Having a baby in Israel brings a mix of excitement and navigating new systems. The good news is that prenatal care and childbirth are well-covered by the health system, and Israel has excellent hospitals for delivery. This guide will walk expectant oleh parents through prenatal care (ΧΧ’Χ§Χ ΧΧ¨ΧΧΧ), hospital choices, and postnatal care, so you know what to expect.
Prenatal Care (Maβakav Herayon)
Once you suspect youβre pregnant, you can go to your Kupat Cholimβs gynecologist to confirm and start follow-up. Prenatal care in Israel is typically done through your health fundβs clinics, not individual OBs delivering your baby (the OB on call at the hospital handles the birth). So, youβll see either a gynecologist or a family doctor/midwife at the Kupah for check-ups throughout pregnancy. These check-ups will include blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure, etc., similar to elsewhere.
Ultrasounds are done at certain weeks: a dating scan early on, a nuchal translucency around 12 weeks, an anatomy scan around 20 weeks, and possibly growth scans later if needed. Some are covered by Kupah fully, some might have a small copay, and a couple (like nuchal and anatomy) can be done either via Kupah or privately. Many Israeli women choose to do some tests privately (for example, higher-level ultrasound with a senior doctor, or NIPT genetic blood tests) β if you want, you can, but Kupah usually covers the basics or gives a reimbursement if you do it privately up to a certain amount.
Youβll also be directed to Tipat Halav (well-baby clinic) during pregnancy for an initial consult, especially if itβs your first baby. They provide guidance on nutrition, and theyβll handle vaccines and growth tracking after birth.
Delivery: Hospitals and the Birth Experience
You can choose to give birth at any hospital you like β youβre not restricted by your Kupah for that. Itβs common to tour a couple of hospital maternity wards (there are often free tours in multiple languages). Hospitals have different reputations: some are known for more natural birth approaches, some have newer facilities, etc. All major cities have at least one good hospital with a maternity ward. As an Anglo oleh, consider if the hospital has English-speaking staff or a reputation for being foreigner-friendly (for instance, many in Jerusalem speak English, in Tel Aviv as well).
Delivery is covered by national health, you donβt pay for a standard birth (only if you opt for extras like a private room or a private midwife/doula which are optional). In the hospital, midwives attend most of the labor, with doctors stepping in for complications. Epidurals are widely available and free if you want one. You can also choose to hire a doula (birth coach) privately for support, which many olim do if they want someone to help bridge language or advocate for their birth plan.
After birth, hospital stay is about 2-3 days for uncomplicated delivery, 4-5 for C-section. Some hospitals offer a βhotelβ or baby-friendly ward where you can recover in a nice setting for a fee (like Hadassah Baby Hotel, etc.), but this is optional luxury.
Postnatal and Newborn Care
Once baby is born, youβll register them for a birth certificate (the hospital gives you forms) and register at Misrad HaPnim for official documents and add them to your Kupat Cholim. Newborn first checkups can be done at the Tipat Halav clinic at about 2 weeks, and then periodic checkups for weight, development, and vaccines (which follow a schedule similar to US/Europe).
Israel offers maternity leave of 15 weeks paid (if youβve worked enough prior, Bituach Leumi pays it) and the option to extend unpaid. Fathers can take some of the leave or take paternity leave after the first 6 weeks if desired (rare but possible). Also note: new mothers get a one-time βbirth grantβ from Bituach Leumi (few hundred shekels) and monthly child allowance per child (kitzvat yeladim) automatically.
Practical Tips:
Prenatal Classes: Many hospitals or Kupot offer prenatal courses (haflamas) β consider joining one. Nefesh BβNefesh and others sometimes have English ones. Good to learn Israeli hospital procedures and meet other expectant parents.
Packing for Hospital: Israeli hospitals provide basic things, but you need to bring personal items and baby clothes/diapers for discharge. Ask on hospital tour what to pack; lists are also online (usually include toiletries, comfortable clothes, phone charger, etc.).
Language During Birth: Many Israeli medical staff know at least some English. Learn key Hebrew phrases for labor (like βkoev liβ β it hurts, βefiduralβ is same in Hebrew for epidural). Having a partner or doula who can translate in the moment can help if youβre concerned.
Bris/Ceremony: If you have a baby boy and plan to do a brit milah (circumcision on day 8), hospitals donβt do that automatically unless medically needed. Youβd arrange a mohel (ritual circumciser) or doctor for that. There are mohels who are also doctors if you prefer a medical professional. This can usually be done at home or synagogue. Ask your community or your Kupah can even recommend a doctor-mohel.
Support Networks: Connect with other new moms/dads. There are English-speaking parenting groups in many areas. They can be a lifesaver for advice (which pediatrician is good with olim, where to buy baby gear, etc.) and for camaraderie during the adjustment to parenthood in a new country.
