An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Stavanger, Norway

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Stavanger

How recently did you give birth in the country that you are reporting on?

February 2008

Describe your experience giving birth there. What type of facility did you go to? What (if any) type of pain management did you use? How long did you stay in the hospital? Was it a positive experience? Etc...

I hear that if you have a normal delivery without any problems this can be a great place to give birth. However, any hick-ups and you will wish you were somewhere else. Too many bad stories to tell, but my own was a simple c-section. I had 2 previously in the USA and they were a breeze. I seriously don't think the surgeon knew what she was doing. She doubled the size of my incision and the baby was less than 8 lbs - the smallest baby I have had. My recovery was 2 or 3 days in the USA but it was more like 2 or 3 months here. I am glad this was our last child because if it had been the first then it would have been our only. Oh, and I had to have a spinal. It took the man 2 tries to be successful and then I developed a spinal headache that took the nurses 3 days to resolve. Sadly it was a horrible experience for me, but luckily our baby was just great!

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How did you choose your doctor, midwife or other type of medical professional?

I didn't choose anyone. Choosing was not an option for my particular situation.

If you were to have another child in this country, would you do anything differently in terms of preparation and/or the delivery?

Yes, I would go back to the USA to give birth.

If a friend of yours living in the same country were expecting a baby, what advice would you give her?

If she were able to have a natural child birth, I would say 'go for it'. If she knew up front that she needed a c-section or there could be any complications, I would say 'run'.