Having a Baby in Denmark: What Will Surprise You Most | 168

Having a Baby in Denmark: What Will Surprise You Most | 168

From What Are You Doing in Denmark? by Derek Hartman

July 20, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the experience of having a baby in Denmark from an international perspective, comparing it to the American system.

Thinking about having a baby in Denmark? Whether you're expecting, planning ahead, or just curious about how Danish healthcare works, this episode is packed with first-hand experience. Derek and Brooke are joined once again by Ilana Buhl, who shares what it was really like to go through pregnancy, give birth, and recover as an international in Denmark. We compare the Danish and American systems, talk about prenatal care, labor, postpartum support, maternity leave, and the little cultural surprises that no one warns you about. In this episode we discuss: Why Denmark has far fewer prenatal appointments than the U.S. The surprising differences in ultrasounds and pregnancy testing Giving birth in English at a Danish hospital Epidurals, laughing gas, and birth plans Going home with your newborn (much sooner than many Americans expect) The home nurse who visits after birth Denmark's generous parental leave and why it changes everything If you've ever wondered what it's actually like to have a baby in Denmark as a foreigner, this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe to What Are You Doing in Denmark for weekly conversations that help internationals make Denmark make sense. Catch our other…

People in this episode

Host: Derek Hartman

Guest: Ilana Buhl

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Denmark, U.S.

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