FÖDELSEHUSET: Who We Are

Födelsehuset is a non-profit association based in Gothenburg. Read more about the association's board of directors and bylaws here.

Födelsehuset (“the Birth House”) is a group that works to influence and improve obstetric care in Västra Götaland. The association was founded in May 2007 by parents, midwives, doulas, and others who shared this common interest.
The name “Födelsehuset” stands for the vision of a holistic approach and continuity of care during pregnancy, childbirth and infancy. We believe that health care in this period should be based on parents' wishes and needs.
Our Goals:
- More continuity of care
- More options for parents and parents-to-be
- A more sensitive and individualized care
Födelsehuset desires to strengthen and support new and expecting parents. We believe that options such as birth centers and home birth should be available in Västra Götaland.

SOCIETY ACTIVITIES TO DATE

After several planning meetings in the spring 2007, Födelsehuset was officially established by the association meeting in Mölndal Folkets Hus May 9. As the meeting started there were about 50 people and the atmosphere was enthusiastic.

Since then we have organized two large, successful events. The first event was to invite Ina May Gaskin to give two talks in Gothenburg. She was invited by Födelsehuset in collaboration with the Midwifery Education in Göteborg, Borås and Skövde. Over 100 midwifery students attended the first lecture. In addition, many midwives came - even from other locations in Sweden – for a total of over 200 people. We received much positive feedback about the event, and many attendees found Gaskin's talks to be inspiring and fun to listen to.

The second event was an exhibition at the Gothenburg City Library September 14 – 20 2008, which was also well-received. Among other things, we created a survey in which visitors could "rate" their experience with maternity care. Lectures were held on many topics including home birth, finding courage to give birth again after a negative experience, and how to wear and tie baby slings (“baby wearing”).

In November 2008, the association was invited to provide comments to Sahlgrenska University Hospital´s study, "Future Obstetric Care". This study will provide guidelines for how maternity care in Gothenburg should develop in the future. We desire to follow up on account of the views we have expressed. You are welcome to participate in the lobby group if you desire to help in this way. See our meetings under News

In January 2010 we opened a new center for expectant parents and baby parents. It will be a meeting place and resource pool, also with activities in English. Do you want to participate and help develop this new center? You are welcome!