After the delivery of our baby, the first visit with the midwife took place in our own home. A few days after we came home, I called my midwife at the Neuvola and set up a time/date about two weeks after Peanut's birth. It was very nice that we didn't have to go anywhere because at the point, its still a large production to get everyone out the door and mom is still in her early recovery period. Though it created some anxiety as we tidied up a bit and wanted to make sure we had all the baby equipment in order.
On that day, she came to our home with a small bag of supplies to give both me and Peanut a check-up. My medical information is basically all in the 'Maternity Card' I've carried with me since my first visit. I also had a printed out report from the maternity hospital describing the birth, my recovery and Peanut's first doctor's visit at the hospital. The information is not shared electronically among the health centers and hospitals even though they are both public services.
The midwife asked us some questions about general well being, nursing, sleeping and my mental health (occasionally weepy!,but to be expected, she said). She then undressed Peanut and checked her skin condition, eyes, mouth and reflexes. The midwife then produced fish weighing scales from her bag and wrapped Peanut in a diaper cloth before lifting her up by the scales to weigh her. She then took a look at my breasts to see how the nipples were and if the breasts were still engorged. Then, I undressed the lower half and she did a quick visual exam to see how everything was healing.
I had a long list of questions to review with her before she left. Our next appointment will be a childcare nurse at the Neuvola.
Monday, June 13, 2005
You're pregnant in Helsinki - now what?
Finland offers a very comprehensive pre-natal care system for its citizens and residents. Choosing to start a family in Helsinki is very comforting!
When we decided we would like to start our family, I first visited a private clinic for a pre-pregnancy check-up and discussion. I chose a local Diacor office just because it was close by and I was able to combine it with the annual ob/gyn visit my employer paid for. So this required first getting a reference from my office health clinic. During the visit I ran through a list of questions with the doctor who also performed an internal exam and did an ultrasound to check with condition of the cervix and uterus. She did not recommend any pre-natal vitamins or even folic acid because "all of this should be available in the healthy diet Finns eat." I, however, have taken multivitamins all my adult life decided to continue with the LadyVita tablets for expectant mothers (they contain no Vitamin A) and with 400mg folic acid supplement which is highly recommended to ensure healthy spinal and cranial development.
When I thought I was pregnant, it was off to the local pharmacy for a home pregnancy test which to our delight was positive! :-)
I then checked the Helsinki city home pages to find my maternity health center. When I gave them a call, the first question was if this was a desired pregnancy or not. From there I was put in touch with the midwife who covered our area (determined by street address) to make an appointment.
The first appointment was mostly spent getting the basic information down. But, I was surprised they did not perform their own pregnancy test; it was enough that I had a home pregnancy test. She also asked me to chose which hospital I'd like to give birth in - Kätilöopisto or Naistenklinikka. I didn't know much about either, but chose Kätilöopisbecauseuase it offered family rooms where dad could also stay overnight.
What happened from then on is outlined in another posting - Highly Satisfied with Finnish maternity clinics
When we decided we would like to start our family, I first visited a private clinic for a pre-pregnancy check-up and discussion. I chose a local Diacor office just because it was close by and I was able to combine it with the annual ob/gyn visit my employer paid for. So this required first getting a reference from my office health clinic. During the visit I ran through a list of questions with the doctor who also performed an internal exam and did an ultrasound to check with condition of the cervix and uterus. She did not recommend any pre-natal vitamins or even folic acid because "all of this should be available in the healthy diet Finns eat." I, however, have taken multivitamins all my adult life decided to continue with the LadyVita tablets for expectant mothers (they contain no Vitamin A) and with 400mg folic acid supplement which is highly recommended to ensure healthy spinal and cranial development.
When I thought I was pregnant, it was off to the local pharmacy for a home pregnancy test which to our delight was positive! :-)
I then checked the Helsinki city home pages to find my maternity health center. When I gave them a call, the first question was if this was a desired pregnancy or not. From there I was put in touch with the midwife who covered our area (determined by street address) to make an appointment.
The first appointment was mostly spent getting the basic information down. But, I was surprised they did not perform their own pregnancy test; it was enough that I had a home pregnancy test. She also asked me to chose which hospital I'd like to give birth in - Kätilöopisto or Naistenklinikka. I didn't know much about either, but chose Kätilöopisbecauseuase it offered family rooms where dad could also stay overnight.
What happened from then on is outlined in another posting - Highly Satisfied with Finnish maternity clinics
There is such a thing as a free lunch - if you're a child
On Friday, I witnessed one of the summer rituals in the Helsinki suburb of Espoo - free lunch in the park for children!
The free lunches had just kicked off that week on Monday - early June. The park I visited - Asukas Puisto in Tapiola - was overflowing with children ranging from toddlers to young school aged kids who had come with their parents to participate. All they need to bring is their own plate/bowl and eating utensil.
At 11.30, the hot lunch distribution begins. Everyone just lines up and takes their turn. On the menu was a simple potato and chicken casserole. Food is distributed until 12.30 or until supplies run out. Around noon, one of the park "aunts" made an announcement over a bull-horn that no seconds for anyone until everyone has gotten their first plate because 'until supplies run out' means everyone gets some.
A nice tradition that brings parents and children in the neighborhoods together during the summer; it also gives mom/dad a break from preparing one meal. But, its not without its controversy.
I read in the local paper that nearly 700,000 EUR of tax payer money is spent annually on the lunches in the parks. Unfortunately, a lot of food often goes to waste because not enough people show up to eat. This is particularly an issue if its a cooler, rainier summer. But, since food has to be ordered a week in advance, its hard to plan for the weather. One of the mothers in the park on Friday said its a shame that the left-over food cannot be given to the parents. They won't even sell it to the parents. Rather, it goes straight into the trash can.
I also wonder if this kind of benefit is really needed in every neighborhood. On the surface at least very few of the children/parents I saw on Friday looked to be in dire need of a free meal. But, perhaps the purpose is more in developing a sense of community and making sure that every child gets at least one 'healthy', warm meal a day.
The free lunches had just kicked off that week on Monday - early June. The park I visited - Asukas Puisto in Tapiola - was overflowing with children ranging from toddlers to young school aged kids who had come with their parents to participate. All they need to bring is their own plate/bowl and eating utensil.
At 11.30, the hot lunch distribution begins. Everyone just lines up and takes their turn. On the menu was a simple potato and chicken casserole. Food is distributed until 12.30 or until supplies run out. Around noon, one of the park "aunts" made an announcement over a bull-horn that no seconds for anyone until everyone has gotten their first plate because 'until supplies run out' means everyone gets some.
A nice tradition that brings parents and children in the neighborhoods together during the summer; it also gives mom/dad a break from preparing one meal. But, its not without its controversy.
I read in the local paper that nearly 700,000 EUR of tax payer money is spent annually on the lunches in the parks. Unfortunately, a lot of food often goes to waste because not enough people show up to eat. This is particularly an issue if its a cooler, rainier summer. But, since food has to be ordered a week in advance, its hard to plan for the weather. One of the mothers in the park on Friday said its a shame that the left-over food cannot be given to the parents. They won't even sell it to the parents. Rather, it goes straight into the trash can.
I also wonder if this kind of benefit is really needed in every neighborhood. On the surface at least very few of the children/parents I saw on Friday looked to be in dire need of a free meal. But, perhaps the purpose is more in developing a sense of community and making sure that every child gets at least one 'healthy', warm meal a day.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Ahh maternity leave ... paid, loooong and guilt free!
Maternity leave is truly a wonderful thing in Finland. I've been on leave since a month before the due date in April and am not expected back in the office until Jan 2006 when I'm guaranteed a return to my previous position (or equivalent). In the meantime, I earned three months full pay and for the rest of the time, I'm paid a generous monthly sum by KELA (the national social welfare system). And best of all -- its GUILT FREE!!!
Paid leave
All mothers who have been covered by the national health insurance from KELA for at least 180 days immediately before the due date are eligible for the maternity (and later parental allowance) allowance. To make the claim, your midwife at your local Neuvola (health clinic) will provide you with a form that verifies you have been pregnant for at least 154 days. You then drop this form in the mail and KELA will send you a confirmation of the benefit once they process it.
The maternity allowance is paid for the first 105 days (not including Sundays or holidays -- Saturday is considered to be a working day for many benefits), so about the first three months. So, this amount is paid to the mother as she is expected to remain at home to care for the baby during this time. The amount of the allowance is based on your last tax year's income. KELA provides a nifty calculator to help you figure out the daily amount.
The minimum daily amount is 15.20 EUR paid to those working outside the home, studying or unemployed the previous tax year.
In my case, my employer paid my regular salary the first three months of my maternity leave. During this time, the KELA benefit was paid to my employer. Now, I receive a smaller sum from KELA which is about a third of my regular monthly income after tax. Still, by any comparison to the US - extraordinarily generous!
Actually the allowance I'm receiving now is not just a maternity allowance - its the paternal allowance designed for either the mother or father, whoever is staying at home. In practice, its nearly always the mother who continues the leave. This benefit is paid for 158 weekdays, or about 5 months. The amount is calculated in the same manner as the maternity benefit. Both are taxable income.
Details from KELA
Looonnngggg and Guilt Free
I suspect one of the main drivers for many mothers returning to work is simply the need for income. With the money questions ameliorated with the maternity and parental allowances in Finland, the drive to return to work subsides quickly. Not that I'm not a career oriented woman - I am. I have an MBA on top of a college degree and a position at work that carries responsibility, is challenging and on my career path. Its just that I know when I've complete my leave, I'll be able to return to that position without any repercussions on my career, thus dealing a blow to the other reason many women are anxious to return to the workplace.
In fact, as I was getting ready to begin my leave (one month before the due date!), many colleagues wondered if I was planning to take the usual year or was I going to extend my leave for another 2 years. It was assumed I would be gone at least for the year and possibly chose the option of staying home until the child is three. After the extended leave, I would still be guaranteed my job when I returned. No one - and I mean absolutely no one, begrudged me for the leave, hinted that I'd be slipping off the career ladder, etc. What a relief to be able to enjoy this wonderful and unique time with our little one without a single ounce of guilt!!! That's already worth more than any amount of money.
My employer in the meantime would hire a 'maternity leave replacement' worker to cover my tasks temporarily. This topic deserves its own posting, but briefly there is an influx of mostly women who easily end up in a series of these temporary positions. Though temporary workers have access to many of the same benefits as full-time employees, they are still in a precarious situation and at a disadvantage when it comes to trying to obtain loans,etc. They are also not eligible for maternity leave - ie, sometimes having to put off their own families.
Its estimated that each woman out on maternity leave costs the employer about 8,000 - 10,000 EURs in wages, recruitment, training and related expenses.
Naturally, I know many women crave the workplace because they get such a great deal of satisfaction from their jobs and find themselves miserable at home. Fine. These women should return to work as soon as possible for the benefit of themselves, their children and families.
Paid leave
All mothers who have been covered by the national health insurance from KELA for at least 180 days immediately before the due date are eligible for the maternity (and later parental allowance) allowance. To make the claim, your midwife at your local Neuvola (health clinic) will provide you with a form that verifies you have been pregnant for at least 154 days. You then drop this form in the mail and KELA will send you a confirmation of the benefit once they process it.
The maternity allowance is paid for the first 105 days (not including Sundays or holidays -- Saturday is considered to be a working day for many benefits), so about the first three months. So, this amount is paid to the mother as she is expected to remain at home to care for the baby during this time. The amount of the allowance is based on your last tax year's income. KELA provides a nifty calculator to help you figure out the daily amount.
The minimum daily amount is 15.20 EUR paid to those working outside the home, studying or unemployed the previous tax year.
In my case, my employer paid my regular salary the first three months of my maternity leave. During this time, the KELA benefit was paid to my employer. Now, I receive a smaller sum from KELA which is about a third of my regular monthly income after tax. Still, by any comparison to the US - extraordinarily generous!
Actually the allowance I'm receiving now is not just a maternity allowance - its the paternal allowance designed for either the mother or father, whoever is staying at home. In practice, its nearly always the mother who continues the leave. This benefit is paid for 158 weekdays, or about 5 months. The amount is calculated in the same manner as the maternity benefit. Both are taxable income.
Details from KELA
Looonnngggg and Guilt Free
I suspect one of the main drivers for many mothers returning to work is simply the need for income. With the money questions ameliorated with the maternity and parental allowances in Finland, the drive to return to work subsides quickly. Not that I'm not a career oriented woman - I am. I have an MBA on top of a college degree and a position at work that carries responsibility, is challenging and on my career path. Its just that I know when I've complete my leave, I'll be able to return to that position without any repercussions on my career, thus dealing a blow to the other reason many women are anxious to return to the workplace.
In fact, as I was getting ready to begin my leave (one month before the due date!), many colleagues wondered if I was planning to take the usual year or was I going to extend my leave for another 2 years. It was assumed I would be gone at least for the year and possibly chose the option of staying home until the child is three. After the extended leave, I would still be guaranteed my job when I returned. No one - and I mean absolutely no one, begrudged me for the leave, hinted that I'd be slipping off the career ladder, etc. What a relief to be able to enjoy this wonderful and unique time with our little one without a single ounce of guilt!!! That's already worth more than any amount of money.
My employer in the meantime would hire a 'maternity leave replacement' worker to cover my tasks temporarily. This topic deserves its own posting, but briefly there is an influx of mostly women who easily end up in a series of these temporary positions. Though temporary workers have access to many of the same benefits as full-time employees, they are still in a precarious situation and at a disadvantage when it comes to trying to obtain loans,etc. They are also not eligible for maternity leave - ie, sometimes having to put off their own families.
Its estimated that each woman out on maternity leave costs the employer about 8,000 - 10,000 EURs in wages, recruitment, training and related expenses.
Naturally, I know many women crave the workplace because they get such a great deal of satisfaction from their jobs and find themselves miserable at home. Fine. These women should return to work as soon as possible for the benefit of themselves, their children and families.
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