Bangkok--31 Aug--Scottasia
A new independent website, expectingexpats.com, launched today. It provides a forum for pregnant expat women and new moms living in Thailand and adjoining countries to share their experiences, learn from one another, ask questions, and seek advice.
Expectingexpats.com is the first website of its kind in Thailand. It combines blogging from moms, open discussions and real doctor input, with a panel of Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital gynecologists regularly providing answers to community questions along with general advice.
Forums on expectingexpats.com are open to all women, families and maternity care professionals.
"There are a lot of benefits to having a baby overseas, but it can also be challenging without the support of your family and childhood friends near by," said Ms Merritt Gurley co-founder of Bangkok based Bedside Media, which developed the community website. “That's why it is so important to foster the bonds of the expat community and create our own little family of moms."
Expectingexpats.com was created on the understanding that there are so many choices for birthing in Bangkok, with many internationally trained top-tier physicians, new technologies and trends, that it can all be a bit overwhelming. The website therefore gives women a place to share what has worked for them and ask questions about new advancements.
For example, women's centers at Bangkok's leading hospitals use Array CGH technology and 3D & 4D ultrasound that can detect any pre-natal abnormalities in the fetus. At expectingexpats.com women can chat about the value of these services and what the procedures are really like.
On expectingexpats.com community forum pages women are currently discussing subjects such as natural birthing vs C- sections, whether vitamin supplements are necessary or not, and the advantages and risks of water birthing. Medical doctors from Bangkok’s Samitivej Hospital specializing in natal care have responded to many of the questions posted.
"We are lucky that high quality care is so affordable and accessible at the leading hospitals in Bangkok," said Ms Gurley. “But even with the best medical care in the world, you can always benefit from the advice of women who have already been through what you are about to experience."
She added: "If we lean on each other, and share what we’ve learned, we’ll all feel a little more at home."
Further information: www.expectingexpats.com. Facebook: Facebook.com/ExpectingExpats.
Twitter: @ExpectingExpats