Clinics
Apart from giving birth in a public hospital there are also a growing number of private clinics, particularly in the big cities. They offer a range of services, very often from pregnancy to long after the birth. The best way to find out about them is to check with other families, ring the hospitals in your area and ask or look under Mödravård in the Yellow Pages (Gulasidorna).

Homebirths
This is the only real alternative to a hospital birth and you can get information on the associations website: www.fodahemma.org. A homebirth will allow you to see the same midwife throughout your pregnancy and then during delivery. A homebirth is not covered by the health system but if you fall within the non-risk category you can get a grant for a homebirth. Some midwives even have portable pools – which is the only way you will get a water birth in Sweden as the authorities do not support water births.

Doulas
A doula is a birth attendant who has had her own children and is experienced in the birthing process. She does not have a medical background or responsibility and will not give medical advice. She is however trained to give the mother and father support and information during the delivery. She provides continuity with consultations before and presence for the duration of the delivery. More information about doulas is available on the Swedish Organisation for Doula’s website www.doula.nu/. Given that many of us are birthing in a system that is new to us, in a language that we either don't know or don't want to know under pressure, I can't recommend a doula enough. She will be there with you and for you, your comfort when all else feels foreign.