Rachel and Simon emigrated to Vancouver for a one year adventure… seven years ago! They recently had their first child, Max, who met both sets of his grandparents for the first time this year when they travelled over for a month’s visit. Everybody wants them home, so they’re weighing the pros and cons of raising kids in Canada versus Ireland.
1. Pre and postnatal care
Canada takes really good care of expectant and new mothers. Midwifery services are included in BC’s mandatory Medical Services Plan, which you can choose if you prefer a more personal approach than an OB/GYN. I could contact my midwife at any time with any issues I had, via phonecall or text in addition to our regular appointments. She provided guidance on naturopathic alternatives for problems like back pain and my baby being in the posterior position, including chiropractors, prenatal acupuncture, and pelvic floor physiotherapy. I went to prenatal yoga weekly with a doula teacher, who encouraged meditation before and during labour. Doula services were extra, so I combined what I learned with the lessons from our prenatal classes as first-time parents. There was another Irish couple there, so we had lots of notes to compare!
2. Breastfeeding is the bomb!
Breastfeeding is so accepted here. My mum and sister thought I was crazy to try it even, I’m the first woman in my family to give it a go, but I love it. There’s definitely a snobbery here between breastfeeding moms and bottlefeeding, but to each their own as long as the baby’s healthy. Considering it’s so encouraged here and made up a huge part of our prenatal classes, I’ve found that there are fewer places to breastfeed in public than I expected. Like every Irish woman the world over, I also miss Penneys and the ready availability of cheap clothes because maternity and baby gear here is dear. So my female relatives have been busy sending stuff over for the past year, God love them!
3. Community support
I’m sure it’s the same at home, but it’s great that everyone’s so interested in how your baby is doing, both pre and post pregnancy. From colleagues to our local grocers, I really loved everyone wishing us the best. Another Irish friend here who had her boy four months before mine said you’ll never get so many smiles from strangers as when you’re with baba!
4. Family support
This goes without saying, but my husband and I would be lost without our families. They’ve been a huge support, from sending anything we need over to answering our calls at midnight their time to discuss the latest milestone (the 8 hour time difference is a killer!).
5. Irish mammies abroad
Facebook, Viber, Whatsapp, Skype… all these Apps have made the experience so much better than for those who had babies abroad before these were even a thing. I’m part of the local ‘Irish Mammies In Vancouver’ Facebook group, where we share what we’ve learned so far. It’s great to feel connected and the advice that is exchanged at any time of the day or night is invaluable, especially during those late night feeds when you feel like you’re the only one still up!
6. Missing milestones
As any emigrant will know, the times when we most miss home are those family events we wish we could go to. From christenings and birthdays to infant milestones like teething, walking or talking, you want your family around to celebrate with you. While it’s great being able to share it all over social media, it’s just not the same as physically being there.
7. Cost of living
The cost of living in Vancouver is a major con, especially with a child to consider. I save a small fortune from not formula feeding, and I’ve managed to get a lot of baby gear and clothes second hand, from Facebook swap shops or fellow Irish mammies. Childcare may be even more expensive than at home, but with no family here you can’t rely on any free babysitters, so that’s a big drawback. The one-year maternity leave is incredible, but for many of us, it’s not even worth going back to work as you’ll end up paying out more for childcare than you’re making.
8. The great outdoors
Vancouver is known for its mountain and sea vistas, so it’s the perfect place to bring up kids and get them outside. The winters are wet and mild like Ireland, but the summers are amazing, and the warm weather lasts until October, so it’s easy to get out and about. You’ll find loads of activities planned daily as it’s a really family-friendly city, with groups like ‘Hike It Baby Vancouver BC’ on Facebook. There’s always something to do, so there really is no excuse not to get some fresh air to knock the kiddies out on a walk!
9. Dogs are kids too!
Every non-dog owner will roll their eyes at this, but if you consider your pet your furry baby then there’s loads for them to do too with the family! They’re welcome on hikes and on play dates, and they’re really great companions for kids. I swear they’re more welcome on some restaurant patios than toddlers.
10. There’s no place like home…
While Canada and Vancouver, in particular, is a great place to raise kids, for many new parents your whole attitude changes once you start a family of your own. You realise just how far away you are and how much you need your family and friends at home. Everyone wants you back even more… but we all know they really want to see your kid more than you! I also want my children to grow up Irish, knowing their identity. I’m not sure yet if I could cope with them calling everything “awesome” or saying “eh” anyway, but that’s just me!
For more musings on life in Canada with a little one, catch up with Rachel over on her blog, Irish Girl In Van City.
