American Mom Details Benefits, Freebies and Childcare Support She Gets Raising Babies in Norway (Exclusive)

Krysta Alexa is raising two kids in Norway and experiencing the difference in parenting practices there

Krysta Alexa was no stranger to living abroad when she planted roots in Norway.

When the student met her now-husband in Hong Kong while studying abroad, she never imagined it was the beginning of her family's story outside the United States. The two kept a long-distance relationship, with her visiting him in his hometown of Bergen, Norway and him coming to see her in the U.S.

When it came time to apply for her master's degree, Alexa applied to the Norwegian School of Economics, cementing her move to the area. Eventually, the couple settled down in Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, and began growing their family.

It was in becoming a mom that Alexa learned all about how Norway prioritizes families, with supportive policies and programs aimed to make life easier for parents.

"I'm on maternity leave now and I thought I'd share what it's like in Norway because a lot of people ask me about how different it is here and how the system works," she tells PEOPLE. "When I moved to Norway, I was in my early 20s and hadn't thought much about becoming a mom, but I did know there were a lot of benefits to living in Norway, which was one of the reasons why I prioritized a career here."

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During her first pregnancy, Alexa learned that pregnant women are offered "free medical care for your entire pregnancy."

According to Norden.org, "If you live in Norway and are a member of the National Insurance Scheme" then "pregnancy services provided by the national health service are free of charge."

In addition to the pregnancy services provided, all of which are voluntary, birth is free. Paid maternity leave begins three weeks before your due date, with both parents having access to paid leave.

"It can be approximately a year. So the mother gets about eight months of paid maternity leave. Then after that, you get subsidized kindergarten and a stipend every month from the government to cover costs."

"After that, school is completely free up until the master's degree," she shares. "It makes a difference when I'm hearing a lot of people in the U.S. have been having to sacrifice their jobs because childcare alone is the same as someone's income. A lot of people are being forced into choices out of necessity rather than what they really want for their family."

In her time as a mom, Alexa has been struck by how moms in the states "struggle with giving up their identity," whereas in Norway, "there's such an emphasis on work-life balance."

"It's perfectly acceptable to leave work to go pick up your kids from kindergarten. Going to the cabin with your family on the weekend is the normal thing to do. It's different how kids and family life fit into your overall life here."

Since sharing more about Norwegian life, Alexa says "a lot of people have reached out to me for advice on living abroad."

"It's exciting because I really enjoy living here. It's hard to keep in touch with family and friends, so sharing this part of my life and connecting with people who are interested in the same things has been great."

"I encourage anyone building a family to kind of adopt some of the Nordic lifestyle into their own life," Alexa says. "Incorporate more nature into your life. Look at your work-life balance and try to find what truly works best for you."

Now that she's a mom of two, Alexa is looking forward to seeing her kids' relationships blossom as they take advantage of this lifestyle.

"I can tell they're going to be really close," she says. "Seeing how small they are but at the same time, how much they understand about the world is so special. Seeing them grow up together — I didn't have a sibling close in age, so it's very exciting."

For Alexa, it's the transformation that is making these moments that much sweeter.

"The main thing about how my life has changed in Norway is that it's the norm to eat well and be healthy and have the kids with you. The Norwegian style of parenting is a lot more laid back. It feels a lot more natural than forcing things alongside a work schedule. I think it's made me a better person."

"Since living here, we bought a house that overlooks the fjords. I never thought I would live in a place like this. It's so beautiful and so different. I always expected that I would living in New York, but this is far beyond what I could have imagined."

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Read the original article on People.