Giving Birth in a Public Hospital in Gran Canaria: Personal Experiences and Insights

Giving birth is a life-changing experience, and the care you receive during the process can make all the difference. In Gran Canaria, the public healthcare system has earned praise from many new mothers for its high standards of care, dedicated professionals, and support services that extend far beyond the delivery room. Two community members, Daniela and Luisa, recently shared their experiences, giving us a closer look at what it’s really like to give birth here in the public system.

Pregnancy Care: Thorough and Supportive

For Daniela, who gave birth in February 2023, the care throughout her pregnancy and delivery was incredibly reassuring. “They take pregnancy and delivery very seriously here in the public system,” she says. “They are very much up to date, thorough, and they truly respect your birth plan.” One of the things she appreciated most was the constant follow-up, which helped her feel supported every step of the way.

Gran Canaria’s public hospitals offer a range of services for expectant mothers, from prenatal classes to support groups and continuous medical check-ups. Daniela highlights the personalized care she received, including regular check-ins with her healthcare team. “They offer pregnancy classes, support groups—whatever you need,” she adds. The constant availability of resources and information made her feel like she was in capable hands, ready to navigate the birthing experience with confidence.

Respect for Birth Plans and Personal Choices

One of the standout features of the public healthcare system in Gran Canaria, according to Daniela, is the respect for birth plans. Whether you have a clear idea of how you want your birth to unfold or you prefer a more flexible approach, the hospital staff here are committed to accommodating your wishes as much as possible.

“I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the whole process a lot!” Daniela recalls. This sentiment is echoed by many mothers who feel empowered and respected during their birth experience. The healthcare professionals in Gran Canaria take the time to understand each woman’s preferences, offering a tailored approach that prioritizes comfort, safety, and individual choice.

Home Birth Experience: Midwife Support at Its Best

On the other hand, Luisa’s experience was a bit different—she chose to have a home birth for her second child, supported by a team of midwives from the public healthcare system. “I just had my second child at home here one week ago, and I was and still am supported by an amazing team of midwives,” she shares. This highlights the flexibility of the public system in Gran Canaria, where home births are offered as an option for women who feel comfortable with the process and want to avoid the hospital setting.

For Luisa, the midwives were not only professional but also incredibly supportive throughout her entire experience. “They provided everything I needed, both emotionally and physically, and made sure I felt safe at home,” she says. This level of support was something Luisa valued immensely, and she feels incredibly fortunate to have had such a smooth and peaceful birth experience at home.

The Support System: From Pregnancy to Postpartum

Both Daniela and Luisa agree on the importance of the postpartum support they received. Gran Canaria’s public system provides access to lactation consultants, mental health support, and regular check-ups after delivery. For Daniela, this support continued well after her birth, with easy access to advice and assistance whenever needed.

“Even after birth, they continue to check in and provide follow-up care,” she explains. Whether you’ve had your baby in a hospital or at home, Gran Canaria’s system ensures that mothers feel supported long after the baby arrives, offering resources for baby care, mental health, and physical recovery.

Final Thoughts: A Safe and Supportive Experience

Whether you choose to give birth in a public hospital or at home, the experience of giving birth in Gran Canaria’s public healthcare system is consistently praised for its care, attention to detail, and respect for personal choices. Daniela’s hospital birth and Luisa’s home birth both reflect the system’s commitment to respecting women’s birth plans, offering continuous support throughout the pregnancy journey, and ensuring postpartum care is always available.

Both mothers are clear about one thing: Gran Canaria’s public system is committed to the health and well-being of both mother and child, offering personalized care that’s right on par with international standards. Whether you’re planning for a hospital birth, a home birth, or anything in between, you can trust that the support and resources you’ll need will be readily available, making this a truly special place to bring a new life into the world.