Having a baby anywhere in the world is an exciting experience, and you want to know that you have the best care and advice available in the months surrounding the birth. The health system in New Zealand is of a good standard, especially its care and support for expectant mothers.
Unless you have elected a home birth, you are likely to be giving birth in one of the larger city or town hospitals. Christchurch Women’s Hospital, for example, is a recently-built addition to the main Christchurch Hospital and has excellent facilities for delivery and recovery. Some have even likened it to staying in a hotel!
Once discharged from these main hospitals you will transfer to a community-run hospital for a period of time to recover and rest. Nursing staff and midwives at these facilities are there to assist you. Unless there have been complications with your delivery, you do have the option to be discharged straight home should you so wish.
There are a number of organisations set up to help, such as Plunket and The Midwives Association, who will provide valuable ongoing support and advice.
Midwives
Midwives play a pivotal role in New Zealand, looking after you throughout your pregnancy, the birth and in the first few months after your child is born.
For a detailed list of the services midwives provide visit www.midwife.org.nz
Plunket
Plunket is a national charity which provides information, advice and support to parents through their children's development from birth to age five. Their services include:
- Plunket Nurse visits (equivalent to a UK Health Visitor)
- Parent Groups and Parenting Education
- Car Seat Rental Schemes
- Toy Libraries
- PlunketLine (a free telephone advice service for parents).
You can ask for the advice and support of a Plunket nurse if you move to New Zealand with young children under the age of five. Plunket is also an excellent way to meet other parents in your area .
The majority of Plunket services are free of charge and are available nationwide. For more information visit www.plunket.org.nz
Maternity leave/paternity leave
Statutory maternity leave of 14 continuous weeks may start up to 6 weeks before your expected due date. If you are planning to take maternity leave, you must write to your employer at least three months before your expected due date. There are some employers who offer additional maternity leave. As an expectant mother you may also take special leave of up to 10 days before maternity leave for reasons connected with pregnancy (e.g. antenatal checks).
Paternity leave of either one week (for a spouse/partner with six months eligible service), or two weeks (for a spouse/partner with 12 months eligible service) may be taken. Paternity leave can be extended in certain circumstances.
For full details about maternity and paternity leave visit the Department of Labour at http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/parentalleave/
For more general pregnancy and baby information go to www.kidspot.co.nz