Send us Fan Mail Join us on Patreon or Support the show Please connect with us: Click here to share your story and be our next guest! Check out Julia's upcoming courses Check out Christine's doula services Lilybee's store with pregnancy, birth and postpartum essentials All Swiss Birth Stories Episodes Alexandra, a footballer who moved to Bern six years ago, shares her pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience just seven weeks after having her son. She explains how she chose an English-friendly hospital in Bern (Salem Spital), how her history of concussion impacted her pregnancy and overall health and fitness journey, how an English language birth preparation course helped her and her partner, and what pregnancy felt like as an athlete. She also describes how a long labour led to an unplanned cesarean birth (C-section) that she and her partner chose together, with partner present, skin-to-skin and a family room stay. Alexandra covers cesarean recovery, breastfeeding challenges, postpartum midwife support, two weeks' paternity leave in Switzerland, and the practical things that helped most: rest (and loving people who kept telling her to rest), pre-cooked meals, fresh air and a supportive partner. Alexandra's Resources:Inselspital's app mentioned in the podcast (Insel Health- Mama Care) Alexandra's birth preparation class was with Mamamundo Questions Answered in this Episode:1. What is pregnancy and postpartum recovery like for an athlete in Switzerland? Alexandra, a footballer living in Bern, found pregnancy mentally challenging because she could no longer control her body, sleep and training the way she was used to. Her earlier concussion recovery taught her to accept her body's limits, and during postpartum she leaned on "rest, rest, rest" advice from her midwife, partner and family. 2. How do I choose a hospital and prepare for birth as an English speaker in Switzerland? Alexandra discovered she had three hospitals within an eight-minute drive in Bern. She attended hospital information sessions and chose Salem Spital because English was an accepted language. She also joined an English-language birth preparation course and took an infant emergency first aid course with her partner. 3. What happens if your waters break before contractions start? In Alexandra's experience, her waters broke six days past her due date. The hospital midwives invited her in, checked her, and offered the choice to go home to rest, since labour had only just begun. She notes that waters breaking is often not the emergency people expect. Always follow the guidance of your own midwife or hospital. 4. What is an unplanned cesarean birth (C-section) like, and how are decisions made in the moment? After a long labour with little progress, Alexandra and her partner were given two options: a cesarean now or waiting to see if labour progressed. They took some time and chose the calmer, planned-style cesarean. Her partner was present, they opted for a clear window to see the birth, and she had skin-to-skin contact and initiated breastfeeding shortly after her baby was born. They then stayed together in a hospital family room. 5. What does postpartum support look like in Switzerland? Alexandra describes a hospital stay of three nights after birth in a family room at Bern's Salem Spital, a postpartum midwife who prioritised rest, lactation consultant support for breastfeeding challenges, and (near) absent physiotherapy care. She also discusses the limits of two weeks' paternity leave in Switzerland and how family and friends helped with meals and freezer food. Subscribe for more Swiss Birth Stories, Write a review, and share this podcast to help more parents in Switzerland and beyond find the show. @swissbirthstories @lilybeezurich @juliathedoula.ch www.juliathedoula.ch www.lilybee.ch www.swissbirthstories.com Swiss Birth Stories shares personal birth experiences for education and support. It is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and birth is different, so please speak with your midwife, doctor or other qualified healthcare provider about your own care. Mentioned in this episode: Lilybee Doulas Lilybee Doula Join Julia's birth preparation class Julia's class Discover more great podcasts at SwissCast.Network The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more. SwissCast Network
