On Jul 23, at 9.17pm, my second little baby girl was born in Beijing. I know firsthand the tornado of question marks that swirl in the mind of any mother-to-be, whether pregnant, trying to conceive, or just planning. The experience is already daunting enough, but add being an expat away from family in a country where you don’t speak the language and cultural differences peak and it’s next-level.

Then there’s the eternal debate: private vs. public hospitals. I’ve done both – first baby in public, second in private – and there are a few things I learned.

For me, it wasn’t just “Can we afford private?” but “Is the price difference worth it?” The first time, I chose public because

• The most experienced doctors usually work there.
• Private hospitals may transfer you to public if complications arise (and as a clueless first-timer, that safety net mattered).

But! Public doesn’t have to mean overwhelming hospitals where you queue for hours while struggling with your translating app to decode the doctor’s rushed comments. Smaller, pregnancy-focused public hospitals exist, some with English-speaking staff and even husband-friendly policies (yes, he can join for check-ups and labor!).

Why I Switched to Private for Baby #2

• Logistics: My old hospital was now a cross-city trek, and dragging a toddler to appointments felt like an Olympic endurance event.
• Experience: This time, I knew what to expect – low-risk pregnancy, low odds of complications.
• Negotiation Wins: In true Chinese fashion, you can haggle birth package prices. With birth rates down, hospitals are eager to deal.

Through a series of “only-in-Beijing” twists, I landed at New Century Women and Children’s Hospital in Wangjing. Set in a park, it felt like a wellness retreat. The experience I had was incredible, from being able to have check-ups on weekends, to having them being comfortable, calm, and special.

The really important part, however, is, of course, the birth, and having something to compare it to, I was blown away! Let me be frank, I have heard and seen stories both good and bad from all kinds of hospitals, and so I do not believe that the likelihood of things going as you hope depends on whether you choose private or public. That being said, there were several things at this birth that contributed to an amazing experience.

1. Constant communication:
   The staff constantly updated us, from letting me know how far I was dilated and telling me when they would check again, to letting me know what each test or check was for, making sure I was comfortable and always checking whether I needed anything. One of the complaints I hear most from moms, especially here, was not always knowing what was going on or why, and not understanding why things were done or not feeling understood. While I was being checked for active labor, the anesthetist and midwife both came to introduce themselves and to find out if I had any concerns or requests for my labor.
2. Being heard:
   While this is essentially part of communication, I decided it deserves its own little rant only because of how important it is that your team not only understands you but also takes you seriously. My first birth, I did not feel taken seriously about most of the concerns or requests I had. Of course, knowing more clearly what I wanted to advocate for this time helped a lot, but what really blew me away was how easily I could request for things without any push back. From asking to have local anesthesia in case of a tear (should the epidural stop working, as it did first time around), to letting them know when I felt pain that I shouldn’t and having it promptly dealt with. Whatever I had to say was listened to, and either action was quickly taken, or an acceptable and thorough explanation was offered (like when I experienced nausea… totally normal btw!)
3. Professional caring staff:
   Every single nurse, doctor, sales lady or liaison we dealt with was kind, gentle and experienced. The expertise was obvious and the warmth of being treated gently and with kindness was an essential contribution to making the whole experience a calm and focused one. By 9pm (which means night shift staff) I was 6cm dilated, and the doctor got me to 10cm fully dilated within five minutes simply by guiding me on how to push in a certain way. When it was time to start the second stage of labor, suddenly every staff member was scurrying about, preparing me, preparing the instruments and the baby-checking station etc. Thanks to this doctor’s very clear instructions, experienced techniques and expertise, by 9.17pm my daughter was born. We went from being just over half-way dilated to holding our daughter in under 20 minutes, and it was totally stress-free.
4. Comfortable facilities:
   From checking in to checking out, I did not once see (nor was I seen by) any other patients and family members, which was a refreshing change from the group of curious gawkers that rushed into our hospital room during my first labor as soon as we were wheeled back from the labor hall. Everything was kept wonderfully clean, good meals and a water dispenser were provided, and we had a call button if we ever need anything from someone holding the baby for a moment while I used the loo to a replacement of tissues or pajamas.
5. Bonus features:
   While the prenatal and birthing experience was more than enough to convince me to go back to this hospital again, there were added extras that definitely sweetened the deal, some of which we didn’t even know were included! On the last night of our two-night stay, we received a five-course meal complete with a full-sized rainbow cheesecake (that’s right, people, no dry sponge with heaps of cream and fruit!) all nicely set-out on a beautiful table wheeled into our room. A yuesao was provided for the first 12 hours (crucial for catching up on sleep!), and on the last morning, a professional photographer came to take some photos that were sent to me later on in a beautiful leather-bound album. The same photography company will then do an almost Anne Geddes-style photoshoot at your home with three outfits/scenes of your baby for a secondary album. And while all meals and even snacks are provided, you can also order waimai and the hospital will have it brought to you. In the end, nothing can be guaranteed, and experiences are often specific to people. However, due to the practices in place at this hospital specifically, I feel confident that I was given the best chance at success and comfort. While I am not sure if I will be having any more kids, I am sure I would go back to New Century if I did.

Images: Janita Shahsavari

Whether you are a seasoned veteran expat or as fresh in the ‘Jing as this season’s mozzies, we can all agree that living in Beijing is a colorful, surprising, and exciting experience. No matter how much research you have done in advance, we have all encountered cultural differences that blew us away, and the differences between our child-rearing ways are no different.

If you plan on having babies, have babies, or even if you don’t, here are some of our favorite (and not-so-favorite) cultural occurrences when it comes to little ones to look out for during your time in Beijing!

Bummed OUT!

Quite literally, in fact. It is not uncommon to see babies or toddlers running around wearing split pants (开裆裤 kāidāngkù), which, if you haven’t seen them yet, are pants with an open crotch, more often than not without any diapers! So, yes, you have a little baby bum wiggling about in public. And while my first split-pants sighting made me do a double-take, the Chinese (especially grandparents) have quite logical reasons for this practice. Besides saving on the costs and waste of diapers, an air-dried bum prevents diaper rash, especially during the hot summer months, and they believe it encourages early potty training by getting the baby used to squatting and doing their business, not in a diaper. Consequently, this also means that it is completely normal for someone to hold their baby in a squatting position over a trash can, drain, or bush while they go potty.

As this practice is so different from the culture of most expats in Beijing, people come across this and react in all kinds of ways. Some have called it unsanitary and unsafe; others applaud the frugality and sustainability. I have even experienced foreigners joining in on the bare-butt action with their own babies! What do you think? Yay or nay?

Locked In!

Giving birth is such a monumental moment that, of course, there are a multitude of practices around this milestone all over the globe. While the Huichol in Mexico have the woman tug on a rope tied to her partner’s testicles with every contraction, and some people dressed as devils jump over infants in Spain to absorb original sin and protect the babies from evil or sickness, in China they have the confinement month or 坐月子 (zuòyuèzi). This means that the new mom is not allowed to go outside, bathe or shower (although those things are less common now that there is AC and blow dryers), eat or interact with anything cold, and will often hire a confinement nurse (or yuesao) to help take care of her and the baby. For those who don’t want to hire a confinement nurse but still want to do a traditional confinement month, there are confinement centers 月子中心 (yuèzi zhōngxīn) that offer the same service, but you get your own private hotel-like suite where you can rest and a nurse is always on call to help take care of your newborn.

Expat moms often suffer at the hands of this practice, as Chinese locals will sometimes criticize, lecture, or even scold them when they do something considered a “no-no” during the confinement month. I have been hit on the shoulder before by an old lady for being outside with my baby within the first month, while other moms have been told by their ayis or Chinese in-laws to immediately cease their showering ways. Of course, eating an ice cream is completely out of the question! (Though that is a rule I will be breaking repeatedly after giving birth this summer, for sure!) While some of the customs might seem annoying or unnecessary, there are also perks! If you registered your birth at the local clinic in order to get the free vaccines and check-ups for your baby (available to absolutely any pregnant mom), then you will also benefit from two medical professionals – one for you and one for your baby – coming to your home for a check-up.

Since moms are expected to remain in pajamas and not do any physical activity during confinement month, you don’t even have to get dressed! They will come and see that everything is progressing normally, ask you a few questions (in our case via translator), and finally give you some tips and information about caring for a newborn – all for free!

Bundle Up!

No matter the weather, hot or cold, Chinese babies in Beijing are always in layers and layers of clothes and blankies…even in July. If I had RMB 1 for every time a Chinese person (of any age and gender) told me that my baby is cold and I need to put more clothes on her, I would probably be able to buy all the naughty ice creams I’ll need during my first month postpartum.

The biggest struggle for expat parents – particularly those with a Chinese partner or who have hired a yuesao or ayi – is the endless cycle of you taking extra layers off your baby, and them putting them back on again. Anyone who has lived in China long enough knows that cold is basically the enemy. From drinking hot water (to cure ANY issue short of death) to eating food as soon as it is cooked and still scalding, locals will do whatever they can to avoid the cold – even when we expats think there isn’t any cold to avoid.

100 Days Down!

While some of the cultural differences you’ll experience in Beijing are cute, some are beneficial, and others possibly frustrating, this next tradition is something I love about being here. In ancient times, when child mortality rates were quite high, reaching 100 days was cause for celebration. Despite it not being such a feat anymore, the tradition, like the babies, lives on! And who doesn’t like an excuse to have a party? The family will often shower the baby with gifts like baby items, gold jewelry, and hongbao (red envelopes).

This is often also when they give the baby their first haircut – to encourage thicker hair regrowth. Included in this is a super sweet tradition of making a calligraphy brush with the cut hair. There are plenty of shops (also on Taobao) that will inexpensively make the brush for you and frame it with wishes of prosperity written in Chinese calligraphy, along with the baby’s name, which makes an adorable keepsake. In my culture, we also sometimes keep a lock of hair from the first haircut. Turning it into a framed calligraphy brush definitely makes it easier to keep and cherish.

First Birthday, Final Bearing!

Another very cool tradition is what Chinese families do with their babies on their first birthdays: the item grab, or 抓周 (zhuāzhōu). The baby is placed on a mat surrounded by items that represent careers, and whichever item the baby grabs could then predict what their future career path or traits will be. The items and their represented careers could include:

Pen = scholar
Money = wealth
Stethoscope = doctor
Garlic = savvy businessman
Microphone = performer

There are zhuazhou kits online that include a red cloth and the basic essentials for different career paths.

Things to consider if you are invited to a zhuazhou: It is customary to bring a sincere gift. While some more modern parents take the tradition lightly, many families still take the item grabbing very seriously, so avoid laughing at the results or making the tradition out to be silly. Go the extra mile and offer a true Chinese congrats by saying, “祝宝宝健康成长” (Zhù bǎobǎo jiànkāng chéngzhǎng) – “Wishing the baby a healthy growth.”

From how we dress to what we believe, when encountering different cultures, we are bound to find differences that intrigue us. One of the great benefits of expat life is seeing all the different ways things can be done, and sometimes we even end up adopting a few practices into our own ways of doing things. Let us know in the comments which of the cultural confetti shocked or impressed you the most!

Images: Stock, Janita Shahsavari

For most expatriates, it seems like a clear cut decision to go private for our healthcare needs, much less when it comes to our maternity needs. That’s why it’s so refreshing to hear from two expatriate mothers who made the unique decision to give birth at local public hospitals in Beijing. What’s more, after going through the whole shebang, with its share of ups and downs, they would do it all over again. We at jingkids just had to talk to these two moms who dared to be different and demystify the process of giving birth at a Chinese public hospital. 

We last spoke with Rebecca Carter in an interview welcoming her family to Beijing, and she has since delivered her second baby at the Sixth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) (中国人民解放军总医院第六医学中心). Funny story though: Until her 36th week of pregnancy, she had all her doctors’ visits and appointments at a different public hospital – Beijing Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Hospital (北京中西医结合医院) – which abruptly announced its closure at the end of August. With her baby time bomb ticking down, Rebecca scrambled to find a different public hospital in which to deliver her baby and managed to settle on the PLA’s hospital.

Thankfully, Alfred Carter was born happy and healthy on Sep 12 after a somewhat smooth Caesarean operation. There were a couple of hiccups, which we will delve into later, but nothing major. The best part? The bill came to RMB 11,500, inclusive of a four-night stay in the hospital, epidural, surgery, all medications, and even the hospital pajamas. Once the bill was paid, the deposit of RMB 30,000 that was required upfront was refunded in full. Including the pre-delivery medical bills at the now-defunct hospital, the total cost of welcoming Alfred Carter into Beijing was under RMB 25,000. 

In comparison, the standard maternity packages at private hospitals in Beijing start from RMB 100,000 and can go up exponentially. But it wasn’t just the cost that swayed both Rebecca and fellow expat mom Janita S to go public; it was that both expat mothers believe Beijing’s public hospitals are better equipped to handle any emergency medical issues. And in my research, this belief is echoed by many local mothers, especially those above the recommended age of having babies.

Janita told us: “I had a friend who was told by her doctor that she should go to the local hospital to have her baby due to the likelihood of complications in her pregnancy. It does make sense to me. After all, public hospitals have more varied resources like the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and some of the best doctors in the country.”

For Janita, giving birth to her first child in the Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in Chaoyang was more straightforward than Rebecca’s experience, since she managed to stay at the same hospital for the entire process. The labor still came with its own challenges, though, namely that she went into labor earlier than anticipated, so the English-speaking gynecologist who had been with her the whole pregnancy was not available and she ended up with a new doctor. Maybe something was lost in translation, or there was a clash of cultural differences, but the new doctor who delivered Janita’s baby did not see eye to eye with her about certain things, such as the need for anesthesia while getting stitched up after tearing during labor. 

Both Rebecca and Janita faced unique challenges at different public hospitals in Beijing, but certain aspects of their experiences overlapped, which leads us to believe these might be the norm in public hospitals. These are the similarities:

1. Nobody else was allowed to accompany them into the delivery room –not even their husbands. During the pregnancy, their husbands weren’t allowed in the OBGYN room during check-ups, either.
2. Rebecca and Janita were subject to varying levels of nakedness in front of several strangers as they were wheeled into the delivery room, while in the delivery room, and as they were returned to their hospital beds. Janita had a hospital gown, but Rebecca was quite naked and felt like “everything was on display for everyone.” 
3. Mobile devices were not allowed in the delivery room.

Having said that, we must acknowledge that Janita has been shopping various public hospitals to choose where she will deliver her second child in eight months. Armed with insights from her first experience, she is much more confident in what she is looking for and knows how to advocate for herself. She has now found two public hospitals – Beijing LiYing hospital of Maternity and Gynecology (北京俪婴妇产医院) and Peking University First Hospital – that permit husbands during medical check-ups, as well as in the labor room! 

It is precisely this sort of knowledge that she wants to share with us in order to address the mistaken preconceived notions many of us hold and to help guide us through the process of having children at public hospitals in Beijing.

Firstly, know that there are dedicated maternity and childcare hospitals in Beijing that are not nearly as crowded as general public hospitals. All the hospitals mentioned in this article are purely devoted to pregnancy and medical maternity needs. To ensure you choose a maternity hospital, Janita suggests searching “妇产医院” (fùchǎnyīyuàn) in your maps app to find one in your neighborhood. 

Secondly, language isn’t as big of an issue as you think. While a majority of the staff and doctors at public hospitals may not speak English fluently, there are some who can, as evidenced by Janita’s personal experience. At another public maternity hospital she visited recently (as part of her hospital shopping), the staff and doctors were perfectly happy to communicate in English with her. 

Having said that, it is best that you have a local friend who can be your translator, especially if things go south. It also helps if you have some basic Chinese skills and a translation app at the ready! 

Images: Courtesy of Rebecca Carter & Janita S.

KEEP READING: A New Club for Your Teenage Aspiring Doctors

Capturing the journey of your growing baby bump and your growing family is such a rewarding way to cherish the memories and emotions that come with these new experiences. Whether you’re pregnant with the cutest bump, just brought your newborn home, or have a high-energy toddler (or even a teenager), choosing a photographer to tell your family story can be both exciting and overwhelming.

There are so many things to consider when choosing a photographer, starting with styles: natural, formal, candid, or posed, just to name a few. How about location – indoor or outdoor? Home or studio? Budget. Wardrobe. How to pose? And when you have figured out all this, you’ll still need to make sure that this person works well with children, and that their style is a fit for your family.

Beijing doesn’t lack photo studios, and there are quite a few options, but we’ve gone a bit deeper and found the most expat-friendly family photographers in case you ever want to record memories that you and your family will cherish.

David Hanssen

Dave’s Studio was established in 2013 by David Hanssen, and one of their main projects is children and family photography. He and his team have been working with international schools, foreign embassies, international and local companies, and he’s shot many of the most beautiful jingkids magazine covers in the past years. The studio is also skilled with maternity photos.

When is the best time to get a maternity shoot done?
“The best time to show your bump is around months 7-8, but each person is different and best to listen to your body and energy levels,” says Dave.

He also says that it’s important to communicate with your photographer beforehand about the style of images you want and your level of energy. “Expect to be in the studio for up to four hours, including hair and make-up time, with small breaks and wardrobe changes.”

Do you provide props and wardrobe?
“My studio will help to pick out outfits and suggest outfits and color schemes, but we do not provide outfits. Most clients choose between two to three outfits. We don’t put a number on the number of outfits; we will shoot as long as you have energy and until you are happy with the images.”

Maternity packages with Dave start at RMB 4,800 and include ten edited images and prints.

What should parents expect when booking a kids/family photo session?

When it comes to kids/family photography, Dave says that it’s important for parents to prepare “bribes” for kids, such as snacks and sweets for after the shoot is done. They also have a team of professionals to help the children feel comfortable in front of the camera, “We have trained staff to help make kiddos feel relaxed and fun during family shootings. Our hope and philosophy with family sessions is to help with the kiddos and lower parents’ stress with getting the “perfect family” photo and also show that a silly photo that shows your children’s personality is sometimes more memorable than a traditional family photo.”

From the jingkids team, over the years we’ve asked Dave to shoot magazine covers for us that have featured babies, toddlers, families, teens, and even pets at all sorts of locations.  We’ve seen him in action firsthand. He’s got a knack for making kids laugh and feel relaxed all while snapping the photo at the exact right split second.

Do you help families figure out their outfits for their family photos?
“We do help parents with outfit selection and advice on coordinating outfits, as well as family color palette suggestions.”

What’s the most challenging part of photographing children?
“I feel the most challenging part of a family photo session is selecting the images to keep.”

“Dave and his team are laid back, smooth, efficient, kind, entertaining, and on top of that, incredibly talented photographers. Working with Dave will 100 % be a pleasant experience + you’ll walk away with amazing photos to cherish for a lifetime.” says Theresa Parsonage, a client of Dave’s Studio for over a decade.

Family portrait sessions with the studio’s Chinese staff start at RMB 3,800, and sessions with Dave start at RMB 6,500.

To book your session with Dave and his team, call or WeChat him at 151 2003 1270, or email 511100312@qq.com.

Olga and Mike

Olga and Mike come highly recommended in our expat community as talented lifestyle photographers able to capture the warmest moments in life. Olga, a mom of three, has been doing family and portrait photography for five years, while Mike also offers videography services and has been a part of the captivating world of photography for most of his life.

When is the best time to get a maternity shoot done?
“Usually it’s between 26 and 34 weeks, when your beautiful belly is big enough but you still feel comfortable and active. But it’s still possible to do a maternity photo shoot later, even at 38-39 weeks, if that’s what you want.”

Olga says that moms-to-be are welcome to prepare any props they want to be included, such as first clothes for the baby, ultrasound pictures, flowers, baby name signs, or anything else that they would want captured in the moments. However, she also says that “it’s also possible to prepare nothing and just show your emotions and all the love you feel for your baby. And concentrate on the connection between you and your partner.”

What to expect when booking a newborn photo shoot?

“This is about love and welcoming your child to your family and the world. For most parents, to have a newborn baby isn’t only about sweet moments and joy; it can be exhausting because of sleepless nights, recovery, anxiety, self-doubt, etc.

“And it’s really important to make a session comfortable and relaxed. That’s why I prefer home shootings in this case. No need to go anywhere and everything you need is at hand. Also, it turns out very personal.”

The newborn photoshoot is usually done before the baby turns 14 days old. This is very important for studio sessions because babies need to get wrapped up and settled into particular poses.

But according to Olga, age doesn’t matter when it comes to lifestyle photography sessions. “What does matter, however, is your and your baby’s condition – how you feel. Are you ready for the photoshoot?
The newborn sessions should be done during the baby’s first month of life because kids grow so fast and change so fast!”

What preparations should parents take?

“The outfits you would like to wear during the photoshoot, a blanket for your baby, first toys if you want, maybe some special cute gifts from friends or grandparents. The sessions shouldn’t be overwhelming. It can be very simple but yet sweet and memorable.” Olga also says that every parent should share their thoughts and ideas with the photographer.

What is the duration of the photoshoot?
“Usually it’s up to 1.5-2 hours.” But it can last longer, of course, if your baby is very unsettled or hungry. If the baby is asleep, the photographer sometimes wants to wait and the time can be used to “capture sweet moments between mom and dad or parents and the other siblings.” Olga says that “lifestyle photography is all about capturing emotions, connection, tiny details and real-life moments that will not happen again.”

To contact Olga, add her WeChat: olga_photography, and to contact Mike, add: 150 1138 5869.

Monika Schlosser

Six years ago, Monika was running her own service business in Hungary. It was going well, but she wasn’t passionate about it. She decided it was time for a change, so she quit when her son was born. She sold her business and took a year off to figure out what she wanted to do. That’s when she discovered her love for photography.

“I’ve always loved how time stops when I’m taking pictures,” she says. “The feeling that I’m able to make people happy with my pictures just felt so right. So I went to school again and started my career as a photographer.

“Now, my family and I live in Beijing. I opened my home studio last year, so I do most of my shooting there. I love taking pictures of businesses/brands, families, couples, and newborns.”

Is it safe to do a photoshoot of a newborn baby during their first days of life? How are newborn photoshoots done?

“When a newborn arrives for a session with me, it’s both an honor and a responsibility that I take to heart. As a mother myself, I understand the importance of entrusting your precious newborn to someone.” Monika says that safety and comfort are two top priorities during the sessions. She follows a hygiene protocol, especially during the first 7-10 days when your baby’s immune system is still developing.

What to expect when booking a baby photo session?

“Before your session, we’ll discuss your vision for the photographs, including preferences for backgrounds and costumes. I’ll also provide detailed instructions to help prepare your baby for the session, ensuring a seamless experience.” Once you arrive at her studio, Monika takes the opportunity to get to know the little one better. Then she prepares the baby for the shoot, usually by asking the mother to help soothe the little one to sleep.

As for making the parents comfortable and at ease, Monika says that “sometimes, the baby may not feel tired, be too curious, refuse to fall asleep, or even start to cry. Parents must understand that this is completely normal. Rest assured, with patience, we can help the baby relax and capture those precious moments. Even if the baby stays awake throughout the session (which is rare), we’ll make the most of the situation.”

Monika mainly conducts photo sessions in her home studio, equipped with all the necessary professional equipment. “However, if you prefer lifestyle-style pictures or find it more convenient, we can also have the photoshoot at your home. A typical session lasts around 1.5-2 hours, and my standard package starts at RMB 1,800, including a studio rental fee, two costumes, and 20 retouched pictures in an online gallery. Customized packages are available upon request.”

To book a photo session or for further questions, add Monika on WeChat:

Images: David Hanssen, Olga P., Monika Schlosser

Enzo Rosenthal 

German/Mexican. Born Feb 8 to Evelyn Figueroa and Oliver Rosenthal at Beijing United Family Hospital.

Jaina Ann Foister 

American/Chinese. Born Jun 30 to Wang Sai and Caleb Aaron Foister at Beijing Hamonicare Women and Children Hospital.

William Francis Kerins III

American. Born Aug 31 to Danielle Yang and William Francis Kerins Jr. at Beijing United Family Hospital.

Marley Amira Defoe ’MAD’’

Indonesian/Dominican. Born May 1 to Ully Hutagalung-Defoe and Shagi Defoe at Oasis International Hospital.

Matthias Emil Simandan

Romanian. Born Jan 3 to Upashna Simandan and Voicu Mihnea Simandan at Beijing Hamonicare Women and Children Hospital.

Images: Courtesy of parents

This article appeared in the jingkids 2023 Graduation Issue

After witnessing the miracle that’s childbirth, we slowly ease our way into a new routine that now includes an additional little bundle of joy.

To say that pregnancy changes your body is an understatement. You watch your body expand and swell in places you never thought could swell, and watch stretch marks and varicose veins appear and wonder when and if they’ll ever go away again.

While motherhood is magical, one can’t help but wonder “Will I ever get my pre-baby body back again?” and, more importantly, “Will I ever find time for myself again?”

Marie, a mom of three and founder of Yoga FIt by Marie, has a solution for that, and it sounds like something that I wish had been around when I delivered my little girl. During a time when you want to get back in shape but pre-baby fitness routines are no longer the best option for you, a workout class where you’re surrounded by other new moms and, best of all, where you can bring your baby with you is exactly what can help lift your spirits and help you find your tribe.

Marie shares: “I have been a gym enthusiast for more than 20 years, and I have practise yoga for more than 15 years, so those aspects are and have always been a vital part of my life. I have been a yoga teacher since 2017, and am currently educating myself in the area of functional fitness training. My family and I arrived last summer in Beijing. Because of my pregnant friends and neighbors, I noticed that there is not much offered for prenatal and postnatal classes, so I talked to a lot of other mums to find out what they needed. That’s how Mama & Baby Fit in Beijing was created. Soon, another mum-of-three will join in and offer classes and activities too. Stay tuned for Sandra!”

Marie’s classes are great, especially right now when the weather is beautiful again. She’s started offering prenatal yoga as well as mom and baby yoga classes that take place outside in the park. You get a healthy mix of fitness and a breath of fresh air.

So who can/should attend the classes? According to Marie, the prenatal yoga classes are safe for moms at anytime during the pregnancy. Her Mama & Baby Yoga classes can start six weeks after the mom has given birth. These classes include exercises for pelvic floor activation, closing diastasis recti, and other changes that pregnancy and delivery leave on our bodies. But she recommends that everyone get the official ok from their doctors before starting any kind of physical exercise. Finally, her Mama & Baby Fit are consecutive workouts after rebuilding has been completed and/or for fit new moms.

At the moment classes take place once a week, but Marie has plans on adding more classes depending on the need of the community. Each class is between 60 and 75 minutes long, and consists of no more than ten people, so each class stays intimate and personal.

Needless to say, these classes are perfect for young babies. The little ones who make an appearance at Marie’s Mama & Baby Yoga classes are usually between 2 and 10 months old. While moms practice yoga, the little ones are entertained by seeing all the cool movements and enjoying the company of other babies.

For the outdoor workout classes, the kids are usually between 6 months to 2 years old. During curcuit training, the kids stay in their strollers (which are used as part of the workouts) and they have a great time playing together while moms work out on the grass.

For the moms with multiple kids, don’t feel like you need to miss out! “Moms with multiple kids are welcome too!” says Marie, adding: “Especially the park workout is suitable for multiple kids in twin strollers, etc. Just mind that no nanny is provided by us to take care of the kids, and the mums are responsible for the safety and well-being of their children.” Please give Marie a heads up in advance if you’re bringing more than one child.

Working out with their babies gives moms a perfect opportunity to bond with their little ones and get back into moving their body, whether it’s rebuilding after birth or doing workouts in the park. You get to spend fun and quality time together!

Maries Qualifications:
Yogalehrer Basis Ausbildung/Yoga Teacher Training, 400 Units, 2017
Business Yogalehrer Ausbildung/Business Yoga Teacher Training, 150 units, 2018-2020
Yoga in der Schwangerschaft/Pregnancy & Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training, 20 units, 2019
IHP Fitness Instructor License Level 1, 2023

Get in Touch:
Instagram: Yoga_Fit_by_Marie
WeChat: QR Code

Images: Marie

During my third trimester of pregnancy, I was obsessed with the idea of having a cute gender reveal. They looked so cute on Instagram and I knew that it was impossible to be surprised myself since local laws make it pretty hard. Your doctor will never write down the sex of your baby because it’s illegal.

This law dates back to 1979 when China established its famous one-child policy. Chinese families desperately wanted boys over girls, leading to sex-selective abortion which in turn, affected the human sex ratio – the relative number of males to females in a given age group. To try to mitigate the practice, hospitals in China forbade doctors from telling parents the sex of their bundle of joy. But if you think it’s totally impossible, you should know that just because disclosing the sex of a baby is not allowed, it doesn’t mean curious parents haven’t found ways around it.

Doctors and parents come up with all sorts of creative ways to beat around the bush. Whether it’s asking if you should stock up on dresses or pants for your baby or whether you should buy your baby some dolls or cars. The doctors get what you’re trying to find out and usually, they’ll figure out a way to let you know.

So, I tried to give my mother-in-law and my dad a memorable gender reveal. Here‘s how it took multiple tries…

But recently one of our favorite bakeries, Mary Sweets, has made gender reveals easier for all expecting parents with their delicious cakes!

Their fancy ombre cakes start at RMB249 and you’ll need to order at least three days in advance.

For those who are unfamiliar, what makes this different than a regular blue and pink cake is the surprise inside. When you cut into the cake, depending on the sex of your baby, you’ll either get pink (for girl) or blue (for boy) sprinkles flowing out from the center, awing your guests and satisfying the curiosity of friends and family.

To order one for your gender reveal, get in touch with the Mary Sweets team by scanning the QR code below.

Images: Mary Sweets, Pexels

We are always saying that jingkids is all about readers, and so it gives us great pleasure to announce our first live event for 2023 – a special get-together for expectant mothers at the newly refurbished Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat on Gongti Road!

The tea time event is an opportunity for us to get in touch with expatriate soon-to-be parents who are currently residing in Beijing, as well as a chance for pregnant moms to meet other expecting moms. We want to hear firsthand how jingkids can better serve the needs of our readers, and we believe it best to create meaningful connections through intimate small-group events.

In collaboration with Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat expat owner Michelle Hemsin, the event offers a 30-minute neck-and-shoulders massage by highly trained masseuses, as well as light refreshments, in a private spa setting where we will be free to chat and mingle. With an 18-year history in the capital city, Bodhi is a popular spa sanctuary among both expats and locals here, with a reputation for its cleanliness and professionalism.

This event will be held on Tue, Feb 28, from 1.30pm onwards, at Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat on Gongti Road. This event is limited to a maximum of ten guests. The special ticket price is RMB 158 and includes a RMB 100 voucher for future use at the spa.

Date: Feb 28 1.30pm
Location: Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat 17 Gongti Bei Lu
Ticket: RMB 158 per pax

Scan the QR code in the poster to secure your spot!

Images: Unsplash, Pexels, True Run Media