Tag: the newbie guide

Basic Everyday Info for Recently Moved Newbie*

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Lately, I’ve been receiving questions from some people who are going to move to Sweden, either for work or study in my website and Instagram. And some of the questions are actually really simple, about everyday info, which I didn’t consider important before. At least I used to take it for granted.

But I think that was just because I’m lucky. My husband moved to Sweden eight months earlier than I did so he’s kind of paves the path for me. But not all people have the same experience. So here I compile the basic information of everyday life in Sweden for recently moved newbie.

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Third Year Reflection*

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As the year-end is approaching, I would like to use this blog post as a medium of reflection. A look back to where it all started three years ago. This month in 2016, I moved to Sweden from my home country. Time has passed by and many things have happened ever since, including having an additional member in the family. So it just feels right to see how it was and how it has been as a newbie living in Sweden.

And here are some random facts about Sweden that I learnt during my first three years of living in the country:

Sweden is a good place to raise kid

From free education to nearly free healthcare, Sweden is one of a few places I can think of when it comes to a “family friendly” country. Yes, the system is bit frustrating sometimes and requires lots of things to do—filling out forms, queuing, making calls to name a few. But once you got in, the safety net is always there.

Sweden also seems to care about and is willing to take part in children development. One tiny example is when my baby turned 6 months old, she received a free choice book from Lund’s state library. From what I understand, it’s a part of the program to encourage reading and literacy (such important skills for kids to have indeed).

Apart from those, generous parental leave, celebrated equality and recognition of universal values are the things that Sweden offers. And those are the list I would love to tick as a parent. Anyway, read more about the rights as parents in Sweden here.

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Hang Out Ideas for Newbie Parents*

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I often say to myself, when you’re a parent, life is what happened between fresh brewed coffee in the morning and reheated coffee in the afternoon: you barely have time to enjoy your coffee, decently 😀 Especially when you live away from home, far from the supporting system called family, the struggle is real.

Luckily in Sweden, there are some hang out places that are designed and dedicated for parents so parenting can still be fun. Here are the highlights:

Local library

If you’re new in Sweden and not sure where to go for a day-out with your baby, a library could be a good starting point. The state library in Lund has special section for kids of all ages. There’s this small play area where you can read books with your children and also meet other fellow parents.The library also has baby café and book-reading events for kid in various languages (read more about the events here). The book reading is held in the reading “closet” which is set up nicely and comfy for the parents and the kids.

 

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Swedish Sayings I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Sweden*

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Like many other countries, Sweden has plenty of expressions, idioms and sayings rooted in history and tradition. Some of them can be found in other languages, or at least share similar meaning like “Beat around the bush” and “Gå som katten kring het gröt” (English: walks like the cat around hot porridge). Some others are quite exceptional.

Despite its hilarious literal meanings, these sayings are actually relatable to everyday life in Sweden. Personally, I found some sayings are helpful in understanding Swedish values, and for that reason I wish I knew them earlier 😀

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What’s On Lund?*

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Despite its petite size, Lund is the home for many interesting regular events. From January to December, there are always some things going on in Lund. I put a compilation of events in Lund below so you can mark your calendar and plan everything in advance as Swedes do ☺

Lundaloppet

This is a race for all ages that has been organised since 1982 and is claimed as the largest exercise race in Skåne. Join more than a thousand runners in this annual event. Lundaloppet has three races: 850 metres for kids, 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres. It is like a running party in Lund’s IP where organisations set up their booths and provide foods, playground and even face painting.

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Having your baby in Sweden – The final checklist*

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As the clock is ticking and you find yourself trying to embrace the anxiety of facing labour, you might need to know some practical things before The Big Day comes. Here are some tips to be as prepared as possible to welcome your baby.

1. Create a contacts listimg_2713

It’s always essential to know whom to call when you’re going into labour. Make sure the hospital number is included in your list. Kindly remember that in Sweden you cannot go right away to the hospital even if you’re having so much pain already.

If you live in Lund, call the Kvinnokliniken number and they will assess your condition and decide when you should come to them. They will also tell where you need to go.

In Lund case, it could be to Malmö, Helsingborg or Kristianstad.

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Knowing Your Rights as a Mommy to be in Sweden*

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img_1977Sweden is one of the most family-friendly countries in the world. Here are some of the reasons why:

Free or Subsidised Prenatal Care

As a resident of Sweden, you’re entitled to prenatal care through midwife-led antenatal care centre (barnmorskemottagningar or BMM) before a baby is born. In Skåne, you can choose which BMM you want to go to. You have the right to visit the midwife six to ten times during your pregnancy if there are no complications. You can also get in touch with your midwife in between the planned visits if you have any questions or concerns. In addition to these, you receive at least two ultrasounds in your first and second trimester.

Expectant mothers (and their partners) also get support through parents classes and maternity classes. These include breathing techniques, coaching sessions, breastfeeding, group support, etc.

You even have the right to an interpreter if you need one and of course all your data is confidential.

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