Abstract

Following my recent personal research into breastfeeding in Sweden, published in the March 2004 edition of the MIDIRS Digest, I had an enormous desire to visit the capital, Stockholm, to discover more about the country's culture. I was keen to gain increased knowledge, not only about breastfeeding but the way in which Swedish midwives work, why some units have incredibly low rates of caesarean section - as little as 4% - why there is only 2% homebirth and how midwives working in the UK can learn from them. I set out in June 2004 on my third year elective placement to Stockholm, with five clear aims. My 12-week placement consisted of seven weeks at BB Stockholm, a birthing and postnatal unit based within Danderyds Hospital (within the outskirts of the city), and four weeks at Munkbron Modravard, an antenatal and postnatal clinic within the city's old town, Gamla Stan. My last week was spent in Karolinska University, my host institution, sharing my experiences with Swedish students and writing my reports. I have learnt a great deal from my placement in Sweden, not only academically but also personally. These observations and achievements range from the true midwifery ability of helping women achieve births they are satisfied with, to using a Pinard effectively and even learning a new language. I have also discovered that one culture may not be as positive, or indeed negative, as it seems. I successfully found answers to all of the questions I had when I went to Sweden, and I am hoping to share some of the more prominent experiences here, with the aim of opening minds to international midwifery and discovering that we can learn so much from each other, both positive, as holistic practitioners.