Best Countries to Give Birth in 2024

In 2024, deciding where to give birth is a crucial decision influenced by various factors including healthcare quality, maternity leave policies, support systems, and general well-being for both mother and child. Choosing the best country for childbirth requires a combination of good medical care, strong maternal rights, and child-friendly environments.

Let's dive straight into the top countries that are regarded as the best places to give birth in 2024. These countries have consistently performed well across maternity healthcare, support for mothers, and newborn care. Some of these nations are known for offering the best healthcare services, while others excel in providing paid parental leave and child welfare support.

1. Finland – A Haven for New Mothers Finland stands as a gold standard when it comes to giving birth, offering world-renowned healthcare and exceptional maternity benefits. The Finnish government provides a maternity package to every expectant mother, which includes clothing, baby care items, and even bedding. What’s more, expectant mothers can expect up to 105 working days of paid maternity leave, while fathers are also entitled to 54 working days of paternity leave.

The healthcare system in Finland is universally available to all residents, ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to prenatal care, labor, and postnatal care. The country’s robust public healthcare system ensures high-quality medical care at affordable prices, which is reflected in its low infant mortality rate of 1.8 deaths per 1,000 live births.

1. Sweden – Champion of Parental Leave Sweden is well-known for its extensive parental leave policies, which make it a strong contender for being the best country to give birth in. Mothers can enjoy up to 480 days of paid parental leave that can be shared between both parents. Fathers are also entitled to 90 days of exclusive leave, making Sweden one of the most progressive countries when it comes to gender equality in parenting.

In terms of healthcare, the Swedish system provides top-tier maternity services. Expectant mothers have access to free prenatal classes, regular check-ups, and postnatal home visits by midwives. Swedish hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology, ensuring safe deliveries and immediate care for newborns.

1. Norway – Quality of Life for New Families Norway's strong social safety net makes it a great place to have a baby. Mothers can enjoy 49 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, or 59 weeks with 80% of their salary. The government encourages shared parental leave, allowing families to find a balance between work and parenting.

The Norwegian healthcare system ensures that maternity care is free for all residents, including prenatal visits, birth, and postnatal check-ups. Infant mortality in Norway is one of the lowest globally at 2.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Additionally, the country has some of the best early childhood care and education systems in the world, which makes it easier for families to transition into parenthood.

1. Denmark – Strong Healthcare and Work-Life Balance Denmark is another Scandinavian country that excels in both healthcare quality and parental leave policies. Pregnant women in Denmark have access to free medical services, including regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and birth assistance. Maternity hospitals are known for their high standards, and midwives play a significant role in prenatal and postnatal care.

In terms of leave, Danish mothers can take up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, of which 18 weeks are fully paid. Fathers are also eligible for 14 days of paid paternity leave, which can be taken immediately after the birth. Denmark consistently ranks high in terms of work-life balance, making it an attractive destination for families.

1. Netherlands – The Best of Both Worlds The Netherlands offers a unique approach to childbirth, where mothers have the option to give birth either at home or in a hospital. Midwifery care is highly valued, and many mothers opt for natural births with the support of midwives. However, the healthcare system ensures that hospitals are well-equipped for any complications, providing a safe environment for both mother and baby.

Mothers in the Netherlands are entitled to 16 weeks of maternity leave, and partners can take 6 weeks of paternity leave. The country also emphasizes postnatal care, providing mothers with kraamzorg, a postpartum nurse who assists with baby care and housework for the first 8 to 10 days after birth. This service is often considered a luxury in other parts of the world, but in the Netherlands, it’s part of the standard maternity package.

1. Iceland – Gender Equality and Parental Support Iceland is known for its strong emphasis on gender equality, and this extends to its parental leave policies. Both parents are entitled to equal leave, with each parent getting 6 months of paid leave, which can be extended. This system allows parents to share the responsibilities equally, providing a balanced start for their child.

The healthcare system in Iceland is state-funded and ensures high standards of maternity care. Mothers have access to free healthcare throughout their pregnancy, including regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and hospital care during labor. Iceland’s small population also allows for a more personalized healthcare experience, which many mothers find comforting.

1. Australia – High Healthcare Standards Australia offers excellent healthcare services for expectant mothers, with a combination of public and private healthcare options. Public hospitals provide free or heavily subsidized maternity care, including prenatal visits, birth services, and postnatal care. In addition, the Medicare system ensures that all residents have access to essential medical services.

Mothers in Australia can take 18 weeks of paid maternity leave, while fathers are entitled to 2 weeks of paid paternity leave. The country also offers parental leave pay, which helps to support families during the first few months after birth. Australia's healthcare infrastructure is robust, and the country ranks high for safety in childbirth.

1. New Zealand – Supportive Maternity Care New Zealand provides a high standard of care for mothers and newborns. The government funds maternity services, including prenatal care, hospital births, and postnatal support, ensuring that all mothers receive the care they need. Midwives play a central role in the healthcare system, providing personalized care from the moment a pregnancy is confirmed.

Mothers can take up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, while fathers can take 2 weeks of paternity leave. Additionally, New Zealand is known for its parent-friendly policies, with flexible work arrangements for new parents and excellent early childhood education services.

1. Canada – Excellent Healthcare for All Canada’s universal healthcare system ensures that every mother has access to high-quality medical care throughout their pregnancy and delivery. Prenatal visits, labor, and postnatal care are covered by the public healthcare system, making it an affordable option for all residents.

Canada offers up to 18 months of parental leave, which can be shared between both parents. The long leave period allows parents to bond with their newborns without worrying about job security or income. In addition to excellent healthcare, Canada’s cities rank highly for safety, cleanliness, and child welfare, making it one of the best countries to raise a family.

1. Singapore – World-Class Medical Facilities Singapore is renowned for its world-class healthcare facilities, and this extends to its maternity services. Expectant mothers have access to advanced medical technology and highly trained healthcare professionals. Both public and private hospitals in Singapore provide top-notch maternity care, with options ranging from natural births to high-risk pregnancies.

Mothers in Singapore are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, while fathers are eligible for 2 weeks of paternity leave. Although the cost of healthcare can be high in private hospitals, the quality of care is exceptional, making Singapore one of the best places for childbirth in Asia.

Conclusion Choosing the best country to give birth in 2024 involves considering factors like healthcare quality, parental leave policies, and overall child welfare support. Countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway offer excellent parental leave policies, while nations such as Australia and Canada provide world-class healthcare systems. Ultimately, the best country for childbirth will depend on your personal preferences and priorities, but these ten countries stand out as the top destinations for expectant mothers.