birthing adventures

So, you better sit down, cause what I have to share might just knock your socks off!  Guess what the Finland government gives to all new parents with babes?  A maternity package filled with everything you need to get your child off to the a right start!  The baby box is unique in the world and has been available in Finland to low-income mothers since 1937 and to all mothers since 1949. The contents of the package changes every year, creating allegiances of nostalgia among parents with kids born during the same year for those special items shared during infancy!!! The maternity package contains clothes for the baby and other useful items such as bodysuits, romper suits, leggings and overalls, blanket, cover, towel, sleeping bag, mattress, hairbrush, nail scissors, picture book.  To see what is in the 2011 package - click here!

Incredible no? What does the U.S. government give you when your bundle of joy shows up on the scene?  Um, 3 months of UNPAID maternity leave and a tax break... Now I know what some of you might be thinking - Finland is a much smaller country than the United States with a much smaller population.  It would cost too much for us to invest in the health of children and the nurturing of new families in this way.  To that I say, that this type of devotion and care, might just be what all new parents need during this stressful transition of ushering a new life into the world. A care package from the government that ritualizes this awesome event in a parent's life!  Go Finland!