Expecting a baby in New Zealand can be a wonderful experience, with a high standard of maternal and infant care, as well as a supportive culture for new families. Read on to discover some key things that expats should know about pregnancy in New Zealand.
The public health system in New Zealand
Pregnancy and childbirth are covered by public healthcare in New Zealand. The country has a publicly funded healthcare system called the New Zealand Public Health System (NZPHS), which provides free or low-cost healthcare services to eligible residents and citizens. This includes access to pregnancy and childbirth-related services, such as prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. However, whether you have access to these funded services will depend on your visa status.
Pregnancy and your immigration status in New Zealand
Pregnancy and immigration can be complex issue, especially for expats who are not yet citizens or permanent residents of the country. If you're planning to have a baby in the country, it's important to check that your New Zealand visa allows you to stay in the country for the entire duration of your pregnancy and beyond. If you're pregnant and in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, your partner may be able to sponsor you for a visa. This can allow you to stay in the country for the duration of your pregnancy and beyond.
If you're pregnant and have lived in New Zealand for a certain period of time, you may be eligible to apply for residency. This can provide you with a more secure immigration status, allowing you to stay in the country for the long term and giving you access to public healthcare services.
Depending on your visa status, you may need to pay for some or all of the costs associated with childbirth. If you're eligible for public healthcare services, most expenses should be covered, but if you're not, you may need to take out private health insurance or pay for services out of pocket.
One thing to consider is that if you have a baby in New Zealand and are not a citizen or permanent resident, the immigration status of your child may be affected. It's important to seek advice from an immigration specialist to understand your options and the potential implications for your family.
Paying for pregnancy and childbirth
If you are ineligible for public health care and are on a temporary visa allowing you to visit, study or work in New Zealand, you need to show Immigration NZ that you have a minimum of NZD $9000 to pay for any maternity care required. You can either pay these costs yourself, or provide evidence of a sponsor who can guarantee to cover the costs. More information about paying for maternity care can be found on New Zealand's immigration website. Be aware that you must disclose your pregnancy status when applying for a visa.
If you do end up paying for pregnancy out of pocket, the costs can vary depending on your location, the type of birth, and how long your hospital stay is. For a normal birth with no complications or secondary care, Birthcare Auckland charges $4,500. A postnatal stay in a standard room costs $1,500 per night, and a post-natal stay in a private room costs $1,800 per night. These figures will vary depending on a number of factors but can be considered a ballpark estimate.
Midwives in New Zealand
Childbirth in New Zealand is approached with a focus on providing women with safe, supportive, and empowering care. Midwives play a critical role in this approach and are the primary care provider for many women throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Unlike other countries where an ob-gyn might be your primary caregiver around pregnancy, in New Zealand, midwife-led care is the most common form of care for women during pregnancy and childbirth. This means that a midwife will provide comprehensive care, including prenatal care, monitoring the baby's growth, preparing for birth, and postpartum support.
Midwives in New Zealand are highly trained and regulated healthcare professionals who offer personalized care to women. They take a holistic approach to care, considering not just the physical aspects of pregnancy and birth but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the woman and her family. Midwives work in partnership with women to ensure their birth experience is as positive as possible. This may involve working with other healthcare providers, such as obstetricians or pediatricians, when necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes for mother and baby.
The role of midwives in New Zealand is to provide care and support to women throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. During prenatal care, midwives will monitor the baby's growth and check for any potential risks. They will also prepare women for birth, discussing options for labor and delivery and helping women to create a birth plan. During labor and delivery, midwives provide hands-on support and guidance, helping women to manage pain and encouraging them to be active participants in their own birth experience. After birth, midwives provide postpartum care and support, including checking the baby's health and helping women to adjust to their new role as a parent.
Home or hospital birth in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, women have the option of giving birth at home or in a hospital setting. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision about where to give birth is a personal one that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Home birth
Giving birth at home is a popular choice for many women in New Zealand who prefer a more intimate and relaxed birth environment. Home births are attended by midwives who provide care and support throughout labor and delivery. Home births are typically low-risk and considered safe for women who meet certain criteria, such as having a straightforward pregnancy and no medical complications.
Hospital birth
Hospital births in New Zealand are typically attended by midwives or obstetricians, depending on the woman's individual needs and circumstances. Hospital births offer the advantage of having medical facilities and staff on hand in case of emergency. Some women prefer the security of having access to medical equipment and interventions if necessary.
It is important to note that while home births are available in New Zealand, not all women are eligible to have a home birth. Factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy complications, and the baby's position during labor may make a hospital birth more appropriate. Women should discuss their options with their midwife or doctor to determine which type of birth is best for them.
Private clinic
Due to the high quality of publicly funded free maternity care, most women in New Zealand will give birth using the public health system. However, if you wish or need to use a private clinic there are a few options available, especially in Auckland, where women can choose from clinics like Birthcare and MAMA Maternity. The costs of giving birth at these clinics vary depending on the complexity of the birth. As noted above, a complication-free birth at Birthcare Auckland will set you back $4500.
Ante-natal classes in New Zealand
Antenatal classes, also known as childbirth education classes, are an important part of preparing for childbirth in New Zealand. These classes are designed to help expectant parents understand the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of pregnancy, labor, birth, and early parenthood.
In New Zealand, antenatal classes are typically led by midwives, childbirth educators, or doulas, and they offer a mix of practical information and hands-on skills training. Classes may cover topics such as pain management techniques, the stages of labor, positions for labor and birth, and postpartum recovery. Some classes may also include discussion of more personal topics, such as the impact of birth on relationships, coping with changes in identity, and preparing for life with a new baby.
Antenatal classes in New Zealand are open to all expectant parents, regardless of where they plan to give birth or who their caregiver is. Some classes may be free, while others may have a fee, depending on your immigration status. Many classes are held in community centers, hospitals, or birthing centers, and they may be offered in a group setting or one-on-one.
Attending antenatal classes can be an excellent way for expectant parents to prepare for the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of childbirth. Classes provide a supportive and educational environment where expectant parents can ask questions, discuss their concerns, and connect with other expectant parents. Antenatal classes can also help to build confidence and empower expectant parents to make informed decisions about their birth experience.
Cultural attitudes to pregnancy in New Zealand
In New Zealand, pregnancy and childbirth are generally viewed as natural and important events in a woman's life. The country has a strong culture of midwifery care, and midwives play a central role in supporting women throughout their pregnancies and births. The healthcare system in New Zealand is based on a woman-centered model, which means that women are at the center of their own care and are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
In terms of cultural attitudes, New Zealand is a diverse and multicultural society, and there may be some variations in attitudes toward pregnancy and childbirth depending on individual beliefs and values. However, in general, pregnancy is viewed as a time of growth and preparation, and women are supported and celebrated as they prepare for motherhood.
The Maori perspective on pregnancy and childbirth is rooted in the traditions and beliefs of Maori culture. In Maori society, pregnancy and childbirth are seen as sacred and significant events, and they are surrounded by a rich tapestry of customs and rituals.
Breastfeeding in New Zealand
Breastfeeding is widely supported and encouraged in New Zealand. The country has a strong culture of breastfeeding, and many resources are available to support mothers who choose to breastfeed. For example, there are lactation consultants, peer support groups, and dedicated breastfeeding rooms in many public spaces.
In terms of cultural attitudes, breastfeeding is viewed as a natural and important aspect of motherhood in New Zealand. Women are encouraged to breastfeed in public, and there are laws in place to protect their right to do so. For example, the New Zealand Human Rights Act provides protection for women who choose to breastfeed in public, and it is illegal for anyone to discriminate against a woman because she is breastfeeding.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
