#8: Embracing New Systems of Care: Reflections from my Journey in Denmark

Discovering the nuances of a different culture can be a transformative experience. I embarked on a life-changing journey when I arrived in Denmark at 14 weeks pregnant. Coming from a place where community care and support were not only offered but also expected, the stark contrasts I encountered initially left me somewhat confused.

As an Australian, I assumed our cultures would have many similarities. However, the subtle differences I encountered throughout my pregnancy and beyond prompted me to seek answers and explore the unique culture of community care in Denmark.

Foundations of Trust

In Denmark, I discovered that social welfare systems have been meticulously developed to ensure families can depend on themselves throughout their lives. The Danes have a secure foundation of trust in their healthcare, education, and social systems. Compared to other countries, their standards of care and social service are virtually flawless.

As a result, the need for community care from peers, friends, neighbours, and colleagues is not as pronounced as in other societies, as individuals can rely on the robust systems of the state. This stark contrast to my home country, where trust in leadership is often lacking, led me to rely more on my community for support.

However, like with many cultural comparisons there are always exceptions. Danish traditions hold significant value in their culture and a common act of community support is their tradition of helping move house, even from the 5th floor of the apartment building!

Systems of Support

One aspect that fascinated me was the cultural perception surrounding receiving support. In Denmark, the act of making food or offering help to a newly postpartum mother from your work or social circle is not as common.

The expectation is that they have their needs met, whether through sufficient financial resources or the support of their families. Furthermore, the generous maternity leave available in Denmark allows mothers to engage in various social activities that promote wellbeing.

Challenging Cultural Narratives

Various factors shape the social construction of community care in Denmark.

The portrayal of Viking women in popular media as fierce and independent contributes to the narrative of self-sufficiency. Accepting offerings of any kind may be seen as compromising one's perceived character or an indication of inadequate self-management. I’ve heard Danish women, in particular, avoid pity at all costs, prioritising their pride, dignity and the comfortability of others.

Another narrative I’ve heard is that one may withhold from asking for help because they wouldn’t want to bother or inconvenience the person. 

While extremely grateful for the privileges within Danish society, I couldn't help but reflect on the emotional intimacy and the sense of community that is generated through the act of giving and receiving support.

My journey as a new mother in Denmark has shown me many different sides of care. And though cultural differences may shape the way care is provided and received, every mother deserves to be supported postpartum.

Ultimately, the act of giving and receiving support is an abundantly nourishing exchange, built on the foundations of empathy, connection, and the shared experiences of humanity.