-skin contact important, why is early and frequent breastfeeding important, baby’s secretions: what’s normal and what’s not, feeding and expected weight gain, burping, sleeping, dressing, bathing, umbilical cord care, crying and comforting, types of babies, learning, playing, baby wearing, how to survive the first six weeks

Handouts: English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, breastfeeding cheat sheet, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

5. Breastfeeding

Content: why is breastfeeding good for the baby, why is breastfeeding good for the mother, how to get off to a good start and avoid problems down the line, how does milk production work, how to ensure you have enough milk, how can you tell whether baby is getting enough milk, feeding on cue versus feeding on schedule, sore nipples and other breastfeeding complication, lots of pictures and videos about how to get the baby on the breast correctly (to avoid damage to the nipples and ensure proper milk flow), when to express milk, how to express milk, how to safely store milk, using artificial nipples (bottles and pacifiers), herbs and foods to increase supply, breastfeeding and illness, breastfeeding and medications

Handouts: breastfeeding cheat sheet

***********************

Fees and organization

Private classes: HUF 10 000 per occasion

Group classes: HUF 5000 per couple for groups

If you are interested in a group class, please register your interest, and I will start figuring out a schedule that fits everyone once there are at least 2  couples. Smaller groups are also possible, but I then ask that you split the HUF 10 000 fee that I charge for a private class among you.

Location: Életkör, II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b, 3rd floor #3 (Életkör buzzer)

It turns out we have a bona fide yoga instructor among the mommies who visit mommy-baby group, and she has offered to hold yoga classes for pregnant moms as well as those with babies. Below are the details. Contact her for further info!

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The Prenatal class is designed for women at all stages of pregnancy and will focus on strengthening the pelvic floor and leg muscles in preparation for childbirth. The class with also place emphasis on celebrating our changing bodies and connecting with the life growing within us! 

Time: Wednesdays 12.30pm – 1.30pm

The Mom and Babes class is designed for women in the postpartum months, beginning four to six weeks after having your baby and usually continuing until babes are walking. The focus is on the mom, rebuilding strength, tone and flexibility, while releasing tension in those over worked areas. The class is relaxed and informal, with time for yourself, as well as attending to the usual nursing, changing and fussiness that comes with the package A short baby massage is included in the end to encourage bonding and playtime. 

Time: Wednesdays 9.30am – 10.30am

I’d like to begin the first class on Wednesday, October 21 and continue to November 25 (my due date!). This gives us 6 classes together. I hope to start back up again Wednesday, January 6 and continue for 12 weeks until Wednesday, March 24. 

The price schedule is as follows:

1 Class (Drop-In Fee) – 2,500 HUF
5 Class Punch Card – 11,000 HUF (2,200 HUF per class)
10 Class Punch Card – 20, 000 HUF (2,000 HUF per class)
**First class is free**

Contact me directly via email for registration at mpanacci@gmail.com

You can also email me directly with questions or post them here.

Hope to see you there and please pass along

xo Mara

The very first miscarriage support group will take place this coming Tuesday, October 6th, from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Miscarriage, losing a baby can be a very sad, frightening and lonely experience, exacerbated by being in a foreign country.

You are not alone!

The purpose of this group is to bring together women who have lost a baby, to provide support, information and guidance during this difficult time.

When: First Tuesday of every month, 7 pm to 9 pm

Where: II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b, 3rd floor #3, Életkör buzzer.  (Map)

By public transportation: Városmajor utca stop on the 61 or 59 tram.

Parking: Free on Trombitás utca, behind the Körszálló (circular hotel).

Hosted by: Réka Morvay, psychologist, doula and childbirth educator.

Cost: HUF 1000 / person

PLEASE NOTE:

Sorry for the late notice, everyone, but the first babywearing class
is TOMORROW after mommy-baby group! This is the first class of the
two-parter series for pregnant women. Women past their 30th week in
pregnancy are the ideal candidates for this course, but I’m sure if
you’re earlier along and interested, you’re welcome, too.

The course does cost money – it is 5000 HUF for the TWO classes, so
2500 is due at tomorrow’s class.

Class starts at 12:30 and goes until 2 pm. The second part of the
series will be held in the next two months, and I promise to give more
notice than this!

Mommy-baby and pregnancy support group is still going strong! This is a completely informal group that gets together weekly, usually about 4-5 moms + babies + some older siblings, to chat, sip tea and have a good time. Sometimes it’s all small babies, sometimes it’s all pregnant women, every week it’s something new!

When: Every Wednesday from 10 am to 12 pm

Where: II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b, 3rd floor #3, Életkör buzzer.  (Map)

By public transportation: Városmajor utca stop on the 61 tram.

Parking: Free on Trombitás utca, behind the Körszálló (circular hotel), but must take stairs to come down to Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor again.

Your hostess: Réka Morvay, psychologist, doula, childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor-in-training!

PLEASE NOTE:

• The location is NOT stroller (pram, buggy, baby carriage, whatever) friendly! Sadly, most strollers will not fit into the elevator. If you have a bike lock with you, you can lock your stroller within the building on the ground floor, but I would highly recommend bringing your baby in a carrier or wrap instead of a stroller.
• You MUST keep pressing the Életkör button CONTINUOUSLY until the door buzzes to let you in, otherwise we cannot open it for you from upstairs.

This is an informal support group for women to talk about their questions and experiences with pregnancy, particularly being pregnant and giving birth in Hungary, as well as questions about life with a small baby, breastfeeding, sleeping, feeding, etc. Older siblings are welcome too! There is no appointment necessary, just show up whenever it is convenient for you!

This group is free of charge.

Please spread the word!

Time is running out! Classes begin this Saturday and run through 4 Saturdays and 1 Sunday this month! Please sign up to reserve your place.

Saturday, August 8, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Expecting in Hungary
Content: Prenatal care in Hungary, how to find and choose the right hospital/doctor/midwife for you, who is the védőnő and what is her function, what kinds of maternity benefits (if any) are you eligible for, how to register a baby’s birth in Hungary if one or both parents are foreign nationals, what’s your due date and why is determining it correctly important, thinking ahead to your birth experience, and how much you can expect to pay for a birth in Hungary

Handouts: list of English-speaking obstetricians in Budapest, list of hospitals and clinics with maternity wards, birth plan worksheet, list of registrars, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

********

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Labor and childbirth
Content: mother and baby at term, how does labor start, when to go into the hospital or call the midwife, inducing labor, what are the stages of labor, what to expect during them, what does it feel like at each stage, what can the helper do at each stage, the importance of positioning for mother and baby, natural and medicated pain management, how to avoid an episiotomy, what to expect at a Hungarian hospital, what to expect during a C-section, what to expect during a premature delivery, recovery from birth

Handouts: what to pack for the hospital, English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, birth plan worksheet, What Is Labor Like article, What About the Pain in Childbirth article, C-section article

*******

Sunday, August 16, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Breath and Touch

Content: Hands-on, practical preparation for labor, including positions, massage and breathing techniques. Tips to make labor go more smoothly and quickly. Relaxation and visualization techniques. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring lots of pillows!

*********

Saturday, August 22, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Newborn care

Content: what is a just-born newborn like, what does the Apgar score mean, when to cut the umbilical cord, cord blood banking, what do newborn babies expect from the world, why is skin-to-skin contact important, why is early and frequent breastfeeding important, baby’s secretions: what’s normal and what’s not, feeding and expected weight gain, burping, sleeping, dressing, bathing, umbilical cord care, crying and comforting, types of babies, learning, playing, baby wearing, how to survive the first six weeks

Handouts: English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, breastfeeding cheat sheet, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

********

Saturday, August 29, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Breastfeeding

Content: why is breastfeeding good for the baby, why is breastfeeding good for the mother, how to get off to a good start and avoid problems down the line, how does milk production work, how to ensure you have enough milk, how can you tell whether baby is getting enough milk, feeding on cue versus feeding on schedule, sore nipples and other breastfeeding complication, lots of pictures and videos about how to get the baby on the breast correctly (to avoid damage to the nipples and ensure proper milk flow), when to express milk, how to express milk, how to safely store milk, using artificial nipples (bottles and pacifiers), herbs and foods to increase supply, breastfeeding and illness, breastfeeding and medications

Handouts: breastfeeding cheat sheet

*********

Location:

II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b 3rd floor #3, Életkör buzzer (keep on pushing the button until you are buzzed in)

Cost:

Couples: HUF 5000 per class or (highly recommended) HUF 20 000 for all 5 classes

Individuals: HUF 4000 per class or (highly recommended) HUF 16 0000 for all 5 classes

Sign up by telephone (20/455-5836) or by email at rekamorvay@gmail.com

Ágnes Natkai, a Mauri massage therapist, will be available at Életkör on Tuesday, August 11th to give prenatal massage. Appointments still available are 9:00, 11:30, 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm timeslots. Mauri massage originates in New Zealand and is a traditional massage therapy based on ancient healing arts. Sessions last 60-70 minutes in a comfortable side-lying position, using oil (so no clothing except cover sheets). One session costs HUF 7000. It improves aches and pains in the back, legs, hips, improves muscle flexibility and balances the body. Please let Réka know by email at rekamorvay@gmail.com if you’re interested in one of those appointments, and I’ll forward your request to Ági.

Saturday, August 8, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Expecting in Hungary
Content: Prenatal care in Hungary, how to find and choose the right hospital/doctor/midwife for you, who is the védőnő and what is her function, what kinds of maternity benefits (if any) are you eligible for, how to register a baby’s birth in Hungary if one or both parents are foreign nationals, what’s your due date and why is determining it correctly important, thinking ahead to your birth experience, and how much you can expect to pay for a birth in Hungary

Handouts: list of English-speaking obstetricians in Budapest, list of hospitals and clinics with maternity wards, birth plan worksheet, list of registrars, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

********

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Labor and childbirth
Content: mother and baby at term, how does labor start, when to go into the hospital or call the midwife, inducing labor, what are the stages of labor, what to expect during them, what does it feel like at each stage, what can the helper do at each stage, the importance of positioning for mother and baby, natural and medicated pain management, how to avoid an episiotomy, what to expect at a Hungarian hospital, what to expect during a C-section, what to expect during a premature delivery, recovery from birth

Handouts: what to pack for the hospital, English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, birth plan worksheet, What Is Labor Like article, What About the Pain in Childbirth article, C-section article

*******

Sunday, August 16, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Breath and Touch

Content: Hands-on, practical preparation for labor, including positions, massage and breathing techniques. Tips to make labor go more smoothly and quickly. Relaxation and visualization techniques. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring lots of pillows!

*********

Saturday, August 22, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Newborn care

Content: what is a just-born newborn like, what does the Apgar score mean, when to cut the umbilical cord, cord blood banking, what do newborn babies expect from the world, why is skin-to-skin contact important, why is early and frequent breastfeeding important, baby’s secretions: what’s normal and what’s not, feeding and expected weight gain, burping, sleeping, dressing, bathing, umbilical cord care, crying and comforting, types of babies, learning, playing, baby wearing, how to survive the first six weeks

Handouts: English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, breastfeeding cheat sheet, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

********

Saturday, August 29, 2009, 10 am to 2 pm

Breastfeeding

Content: why is breastfeeding good for the baby, why is breastfeeding good for the mother, how to get off to a good start and avoid problems down the line, how does milk production work, how to ensure you have enough milk, how can you tell whether baby is getting enough milk, feeding on cue versus feeding on schedule, sore nipples and other breastfeeding complication, lots of pictures and videos about how to get the baby on the breast correctly (to avoid damage to the nipples and ensure proper milk flow), when to express milk, how to express milk, how to safely store milk, using artificial nipples (bottles and pacifiers), herbs and foods to increase supply, breastfeeding and illness, breastfeeding and medications

Handouts: breastfeeding cheat sheet

*********

Location:

II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b 3rd floor #3, Életkör buzzer (keep on pushing the button until you are buzzed in)

Cost:

Couples: HUF 5000 per class or (highly recommended) HUF 20 000 for all 5 classes

Individuals: HUF 4000 per class or (highly recommended) HUF 16 0000 for all 5 classes

Sign up by telephone (20/455-5836) or by email at rekamorvay@gmail.com