This was in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990. At my mum's second antenatal checkup with the midwife, she noticed that I was much smaller than I should be. A flurry of blood work was done, followed by a consultation with the OB/GYN. It was concluded that my small stature might be due to the immense workload that my mum was carrying at her preschool and the additional stress of finding a new home has stunted my growth. The medical staff quickly decided that my mum should cease work immediately. Instead of the monthly antenatal checks, I was monitored fortnightly instead. Careful measurements were taken of my abdomen, cranium and femur by the midwife. Swedish healthcare allowed my mother to stay home until childbirth with full pay, which was a blessing that ensured that she could have plenty of rest without financial worries. Under the midwife's care, I grew steadily and though I never caught up with what a "normal" baby should weigh, I was birthed at 2745gm all healthy and well.
The birthing journey was 27-hour long and we saw four shifts of midwives coming through checking on my vitals to ensure that I was fine. Natural birth was encouraged and much support was given to my mum by the best midwives possible. 12 hours after my birth, the pediatrician pronounced me healthy and ready for home. I went home barely a day old where my mum and I would be most comfortable. Postnatal care midwives visited us daily to ensure that nursing was progressing as expected and that we were doing well. Breastfeeding is much encouraged and supported by the healthcare system in Sweden. Fully paid maternity leave for 12 months allowed me to be breastfed until my first birthday. My mum strongly believed that nursing gave me a great start in life both physically and emotionally. That and the excellent care that we received very early on gave me a great start in life physically, mentally and emotionally.
I do not personally remember the experience and it is the only birthing experience that I have been through. I think it depicts the Swedish healthcare system perfectly. I think that the care that a child receives at birth, as well as before and after, is vital in creating healthy development in the long term. The amount of care, provided in Sweden, that the mother and child receives before, during, and after birth helps make sure that they are both healthy and allows the parents to nurture the child without much financial worry.
Wow! I thought American women were sent home quickly after giving birth. You and your mother were sent home 12 hours later. It is awesome that maternity leave is paid for 12 months. This is a practice I wish the U.S. did.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was strange when my mother told me she was booted out after only 12 hours. I would be way too tired to move so soon after I'm sure.
DeleteNicole, what a great story about your birth! It was interesting to hear the difference between your birth and my niece's recent birth. My sister was also born in 1990. I'm not sure of the story though. I think it's wonderful that your mother was allowed to rest and continue to receive pay. That takes a lot of stress and worry away! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Caitlin! I wonder if your sister's birth had similarities to mine even though they were in different countries. It is truly amazing that the Swedish government gives such great benefits for parents and children. Hopefully I'll be having my children there too :)
DeleteNicole, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJust like your mom, I also believe that breastfeeding provides at great start for infant physically and emotionally. I breastfeed my son and I am nursing my daughter now. I plan to nurse for a year as well. I wish that I could be on paid maternity leave for a year. That would be awesome, but it is unheard of in the states.
Congratulations on having your daughter, and your son as well of course :) I'm sure they keep you busy.
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