Can I get support during my pregnancy?
- If you would like more extensive care during your pregnancy, visit Bikurofe clinic in Holon.
- If you experience any challenges making an appointment or seeing a doctor at Tipat Halav or Bikurofe, call Physicians for Human Rights during reception hours.
More information about your rights as a pregnant woman and new mother is available on these sheets in English, Hebrew, Arabic, and Tigrinya.
What is Tipat Halav?
Tipat Halav means “drop of milk” in Hebrew. Tipat Halav clinics support mothers and the healthy development of babies. Information is available in Hebrew, English, Arabic and Russian.
These clinics provide postnatal care and advice; assessments of a child’s growth and development; immunizations; child rearing and nutritional advice, as well as referrals for care of sick children.
Every child from birth until the age of 6 years can visit Tipat Halav clinics for free, for vaccinations and developmental examinations.
➡️Make an appointment before going so you don’t have to wait a long time to see a nurse.
You can make an appointment here:
- Tipat Halav clinic online (the online service is available only in Hebrew)
- “Kol Habriyut” service by Phone
*5400 is available in Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, French and Amharic, when you call, please wait patiently to choose your language by pressing the dedicated number.
I am a new mother. Where can I get additional support?
The Family Healthcare Hotline (call *5400) provides information in several languages: Hebrew on the afternoons and evenings and Fridays.
Nurses at the hotline specialize in breastfeeding, sleep, and nutrition counselling and can offer virtual support or connections to more resources.
What can the call center help with?
You can get advice on caring for your child from birth to 6-year-old, on various topics, including:
- side effects after vaccinations
- development
- breastfeeding
- crying
- sleeping problems
What are my rights after I give birth?
Anyone can give birth in a hospital regardless of the ability to pay.
Every working woman who has had worked for the past six months before giving birth, is entitled to 15 weeks of paid leave and an additional 14 weeks of unpaid leave if she wants it.
Birth Documentation for the Baby
Every newborn baby is entitled to be registered and receive a birth document.
You should get two birth documents for your new baby – one from the hospital and one from the Ministry of Interior. It is important to get these documents and ensure the State registers your baby before leaving the hospital.
Live Birth Notification
- The hospital will issue a Notification of Live Birth document for your newborn baby, regardless of your (and your partner’s) legal status in Israel.
- To have the father’s name on the Notification of Live Birth, it is strongly recommended that he be present for the birth of the baby, AND be present for the days following the birth, AND at the time of the baby’s registration at the hospital. It will not be possible to add his name later, which could lead to future complications.
- Both parents should bring visas and any other official documents, such as a religious marriage certificate (if available), to the hospital/reception clerk when registering the baby at the hospital. If there is no marriage certificate, the father can be registered as “claiming fatherhood” by being present while registering the child and presenting his visa.
Where can I go for health checks after birth?
* For the mother: After you deliver the baby, the hospital will send you to Tipat Halav for follow-up health check-ups. Note that you can only receive services in the Tipat Halav clinic in your area of residence. Bring your apartment lease contract or some other official document that has your address on it.
* For your baby: Unless your baby is sick, there is no need to see a pediatrician. The nurses do all health and wellness checks at the Tipat Halav. They also administer vaccinations or shots for your baby. If you are Eritrean, Sudanese or Ukrainian, you are also strongly advised to insure your baby with Leumit health insurance for children as soon as possible. See more information below.
If you have any problems receiving Tipat Halav services, please contact Physicians for Human Rights
Should I register my baby with Meuhedet for health insurance?
YES! We strongly advise you to register your baby with Leumit health insurance as soon as possible.
If your child needs medical treatment or hospitalization after birth, it can cost a lot of money if you do not have health insurance for your child.
Registering your baby for health insurance after six months of age can result in significant delays. You can register your child at the closest Leumit branch to your home:
Call *507 for details or visit the clinic closest to you- information is available in several languages: Hebrew, English, Arabic, Russian, French