| THE BIRTH OF BABY IN ESCAZU SOFIA:THE BEGGINNING |
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We all know how a baby is made; the stork story that originated in Paris has been left behind. I, now as a father of 4 children, should know it very well. All that is implied in the birth of a baby from the first days is important.Regarding my family, Sofia is a miracle, since for us she is an angel sent from above. We had had several miscarriages and we were worried.Therefore, I am very proud that my wife, who in spite of her being afraid, kept trying and persevered and when the time was right the baby came along.To all women that have not been able to have a baby or have had miscarriages, don't loose your hope, since if you want and God helps, everything can be accomplished. Well then, the question is where to have your baby, with what doctor, go to a private hospital or clinic or to the Caja del Seguro Social, let me tell you that I have gone to both, I have always preferred the private option, although in the past, with my daughter Nicole's birth I can remember we had to wait so much it seemed like we were at a public service.Did you know that at the Seguro Social they give appointments at the same time and whoever comes first goes in first.Besides, going to the CCSS is not degrading, we pay so much to the CCSS throughout the year and we don't use it because we prefer private hospitals and clinics, and excuse me, the CCSS is not only for the masses, it was created equally for all people. Well, after several appointments with the family doctor something happened and we got scared.The doctor then told us that Silvia had to have an absolute rest.Since Silvia works, we had to go to the Ebais to pick up a medical incapacity so she could have a legal permit to stop working, since companies do not accept a private medical incapacity. So we went to the Guachipelin Ebais that for me is the better in the area.Did you know that the Ebais are managed by the Clinica Bibilica here in Escazu and in other areas?Dr. Carolina Salazar was the doctor assigned to us, an incredible person due to her professionalism and personality.When I gave her the papers she asked me to bring Silvia, and when she found out that her case was about a high risk pregnancy, instead of relying on the previous medical studies she preferred to make all types of analysis, ultrasound, blood test, etc.Then she made an appointment with a specialist in high risk pregnancy at the San Juan de Dios Hospital to assure a successful procedure. Well, the appointment was at 7 am.We got there, we waited (you have to wait in line), then a really nice obstetrician nurse took came to attend us, we told her that the waiting was too long and she responded that this happens because they like to take good care with future mothers therefore it takes longer.Then she tells us that we had to have a consultation with a High Risk doctor and she offered the names of several doctors of that Hospital.Hey, these doctors are the same I would have used at the Cima, Biblica or Santa Rita.We chose Alberto Johanning.The nurse told us he was one of the best and that he likes challenges. Well, to get an appointment date it took weeks.The day finally came, again the line, but I found out that the nurses of Gyneco-Obstetrics of the San Juan de Dios were very helpful.In this first appointment, the doctor we had chosen was out, so we were assigned to Dr. Gonzalez, he was serious, a little bid rigid but very professional and attended us very well.He also attended us for the ultrasound which was of first class, full color, detailed and the doctor took his time to do it explaining us everything. On our next appointment we were attended by Dr. Alberto Johanning, which by the way would have been one of the doctors we would have chosen if we had gone to a private hospital or clinic.An experienced, young (more than 30, less than 40), not talkative but sure, and very professional doctor; from there on, we stayed with him and the San Juan de Dios. We were attended wonderfully; all kind of tests and medicines, to the point that he discovered Silvia had pregnancy diabetes and was sent to a nutritionist.Since she had to have the appropriate control and follow-up on sugar, we were sent to the Children's Hospital (Hospital de Niños).There Dr Mas made an ultrasound of the baby's heart which came out normal. We were so grateful with all of them that we decided to not continue with our family doctor for this pregnancy. To bring to a conclusion this chapter, I found out that the service received at the CCSS was efficient, specifically in the area of High Risk Pregnancy, their staff is very professional and very well trained, from the Guachipelin Ebais all the way to the Hospital San Juan de Dios, including the gyneco-obstetrics, laboratory, Ultrasound, and Pharmacy areas as well as where appointments are given.It is true that you have to be patient, service is not personalized but you have access to all you need without paying an exorbitant amount of money for the same things 25-THE BIRTH OF BABY IN ESCAZU SOFIA: THE BIRTH After the above I started to make a research about the different medical centers for the birth of my baby, for me there were 3 from where to choose:The Clínica Santa Rita where Esteban and Julián were born (a constant attention and personalized since it is a small clinic), the Clínica Bíblica where Nicole was born (an efficient clinic) and the Hospital Cima (keep reading…). I started with an economical research by calling the 3 institutions, they all respond immediately.Things have changed so much…when Esteban was born, there was no TV in the room, there were no special packages for childbirths, fees were different depending on whether it was a natural birth or caesarean (price would double if it was caesarean).At that time they would charge you for the toilet paper and soap, the towel was a micro towel and the soap was even smaller, it was so different... When Nicole was born, there was a TV in the room, but now we have cable TV, special packages that include even a visit of a stylist and a romantic dinner.While doing my research I found out that the Clínica Bíblica and the Clínica Santa Rita were very much the same when it was a natural birth, but prices varied a lot when it was caesarean or you have a medical insurance, in these cases prices increased a lot.The Hospital Cima was the most expensive and had to be paid in cash, but after comparing the price of the Bíblica and Santa Rita, being a caesarean, with the Hospital Cima they were same, therefore, I chose Hospital Cima who maintained they price. Once I had chosen the Cima, I contacted my insurance company to start all the corresponding procedures.When I had everything settled I called Alejandra Fernández, Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spam bots. Necesita activar JavaScript para visualizarla Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spam bots. Necesita activar JavaScript para visualizarla to confirm the reservation including the package offered which included: the room, care, maternity ward and medicines, also a romantic dinner for both parents, free parking for 1 car and something very nice, a stylist to make the mother look beautiful after the childbirth. I also contacted Dr. Alberto Johanning (gynecologist), Dr. Manuel Vega (same anesthetist I've had for all my children), and Dr. Rafael Víquez( Neonatologist)With all these coordinated we were ready for the big day which was on Sunday the 18th. The day before de caesarean I called Cima to check everything was OK.The big day arrived… they gave us our room, which was very comfortable, good TV with cable TV and the room service menu, which by the way very varied and better than that at the Intercontinental hotel.The doctors arrived and gave us a very detailed explanation of the procedure.Then we went to the operating room, this was the first time they would let me go in, I guess that since nowadays we can see childbirths in the Discovery Channel everything has changed. Maternity Ward They dress me up like a doctor, and a Doctor tells me that if I faint to please try to fall backwards, then a nurse gives me instructions of where to stand.Then I saw my wife with her stomach cut open, the first thing that came to my mind was that it seemed like a sirloin, so I left the room for a while, the nurse was afraid that I would faint and break something.I saw Silvia's face, calmed and awake.I thought how brave my wife was.From there on I stayed with my wife all along the childbirth. Short after Sofía comes out; it was very fast, it is such an especial moment to see our baby, to be told everything is fine.They give the baby to Silvia, just remembering that moment makes a tear come to my eyes. Then they take Sofía and I go with her, there I let go all my emotions, the kids come to see their new sister and a new life starts. Once Silvia is back in the room we celebrated Sofía's birth.During that Sunday and Monday morning the nurses were really nice and helpful.On Monday all doctors came by, but the pediatrician's visit was very interesting because even though Sofía is our fourth child, we found out we still had a lot to learn.Dr. Viquez gave us an explanation nobody had ever given us; he also gave us a brochure with all the information regarding new born babies.I was impressed by time taken to give us all those explanations and the way he did it. I was satisfied by the service received at the hospital, and most of all the Sofía was born in Escazú.I would like to comment that we would have preferred to leave the hospital on Monday afternoon, since from that time on the service given by nurses was minimum.It would have been better to be at home and hire a nurse; well that was my opinion as well as Silvia's.However, we were lucky to have chosen Sunday since she was the only baby at the Hospital, on Monday, 8 babies were born. Besides all this, I'd like to tell you that the food given to patients is of first class, they gave Silvia a cas ice cream that was great and the food was good, tasty and nutritious.When the nutritionist came by Silvia could choose what she wanted to eat according to her nutritious plan.Silvia and I commented that this was the first time we had this type of service and quality of food. I also found out that the room service menu was very varied and that the food at the restaurant even had a kids menu. The portions were good and at a good price.My kids and I ate there. Aaah!, and the romantic dinner included in the package was great, they gave me an excellent and first class sirloin with an excellent presentation that could be classified 4 stars.As an appetizer we had a great soap and the dessert was an extremely great blackberry cake, of course my diet disappeared.All this accompanied by a bottle of wine.An excellent detail, as also was the stylist that visited Silvia. In summary I choose the best A TEAM, hospital and my Silvia 26-SOFIA: DOCTORS (THE A-TEAM) GYNECOLOGIST Alberto Johanning G. tel 2222-6085 o 2208-1601 celular 8383-8843 emergencias 2233-3333 PEDIATRICIAN DR Rafael E. Viquez Solano tel/fax 2208-1615, localizador 2225-2500, casa 2228-6060 ANESTHETIST Dr MANUEL VEGA 280-0152, localizador 283-2626 ALSO Natural Medicine o Homeopath Clínica Holistica- Integrativa y Botiquín Santa Marta, is in Tarbaca de Aserri Phones 2230-1256 2230-1305 GENERAL MEDICINE & EYE DOCTOR Dr. Vladimir A. Carazo, PEDIATRICIAN Dr. Juan Carazo, EARS, EYES, NOSE AND THROAT Dr. Julia Maria Salas Vargas GYNECOLOGISTKenneth Loáiciga Vega ALSO GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER. . AVENIDA 4 CALLE 20-22 TEL 2257- 4215 8383 - 4962 BEEPER: 2233-3333 PEDIATRICIAN DR WALTER KITZING 2221-2292 PASEO COLON * 27-SOFIA:HOSPITALS HOSPITAL CIMA SAN JOSE NEXT TO PRICESMART ESCAZU - PHARMACY, VARIETY OF SPECIALISTS, LABORATORY, ULTRASOUND, ETC. TEL # 2208-1000 CLINICA SANTA RITA Avenida 8, Calles 15/17, 2221-6433 Speacialty inall Gynecology area, Plastic Surgery , Minor Sugery,PHARMACY,LABORATORY, ULTRASOUND, EBAIS The Social Security System, began opening health centers called EBAIS offering medical attention, nurses services, injections, gynecological, pediatric and internal medicine. There are 5 EBAIS in Escazu right now. There is one in Guachipelin north of the Paco Shopping Center, 750 meters north.ph 2289-9485.
28-SOFIA: PHARMACY, LABS & ALL OTHER SERVICES FARMACIA LOS ANONOS My family has used La Farmacia Los Anonos in the Anonos Shopping Center Tel #: 2289-6559 and 22894919 I remember going to this pharmacy when I was 15 or 16 and now I am 42. They have been around a long time. They are always innovative and have excellent attention. Home delivery, also. I wouldn't go anywhere else, even though there are a lot of pharmacys to choose from. When you find something that is good and a great help, it's better to stick to it. Doctor Adrian and Nora are great and give you a lot of help and confidence. They really know what they are doing. (The only time i use another pharmacy is after 8 pm when I have an emergency. Then I go to Fishel that is open until midnight). LABORATORIO FERNANDEZ 2228-7474 X POMODORO CALLE ESCAZU-SANTA ANA ROAD INJECTIONS In The Los Anonos Pharmacy in Guachipelin in Escazu, in the Plaza Mundo building, has a section where the Doctor Andrea Alfaro is available to put injections, she is excellent and has a great hand for it. For more information call Telephone: 2228-8201 CORPORAL PSYCHOTHERAPIST MASSAGE Mercedes Daneri 289-3687 e mail Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spam bots. Necesita activar JavaScript para visualizarla Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spam bots. Necesita activar JavaScript para visualizarla Corporal psychotherapist and specializing in corporal therapy which consists of different massage techniques that allow me to balance the body's energy. Energy that is not flowing harmoniously through a body can cause pain, lack of energy and a general feeling of uneasiness. BABYS NAMES http://www.babycenter.com/babyname/http://www.comeparty.co.nz/bsnames.htm ULTRASOUND I would like to recommend one of the best doctors in Costa Rica, not because I say so, but because for the last 13 years he has been recommended. The Doctor Kay Sander Mangel a specialist in Ultrasound, always right on, the right gender, or whatever problem, good or bad. The only bad news is that his offices are on the other side of town, in San Jose, Barrio la California next to Movie Magaly, near San Pedro. Ultrasound La California, telephones 2233-3931, 2257-4207, too bad Cima does not steal him over to Escazu.. ULTRASOUND Hospital Cima 2208-1000 ALL ABOUT BABYS http://www.babycenter.com 29-SOFIA:BIRTH CERTIFICATE 48 hours after the baby was born, a woman from the records department came with a form we had to fill in and sign.You are given a copy with a number at the top right hand side; that is how your baby's name becomes official.The hospital sends this document to start the registration procedure.Believe it or not, this procedure takes 2 months!!!!!!!!! The only way to speed up this process is to wait approximately 10 days to be sure the document has been received at the Registry, then you have to go to the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones, telephone 287-5555, located diagonal to the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional), downtown San José You can park in front and go to the Registration Department office, which is located on the right hand side of the entrance to submit the certificate or give the number and ask for a prompt procedure.This could take from 15 days to luckily 5 days.For example, the baby was born on Sept. 18th, I filled in the document on Sept 20, the hospital sent the document on Sept 21st and the registry receives it on Sept 23rd, therefore the official date would be Sept 28, I requested the prompt procedure on Oct. 11 and the official document was given tome on October 18th.I would like to remind you that for any type of procedure like for example the passport, US visa, authorization to leave the country for minors, etc., you have to obtain several certifications in the same floor of that building, you can also find there the required stamps. Take your baby with you so you can skip the lines. 30-SOFIA: PASSPORT I was there at 1 p.m., and when I asked somebody standing in another line, there were people there since 12 midday, 1 pm and 2 pm.I then noticed that if you went with a baby of less than 5 years of age, you could stand in a special line, the same applies to pregnant women and senior citizens, therefore I moved there and in less than an hour we were done.Since we were already there, Nicole and I got new passports with a10 year validity.Something important:to obtain a passport of a minor both parents have to go.You can also fill in the minor's departure form authorizing a permanent authorization, if you wish and if both parents agree.This can be picked up in 3 days NOTE: the staff at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería with whom I had the opportunity to interact was all very pleasant, of great help and by the way, some of them even did a little more than they had to.I think this place needs more personnel since on previous years I never saw such chaos.Requirements to obtain a minor's passport: The minor must come accompanied by both parents; submit the original birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry, with a maximum validity of one year (for kids under 12 years of age).Teenagers between 12 and 17 years old have to present an ID document stating they are under age, an original and copy, indicate their telephone number and exact home address.PAYMENT Proof of deposit under the name of the minor at the Banco de Costa Rica, to the account number 242480-0 or at the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica to the account number 215936-6 made for the amount of ¢2.750,00 corresponding to ¢2.500,00 for legal stamps and ¢250,00 for national parks and US$26 for the issuance of the passport (can be deposited in colones at the exchange rate stated by the Banco Central de Costa Rica BCCR).The deposit must be made two days prior to starting the procedure. TAKE WITH YOU The original ID cards of both parents with a copy (if Costa Rican).If the parents are residents, original and copy of their Green Card (cédula de residencia).If the parents are tourists, original and copy of their passport. Requirements to obtain an adult's passports: http://migracion.go.cr/ The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is located next to the Aviación Civil, La Uruca, San José. If you are not driving, take a bus at the south corner of the La Merced church. |