Södra barnbördshuset, Maternity hospital building in Södermalm, Stockholm, Sweden.
Södra barnbördshuset is a red brick building from the 1800s located at the corner of Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 27 and Rosenlundsgatan 15 in Södermalm. Today specialized medical centers occupy the structure, including Maria Beroendecentrum and Stockholm's Center for Eating Disorders.
The building was founded in 1871 as a temporary maternity facility and received its official name in 1881 to serve Stockholm's growing population. This early medical institution marked an important step in the city's organized healthcare system.
The building served as a refuge for women in difficult circumstances, offering a place where births could happen discreetly without social judgment. The spaces reflect this important social function and show how the city cared for vulnerable populations.
The building sits in a central neighborhood and is easily walkable as part of exploring the area. Visitors should know that it remains an active medical facility, so not all areas may be accessible.
The personal diaries of midwife Gustava Jensen from 1871 to 1909 offer insights into the daily operations and medical practices of the maternity ward. These records preserve the stories of the women who sought help here and the professionals who cared for them.
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