Why Hospital Births in Reykjavik are More Personal Than Ever

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the world of pregnancy and childbirth? Or maybe you’re not pregnant yet, just planning ahead.

Either way - I know you’ll learn a lot here! 

When I first discovered I was pregnant, I had a million questions swirling in my mind. Coming from a different culture and another country, I had no idea what to expect when it came to pregnancy and childbirth here in Iceland. What are the practices in maternity wards? What happens during childbirth? How is it different from back home? I remember wishing there was a blog post or some resource that could guide me through it all.

Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to share this blog post with you - something I would have been so grateful for back then. Liliana, a midwife who works in the maternity ward in Reykjavik, kindly took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few of the questions I sent her way. She shared her thoughts on hospital practices, what to do (and what not to do) during birth, the role of partners and doulas, and even debunked a few common myths about childbirth. I hope her insights will help others feel a little more prepared and confident as they embark on their own journeys!

For someone anxious about giving birth in a hospital setting, what words of reassurance can you offer?

I completely understand how you’re feeling - childbirth is such a big moment, and it's natural to feel anxious, especially in a hospital setting. But I want you to know that you are not alone in this. The hospital is a place where your safety and well-being, as well as your baby’s, are the top priority. The staff there, including midwives, midwife students and doctors are all trained to provide expert care and support through every step of your journey. I also want to remind you that you have the power to guide this experience. You can make choices along the way, whatever it's about your birth plan, pain management options, or how you want your environment to feel. You are the one at the center of this experience and your voice matters the most. It's okay to feel nervous, and it's okay to ask for what you want and need. Your body was made for this, and you have an incredible team around you ready to support you through every breath. Trust in your strength, and know that no matter what unfolds, you are capable of

navigating this with grace. And at the end of it, you will be holding your long-awaited baby and it will all be worth it.

Could you shed light on any innovative techniques or practices you employ during labor and delivery, ensuring both mother and baby are safe and at ease?

Absolutely! In my practice as a midwife, my goal is always to create a calm, supportive, and safe environment for both the mother and baby. I believe in blending evidence based care with compassionate support to ensure that the entire experience feels positive. Here are a few techniques and practices that I incorporate into labor and delivery to support the mother, promote safety, and encourage.

As a midwife, my priority is to create a calm, supportive, and safe environment for both mother and baby throughout labor. Being present is crucial - I stay with the mother as much as possible, offering comfort, encouragement, and answering any questions she or her partner may have. Studies show that this kind of support can significantly reduce the need for interventions like pain medication or cesareans. Listening carefully to what the mother wants and understanding the needs of her and her partner helps establish trust.

Encouraging movement during birth is another key practice. Whether it’s walking around, changing positions, or using tools like a birthing ball, I help the mother find what feels most comfortable. Movement allows the pelvis to open better, relieves pressure on the back, and helps the baby move down naturally. For many women, using warm water - whether through a shower or soaking in a birthing pool - can provide incredible relief. It reduces tension, eases discomfort, and helps them relax, making the whole process feel more manageable.

After the baby is born, I focus on managing the delivery of the placenta to ensure everything progresses safely and to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding. This might include gentle assistance or, if necessary, a small dose of oxytocin to help the uterus contract.

Once the baby is here, I prioritize immediate skin to skin contact between the mother and baby. This is crucial for bonding, regulating the baby’s temperature, and starting breastfeeding naturally. In the next hours and after birth, I continue to check in on both mother and baby to make sure they’re doing well physically and emotionally. This includes monitoring the baby’s health, supporting breastfeeding, and helping the mother address any concerns she might have. I always remind mothers to rest, eat well, and focus on recovering while getting to know their baby.

How do you perceive the role of the partner or spouse during delivery, and how do you empower them throughout the process?

As a midwife, I see the partner as a key part of the birth process. Their presence provides both emotional and physical support, creating a sense of safety and love for the birthing person. My role isn’t just to care for the mother but also to guide and support the partner so they feel confident and involved. I do this by preparing them ahead of time - helping them understand what to expect during labor and delivery, discussing ways they can offer support, whether through words of encouragement or simply being there to provide comfort.

I encourage partners to take part in small but meaningful actions, like holding hands, breathing together, or helping with comfort measures such as massage and positioning. It’s important to remind them that just being there is enough - that their presence alone makes a difference. Labor can be unpredictable, so I always make sure to check in with both of them, providing guidance and reassurance if they start feeling unsure or overwhelmed.

My goal is to create a true sense of teamwork in the room, where everyone feels included and connected. Birth is a powerful experience, and I want the parents to feel supported as they welcome their baby into the world together.

How do you feel about working with doulas and birth photographers?

I feel really good about working with doulas and birth photographers. They bring so much value to the birthing process. As a midwife, my main focus is on the safety and well being of both the mom and baby, but I also know how important it is to support the emotional and personal side of things. Doulas and photographers fit in perfectly to round out the experience.

Doulas provide steady emotional and physical support, which can be a huge comfort for moms and their partners. They help create a calm and supportive environment, which lets me focus on the clinical aspects, knowing the family has that extra layer of care. We work together as a team to make sure the process feels as smooth and positive as possible.

Birth photographers, on the other hand, have a real talent for capturing the authentic moments of labor and delivery. Their work gives families something to look back on, which is so meaningful. I always make an effort to stay in sync with both doulas and photographers to ensure we’re all working together with the mom’s wishes and comfort in mind.

At the end of the day, birth is a team effort, and I’m always happy to collaborate with others who are passionate about supporting families during this special time.

What are some prevailing myths about hospital births you'd like to debunk?

One of the most common myths about hospital births is that they are impersonal or overly clinical, stripping away the intimate and nature of childbirth. While hospitals do focus on safety and have protocols in place to manage risks, it doesn’t mean the experience can’t be deeply personal and respectful of the birthing person’s preferences. As a midwife, I strive to honor the individuality of every family, working closely with them to create a birth plan that aligns with their values and wishes whenever possible. Hospitals can offer a beautiful balance of safety and personalization.

Another misconception is that hospital births are always highly medicalized and with interventions. In reality, interventions are used thoughtfully, and many hospitals, including mine, are supportive of natural, low intervention births. I empower families by educating them about their choices and ensuring they feel in control of their birth experience.

Lastly, I often hear that partners or doulas aren’t welcome in hospital settings, which couldn’t be further from the truth. We strongly encourage a supportive birth team and work hard to create an environment where partners, doulas, and other support people feel welcome and involved.

In the rare event of emergencies, how do you navigate such situations while keeping the family informed and reassured?

• Preparation

Emergencies are often unpredictable, but by staying alert to early warning signs, I can step in before problems escalate. Regularly checking on both the baby and the birthing person helps me catch potential issues early, and I always keep emergency procedures in mind.

• Clear communication

If an emergency happens, I explain the situation to the family in a calm and clear way. I avoid complicated medical terms and focus on simple, easy-to-understand language so they know what’s happening and why certain actions are needed.

• Teamwork

I work closely with the healthcare team whether it’s midwives, obstetricians, anesthesiologists, or nurses to respond quickly and effectively. I also advocate for the birthing person’s preferences whenever possible, even in stressful situations.

• Support and comfort

Emergencies can be overwhelming, so I make it a point to stay with the family, offering calm words and a steady presence. I let them know their safety and the baby’s safety are my top priorities, and I keep them informed throughout.

• Involving the family

When possible, I involve the family in decisions by explaining the situation and their options clearly. For example, I might say, “This is what’s happening, and here’s what we recommend to keep you and the baby safe.” This helps them feel included and respected.

• Aftercare

Once everything is under control, I take time to talk with the family, explaining what happened and answering their questions. I also provide emotional support, as emergencies can be stressful, and make sure they feel cared for.

Emergencies require a mix of quick action, clinical skill, and understanding. My focus is always on guiding families through these moments with care, professionalism, and kindness, so they feel safe and supported at every step.

Is there big difference between hospital birth here in Iceland and Latvia? And if there is can you name what?

In Iceland, midwives play a central role in maternity services, especially for low-risk pregnancies and births. They are highly respected and focus on natural, low-intervention deliveries. After birth, families benefit from extensive postnatal support, with midwives often visiting homes during the first few days to assist with recovery and breastfeeding. The cultural approach to birth in Iceland emphasizes emotional well being, empowering individuals, and respecting their choices. The process is often seen as a natural, holistic experience.

In Latvia, the approach is somewhat different. While midwives are involved, obstetricians tend to take the lead, even in low risk pregnancies, which can result in a more medicalized experience compared to Iceland. Postnatal resources are available but vary in quality and accessibility. Families often rely on outpatient visits rather than receiving assistance at home. Hospital births in Latvia may feel more clinical or structured, with less focus on emotional connection.

That said, both countries are continually evolving their practices to better meet the needs of birthing families.