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

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

Oslo

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

20 months ago

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...

While I experienced some anxiety during my pregnancy, my overall experience was very positive. Norway has an excellent health care system, though the fact that I would not be able to choose the doctor or midwife, who would deliver my baby, did cause me some anxiety.

I gave birth on May 9, 2008 in Baerum Sykhus, outside of the capital city of Oslo. The two midwives who worked with me were wonderful, both spoke perfect English, which was a blessing since my Norwegian was nearly nonexistent. They actually read the birthplan that I wrote and made a conscientious attempt to follow it. The birth went smoothly, I had an epidural as I had had with my previous two births (in the US). Six hours after arriving at the hospital I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Because there were no complications I had the option of leaving after 6 hours of giving birth or staying in the hospital for up to 3 nights. I chose to stay with my husband and our new son in a family suite for just one night. The stipulation of staying in a family suite was that you had to fend for yourself. A nurse would be available to check on you and the baby but for the most part you were required to get your food for yourself, shower... I enjoyed the independence. The hospital was wonderful... I enjoyed the freedom of choice. The one weird aspect was that since I gave birth on a weekend a pediatrician was not there and we had to bring our baby back for a checkup two days after he was born. Overall giving birth in Norway was a terrific experience.

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

I chose to see my regular physican during my pregnancy. In Norway you can not choose the doctor or midwife who will deliver your baby.

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

I would not worry nearly as much. It was an awesome experience.

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

Relax... the hospitals and midwives are wonderful.