Background of patient during treatment:
Sex: Female
Age: 31
I am located in the far north of Sweden in the least populated municipality in the country.
I had a positive experience with prenatal care and birth in Sweden, though I will note I had no complications. This was my first birth.
The midwife was outgoing and happily guided my partner and me through the prenatal process without problems. We met her several times to ensure the pregnancy was going well, and also for a postnatal check up. She is the primary midwife for all mothers in the region and has a well known reputation.
She always scheduled our next meeting at the end of our meetings, so we knew when to come in the next time.
The birth process was also an overall positive experience. A bed was available at the birth clinic and the midwife, who happened to be from Finland, was friendly and helpful.
One negative point in the birth process was that I had requested an epidural but did not receive it until two hours later. Afterwards the midwife said she held off on having the epidural installed because it appeared like I was not in much pain. She commented that the epidural often prolongs the birthing process so it is ideal to hold off if possible.
My baby was born with a bluish tint to the skin, which caused concern about lack of oxygen. The nurse called a doctor to the room who quickly looked at the baby and determined she was fine.
Afterwards my partner and I spent two days in the birth clinic while nurses checked our baby to make sure she was fine and also answered any questions we had. My meal fees were covered by the state since I am the mother, but father’s meals were not covered so he had to pay fees.
The postnatal care was decent, though I do wish there was better breastfeeding assistance and more check-ins with the mother to see how she is doing mentally. The child nurse had me take a survey a month after birth to see if I had symptoms of post-partum depression, but never inquired about my feelings again after that.
Overall I had a positive experience with pregnancy and giving birth in Sweden.
