Having a Baby in Oslo
Before the Baby is Born
Women in Norway are free to choose where they would like to give birth. Both Rikshospitalet and Ullevål Sykehus have good maternity wards. However, most expat mothers agree that Ullevål Sykehus is the place to have a baby. It caters to mothers and their families with a hotel for visiting family members who want to be nearby for before and after the birth. There are several services provided to mothers directly after birth and new mothers are often sent home with a box full of necessities.
There are alternatives for birth, such as home or clinic delivery with a midwife. But it is highly recommended that you have the child at a hospital, especially women who show any risk factors. Some centres won’t allow first-time mothers n their facilities. Normally you will not have the same ObGyn or midwife through the pregnancy and birthing process. Whoever is on duty will take care of you and if your labour is long, you may see several nurses, midwives and doctors.
It doesn’t cost money to have a child in Norway. In fact, the government will pay for your hospital and hotel stay and once you have a baby, you will receive barnetrygd (child support) monthly from the government until your child turns 18.
After the Baby is Born
Mothers are by law given up to a year paid maternity leave, which they have to share with the father if he wishes. Mothers can choose to share up to 6 months of their leave with the father. Fathers are by law given 3 months of paternity leave and are expected to take it. It is very common to see men pushing strollers around the streets and parks of Norway and nobody looks twice, except newly arrived expats and immigrants. After the year is up, parents are guaranteed their same position when they return to work.
Special clinics for baby care (helsestasjon) are a unique part of the Norwegian health system. At these clinics, children under school age are weighed and measured on a regular basis and given the necessary immunizations. Nurses specializing in baby care and child development are available to answer questions and discuss any concerns you may have.
If and when your child is sick, you do not have to pay the doctor for examining your child. By law, both the mother and the father are each allowed 10 days sick leave on behalf of their children, so that there is always a parent available to take care of a sick child. You need never request the day off, as it is your guaranteed right as a parent.
