Having Babies in Norway

Prior to moving abroad, everyone I knew gave birth in Canada and while I personally hadn't gone through the process, I had a general idea of what pre and postnatal care looked like there.  Once I stepped into the expat lane, I was fascinated by all of the countries my new friends had given birth in, regardless of where they're originally from.  From South Korea to France to Dubai, it was interesting to me (even pre-pregnancy) as to how it all went down.  Sure, giving birth is giving birth no matter where you are but each culture brings it's own set of methods.  Norway is no different.  While there are similarities to what I might be familiar with, there are also differences.

On Prenatal Care…

+Midwifery is alive and well in Norway.  In fact, the majority of all babies are delivered by midwives in hospitals without a physician present.  Pregnant women have the choice to use their regular GP (fastlege,) a midwife or a combination of the two for their prenatal care but most doctors will strongly recommend you visit the midwife at least once as they are considered the experts on labour and delivery.

+Pregnancy is treated much less like a medical condition and much more like a normal part of life.  Like many aspects in the Norwegian healthcare system, common sense prevails.  Many tests that are routinely run in North America aren't even mentioned here.  I didn't have a glucose test and strep b was never brought up.  My iron levels were checked with a finger prick a couple of times and I was required to bring a urine sample to every appointment.  I had blood drawn once.  Despite this, maternal mortality rates are one third of the United States and nearly half of Canada.  The same goes for infant mortality rates.  Medical intervention during labour is also much less common.

+There are also private midwives and private physicians that you may choose to go to for care.  Of course, there is cost involved as they are not part of the regular healthcare scheme.  Also, at the hospital, the person that delivers your baby is the person on call regardless of who you've seen for your entire pregnancy.

On Labour…
+Almost all women give birth in hospitals in Norway.  (Home births, at least in this region, are quite rare. I've also never heard of any birthing centres.)  In the Stavanger hospital, there are two places in which one may give birth.  The first is the 'birthing loft' which is for uncomplicated, normal pregnancies and is completely run by midwives and baby nurses.  It is recommended that all women start there unless their situation requires closer medical attention.  Should a situation arise, or should the labouring woman want an epidural, they would be transferred to the first floor.  There really isn't much difference between the two other than the fact that the first floor is outfitted with more medical equipment and there is a physician consulting with the midwives regularly.  My midwife explains that both the doctors and the midwives work very well together and rely on each other and their expertise to assist the labouring women.

+In Stavanger, mothers and babies stay in the hospital for 3 nights after a normal delivery.  There is a hotel within the hospital with an entire floor dedicated to maternity.  Depending on room availability, fathers and other family members may also check in.  The rooms are exactly like a hotel room except they include a large changing table in the washroom and a nursing station is located at the end of the hallway.  Midwives and baby nurses will check on you several times daily and are a phone call away should you need anything.  There was also a standard itinerary for each day including learning to bathe your baby and other health tests for the infant.  The stay is cost-free for mothers but other family members pay for their stay and food.

On Cost…
+The government literally pays you to have children.  Every baby born in Norway is entitled to a Lump-Sum Benefit (including mine!)  In 2014, the sum totalled over 38 000 kroner or over $6000 CAD.  This is to help take care of the extra costs associated with having a child.  The payouts don't stop there.  One also receives 970 kroner per month ($160) until the child turns 18.

+Speaking of money, prenatal care is also completely covered under the national healthcare scheme.  As soon as you are officially pregnant in the eyes of the system, you don't even have to pay the nominal fee per appointment.

On Parental Leave…
+Norway has a very generous parental leave.  One chooses between taking 49 weeks at 100% pay or 59 weeks at 80% coverage.  There are some regulations as to how the leave can be used (read about it here) but essentially, both the mother and the father are entitled to some time off after the arrival of a new family member.

+It is quite common for Dads to take a substantial amount of paternity leave.  During the day, I see many men pushing prams and collecting groceries.

Other...
+Breastfeeding is highly encouraged and very common in Norway.  Breastfeeding in public is also very common and I've never seen a woman use a cape or cover.

+When mother and baby return home, a visit from a health sister will be set up.  She'll come to your home to check in with you and go over the schedule of appointments and wellness checks for your baby.  She'll speak to you about your labour and make sure that any concerns are addressed or will direct you to the appropriate venues.

+High-end strollers and prams are the average here.  Bugaboo, Emmaljunga and Stokke are the most popular on the streets.  More affordable car seat/stroller options aren't even really available here.  I assume with the cash benefits, people are more willing to spend greater amounts on baby gear.

…………………………………………...

I had nothing but a positive experience being pregnant and giving birth in Norway.  I have even joked that should we decide to expand our brood in the future, we might have to move back.

I'm curious - have you or someone you know given birth abroad? What was the experience like?  (IE, if Norway isn't in the cards, where should I move next?)

This & That: Pregnancy Update

Lately on Instagram

Generally…
It appears that time has sped up and I have slowed down.  Here we are at September second and I'm just over 33 weeks pregnant (meaning I have 7 or so left.)  While time seems to be flying (cue old age jokes now) the speed at which I'm doing anything is passive, at best.  I'm constantly several steps behind Joe, getting out of bed and getting dressed require grunting and a substantial break is needed after completing any task.  While my sleeping habits are resembling that of my teenage days, I'm also in a losing battle with insomnia.  It's actually quite cruel - everyone is telling you to sleep now because you probably never will again yet at 3 am, sleeping might as well be climbing Mount Everest.

Being informed…
Just over a week ago, Joe and I completed our Birth and Baby prep course.  I was hesitant going in (the whole ignorance is bliss thing) yet aside from a few 'oh shit' moments, I came out feeling quite capable.  We all know where babies come from and how they're born but the actual science behind labour is really quite fascinating.  Essentially, it's like a symphony and everything is designed to work together.  (Did you know that even if I were knocked unconscious during labour, my body would still know exactly what to do and most likely be able to deliver a healthy baby? Crazy!)  It was a good reminder that education is empowering with a dose of que sera, sera.

The Stuff…
I started a small list awhile back of the baby essentials that I figured we should have pre-birth and aside from a few small things, we've basically checked everything off.  It's interesting how different baby shopping has been for us due to our current lifestyle choices.  We've been moving around the world with 6 suitcases and one small air shipment.  We're renting a furnished apartment and we have no idea where we'll be heading next.  We just don't physically have the space for a lot of stuff.  Instead of spending the bulk of money on nursery furniture, our biggest purchase was easily the pram/stroller (thanks Mom & Dad) because we know it'll come with us.  It's been good to pare down, keeping our accumulation minimal, in a world where it is so easy to buy every crazy baby thing on the market.  But, I am human and there have been purchases that probably likely wouldn't be considered essential.  I have to have a little fun!

Also, like shopping for anything else in Norway, choice is rather limited.  Each of the baby stores in town carry almost the exact same merchandise and often, things I hear about from friends at home aren't available here.  There are, however, some fantastic European brands to try out.

Names…
Joe and I have not discussed one single name.  Early on we decided that we'd each create a list and at some point, we'd sit down and share our respective ideas.  If we were lucky, we'd find one or more names gracing both pieces of paper (I have my doubts.)  We've yet to do this.  My list is created; Joe's is 'in his head' (more doubts.)  I hope to have a few options agreed upon in the next few weeks but I don't think we'll formally make a decision until we meet the kid.

Speaking of the kid…
He's busy packing on the pounds and getting stronger.  Things are getting cramped in there and he lets me know all.the.time.  He's still moving and grooving regularly although he's gotten less spastic.  He pushes really hard against my stomach creating a hard lump that protrudes out my side and I have to remind him that that is not the way out.

Mentally…
The entire idea that we are having a baby is really starting to settle in.  The other night we were taking out the garbage and in the elevator Joe commented that pretty soon it won't be just the two of us anymore.  At the same time we both said, "I'm a little sad about that."  Clearly we're excited and happy about our expanding family yet there's something to be said about acknowledging the changes that are coming.  Life has been good as a couple and life will be good as a trio but there is the teeniest bit of sadness in having to share my husband.

Also, I bought diapers yesterday.  Aside from the visit to the hospital last week, that was the biggest dose of reality I've had yet.

Movements

The kid around week 28

There are certain milestones in pregnancy that most everyone anxiously awaits.  There's the magical end of the first trimester marking the disappearance of that pesky nausea and then spreading the happy news.  There's the moment when you start to notice your belly protruding and then the moment where your belly no longer resembles what it looks like after a holiday meal but an actual pregnant belly.  There's hearing the heartbeat for the first time and finding out if you've got a baby boy or a baby girl growing in there.  And then there's the movement.

I haven't done a very good job of documenting my pregnancy so I can't tell you exactly when I started to feel the kid grooving but it was pretty early on.  Early enough that I questioned (as many pregnant women do) if it is in fact the baby moving, or if it's gas.  People and blogs and books will tell you it feels like flutters or bubbles.  I'll tell you, it feels like something.  Something that could be mistaken for gastrointestinal things but another something tells you it's not.  Later comes the time when it's unmistakable.  The "whoa, yup. There's someone in there."  Looking back, I can't pinpoint exactly when this happened but I do know that those "whoas" were big enough for Joe to have felt before my first midwife appointment at week 17.

I'm not a particularly sentimental person.  You will not find me oohing and ahhing to anyone and everyone about the wonders of pregnancy.  I haven't come up with any cutesy names for the child occupying my abdomen and I don't sit in his room with tears in my eyes as I sift through his clothes.  But, as this baby grows and his movements are stronger and more pronounced, I can't help but feel a special connection, beyond the physical, with this little boy.

There's the moments where he's stretching and his movements are slow but strong as if he's just waking up and pressing his back, legs and arms as far as the space will allow.  His head or back or bum protrude out the side of my belly making a hard, round surface.  I'll gently push back, sometimes out of discomfort, and he'll respond by either moving on to another spot or pushing back.

There's the times where almost instantaneously after food or drink drift across my mouth, the movements are sudden and sharp.  I imagine him throwing his fist into the air in a sort of, "woohoo, what do we have here?'  These jumps are sporadic and impossible to predict, particularly if I've had something sugary or the temperature more extreme.  A cold drink of water or a hot tea will really start the spastic dance that might last ten minutes or more.  These are the ones that are fun to watch from the outside as my belly contorts with him.

There are times when the movements are undetectable from the outside but completely rhythmic.  Logic tells me he has the hiccups but I prefer to think he's just carrying a beat, tapping along to a song in his head like his Mama is known to do.  Other times, completely unexpectedly, I'll take a single kick to an organ, usually the bladder.  By the time I've complained vocally, it's over.

At night as I'm settling into bed and reading, he begins his workout.  It's as if he crouches himself into a ball and then throws his arms and legs out, flails around a bit and returns to the ball.  Over and over again I'll feel limbs protruding on either side of my belly.  I'll tease Joe telling him his son is acting up and it's his turn to take over or I'll address the kid directly, trying to persuade him to calm down for bedtime.  But, like clockwork every night, he picks up his routine.

These movements are bizarre, occasionally uncomfortable and annoying but also kind of amazing.  While Joe partakes when he can, it's me that knows the schedule and it's me that feels the full breadth of every kick and stretch.  While we've yet to meet face to face, I'm starting to get an idea as to who this little person is - small glimpses into his personality.  I wonder if I'll recognize his moves when he's out, putting the pieces to the puzzle together confirming what I felt but couldn't see.  Even though pregnancy is fraught with more than its share of discomfort, it's in these moments of movement that I'm reminded just how incredible the entire process is.

And that's about as sentimental as I'll get.

Favourites: Pregnancy Edition

Apologies in advance for those of you who could care less about pregnancy related posts - feel free to skip over this one.

Pre-pregnancy, I didn't fully grasp the immense amount of change that the body and mind go through while growing a human.  Perhaps I didn't care or perhaps the entire process just felt so far away that I didn't actually consider what pregnancy actually consisted of.  In any case, it was a bit of a shock and I desperately scoured for information and tips to help ease into this period of growth.

While I like to think of myself as relatively relaxed about the whole thing, there are times when everything feels different and anything that provides a little comfort is welcome.  And thus, here are those things - in no particular order.

YogaGlo
As I began my second trimester, I started attending an English prenatal yoga class.  The yoga itself wasn't that fulfilling but the community was nice so I continued to go but I also wanted to develop a better practice.  I was skeptical about online classes - they aren't usually my thing - but I quickly became hooked to YogaGlo.  My favourite teacher is Jo Tastula and the Active Second Trimester Flow is to die for.  I aim for 3 classes a week - sometimes I do more and sometimes I do less but it has made all the difference in my day.

Gaia Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter
I started off using Mama Bee Belly Butter which was perfectly fine but while I was in Canada, I came across the Gaia and I LOVE it!  The scent reminds me of a spa and it makes my skin soft and relieves any itchiness.  And, knock on wood, no stretch marks yet.

My Chiropractor
I had never visited a chiropractor before but I've long suffered from pain in my upper and lower back.  I suppose it was fear holding me back but when I came across a clinic in Stavanger that specializes in women and children, I took a leap of faith and made an appointment.  Best. Decision. Ever.  I don't know why I wasn't doing this much earlier.  In terms of pregnancy, chiropractors can help to relieve a lot of pain in your back and pelvis.  There's studies that with a better aligned body, your labour will be quicker and post-pregnancy, it's also supposed to help get things back to where they once were.  I also see many-a newborn babies going into the clinic - apparently it can help with colic.  We'll see.

Magnesium Citrate Powder
Half way into my second trimester I was jolted awake nearly every night with terrible leg cramps.  There's nothing like writhing in pain to ruin a good sleep.  Carly suggested magnesium powder.  Ever since, I've been mixing myself a cup at night and I haven't had a problem.

When it comes to food…
I'm so thankful to have the variety of summer fruits and vegetables.  Bowls of banana, raspberry and Norwegian strawberries have been a great snack as have fruit smoothies (I usually add frozen berries, a banana and some apple juice.)  It's also been a challenge to find drinks aside from water and orange juice.  Cocktails aren't common in Norway so ordering a virgin of something isn't really a possibility but at home, I have had virgin bloody marys and lately, a cranberry, sparkling water with a twist of lime has been nice.  This Aranciata Rossa from San Pelligrino is quickly becoming a new favourite.  I wish I had some magical fixes to share for the torture that was my first trimester but I don't really - everything tasted terrible.

And for the clothes…
I would have never guessed that it would be near impossible to find maternity clothes that I felt comfortable in here in Norway given that there are pregnant women everywhere.  But, alas, H&M seemed to be the only option and I didn't like it.  I'd much rather spend money on a few quality pieces than a bunch of cheap stuff that doesn't feel nice.  I got away with the hair elastic on my jeans trick for awhile but I was desperate to buy clothes when I arrived in Canada this June.

I ordered 2 tank tops and a pair of leggings from Storq which might just be the softest cotton I've ever felt.  I will live in those leggings right up until the arrival of this baby and probably afterwards as well.  (I didn't buy the skirt or dress as I figured I wouldn't get use out of them in Norway.  During this heat wave, I wished I had them.)

I bought one pair of maternity jeans while in Norway but the full panel that's meant to go up over your belly, right under your chest felt so uncomfortable for me.  Paige Denim have jeans with small sections of elastic above the pockets so they look and feel like regular pants.  I have these ones and these ones.

I'm still wearing quite a bit of non-maternity clothes including a couple of long maxi dresses (here and here,) pretty much all of my Lululemon stuff and my cardigans from All Saints.  I bought a few things from Gap Maternity and Loft Maternity but many of my favourite tops came from an independent store in Calgary (Posh Mommy for those of you who find yourselves there.  They have a few things available online too.)


And there you have it - the things that have made my pregnancy a little easier thus far.  Do you have anything to add?

This & That

I am back in Stavanger after nearly 3 weeks in Canada.  The trip was nice and relaxed with only a few side trips.  My time was filled mostly with visiting, HGTV and baby shopping.  It seems like the longer I've been gone from Canada, the less stressed I feel about trips home.  I'm no longer stretching myself and my time so thin and it's much more enjoyable even if that means not seeing as many people as I'd like.

While I was in Canada, we officially passed the two year mark since we left Gabon for Norway.  This thought baffles me.  The idea that we've been in Norway now longer than we were in Gabon seems completely unreal.  After 2 years in Port Gentil, we were both itching to leave yet neither of us are feeling particularly anxious to move on from Stavanger.  Clearly, our second expatriation was an easier transition.  Funnily, sometimes we reminisce about our past, more adventurous life and feel a little nostalgic for the exotic.  As great as our time in Norway has been, I can see us pushing for something different when the time comes to move.

On that note - yes, we're still in Stavanger and while I don't really want to jinx anything, we're feeling pretty confident about being here for the next little while.  Of course, that can change and it often feels like when we're comfortable, someone decides to throw a wrench in our plans but particularly with the impending birth of our first child, we're laying low and would prefer to stay put.  One major life change is enough at this point.

On the pregnancy front, I'm still feeling pretty good.  We've really grown a lot over the past few weeks and I'm now noticing a bit of a struggle when putting on socks and shoes.  I've been feeling movements for quite some time but they're certainly more noticeable these days.  He is very active in utero, particularly when I'm eating or trying to go to sleep.  Joe felt him move for the first time a couple of weeks before I left for Canada and it's even quite easy to see him moving around on the outside too which is just so bizarre.

I returned to Norway with a large duffel bag full of baby gear and while I was gone, Joe purchased a crib.  We have picked out our stroller and car seat but we aren't rushing into purchasing just yet in hopes that we'll see some sales come up over the next month.  While home, I also stocked up on maternity clothing which is surprisingly hard to find in Norway.  I am feeling so much more comfortable now in clothes that fit properly.  

Our summer travel schedule is practically non-existent right now.  This week we surrender our residence cards as we renew them which pretty much keeps us grounded until our new ones arrive.  I'm hoping to plan a last minute excursion to the Hardanger Fjord in the coming weeks when the weather looks nice and things are slower for Joe at work.  Joe might escape to Berlin for a weekend on his own in August to visit a friend and if I'm lucky, we might squeeze in one more international trip before I hit the no-fly zone but time is running out.  Summer is so short in Norway so I'm happy to stick around and enjoy it while it's here.

That's about it on this end  - what is new with you?  Any exciting summer plans?

The FAQ's

For those of you not on Instagram…

When one announces they're pregnant, it's inevitable that the questions and the comments start coming whether you are ready for them or not.  I remember when we found out at 5 weeks, I couldn't fathom waiting until 12 weeks to spill the beans.  We told our immediate families and a couple of my closest girlfriends over the next few weeks but as we entered the safe zone, something about doing a big attention grabbing announcement didn't feel comfortable.  Of course, we wanted to share the news but the thought of creating a lot of fuss and the subsequent bombardment of questions wasn't attractive to me.  Instead, we slowly told people as we talked to them, one by one (or let our parents spread the news as they had been bursting at the seams.)

Our situation is perhaps a bit more unique which creates a lot of curiosity about how everything is going to happen.  As I continue in this latter half of pregnancy, I might do a few posts about having a baby abroad and specifically in Norway.  Pre-baby, I always thought it was interesting - women do this in every city and in every country around the world and while the result is the same, the process varies.

But, for now, to answer the general questions you might be wondering...

How are you feeling?

Much, much better, thank you.  The first trimester was miserable.  I knew that there was a good chance that I wouldn't be feeling up to par.  I was not prepared to feel completely unlike myself.  I was so happy to say 'au revoir' to that entire experience.  These days, I'm feeling pretty darn good.

When are you due?

Mid-October.

Are you moving back to Canada?

No, much to my mother's chagrin.

Will you give birth in Norway or Canada?

I'm happy to be giving birth in Norway.  Norway is a very family-centric society and the system for pregnancy & birth reflects that.  It's also less medical here which aligns a little more with my own personal beliefs.  My care thus far has been really great.  I love my midwife, I feel well cared for and comfortable.  It also helps that this is my first time around the block - I don't have any expectations as to how things 'should' go so I'm not focussed on the differences.

Will your baby have a Norwegian passport?

No.  While he will be born in Stavanger, he does not meet the criteria for Norwegian citizenship.  We'll apply for a Canadian passport as soon as he arrives.

He? Does that mean you know it's a boy?

Yes! He's a he!

Will your parents come over to help out after the birth?

No, I don't think so.  I'm ok with that.  I've always been pretty independent and I like to have the space and time to figure things out on my own.  In fact, most of my friends that have given birth abroad speak of it as a really special time as a couple and family.  I look forward to that.  However, our parents will be very anxious to meet their first grandson (they both have one granddaughter.)  If we take too long to get a passport and board a flight to Canada, they might just show up on the doorstep.

Am I missing anything? Any other general questions?  I won't guarantee to answer them (you wouldn't believe the amount of weirdly personal questions people will come out with) but you can try!

And thank you to all of you who left 'Congratulations' on Instagram - one of the most unexpected but loveliest things has been feeling the excitement of others on this big transition for us.