Real Moms
RAISING MY CHILDREN IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY
Two local moms talk about the dynamics of moving from one country to another while raising children and having babies .
Go to www . thelittlepages . co . za / blog to read the full interviews .
GRACE SANDERSON , 33
Grace is originally from Sunderland in the UK . She met her husband , Greg ( who is from Port Elizabeth ) while they were both working as teachers in London . The couple then travelled and worked at an International School before making the decision to relocate to South Africa shortly after the birth of their first child . They now have two children aged three ( Michael ) and one ( Georgina ). You had one birth in the UK and one in SA , how did the experiences compare ? People are often surprised when I tell them that I had a much more positive experience here in SA . In England , as most women do , I used the NHS ( National Health Service ) during my pregnancy and the birth . As the NHS is a ‘ free ’ service ( paid for through our tax ) we only have one or two scans and our check-ups are with midwives rather than a gynaecologist . As most of you will have experienced here in SA , you have
numerous scans and your gynaecologist will 12 deliver your baby . My birth experience in the UK was a lot more stressful and included three different midwives and moving between three different rooms . In the end , there was a rather panicked delivery and I subsequently developed an infection . I am not sure if it is because she was my second child , but my daughter ’ s birth was a much calmer , quicker and more joyful experience . My midwife stayed with me throughout and my gynaecologist was there to deliver her when the time arrived . What has settling into a new country as well as raising small children been like ? Busy ! We were living in a one bedroom fl at in London and I was very keen to start a new chapter of our lives , in a ‘ proper ’ family home . I had visited PE a number of times before making the decision to move here . I think this really helped during the settling-in period . Also , having a baby meant that I was able to meet a lot of friends through baby classes and play dates . I miss my family in the UK terribly , but we are very fortunate to have my husband ’ s family here in PE which has made the move so much easier . What do you enjoy most about raising children in Port Elizabeth ? The outdoor lifestyle ! Almost every day we can spend time playing in the garden The beaches , countryside and many child-friendly cafes make it a wonderful place for young children . I also fi nd that South Africans are quite positive in their outlook on life . This positivity is contagious and I want my children to grow up with a ‘ can-do ’ attitude and joy of life . Sport also plays a major part in schooling and creates a healthy lifestyle here . What do you miss most about the UK ? My family and close friends . With the rand being so weak against the pound , it is very hard for us to make regular trips back to see everyone . I also miss the safety , security and stability of the U . K . On a less serious note , I also miss our shops , TV shows , online shopping and low-cost travel .