In May, our family welcomed our second baby—this time in Finland. It was our first time having a child abroad, and to be honest, we were a bit nervous at first. But the whole experience turned out to be not only smooth and reassuring, but also—surprisingly affordable.
After I shared some videos and posts online, a lot of friends started asking:
“So, how much did it actually cost to have a baby in Finland?”
Well, here’s a detailed look at our real experience—including the bill.
What really stuck with me was that emotional support part. Every time we met, the nurse would smile and say things like, “That’s wonderful, everything looks great,” or “You’re doing such a good job,” and sometimes even, “I’m so happy for you.”
As someone from a more reserved cultural background, I wasn’t used to this kind of encouragement—but honestly, it made us feel incredibly supported.
And the best part?
All of this is completely free. Yes, zero cost.
We got to know our nurse pretty well after a few visits. She even helped book a dental checkup for our older child in July.
Waiting area at Neuvola
You can take your own blood pressure and weight measurements before meeting the nurse
At first, I was genuinely worried about the language. Being in a foreign country, and having a baby no less—it felt like a lot. But it turned out I had nothing to worry about. Almost all the doctors and nurses spoke excellent English, and communication was smooth from start to finish. If you really don’t speak English, they can even arrange a free Chinese interpreter. (We didn’t use this, but it’s good to know.)
And the resources? Surprisingly available. Finland has fewer people, but the system is well-organized. All appointments are scheduled in advance—no early morning queues, no number tickets. You show up on time, and you’re seen. No waiting, no crowding, no stress. For someone used to public hospitals in China, this felt like luxury.
In Finland, you don’t know which hospital you’ll go to ahead of time. Once labor begins, you call the midwife hotline, and they tell you where to go based on the situation.
For us, labor started around midnight. We called the midwife, and then drove straight to Espoo Hospital. Even though it was already late at night, she was waiting for us near the 4th-floor elevator with a big smile.
We were taken directly into a private birthing suite—equipped with a bathtub, birthing ball, TV, and a proper bed.
Private delivery room in the hospital
When our baby was born, the midwife even asked me:
“Would you like to cut the umbilical cord?”
And yes—I actually cut the cord myself.
After delivery, we were moved to a cozy family room. It had a private bathroom, a large sofa (which turned into my bed), and a crib for the baby. The hospital even provided bedding and blankets for me. Meals were delivered to our room every day—we didn’t have to worry about anything.
The midwives worked in shifts, so we met someone new every morning. They would gently knock, introduce themselves, ask how we and the baby were doing, and remind us to ring the bell anytime we needed help. They were always warm and attentive, without ever being intrusive.
In Finland, it’s a common tradition for midwives to give newborns a little knitted hat. It’s a small gesture, but full of warmth.
These hats aren’t made by the hospital staff—they’re hand-knitted by volunteers around Finland, often elderly people or members of local charities. They’re donated to maternity wards through the Neuvola network. Each one is unique in color and pattern, symbolizing a one-of-a-kind welcome to the world.
Here’s the full breakdown:
Total cost: €401.40 (about 3,000 RMB)
| Item | Quantity | Unit Price (EUR) | Total (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital stay (3 nights) | 3 | €66.90/night | €200.70 |
| Partner meals & bed | 3 | €58.68/night | €200.70 |
Half of this cost was simply because we chose the family suite.
When you’re discharged, you don’t need to pay anything on the spot. Just head home with your baby—and about a week or two later, the invoice arrives by mail.
The bill we received two weeks later
Living in Finland, I’ve often been touched by the attention to detail here—but this birth experience really blew me away.
At our first postnatal checkup at Neuvola, we saw this cabinet filled with free “newborn kits.” Each family can just take one—completely based on trust, no staff watching.
Our first child was born in a public hospital in Shanghai. It was exhausting. We had to handle everything ourselves—following procedures, lining up, constantly asking staff. The hospital was crowded, the pace was fast, and no one had time for your emotions. On the night of delivery, I rented a lounge chair and slept in the stairwell outside the ward.
In Finland, it’s a totally different story—scheduled appointments, private delivery rooms, midwives introducing themselves and checking in every day… At first, it felt strange. But soon, it felt deeply moving.
This isn’t about getting lucky with “nice” staff—it’s how the whole system is built.
From that gentle knock each morning to the clear, simple €401 bill… everything felt calm and reassuring.
For me, the most shocking part wasn’t the price—it was the peace of mind.
If you’re curious about life, healthcare, or parenting in Finland, feel free to leave a comment or message me directly. I’d be happy to share more—and I hope our experience helps you if you’re considering a new path for your own family.
THE END