During the actual birthing of your child you may see several teams of midwives. They work their shift and go home at the end of it - no matter what is happening with you. This is a little disconcerting for many people as there is no continuity. However you can be confident that all information is passed on to the new team – everything that has happened will have been documented and the two teams will meet and discuss each patient. Patient records are public documents so be sure to ask for a copy of it before you leave the hospital.

Another thing worth knowing is that while the medical staff will advise you, it is always your decision. They make the recommendations and you choose to act on them. So be prepared to act on your instincts if you feel that is the best thing to do.

Before you go home, check what your next step should be. If you are released before your baby is five days old, you will probably need to go back to the hospital for his initial check and PKU blood test. If you go home after this appointment, you will normally need to contact the local BVC (barnavårdscentralen) yourself to arrange for a home visit or a first appointment at the clinic.

Hopefully your MVC midwife will have told you which BVC to contact and who to speak to, but if not phone her up to check. You will also need to inform your MVC midwife that you’ve had the baby. Despite the impressive use of your personal number to track your every move while in Sweden, various health departments rarely talk so it’s up to you to keep them informed.