Childbirth in Brazil: how an exotic practice turned into a trend among Russian expectant mothers

In recent years, stories of Russian women who went to give birth… in Brazil have been increasingly appearing on social networks, forums and medical blogs. At first glance, it’s strange: why choose a country overseas, if Russia has premium clinics, and Europe and the USA have centuries-old traditions of obstetric care? However, for some women, the solution seems not only logical, but the only possible one. And we are not talking about leaving “just in case,” but about a conscious, carefully planned choice, behind which there are both medical and cultural motives.

Childbirth in Brazil — these are no longer isolated cases, but a stable, albeit niche, trend. It is not directly related to the level of medicine (although there are nuances here too), but rather reflects a request for a certain philosophy of obstetric care: respect for the woman’s body, minimizing interventions, supporting natural processes and returning to the human dimension in obstetric practice. Why Brazil? The answer lies at the intersection of history, culture, law and—surprisingly—the global movement for “force-free childbirth.”

From the “royal cut” to the birth revolution: how Brazil became an unexpected leader

Just 15-20 years ago, Brazil was considered the world record holder for caesarean sections: in private clinics their share exceeded 85%and in some states — almost 90%. Surgery has become the norm, and natural childbirth is the exception. Caesarean sections were performed at will, according to a schedule, “so as not to suffer,” and sometimes without any medical indications, only for the convenience of doctors and planning the operating room schedule. This phenomenon even received a harsh name — cesarea de luxo (“caesarean suite”) or cesarea da rainha (“royal cut”)

However, it was precisely this extreme that gave rise to a powerful social movement. In the early 2000s, activists, midwives, doctors and women who had experienced traumatic births began to fight for the right to give birth “as a human being.” The first home midwives (parteiras), natural birth support centers, initiatives to reduce caesarean births such as Parto do Principe And Rede pela Humanização do Parto e do Nascimento (ReHuNa). In 2011, the Brazilian Ministry of Health released National policy to support physiological childbirthand in 2015 — Resolution No. 306, which, in particular, banned caesarean section at the sole request of a woman up to 39 weeks without medical indications.

The most important thing is in Brazil legalized childbirth with the direct participation of midwives (enfermeira obstétrica)including in hospitals. This practice is unique to Latin America: in most neighboring countries, midwives do not have the right to conduct childbirth on their own, even if it is physiological. In addition, it is allowed here water birth, vertical birth, childbirth with a partner or doula, delayed cord clamping — and all this not as an “alternative”, but as part of the standard protocol in supporting institutions.

It was this turn — from extreme intervention to respect for the female body — that made Brazil the object of attention of the international community, including women from the post-Soviet countries.

Why do Russian women choose Brazil? Five Key Reasons

Obstetric autonomy and “force-free childbirth”

Term violência obstetrica (obstetric violence) in Brazil is not a metaphor, but a legal concept. In 2015, the Supreme Court recognized that disrespectful treatment, violent interference, and disregard for a woman’s consent are a violation of rights. Since then, clinics, especially public ones, have been actively implementing birth plan (plano de parto) — a document in which a woman describes her preferences in advance: position, pain relief, presence of a partner, feeding immediately after childbirth, etc. Doctors are obliged to take it into account — and often do take it into account.

For Russian women, faced with strict standards, “manual control of the cervix,” a ban on an upright position, forced shaving and enemas, such a culture seems revolutionary.

There they asked me: “How do you want to give birth?” “And this was not a rhetorical question,” shares one of the women in labor from Moscow.

Availability of childbirth with a world-class specialist — for the price of a European tour

Yes, Brazil is not the cheapest country in Latin America, especially in the private sector. But when compared with the USA or Switzerland, the difference is colossal. Average cost private physiological birth with package (consultation, ultrasound, stay, midwife + doctor) amounts to from $4,000 to $8,000. For this money you can get:

• personal midwife (often with experience in Europe or the USA);
• childbirth in a specialized casa de parto (maternity home) or in a “friendly” hospital (e.g. Maternidade de Campinas, Casa Angela in São Paulo);
• 3-5 days of stay with nutrition and lactation support;
• postpartum care.

This is 3-5 times cheaper than the same level in the USA or Israel — and without a language barrier for Spanish speakers (Portuguese is close to Spanish, and many doctors speak English).

Focus on psychosocial support and continuum of care

It is a common practice in Brazil pré-natal humanizado — “humanized” prenatal care. This is not just weighing and blood testing, but group meetings, yoga for pregnant women, breathing and relaxation courses, meetings with doulas. Many clinics invite women to come with their partners — and train them in a support role.

Key element — continuum of care: the same midwife can guide a woman from the 12th week, be present at the birth and come home in the first days after discharge. This creates a sense of security and continuity, which is often missing in systems with a “pipeline” approach.

Climate, nature and philosophy of “life here and now”

This factor is difficult to quantify, but it is important. Pregnancy is not only a physiological, but also an emotional process. Many women say that the decision to go to Brazil was due to the desire get away from stress, slow down, establish a connection with the body. The tropical climate, the ocean, the greenery, the rhythm of life, where time flows differently — all this creates a unique context for preparing for motherhood.

Cities like Florianopolis (island with beaches and yoga centers), Curitiba (an eco-friendly city with good medicine) and Sao Paulo (maximum choice of specialists and clinics). Here you can combine prenatal preparation with relaxation — without “medical” pressure.

The opportunity to obtain citizenship for a child — and strategic planning for the future

Yes, according to Brazilian law a child born in the country automatically receives Brazilian citizenship — regardless of the status of the parents. This gives the right to:

• free education (including universities);
• medical care according to the program SUS (unified healthcare system);
• visa-free entry to many Latin American countries;
• in the future — simplified acquisition of citizenship in Portugal (under the program of reunification with Brazilian citizens after 5 years of permanent residence in Portugal).

For families considering educational and migration prospects, this can be a powerful argument — especially against the backdrop of increasingly stringent immigration rules in the EU and the US.

How it works in practice: step-by-step scenario

Stage 1. Selection of a team and clinic (6-8 months in advance)

A woman studies companies that organize trips of this kind, reviews, chooses a clinic, midwife or doctor. Important: many specialists require personal acquaintance — at least via Zoom.

Stage 2. Preparation of documents

• Medical record (translated and certified);
• Certificate of pregnancy indicating the duration and absence of contraindications;
• Booking accommodation and clinics;
• Insurance (required — with coverage of complications and emergency evacuation).

Stage 3. Arrival (optimally at 34-36 weeks)

Adaptation period: examination by a doctor, ultrasound, drawing up a birth plan. The woman lives in a rented apartment or guesthouse, often next to the clinic.

Stage 4. Childbirth

IN casa de parto (birth house) — up to 12 hours of contractions, then transfer to the hospital, if necessary. The private clinic offers a full range of support. The average length of stay is 2 days for a natural birth, 3-4 for a cesarean birth.

Stage 5. Paperwork

• Declaração de Nascido Vivo (birth certificate) — issued within 24–48 hours Cartorio de Registro Civil;
• International passport for the child (at the Russian consulate or through a Brazilian passport);
• Registration of citizenship (automatically, but you can request Certificate of Nascimento with a mark on citizenship).

Risks and pitfalls

Although the stories are inspiring, it is important to understand the realities:

• language remains a barrier. Portuguese is very different from Spanish in spoken language. Even in private clinics, not all nurses speak English. It is recommended to bring an interpreter or bilingual doula with you.
• dual healthcare system. SUS (public system) — free, but overloaded. Private clinics are paid, but their level varies from world-class to mediocre. You need to choose carefully.
• climate and infections. The tropics mean not only beaches, but also the risk of dengue, chikungunya, and zika (although vaccines and mosquito control have significantly reduced the threat in 2025). Pregnant women are advised to avoid stagnant water and use repellents.
• psychological stress. Being in a foreign country, away from family, in a state of maximum vulnerability is a serious challenge. Not everyone is ready for this level of independence.
• legal nuances. The citizenship of the child is not the citizenship of the parents. You cannot stay in Brazil for more than 90 days without a visa. An extension is possible, but requires registration.

Specialized agencies come to the rescue

Given the complexity of logistics, the language barrier and the high degree of responsibility, more and more families are turning to Russian and international companies specializing in organizing childbirth in Brazil. Such agencies undertake the full cycle of support: from selecting a midwife and a clinic based on medical indications — to booking housing, translating documents, organizing transfers and even assistance in obtaining a birth certificate. Some offer “packages” with included insurance, consultation with a migration lawyer and online support in Russian 24/7. Important: the reputation market is still small, and reviews are the main guide. Check not only beautiful websites, but also real client stories, the existence of an agreement with clear guarantees and, what is especially valuable, the agency’s connections with specific casas de parto or doctors (and not just “dating”). Quality support can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500, but for many it’s a reasonable price to pay for peace of mind, time savings and reduced stress during a critical period.

“Fashion” or conscious choice? What the statistics say

According to Brazilian data cartorios (registry office), in 2023 approximately 1,200 children were born in Brazil to mothers with passports from CIS countries — mainly from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. This is less than 0.1% of the total number of births, but compared to 2019 (+220%) the growth is colossal.

I wonder what 70% of them are natural birthsand only 30% — cesarean (mainly for medical reasons). This contrasts with the overall statistics of Brazil (where caesarean rates are 55% on average) and Russia (about 33%, but with huge regional differences).

Why growth? Experts give three reasons:

1. Disappointment in the domestic system: rigid protocols, lack of pain relief, lack of choice in posture and behavior.
2. Information openness: YouTube, Telegram channels with real videos of childbirth in Brazil have lifted the “veil of secrecy”.
3. Flexibility of the format: unlike the USA or Canada, you can come to Brazil with a tourist visa, without complicated procedures.

Expert opinion: pros and cons

Dr. Elena Smirnova, obstetrician-gynecologist, Moscow:

I support women’s desire to give birth with self-respect. But it’s important to understand: Brazil is not a magic pill. There, too, there are complications, mistakes, and the staff can be tired. The key is careful preparation, not romanticization. If a woman leaves because “everything is bad with us,” this is a reaction. If — because she has found a team she trusts and is ready for responsibility, this is a conscious choice.

Anna K., gave birth in Florianopolis in 2024:

They gave me epidural anesthesia exactly when I asked — not earlier, not “automatically”. My husband was there all the time. The baby was placed on my chest within 10 seconds. And the next day the midwife came home with soup and asked: “How are you feeling as a mother?” This was the first time during my entire pregnancy that I was asked about… feelingsand not about the numbers in the analyses.

Not about geography — about respect

Experts note that childbirth in Brazil — this is not about palm trees and carnivals. This is about restoration of a woman’s right to be a subject, not an object in one of the most important events of her life. This is about the courage to ask questions, say “no” and seek support where it is actually given — even if it is 11,000 kilometers from home.

Is this a trend? Maybe. But if «fashion» forces the healthcare system to reconsider its practices, give back women’s voice and remind doctors: “childbirth is not an accident, but physiology”means this is not just a trend. This is the beginning of change.

And perhaps one day you won’t have to fly overseas to give birth with dignity. But for now, Brazil remains not just a geographical point, but a symbol of the fact that other medicine is possible.

—
The material was prepared based on an interview with Ak ushers, doctors, women who gave birth in Brazil (2021–2025), as well as analysis of regulations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, data from IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) and WHO. Attention: the decision to give birth abroad requires individual consultation with a doctor and lawyer.

Message Childbirth in Brazil: how an exotic practice turned into a trend among Russian expectant mothers appeared first on Crimea news | CrimeaPRESS: latest news and main events.