Clapham I think often they can paint a picture far too rosy, but all you mentioned above is true. We get 1 month prior to EDD and 10 months after labour off paid (or at least a decent 'allowence' from state if unemployed). Full time nursery costs around £300 per month (usually including food and nappies), again highly subsidised by the state.
There are some downsides, SAHM are unheard of, even frowned apon. However, you can get around this by opening your house as a day care for another baby of similar age, until your kid is 3 - then its expected that they 'need' nursery - the state will pay you around £1.5k per month for doing this and will supply you with a double pram, nappies etc
There are pitfalls, tax is a whopping 39.5%
Generally life is good, family come first with the general person working 37.5 hours a week which is considered full time. Things are very childfriendly and there is lots on offer at weekends in terms of entertainment for families in The cities.
It's not unusual for the cities to empty for the month of July as they all migrate to their summer houses in the country. It's not even unheard of to book 3 months off for summer holiday in your holiday house.
So there you go, a little bit of a rundown from an expat living the Scandi life.