Giving Birth in Sweden and the Hospital Bag

I have a few friends who are now expecting and near due date. Maybe there's a name for babies during the Pandemic? Here's a look back at my birth experience (with my first baby) in Sweden and what to pack in your hospital bag (pre-pandemic).

We set aside the things we wanted to pack into our bag in one area of our apartment (I think it was on our guest futon bed). It wasn't until the night we had to go to the hospital that my co-pilot stuffed them all in a bag (this was with the first baby).

We actually attended a friend's wedding the day before baby was born. 

In Sweden, it's midwives who take care of you during your pregnancy. They are also the ones there during the delivery unless there's a complication. But it won't be the same midwife who is at your baby checkups who is there when you deliver.

If it's your first baby, after the baby is born you usually stay in the hospital at least 2 nights AND until the Pediatrician gives the OK for you to go home. With the second baby, you don't even need to stay overnight if you don't want to, as there usually aren't enough rooms or single rooms.

With our first baby, we stayed in the hospital for about 5 days. My co-pilot and I thought it felt like 'Parent camp'. Our first was born quite small at 5lbs (2.23kg) and they wanted the baby to put on weight and see that I was able to breastfeed OK.

While I stayed in the hospital, my co-pilot went home several times to bring more items from home that we needed during our stay (like a device to watch shows on, more clothes and even some Ben&Jerry's ice cream - Don't forget your snacks!). 

The midwives came to check on us, the hospital provided diapers and we saw the doctor each day. They provided all meals for me but my co-pilot had to buy his own lunch and dinner.

We were lucky because we got a room with an extra bed for him. It didn't come with its own private bathroom though. The bathroom we shared with the neighboring room. 

Baby didn't have jaundice, but they put her in this "light bed" for a few hours just in case.

Here are some ideas for what to pack in your hospital bag.

• Water bottle
• Snacks for you and your partner, or whoever will be with you during labor/delivery.
• Warm socks or slippers as the hospital floor gets cold and you need something to walk around in the room
• Comfy sweat pants or other loose pants (I did not want to get into tight jeans after giving birth, I didn't even feel up to 'dressing up' most of the time I was in the hospital)
• A couple of outfits for baby (we found that the easiest outfit to use is the 'kimono style' where you button it in the front). Some nice pants with feet are nice too if it's a cooler season like Autumn.

• A few of your own clothes
• Hair ties
• Face cloth to cool off your forehead and face (Me wiping my face all over with a face cloth again and again, was what helped get me through labor)
• Flip-flops for shower
• Your own toiletries for showering
• You could bring your breastfeeding pillow if you want, but they are a bit bulky.
• Your ID
• Your phone and charger
• A list of a few happy memories, your partner can read to you when labor gets intense or you need to go to a 'happy place' in your mind.
• Note: don't worry about bringing pads for yourself or baby's diapers, in Sweden, the hospital usually provides both of these and you can even take a bunch home.

With the first baby, we had a loose birth plan, but I also wrote down that I was flexible. If things didn't go well, I would be ok changing plans to ensure that baby came out safely. For example, I planned not to use an epidural. Thankfully, I didn't need to for either baby.

With the first baby, my labor started at home, a little after we returned from a friend's wedding. 

Before you are allowed to go to the hospital, you need to call the 'Hospital Coordinator' so she can tell you whether to come to the hospital or wait at home. It was good that my co-pilot called when he did. The 'Coordinator' could hear me yelling in the background and told him to come right away!

Labor!

Labor was definitely painful, but fortunately, super quick for both babies (about 3 hours). My water broke in the taxi and baby was born 30 min after we had arrived at the hospital!! What a whirlwind that night was! 

A side note: It's nice that English is widely used and understood in Sweden, so I didn't need to worry about practicing our Swedish during the labor and birth.

With the second baby, my water broke first, before labor actually started. We were out for a walk and were sitting at a cafe in the park and I didn't realize what was happening. After I called the 'Hospital Coordinator' to get advice, they told me to come to the hospital to get checked. At the hospital (this was not the ward for giving birth but a separate area only for checkups), the midwife said that water had broken and if I didn't go into labor by the next day, they would induce. I ended up going into labor after we returned home from that checkup.

So if you were wondering, it can be different with different pregnancies. I'm thankful with the second, we had someone to watch our older child at home. We also ended up having more time to actually enjoy the labor and delivery together the second time around. 

Our snacks after baby was born! Open faced sandwiches with Swedish cheese and coffee and juice. Complete with a Swedish flag ;) 

The midwives said labor and delivery is like running a marathon so I needed to stay hydrated. Baby checkups and delivery are done by midwives here in Sweden. Unless, there is a problem during the pregnancy or delivery, you don't see a doctor until after baby is born. I felt comfortable with this whole process but I know our families in North America found this idea strange!

Both of my pregnancies were about the same, but with the second, I had a few more ultrasounds to ensure that baby was growing at a normal rate since the first baby was small. In the end, the second baby was only about 7lbs at birth (the first was 5lbs). 

If you're expecting, I hope labor goes smoothly for you and baby. 

Good luck and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Baking With Little Helpers

My daughter has always been interested in what we are doing in the kitchen. She has helped me do things like boil noodles, scramble eggs and even prepare the turkey for Christmas. We enjoyed baking together pre-pandemic, but during the pandemic, like many others, we bake more often. 

Some sprinkles for the horse, some for the little helper. Gotta try your ingredients right? ;)

The kids like to sometimes 'washes dishes' after we bake too. We usually just stick to simple recipes or have used 'Box' cake, to make it easier. Her favorite part is mixing or squishing the dough/batter with her hands and decorating!

We once baked Peppa Pig Muddy Puddle cup cakes from a box!

The other day we had a bunch of overripe bananas, so we decided to make some Vegan banana bread. 
I used the same recipe that I use for the banana muffins.
Just 5 ingredients, 1/4 cup Oil, 2 cups Flour, 3-4 Bananas, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Of course, she wanted to put it in the Dalarna Horse shaped baking pan. You often see Dalarna horses when you look up Sweden. (From wikipedia: A dalarna horse is traditional carved, painted wooden statue of a horse originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna (Dalecarlia). In the old days the Dalecarlian horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as of Sweden in general.)

When little ones help with the baking, it's nice to ask them to help you with simple things like kneading the dough, choosing the pan to use, maybe buttering it or if you're doing muffins, they can place the muffin liners in the pan. 

Some delicious Vegan buns, a favorite of mine! We first made these when we couldn't find 'dinner rolls' at the grocery store. We decided to make our own to bring to a dinner party a couple of years ago now.

Baking can be messy, so just be prepared to clean up a bit more with them helping ;) I think it helps to have all the ingredients out and everything you need for baking before you call them over and ask if they'd like to help. Then try to put the ingredients away once it's been used, before they can try to open them again.

Another time we baked Sugar cookies! 

We have a stool they can stand on, but you can also do this sitting around the table. Like when we roll the dough and press the cookie shapes, that's easier done at the table. Adding extras like placing chocolate eyes on the horse or the sprinkles for the horse hair makes it fun for them!

This was the final result of the horse! After it cooled, pieces were cut out to enjoy!

Beautifully decorated cookies by my daughter!

Remember it might be messy but try to enjoy it :) Kids are so amazing, they learn so fast and have great long term memories. They will get better at baking each time. 

Baking can make you hungry, so enjoy the baking together but remember, don't forget your snacks!

Pea soup and Pancakes!

Thursday lunch in Sweden means only one thing... Pea soup and Pancake day (ärtsoppa och pannkakor)!

I've heard from co-workers that this has been a Swedish lunch tradition since the middle ages. It's history apparently comes from when Catholic Swedish kitchens served large meals on Thursdays to prepare for fasting on Friday. Being cheap and easy to make in large portions, pea soup and pancakes were a good option. When Sweden adopted Lutheranism as it's main religion later, the soup and pancakes tradition continued. Co-workers have also said it's a Military tradition eating both the soup and the pancakes (ärtsoppa och pannkakor). Swedes used to have mandatory military service.

This hearty, warm pea soup is made from yellow peas and can include pieces of pork and ham. You can even add a little mustard on top with some dried thyme for extra flavor. It is often found on Dagenslunch of "husmanskost" menus those traditional, home-cooked dishes found at typical Swedish restaurants. At some restaurants and even the grocery store, you can get vegetarian pea soup. If you get the soup  at the grocery store, it will come in a tube shape like many other food items in the grocery store.

Pea soup tubes and rice porridge tubes! 

I’m not really a fan of the pea soup but I used to love the pancakes! I remember really looking forward to Thursday lunch at the work cafeteria!  

Swedish or European style pancakes are thin like a crepe but doughy unlike the thick American kind.

Instead of topping the pancakes with butter and maple syrup like the thicker North American pancakes, these pancakes are topped with whip cream and some kind of jam. Strawberry and Raspberry are popular choices. I've also seen friends put ice cream or Nutella on them! So delish. 

Some restaurants in the Gothenburg, like Golden Days, even offer all you can eat pancakes on Thursdays! (Pre-pandemic we used to go often!) 

Eatery Lumapark offers Pea soup and pancakes on Thursdays!

Happy Thursday and if you're in Sweden and eating Dagenslunch out or lunch at home, enjoy some pea soup and pancakes today! The pancakes by themselves can make a great snack ;) 

Don't forget your snacks! 

Vegan treats for Mama

Over the last year, I've found more and more Vegan treats that are delicious. Chocolate bars, Oat/Almond Milk Lattes and even a couple of pastries, sometimes it's hard to believe it's Vegan. In Sweden, the 7eleven offers many different pastries and the Kanelbulle (Swedish Cinnamon bun) is actually Vegan. Of course, I don't eat these everyday. Once in awhile though, it's nice to have it. Here are a few treats in my snack drawer right now. 

Vegan Kex bar

Kex is a Swedish chocolate bar that we tried after we moved here. This Vegan Kex bar is absolutely delicious. First of all, it's dark chocolate which I love. It's not overly sweet. The wafers are nice and crisp and combined with the chocolate makes the perfect bite. These bars are smaller than the original Kex bars, but you will probably be fine with just half of it for a snack. 

Purdy's chocolate Vegan bar

This is a really special treat sent to me all the way from Canada. Purdys Chocolatier is a Canadian chocolatier.  Their founder, Richard Carmon Purdy, started selling homemade chocolates in downtown Vancouver, Canada in 1907. I love Purdy's hedgehog chocolates and Purdy's dipped ice cream bars! They are dipped in chocolate (white or milk) and you can even choose whether or not you want it also dipped in nuts. That ice cream bar is a  favorite treat from childhood. This Vegan chocolate bar is a new addition. I'm looking forward to trying it and will have to savor it since it's traveled a long way!

Snickerskaka

This is the Snickerskaka or "Snickers cake" treat is easier to get. You can find different versions of this Vegan treat at cafes around the city.  I usually get a few pieces from one of my favorite cafes in Haga called Nöller. They are huge, brownie size pieces with nuts and peanut butter :) Very delicious either room temperature or from the fridge!

Lindt Chocolate bar

I started out liking the 85% version of this chocolate bar but after I tried the 90% a few times, I started preferring it! Nice and dark but not dry at all. Creamier than other Vegan chocolate bars.

Starbucks Iced Coffee Drink

Finding this online at the grocery store (We only do grocery delivery these days), was a pleasant surprise. It can be a bit sweet though, so I sometimes mix it with regular coffee. Great treat for an Iced Coffee replacement. 

Happy Tuesday and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Kex

Read more about Kex on their website

Purdy's Chocolates
Read more about the Chocolate on their website.

Nöller espresso bar in Haga

Check out the menu on their website

Come in and treat yourself to a nice coffee today! (Kom in och unna dig en lyxig fika idag!)

Happy International Women's Day

 

(Photo above is on our road trip in Iceland a couple years ago. Hiking around with baby in carrier) 

Today for International Women's Day, I switched with my co-pilot so he watched the kids while I did a day of work. Kids loved to visit me in the office, but I was still able to be productive. 

My daughter spent some time hanging out with me in the office while I worked. It's nice to show her that moms might do pretend play and take care of kids but they can "go to work" too. Women are capable of anything and I'll make sure she knows that as she gets older. Strong women raising the next generation of Strong women :)

Here's a throwback to a day of diving in Thailand(a couple of years ago). It was my first time scuba diving since becoming a mom. We scuba dived whenever we could pre-kids, so it was really great getting back into the water. Whoever said Moms don't scuba dive, was mistaken.

Scuba Diving in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand 

Moms and women in general are truly amazing. Here's to all the strong women who I've been fortunate to learn from in my life. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. Happy International Women's Day and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Skansen Kronan in Göteborg, Sweden

 

Skansen Kronan is the neighbourhood fortress that lies on the hill Skansberget just above Skanstorget in Göteborg, Sweden.

Just a short hike up or a steep set of stairs up and you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the city. We usually take friends and relatives, who visit us in Göteborg, up there for the views. 

Note: The pathway up on either side is steep but if you plan to walk up with a stroller, it's manageable. I've been up to Skansen very pregnant pushing a stroller and made it. The only tricky part is the cobblestone path right to the Fort. I usually park the stroller before the cobblestones start.

Skansen Kronan was completed in 1700 and had 23 canons. It was built to protect against the enemies in the South, the Danes. It never attacked by enemies, and instead functioned as a prison and later a military museum.

The Fort hosts a Julbord or "Christmas buffet" during the Christmas season and the unique venue can even be booked for weddings or parties. There are also guided tours offered of the Skansen Kronan, but I'm not sure if they are still running during the Pandemic.

Beautiful views of the city from the top of the hill!

Fika spot! 

Next to the fortress is a cozy little cafe called "Våffelcafé Soldattorpet". I've only visited once to check it out but it smelled of delicious waffles and coffee. There was even a cozy fireplace inside.

The little red hut next to the fortress is the Våffelcafe.

There is some seating inside the cafe and a warm fireplace.

There is also some outdoor seating on nice days right by the cafe and a view of the fortress.

Skansen Kronan is also a popular spot for picnics on the grassy area by the fort in the summer. And on New Year's Eve, people have lit fireworks up on the hill at midnight.

EDIT: As of June 2021, they've opened a new cafe called Kronans Terrass and seating area on the spot I was sitting in the photo above! It's a really great spot for sunshine and snacks! They have lunch items, pastries and even ice cream. Kid Friendly too!

To get down from Skansen Kronan, you can walk down the paths on either side of the hill or take the steep staircase down which lead into Haga. Note: During the winter months, avoid the stairs! They could be icy and hazardous to walk down/up. Just stick to the paths. 

If you're visiting Göteborg in the future, or live in the city, I'd recommend hiking up to Skansen Kronan för the amazing views of Göteborg. Enjoy the view and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Skansen Kronan - Kronans Terrass

Skansberget, Leijonsparres Väg 15, 413 04 Göteborg, Sweden

For more information on the old fortification, tours or booking, check out their website.

Våffelcafé Soldattorpe
Haga, 413 07 Göteborg, Sweden
For more information on the unique cafe, check out what Goteborg.com has to say about them.

Fun Independent Activities for Kids

Working from home with kids is a bit of a challenge. I do what I can, but there are times that the kids are just too interested in my computer. I often wait until naptime to do work or wait for my co-pilot to watch them while I escape to the office to concentrate. There are some days, a few activities can keep their attention for short periods at a time so I wanted to share them.

Some indoor play ideas 

* Excavation Kit from Flying Tiger (3+) - After the activity you're rewarded with a little dinosaur friend.

My daughter finds that putting water on the mound of clay helps her chisel away. Her activity table is usually separate from our dinner table (it actually used to be our breakfast nook area).

The kit comes with two tools, a paint brush and chisel. 

* Coloring! Kids are so quiet when they color! And they enjoy it!

* Playdoh - This is ok for the toddler, he likes trying to cut it with one of their toy butter knives, or cut out shapes.

We have made Homemade Playdoh and have used the store bought kind.

Two tips! 

#1 Some homemade playdoh recipes mention Cream of Tartar. Instead of Cream of Tartar, you can use Lemon juice.
#2 Be sure to keep the playdoh in an airtight container afterwards to avoid mold!

* Paint with water in Water Books (from Flying Tiger and different Toy shops) - both the toddler and 4 year old enjoy these. 

* Sticker books - both kids like to peel off the stickers and put them back or on different things in their room. Get the thicker stickers so it's easier for the Toddler to peel off and stick.

* Draw and Wipe books - they can trace a path, animals, or just free draw and then easily wipe it away.

* Lego/Duplo - both the toddler and 4 year old love this. The toddler likes to use a soup spoon to scoop blocks from one bowl to another. The 4 year old builds towers or likes pretend play with the Lego characters.

* Painting with Paint - I found some heart-shaped magnets that could be painted. This kept the 4 year old busy for a while.  Make sure they wear something you don't mind getting paint on.

Some other ideas...

* Using glue stick, they enjoy sticking paper on or even just picking glue from the paper or their fingers. The toddler also likes removing the cap of the glue and putting it back on, over and over and over again...

* Taking cards from zippered purse and putting them back in (over and over again) - Toddlers loves doing this. Actually, anything where you can put something in and take it out again. Whether it be shape blocks or putting something in the oven and taking it out again (the Toy kitchen has been very well loved). 

Toy Kitchen has been perfect for taking items out and putting them back in!

They are also interested in what I am doing. For example, several times I've been cleaning out a drawer and they just find something to look at and play with while I finish cleaning, either clothes or papers etc. I mean, what kid wouldn't find their parent's closet interesting? 

And yes, we do allow screentime at our place too. Although the 4 year old can sit on her own for awhile, she later wants pretend play and the younger one wants to check out other things. So it's not a guarantee that it will keep them occupied for long periods of time, while I try to concentrate but that just means they aren't TV zombies.

Good luck working from home with kids and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Flying Tiger

Really great for craft supplies and little toys/activities for kids with locations all over the world.

Check out their website for more information.