Dipal- one birth in India, one in Switzerland. Navigating cultural differences, bilateral clubfoot and the transformation to motherhood

Resources mentioned in this episode at the bottom of this summary

Dipal shares her powerful birth experiences in India and Switzerland, highlighting cultural differences between healthcare systems while navigating a bilateral clubfoot diagnosis during her second pregnancy. Through both births, she demonstrates how preparation, knowledge, and supportive care providers created empowering experiences despite differing approaches to maternal autonomy and birth practices.

• First birth in Bangalore, India where episiotomies are routine, fathers are not there for the birth and birth plans are uncommon

• Finding a doctor who supported her in having the birth she wanted

• Using preparation, visualization, breathing techniques, and knowledge to prepare for labor

• Husband's active involvement breaking from Indian tradition where men aren't typically present during birth and infancy

• Bilateral clubfoot diagnosis at 16 weeks during second pregnancy in Switzerland

• Swiss healthcare providers demonstrating respect for patient autonomy and body autonomy

• Different communication styles between Indian doctors (personal, accessible via WhatsApp) and Swiss doctors (more formal but respectful)

• Successful treatment journey for bilateral clubfoot after birth

• Finding strength in supportive healthcare providers who used humor and encouragement during labor

• Managing postpartum with limited family support in a new country

You can visit her informative blog and social media here: 

www.dipalsblog.wordpress.com

https://www.instagram.com/dipalpatel18/

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Deepal's Birth Stories
• 4:35 First Pregnancy in Bangalore, India
• 14:21 First Birth Experience and Hospital Stay
• 29:32 Moving to Switzerland and Second Pregnancy
• 43:43 Bilateral Clubfoot Diagnosis and Decision
• 53:06 Second Birth at Zollikerberg Hospital
• 1:04:15 Postpartum Experience and Family Support
• 1:08:32 Clubfoot Treatment Journey and Progress

Transcript

Julia: 0:07

Hi, welcome to Swiss Birth Stories. I'm Julia Neale, mother, perinatal educator, hypnobirthing coach and trainee doula.

Christine: 0:17

And I'm Christina Bliven. I'm a doula, baby-wearing consultant, childbirth educator and mother of three. On today's episode, we're talking to Deepal, who describes her experiences giving birth in India and in Switzerland. There are so many amazing and interesting stories in this episode. Deepal talks about cultural differences and realities in the countries she's lived, communication with doctors and navigating. Having a baby with bilateral clubfoot diagnosed at 16 weeks, she gave birth in Bangalore, India, and Solikriberg Hospital in Switzerland.

Julia: 0:55

Hi Deepal, hi Yulia, hi Christine. It's so nice to see you as well here. Could you, before we begin, tell us about you, about your family and, yeah, the things that you'd like to share about you guys?

Dipal: 1:14

Yes, so I'm Dipal, currently living in Switzerland with my husband and with my two kids One is three and a half year old boy boy and another one is three month old boy and so I am born and brought up in India and I am an engineer and from that, me and my husband moved to US for seven years. I did my master's, I worked there as a software engineer, then we moved back to India for two years where I gave birth to my first son, and then we moved to Switzerland and we lived here for almost two years and then I gave birth to my second son here and I become a yoga teacher as well. So I'm a yoga teacher. I like to write a blog, so I write blogs on babies, on food, on health, on art and craft, and I gave up my career or I'm taking a break from my career after my two kids and I'm really enjoying this motherhood journey. And, yeah, I'm really looking forward to talk with you.

Christine: 2:28

Awesome Thanks, journey, and yeah, I'm really looking forward to talk with you. Awesome thanks, well, if we can start with your first pregnancy, maybe, how? How did that go? What did that feel like?

Dipal: 2:36

Yes. So when we and my husband got married we were in US. So I was studying and doing the job and we did not wanted to have a baby in US for some reason. So and then so we moved to India and we both are Indian citizens. So basically I wanted to have our kid to be same like citizenship at VR. So we moved to Bangalore and then we thought of, started planning the baby and we got lucky.

Dipal: 3:07

I conceived it spontaneously and so in India we had the hospital very close to us, like the 10 minutes of drive, and it was the hospital we started looking for the gynecologist for the first time and the first criteria. So in India it is a different scenario because people opt for C-section very normally. They think that C-section is normal, and so I was looking for a doctor who has high rate of normal delivery. So that's what I started looking for and I found a doctor. I went and met her and then I told her in my first appointment that I want to have a normal delivery and she laughed at me and she's like, yeah, you are going to have one.

Dipal: 3:56

So she was, and I loved her and she was very brilliant doctor, like very knowledgeable about her things and then I started reading the books and because I have seen many pregnancy and birth in US with my friends and family members, so I always compare the test or the things in India and things in US. And then I will keep asking her that why don't we do this test on this week in US? We do this at this week? Her that why don't we do this test on this week in us, we do this at this week. And she was like okay, so then she will send me the slides and like pdf that okay, you want to read more? Yeah, read this. Why we don't do this in india?

Dipal: 4:34

why the regulations are different so she was very, very nice, uh, to me, like she understood me that, okay, she want to know more about all this stuff. So she used to just help me with those and definitely I educated myself so much, like I used to read so much, like, okay, this month, how I should feel, how the baby is growing, what are the things that I should take care of, what are the things I should not take care of, something like that and then everything went smooth. So in India, like when you do your ultrasound, revealing the gender is illegal there. So we were not no, we did not know we had a boy or a girl and we were definitely okay with this. So everything was good. Baby position was nice, everything.

Dipal: 5:26

Well, I was a yoga teacher. I did prenatal yoga teacher training as well. So I was doing yoga and I was like very much positive that, yes, I'm going to have a normal birth. I also prepared, like throughout my journey I don't know, but it I was just closing my eyes and imagine how my delivery will be and I will imagine myself delivering my baby and holding him in my or her in my arm, and I think that prepared me a lot for the day.

Dipal: 5:56

Another thing I also practice a lot of breathing, because I heard that when you are in labor, your body is working like very much on just letting down your baby and if you are stressed out, all the muscles are like stressed and they cannot do it. So the more relaxed you are, the more calm you are, your body will cooperate more. So I was constantly thinking and doing the breathing and all that stuff and I was also preparing that how my labor will be and I was asking the question to the doctors what are the medications that I can take and whatnot. So so, for what I liked about many of the people, they say that if you don't know many of the things, it things get better because you don't know whatever comes and you follow. But for me, I am a person who likes to know everything. So then I ask my doctor okay, if the dilation doesn't happen, what the doctor is like, we do this, okay, if that doesn't happen, what?

Dipal: 7:04

so then then I'm prepared mentally that, okay, in worst case I might have to go to the c-section and these are the cases that I might have to go, but best cases will be this, worst cases will be this. So I've prepared myself with all the scenarios. So that helped me a lot because whatever was happening and even doctor will tell me during the process that this is happening I'm like, yeah, I know this. Yeah, ok, yeah, understood. So that helped me a lot with this. At the same time discussing it with my husband that, ok, this is my plan, this is what I want to do. So in India, most you don't have your birth plan. Like you cannot tell that, okay, I want my birth to be like this, I want to push the baby in this position. No, it is the doctor who decides and it is just like that. But the, the institute or the hospital that we chose was a private hospital and so I could tell my doctor what I want to do. So in India, like if you see a gynecologist, she will be the one throughout your pregnancy with you and she will also help with you at the time of delivery. So that is good, that she knows your history, your mental state, everything.

Dipal: 8:22

So for me my contraction started at night around one and I did not have any kind of false labor or anything, just the bricks and bricks contraction of that's it, and I wasn't feeling anything. So at night, me, my husband and my mom came to help us so I started feeling like menstrual kind of pain. Around 1 pm I went to pee and poop multiple times and I was like, ok, something is odd. But I still tried to sleep and it was 38 weeks. I finished 38 weeks on that day and at three I could not sleep. Then I realized this is might be the contraction. I started the app I was using one app and I started recording the contractions until five. So I was not able to sleep three to five. I like the contraction was coming every 20 minutes, 30 minutes, for 40 seconds, 30 seconds, and then at five I woke up my husband and my mom that I think, I think I am in labor and the contractions were just the pain and then it would wear off and then everything is normal. So then we thought, okay, we should go to the hospital now.

Dipal: 9:45

We got ready, dressed up, packed clean, our bag was already ready. I messaged my doctor that okay, this is how I'm feeling and these are how my contractions are looking. And she told that I should wait for two, three hours at home still. So I waited, we went for a walk, took a shower, my mom made some breakfast, we ate, and then my contractions were like every 15, 10 to 15 minutes for 45 to 50 seconds. And then my doctor told that yes, you should go to the hospital now.

Dipal: 10:17

Now the my doctor was out of town because her father got some surgery. So she's like, sorry I'm not here, but some doctor will be there. I'm like, okay, fine, I went to the hospital. I was nervous that, okay, my doctor is not there, but I'm like, okay, it's okay, I cannot choose this day. So we went to the hospital. So in India you have, we don't have midwives, we have nurses, and they are not trained for the birth, they are trained to support you, that's it. So it was a nice labor room and I was the only one in the labor during that time and it was a COVID time. So they did test my husband and me for the COVID and they allowed only my husband to be present in the hospital. That is also rare in India that your husband husband to be present in the hospital. That is also not, uh, that is also rare in India that your husband can be with you in the birthing room.

Julia: 11:10

Uh, yeah, so normally would it be like a mother or a sister, or would you not have a uh?

Dipal: 11:17

mostly no, and India it's. A culture is like if, for example, if I'm pregnant, then I go to my mother's place with my parents for the delivery this is how the culture is and then I stay with them until the baby is like four or five months and then I come back to my husband's place.

Julia: 11:33

It is like that. So the husband is just not really involved in the infancy.

Dipal: 11:37

Yeah, so, husband doesn't know the process and he, he will hold the baby only like four or five months. It's like that.

Julia: 11:44

How did your husband feel about this change in cultural norms?

Dipal: 11:48

Yes, so he was. He is always so. That's the thing. So we live in the US and then we understood that being with the baby is it's equal Like it's not only my baby, it's equally his as well. So he was definitely. When we had a baby, we were like no, I'm not only my baby, it's equally his as well. So he was definitely. When we had a baby, we're like no, I'm not going to my mom's place, we will have the baby here. We will see if my mom can come and help us. That would be better, because he also wanted to be the part of this entire process. So, yes, so far we were. We were mentally prepared and he was equally excited uh for uh this that's amazing

Dipal: 12:29

yeah, so. So then, uh, yeah, then I went to the the nurse, uh, I went to the labor room and the nurse was like very funny lady. And she made jokes and I'm like, wow, this is what I wanted. Like you, when you are in this position, you just need a person who is more cheerful and and the, the energy that they bring us. It's, it's amazing. And and she was making jokes like, okay, I have 21 year old boy, uh, blah, blah, blah. And we were just funny and and chit-chatting and she made me so comfortable.

Dipal: 13:02

Because another thing is like your body. You are going to expose your body to so many people at that time and it's it's, it's not comfortable, right? Yeah, you, you will be uncovered and everybody is going to see you naked and and like the woman, she was like, yeah, yeah, please. Like she was making me so comfortable that, okay, yeah, it's okay, this is normal part of your process. I will help you if you, if you don't feel comfortable, I will not do this to you. She was such a sweet lady. And then she was like if you need anything, so they gave me, they gave us kind of a privacy. So she was like we are just right here, you and your husband are here. If you need anything, call us, I will come. So that we like the most that, okay, we were, we were still together, but if I need somebody will be there. But they are not just clinging there and watching me what I'm doing and how am I feeling. That was really nice of her.

Dipal: 13:58

And so then, uh, the assistant doctor, so the like midwife, we have assistant doctor. Then she came and she checked, uh, she did the internal checkup and I was four centimeter dilated. And then she's like good, you are in labor and you are going to deliver your baby today. And we were so excited, whoa, finally. And yeah, and then she offered me some food, some juice, and I was walking around and I think they also realized that I'm much more aware and much more content, so they were also taking a place back. That, okay, if you need, then call us. And then I asked my oxygen doctor that where can I take epidural? She's like I don't think. So you need 10 callers. And then I asked my oxygen doctor that where can I take epidural? She's like I don't think so you need one.

Dipal: 14:48

You are managing it very well, so I think you you can do it without this and I'm like, okay, wow, thanks.

Dipal: 14:54

So sometimes you, you just need. Because it was my first time and I was feeling it, I'm like, should I take it? Will I be able to manage it? And then she was like, no, you are doing just fine, you don't need one. And then that that statement made me feel like, okay, I can do this if she, because she has handled so many deliveries, she, she knows I should trust her so this is the woman who is like cracking jokes, right yeah yeah, it's just amazing how she's able to just get that rapport with you, have you feel at ease and then just like put in this little bit of confidence of actually don't think yeah.

Dipal: 15:32

You don't, yeah, even if she might think that, okay, I might need, but she gave me that confidence at that moment she's like, yeah, you don't need one, please, you can do this. I know this. I'm like okay, wow, okay, great, I can do this. I know this. I'm like okay, wow, okay, great, I can do this. And then then my, my husband, his personality.

Christine: 15:50

He's very calm.

Dipal: 15:51

So then and and he was also reading with me through all the books, so he he understood that all I will need during that time is a support. So then he was like, okay, let's watch some friends episode. So we were watching and cracking the jokes and the beautiful part about contractions are, if they come, like for one minute it's there and it they are like waves, so it will increase, increase, increase, intense, and then it decrease. Once they are gone you don't feel like anything. So then if the contraction are coming like my husband's name is Anuj I'm like Anuj contraction. And he's like, yeah, yeah, I will lean down on the bed and he will like give me nice back massage. And I'm like, okay, gone, gone, gone. And then he will resume the friends episode and then we will watch again.

Dipal: 16:35

So it was such a funny thing. But but it was like we were enjoying the process, like, okay, yeah, baby is coming, we should make it more fun. And then he also understood that, okay, I should make her like me, more positive, more happy, then she will be able to navigate through this process very easily. So that's what we did. Then we we talked about all the beautiful memories of our life, where we have traveled, what we have achieved, what are good things that we did in our life. And he, he, he pulled out all the pictures together for me and we were watching that. Yeah, you remember we did this hike and this happened, so like it was so nice of him as well.

Christine: 17:14

Did you know that he would do that, or was that a surprise? No, no, he did it it was a surprise.

Dipal: 17:19

So we were just remembering the years and like, oh, you remember this hike we did in us, and then we, our car, our car was trapped in the snow and like we were, like we were, we were talking about all this stuff and it was I, I really I don't remember that, okay, when uh, the contraction came and when, because I was constantly thinking about all the beautiful things that we did in our life and then the contraction went intense, definitely for longer duration, and I was feeling it, the assistant doctor keep coming to check on me and my water wasn't broke, it was still there. Then she asked me that let me check your dilation, and I was seven centimeter dilated and she was. She requested that can I uh rupture your membrane? Can I break your water? It may intense or it may increase uh, the process of your labor. And I was like, okay, fine, yeah. And then she broke my water and the contraction intensifies and they put me on the bed with IV and I did not like that, because I like to move during the labor. And then they also gave me bouncing ball. So I I did that, but I wanted to move and I was on IV and I'm like, come on, I don't like this because when you move, things get better. Your body moves, your, your progress get faster. But they were monitoring me and the baby and I understood that that's okay, but definitely I would like to be moving until the end, like I did in Switzerland, but I did not know, because they said that I we need to monitor. I'm like, okay, fine.

Dipal: 19:07

And then again the last one hour was a bit intense because I was on the bed and the contractions are coming and my husband is like, yeah, you can do this. He was squeezing my thighs and but I think every moment the pain points are different for me it was my back and my sides of my thighs and he was literally squeezed very hard and then the final doctor checked and I was fully dilated and in like 10 minutes, like all the nurses came, they put on the table and the doctor came with the apron and everything was ready and gloves and it was a new doctor, senior doctor, who is going to do my delivery and I was meeting her for the first time and she she was a calm and nice lady too and she's like Deepal, I know your doctor is not here, but I'm going to do your delivery. You are doing good and we will do this together, don't worry. So she gave me assurance. That was nice of her.

Dipal: 20:09

And then so this is the thing in India, you don't get a choice of pushing positions. So she's like, okay, now they put me on the table, my both legs on the side. And then she's like okay, do you feel the urge to? I'm like, yeah, I'm feeling the urge for pushing a lot. And she's like, yeah, you can start pushing.

Dipal: 20:29

And I was pushing and but I wasn't pushing that hard. And she was like push hard, deepa, push for longer, push hard, push for longer. And I could not understand. I'm like, how? Some some? Then I'm like, wait, please stop, everybody stop.

Dipal: 20:44

So then there was a doctor, there was assistant doctor, two nurse, and everybody was like around me and my husband was just like staying there and looking. And I'm like, please stop, wait, what am I doing wrong? Please guide me with my breath. And she's like, yes, you need to inhale, hold the breath and push, because your exhalation, your and your pushing is not going together for longer time, but we need a longer push. I'm like, okay, now I understood. Then I inhale and then I started pushing, but I was going out of breath. The doctor realized and she put an oxygen mask on me. She's like now you can do this.

Dipal: 21:22

I again, I wasn't like going out of energy and then she told Deepal, we can observe that baby's heartbeat is going a little bit low. If you don't push it, then I need to use a vacuum. And when I heard a vacuum, I like no, I don't need, I don't want vacuum. And then I pulled all my energy. I looked at my husband. I'm like this is the last time I'll do this. And then I pushed hard and yay, the baby was out. It was such a priceless moment of my life and the beautiful thing about labor is they when you, when you in life, you always feel only one emotion at a time. But when you're in labor, you feel two extreme of emotions at the same time, like the most, like painful as well as blissful, like pleasure and the pain together it's the only rare moment of the life and I was like, wow, I'm so blessed to experience this and I'm so glad that.

Dipal: 22:27

Okay, like this was the most. I felt like I'm on the top of the world when I did this. When I gave birth and I looked at my baby and doctor said congratulations, it's a boy. And and I wanted him on my chest immediately, but he wasn't breathing well, so the pediatrician came and took him. They were just rushed. I just saw him for the second and they just took him. And then doctor said don't worry, he's fine. And my husband also went with them and I was constantly thinking okay, what, why, where is my baby? What is happening? And two doctors and they were like, don't worry, he will be fine, he will be back to you, they are cleaning and checking him. Uh, now we will sue you.

Dipal: 23:11

And in india, yes, so they do episiotomy. It's, it's, it's normal. There everybody do episiotomy. They don't believe in normal tear. So my doctor did perform episiot me, so she was stitching and it was so much, so many emotions, right, the one you are holding inside you it's no more with you is out of you. Your body. You feel so relieved of all the pains, but you're still so excited you can't describe the emotions that you are going through. You're floating in the, in the pool of emotions, and and the doctors were like discussing, like yeah, yeah, where are you traveling next? Oh yeah, I'm going there and they're suing. I'm like come on, what are you?

Julia: 23:58

the most profound moment of my life. I don't want to hear about your travel plan In this moment. Did they give you a numbing shot, or how was your pain levels at this moment when they were stitching up the episiotomy?

Dipal: 24:14

They did local anesthesia. They put injection there. So I wasn't feeling anything at all. I was just feeling that something somebody's pinching my skin, but there is, there was no pain, and yeah. So then she delivered my placenta and then they were swing and so so. So, basically, before they perform the episiotomy, they give the anesthesia. So even I did not feel, uh, the delivery of my placenta because I was definitely in the in anesthesia.

Dipal: 24:52

So, yeah, and then then they were suing and I was constantly thinking where is my husband, where is my baby? Why did the doctor took a baby from me and then my husband came and he's like everything is fine, baby is fine, and the nurse is going to bring the baby to you. Okay, and then he again rushed back. So at least I was relieved that, okay, everything is well. And they were suing them like everything went well. Uh, you can take rest, your baby will come. So the nurse brought the baby with me and I touched him for the first time. He was so warm and so nice. He was crying. I'm like, oh my God, if I can make this one, then I can do anything in this world. So that powerful movement of my life. And then, yeah, everything went well. The nurse came, cleaned me Basically, they gave me a like diaper to wear and for me I wasn't peeing, so they gave me a lot.

Dipal: 25:51

Another thing that I did not realize during my labor I wasn't drinking fluid much. I, after six centimeter, I forgot about it or I just skipped, I did not know. So then I was not able to pee. So doctor was like we need to put you in observation until you pee normally Then, and then we can take you to the room. And baby was also not breathing well, so they're like baby's also under observation, don't worry. So I wanted to feed him right away, but because of that we could not do.

Dipal: 26:24

The nurse helped me, drinking a lot of fluid and she was like please pee. But I wasn't like can I get up and go to the toilet and do it myself? She's like, ok, she took me to the toilet. She even put like cold water on my feet. That if but nothing happened. And the doctor assistant doctor said OK, we don't want to take longer because your baby is waiting for me. So I think I will just put a catheter and remove the urine. And then she did. It wasn't even that painful for me. And then she was like okay, now we will put you to the room. They took me straight in the stretcher from the room and I met my baby for the first time and he and he fed really nicely. He latched nicely.

Christine: 27:07

So yeah, that was.

Dipal: 27:08

It was really beautiful and and the and after that, the doctors would keep visiting, like lactation consultant and physiotherapist and the dietician that okay, like those. Those two days were like very busy in the hospital. Like somebody will come oh yeah, I'm a dietician and you should eat this, this, this. Why you should not eat this, this, this and then physiotherapist will come yeah, these are the exercises, and then the nurse will come. I need to clean you. Like it was a busy, busy, busy time for two days. And definitely baby newborn. He sleeps, uh, during the first two days, so he was sleeping and feeding. Pediatrician will come. So, but after two days we went to home and, yeah, everything was okay.

Dipal: 27:55

A good thing about this was on the second day I was able to walk, I was able to go pee by myself, took shower as well. So that's what I liked about normal delivery that you can feel normal very quickly. You can at least get up and do your stuff by yourself and within I would say, one week, two week, I was feeling really normal. Only the discomfort of the stitches that while sitting and getting up and, and some pain, like when I was feeding the baby I was feeling like cramps, like a little bit of pain because your uterus contracts when you feed the baby. That's it.

Dipal: 28:38

Yeah, everything was good, but because of the episiotomy, my, my wound or my stitches took longer to heal. Uh it, because I had like internal stitches, external stitches and then it took like almost three months to heal completely. I wasn't feeling much pain, but when I went to my doctor's checkup with my doctor and she told your stitches are still needs to be healed and it took three months. So, yes, that's the only thing that I wish they could heal earlier. And, yeah, everything went well. And then we came to Switzerland and we planned for another baby.

Julia: 29:31

Hi, I'm Julia from Happy Day and I'm here to support you in creating a peaceful, empowered birth experience. Whether you're seeking relaxation, stress reduction or effective ways to manage pain, my birth preparation course, hypnobirthing Plus, gives you the tools to feel calm, confident and prepared to tackle the unknowns surrounding birth. Hypnobirthing Plus is a unique two-day program designed for couples who want a deeper, more personalized approach to birth preparation. In this course, we cover everything from understanding your body's physiology to mental techniques that reduce fear and boost confidence. You'll also learn practical techniques for birth partners to have a positive, empowering impact on your experience. Additionally, we dive into your rights and choices and possible interventions, ensuring you feel both well-informed and supported.

Julia: 30:32

The course is offered in a small group setting in Ooster, just 25 minutes from Zurich, as well as live online to give you the flexibility you need. With limited spaces available, this is the perfect opportunity to prepare for birth in a supportive, empowering environment. Spaces fill up quickly, so visit happydayhypnobirthingch today to book your spot in the next Hypnobirthing Plus course and take the first step toward a calm, confident birth. And don't forget to connect on Instagram for tips, resources and special offers. Now back to Swiss birth stories. So how did that look for you in the planning for adding to your family.

Dipal: 31:19

Yes, so I always wanted to have multiple children because I grew up with my sister, my husband also grew up with his sister, so we were like we need multiple kids. My, my first, like my first born, should have somebody with his same age growing together and, uh, they will have a different learning together. So we always wanted to have a second one, definitely, but with my first one, after my first one was born, I developed an umbilical hernia, so that is again a complications after pregnancy. So and I had to go under surgery when he was nine months old. So the doctor did the surgery and put a mesh. So I was very scared that, okay, if I have another pregnancy, then again I need to go to surgery.

Dipal: 32:15

So then we talked with multiple doctors and they said you can do this, it will not going to harm your baby and and you can work afterwards to heal it faster. And so we were skeptical about it. But then we're like no, but I want another baby. We also look. Then we moved to Switzerland. We also look for options for adoption and then we realized that it will take seven, eight years. We were like it will be too much gap. Okay, let's just plan for the baby. And again, yes, uh, we planned and it was spontaneous again. So I got conceived instantly and yeah, that's. And second pregnancy was also nice, but everything was a little bit intense than the first pregnancy and I had my three-year-old toddler with me all the time, so it was sometimes I'm like tired, I want to take a nap, but you cannot, because he's running around.

Dipal: 33:16

So yes, that was it. At the same time, I felt like he was always there with me, so I did not feel alone.

Dipal: 33:25

During my second pregnancy, we were going to museums and libraries and it was a fun thing for me and, yes, sometimes intense, sometimes stressful, but yeah, everything was well. And then in Switzerland, I was a little bit scared that how the medical system will be, how the doctors will be and how will my delivery will be, Because, you don't know, it's an unknown country, the language is also different, the medical system is different. So, with the same one, we started looking for doctors here and I just asked many people and somebody recommended a doctor and then I met her. So another thing the difference between the doctors in India like there are more population, right, even though a doctor sees 200 patients a day, the doctor is still like very attached to you personally. So I would have my doctor on my whatsapp and she, even if I meet her, she knows my history, that she's a yoga teacher, she likes this, she likes that, like you will be shocked that wow, they are so sharp. And then here the doctors are more professional and the doctors I feel like more professional. And then whenever I meet her, she needs to read my history. And then it's like, okay, now I know, yeah, let's talk.

Dipal: 34:54

So that was the difference I found here. But I was like okay, because it was my second time, so many of the things I already knew. So the doctor was like any more questions? And I'm like, no, I know all these things are normal and this is a part of pregnancy. So I'm glad that second pregnancy was here. If it would be my first pregnancy I would might have more questions and I would think why the doctor is acting like this or why the doctor is so professional. She does not understand what I'm feeling, something like that. But that was the difference I found. But the doctor was really really very smart, very nice.

Dipal: 35:34

Again, I don't know if I should mention, but we, at 16 weeks, we got to know that the baby has clubfoot when he was in my room On both sides, yes, on both bilateral clubfoot. So we were scared because we saw this for the first time. And the doctor she was really nice, she's okay, this is clubfoot, it is curable, don't worry, I will send your report to the university and we will see. So again, we went to the university hospital and then the expert doctors uh, confirmed that, okay, baby has a bilateral clubfoot. And uh, they were like, okay, we will perform some test, more tests genetic test and chromosome test to see if baby doesn't have any more abnormalities. So they did my amniocentesis, so they took my amniotic fluid. What?

Julia: 36:32

week did you have the amniocentesis, because I know people might want to who are facing the same circumstances yes it's at 16 weeks, so early yeah early.

Dipal: 36:44

So my doctor was. I must say the doctor was so brilliant. She detected, uh, clubfoot at 12 weeks and she's like this is I see that it's a clubfoot, 12 weeks and I'm like, wow, how could she? She immediately sent this to the university hospital and the doctor said we should wait until 16 week because 12 week is too early to say anything. So then we again waited for 16 weeks and then they confirmed that it is a club food.

Dipal: 37:12

So again we got panic because the report takes like three to four weeks to come, all the genetic and chromosome reports, test reports and then we were reading about club food and all the treatments and like so many forums and in forum trust me, it's very scary because people always talk about bad things in forum so we were like, should we terminate the pregnancy? What should we do? We were in the in the stage that like, okay, even if nothing is there, only club food we will terminate. Like we were in a mental, very stressful time. And then, uh, it was my gynecologist. She was like we wrote an email to her that, okay, doctor, sorry, but we would like to terminate. Uh, please tell us the procedure, how to do it. And she was like you are mad, you are not going to do this, like I liked her that she took authority at that time, even though she was very professional, and she's like this is curable, treatable. You are not going to do this. You come and meet me.

Dipal: 38:16

And then immediately she was on vacation but she arranged a meetup with an orthopedic pediatrician for us who treats clubfoot. And she was like and I got a call from the orthopedic pediatrician hospital, it's like your gynecologist told that you need to visit us. And I'm like okay, and we met a doctor for my to understand about the club food and thing treatment. The doctor was again so calm and quiet and he explained us everything. He showed us pictures that how the improvement will go, how the baby will look, what are the treatments, how we will do it.

Dipal: 38:58

This is doable, you don't have to worry about this. If all your genetic reports are normal, it means you have a healthy baby, just with an orthopedic issue. That is treatable. So please don't worry, we will take care of it. And they both gave us confidence for sure. And luckily we also found another mother in US whose baby is born with club fit just three months before us. So I talked to her as well and she helped me that. Okay, it's curable, treatable. My baby is four months and he is he's already flipping with boots and bar.

Dipal: 39:34

So please don't panic, it is doable. And then we were relieved that, okay, fine, fine, I'm so happy that we are choosing a life and our baby we are. We are going to help our baby for the first four years and we will do it. So we were very happy. And another good thing about my gynecologist after the 16 week of scan, everything like in 20 weeks, everything got confirmed that there is no other disorder or anything. Baby is healthy. She never showed feet. During my ultrasound she told me don't forget about the feet. You are not going to think about the feet, you are just enjoy your pregnancy. You look at the healthy baby and once the baby is born, you are going to be in good hands. Your baby is going to be very healthy and he will be treated nicely. So that was again very nice of her and I am very grateful that sometimes you meet perfect people in your life and I am like, wow, she was just perfect for us.

Dipal: 40:35

And yes, my pregnancy went normal again, same on my delivery day. So we we decided to deliver the baby in Zollikerberg hospital in Zurich and so your gynecologist sent all your document to the Zollikerberg hospital. This was my new experience, because you don't know anyone from the hospital when you are going to give birth and I'm like, okay, but it was my second time, so I was not scared. I was like, okay, yeah, I know the process, I will, will do it. And we have also heard very good stories at Zollinger Bergspital experiences from different mother. So we were I was happy. The only thing we were concerned about is if I'm in labor and if my elder one is with me. How will I manage?

Dipal: 41:28

because when you are pregnant with the second one, you always think about your first one more, not, yes, of course, second one, but your first thought process, because you have lived three years with him together, so you always think about your first one more. And then we decided we will not call anybody and we will do on our own. That is another thing. The perspective that changed after coming here in Switzerland, because we see people like having babies and managing on their own, even if they have two or three, and we were so, so inspired to look after those families that okay, wow, if they can do it, we can do this too. Why not, right? So we started preparing our house foods. We froze some food and like, okay, we will do this and my, my, uh elderson goes to keitha daycare.

Dipal: 42:24

He, he goes. So we were. We also told our friends that if we need uh to look after our boy, please we will do something. We plan everything. But it was just a perfect day. So again I had the same uh, same pattern of labor, like at 1 pm, 1 am. At midnight the contraction started, uh, during this second time I used to get lots of false labor.

Dipal: 42:50

So two times we were like pack the bags and I think we need to go to the hospital. And then I'm like, oh, it's gone. So that happened two times and everyone was telling me that second baby comes earlier and faster.

Dipal: 43:03

But no no, no, like my first, always exactly. So he was born at 38 weeks and I was like, okay, before 38 weeks he will my second one will born. But no, it took 39 week and then 39 weeks and two days and and I was going out of patience and it was heavy. I'm like come on, please, baby, come out. I'm feeling so tired now. Uh, and and yeah, finally, uh, at night, one again same pattern. It started, uh, one, two, three I could sleep, and after three to five I could not. I started calculating the contraction. Uh, it was like 15 minutes for 45 seconds, and I was hoping that please, let me, baby, please, don't come out. I will drop your brother to the daycare and then we go to the hospital and I will deliver you, please, please. And that exactly happened. So I woke my husband at five and I told him and we cleaned our house, we packed the bags. I woke my husband at five and I told him and we cleaned our house, we packed the bags, and then we woke up our boy, big boy. And we did not tell him that OK, we will do this, because then he will, he will ask thousands of questions and then he'll not go to daycare, and then we got him ready, we meet him normally, and then we dropped him to daycare. We again went for a walk. It was like a last walk before it's four of us. And then I called to the hospital and then told them that it is 10 minutes apart and lasting for 45 minutes, and they said, yes, it's your second time, so you don't know. It progressed really fast as well, so please come to the hospital. So I went there. The midwife she was waiting for me at the door. Another beautiful thing was we are not, we don't speak that good German. So we were like scared that what if I will not be able to communicate what I want? But in Zollikerberg everybody speaks English really well. So then she took me to the labor room and she it was a bath, bathtub and very nice labor room. And again she was very funny lady. She was like oh, I have two kids. Oh, your big one is Nikita, wow, wonderful. Like she was again very fun and cracking jokes. So I'm like, yay, she's a nice lady, I can do this. And she, she was again very fun and cracking jokes. So I'm like, yay, she's a nice lady, I can do this. And she was like until 11,. I'm here with you and then the new midwife will come, but she'll take care of you.

Dipal: 45:28

I have read entire file of yours. I know what are your preferences. This is your second time. You have done it with first time as well. So, yeah, I know you will do this this time as well. So with first time as well. So, yeah, I know you will do this this time as well. So, yes, again, the experience was really nice.

Dipal: 45:47

She was very helpful and she ordered food as well. She ordered juice, if you need water. This time I know that I need to drink a lot of water. So I was like, keep drinking, keep drinking going to the pee. But I'm like, no, I will keep drinking. I will not forget this this time. And uh, yeah.

Dipal: 46:04

Then I ask her another uh, good, like in india, after 37 weeks, the doctor, do your internal checkup every visit. Uh, here doctors don't do it. And then even I ask my gynecologist uh, can you check my if I'm dilated or not? She's like, no, you don't need to until you are in labor. And then we don't check it here. Like, wow, why? And she's like, no, I don't have to, okay. And then, uh, I went and I asked midwife that are you going to do my internal checkup? She's like yeah, yeah, I will do. And then she did and I was four centimeter dilated. She's like you are in labor, you are going to deliver.

Dipal: 46:48

And another beautiful thing like she touched my belly and to see the position of the baby, that was very impressive for me. And she's like your head is here. You must be feeling the kicks here. Baby's back is here, like okay, fine, well, this is beautiful. And another thing is the differences. In switzerland they give you so much respect, like even before touching to you. She's like I'm going to touch here. It might hurt you for a bit, but I'm really sorry, but I have to do this. And I'm like yeah, yeah, please. I know I'm in labor, I'm supposed to be exposed and touched everywhere, so I'm prepared, please do it. I'm fine. But she was like respecting my body and she will always ask before doing anything to me. That was very, very empowering. That was very respectful way of treating.

Dipal: 47:40

That I did not feel in India. In India, more of like the doctors will take in charge and they will just tell you that okay, this is the way we will do here. She would ask me every time do you want to do this, do you want to do that? Or maybe she also knew that I'm a second time mom, so I'm more aware of the things, so was asking me, uh, every time. And then, uh, she asked that, okay, do you want to do acupuncture? I'm like I have never done it, but why not? Why not, please do it? And then she did acupuncture. She explained me that if you press uh some points, then it gives, sends energy to your uterus and then uterus. So I'm like, okay, fine, yeah, yeah, I believe in energy because I'm a yoga teacher. Please do it, I'm fine.

Dipal: 48:27

And after that I wanted to go in the tub because I have heard so much about uh staying in water tub during labor. So I asked her. Then I went to the tub and I felt so good and it is really, really. I could see the change in intensity of the pain. I felt so relieved in the water. I was surprised that between contraction I used to sleep. So I would like my husband, I'm in the tub and I will sleep, and the contraction comes, I will breathe again, I will sleep. And I was surprised to do this this time. But I'm like, okay, I was more relaxed because I know what is coming and how it is going to come. So, yeah, that was. That was really good.

Dipal: 49:16

And then, after one hour, I wanted to move, so I came out. The contractions were more intense compared to the first time, uh, and, but I know what is going to come. So then I requested for a ball. I was walking, same me and my husband were cracking jokes and he was same kind of person. And then again, my midwife will be always out of the room giving us privacy. And she told that if you need help, please press this button. I will come.

Dipal: 49:51

And the new midwife came. She was the calmest lady I've ever seen. I would ask her that will I be able to do it? And she will. She will reply yes, of course you are doing wonderful. The tone of her was like okay, wow, okay, I will do this. I believe you, yeah, I believe you, I believe, yes, yes. And. And so I, uh, I went to pee and I see my mucus plug and water, like mucus plug, was releasing. And then I called her. She's like yes, it means that your liver is doing, you are doing good, your body is progressing. And I asked her that I am feeling a lot of pressure, like even compared to the first time, I was feeling a lot of pressure of pushing. And then she again checked and then the water broke and she told that, okay, you are at 8 centimeter dilated and I think almost there, you are just there and the contractions felt really like continuous this time and within I think half an hour I requested her again that please check.

Dipal: 51:00

And then she checked and I was fully dilated and I'm like, and she, she again told me that your baby is on the right side more, so please lie down. She gave me a position where the baby can come to the birthing position better, and I lay down in the bed for like 20 minutes and then I wasn't able to hold it. Then I requested her that I want to push. So another good thing here that she was waiting what I want to do. So she was making me driver of my own journey and she was like okay, now you are feeling it, then we will do it.

Dipal: 51:35

And then I told her that I don't want to push on my back because I did not like it and I believe that that might have caused hernia. So I'm like I want to try sideline. If I don't do it, then I might go into the top. And she was like okay, so I was sideline. My husband was holding one my hand, I was holding another table with my other hand and she was standing on my back. Uh, another good thing about it she was continuously keeping a warm towel, uh, towards my perineum and I felt really good, uh, that time. And and she was guiding me where I should put the pressure and she was telling me uh, I will, she was, she will push me and tell me here you need to put a pressure.

Dipal: 52:24

Can you try? And? And that was really nice because she was helping me where I need to focus more and then I was breathing. She was like you are breathing, wonderful, uh, please keep doing this. If you feel like pushing, please push it. And then I was pushing and again, even between pushing I used to sleep. So I was exhausted a bit. And then I was sleeping, dozing off, and I'm like, yeah, contraction, and then both my husband and she both will be ready, and then I will try, try, try. And at one time I was so exhausted I'm like I cannot push.

Dipal: 53:01

Please tell me, will I be able to do this and then she told me yes, I can see the head of your baby. He has beautiful hair, you can do this. And my husband got up and he also checked. He's like yeah, I can see the head, deepal, please, I'm almost there, you can do this. And I, like I shouted okay, I can do this, I can do this, I have done this, I know this, my body knows this, my baby knows this, we will do this.

Dipal: 53:25

And then I pushed hard. Then only the head came out, okay, and then then my contraction went off and she was like uh, and I told her that I I don't feel any contraction, but head is out, because I was got scared that head is out and and I cannot push anymore. She's like calm down you, it's okay, wait for the next contraction. This I was feeling for the first time. So it's like, don't worry, calm yourself, wait, wait for the contraction. And then you push again. Then I think 40-50 seconds I was literally sleeping, only head out. And then again she told me that, okay, I told that contraction is coming and I just gave a hard push and the baby was out and he was immediately put on my chest.

Dipal: 54:13

She's like, please done remove your clothes. And then she put him on my chest and it was again beautiful. I'm like, oh, wow, I did this again. Oh, it was so relieving and so grateful, so powerful and, yeah, he was here, she helped me to latch the baby and baby was latching and I was just relieved. I looked at my husband. He was crying and it was such a beautiful moment and and they gave us like she wasn't even coming. She was there but it was just me, my husband and the baby and she gave us plenty of time for just three of us us plenty of time for just three of us.

Dipal: 55:04

And after that then she checked my belly, pushed and then she told that I think the placenta is removed and you give one more push and we will deliver your placenta. So then the placenta was removed. She checked that the placenta was whole, because I've heard that the part of the placenta stays inside the uterus. So she checked that everything is fine. Half an hour left and I was still my baby on. Like she changed the side and I'm like, wow, okay. And she, like you had a nice delivery, your placenta is also out. You have a second degree tear, but the doctor will come to stitch you sew you. And I'm like, wow, half an hour and nobody is here to sew me. Wow, nobody wants is coming to stitch. Like this was again, uh, like in india, the movement. They delivered episiotomy, like everything was quick and everything was running, like people were running coming back and everything was calm and peaceful. So she, like that, the senior doctor came and she wished and they looked at the baby like, oh, so cute, now we will sue you. They gave me again a normal anesthesia injection and two doctors started suing me while I was feeding the baby. And uh, then it was 5, 30 and my, my husband has to go to pick up my elder son. Yeah, he left to pick him up and I said, yeah, yeah, please go.

Dipal: 56:29

And uh, the stitching was done and the midwife asked me do you want to take some rest? And I was like, wow, can I? She's like, yeah, and then baby was on my chest, she turned off all the lights and she went out. I'm like, and she told me you sleep. And I slept for half an hour and I'm like, wow, this is so beautiful that it's like I want. I want to be still there in that moment. And she gave me that that thing.

Dipal: 56:59

And after half an hour I just rang the bell and I'm like please, I want to clean myself and I want to eat because I was starving. I'm like I'm hungry. She's like okay, I will take your baby now and I will clean the baby and I will order your food because you're hungry. You eat first and then I will help you take a shower. I'm like, ok, so I was like almost naked and then I was eating because I was super hungry.

Dipal: 57:27

She was cleaning the baby, dressing him, and she put him next to me. And then she's like if you are able to stand up, I will take you to the bathroom and I will help you take a shower. And I and I was able to I'm like you just stay there. If I need help I will call you, otherwise let me do it by myself. She's like, okay, I do it did it. And then she helped me dressed up. And then she asked do you want to wait here until your husband and your child comes? I'm like, no, no, I want to go to the maternity room and I want to look fresh to my elder son as well and she's like, ok.

Dipal: 58:09

Then she took me with the stretcher, all my stuff, with her baby on my lap, and we went to a maternity room and again another midwife came and yeah, then after that I was just waiting for my son and my husband and they came and he saw my, my elder son saw his baby brother for the first time, and it was such a priceless moment. I'm like, wow, see, this is what I've created, our family, and it is so, so, so, so powerful and I am.

Julia: 58:46

We were like, we were all in happy tears and, yeah, it was just a beautiful moment of my life yeah, that's a beautiful story yeah, thank you so much for listening and giving me this much time it's just so powerful, like there's so many moments of power, power and empowerment. And gosh, I could listen to you talk about your birth all day. I love it, yeah it's gorgeous.

Dipal: 59:18

Yes, yes, and everything really went well. I'm so grateful for all the people who came directly and radically to support me, to help me go through this sorry, go on.

Julia: 59:32

Yeah, what was um after baby arrived and you had this like wonderful moment. Yeah, the hospital room. I, just I, I, uh, I just think that's such a beautiful image. When, afterwards, what was your support system like postpartum? You mean, you're in a new country, yes, no other family close by, how, how did you um navigate plan for and how did that time go?

Dipal: 59:59

so then I stayed in the hospital for two days. My husband would go with my elder boy at home and, yeah, so before that he did not know how to cook. With the second baby he learned it and I'm like, yes, you did my second boy, you did it. And so I made like during pregnancy. I made some recipe notes. I stick them on the refrigerator for him. I froze many of the food so I would like small recipes for him. So, yes, during first 10 days he used to cook everything.

Dipal: 1:00:36

After I came home and it was Christmas time, so my baby was born on 17 December, so it was Christmas time. The daycare was closed, so my elder son was also home. That was a bit challenging because I need to rest. He was needing me all the time because he wasn't knowing that why mommy is not available and I have to be with the baby. I also need to rest.

Dipal: 1:00:59

But I'm so grateful my husband was here and he would cook and he would just take him out for the ski. He would take him out to the library and everything was closed, so he would just take him out. Everything was winter, snowy, but he would just tell me do you need me? I'm like no, no, I just need rest. So better you both go out and I will just rest, feed the baby and sleep. I can do this. And with the second time I was more like on the third day I was up and I was doing everything, so at least managing the baby was very much okay. With the first time my husband helped me during the night, but with the second time he could not, because during the day he has to be aware of doing the housework, managing the toddler, so I let him sleep with him for at least seven hours and I used to manage the baby at night, uh.

Dipal: 1:01:51

so, yes, uh, that's that's how uh, we managed, uh, and yeah, so after 10 days then I started cooking a little bit and so we had a like schedule. I think my baby needs a. Can I feed him?

Christine: 1:02:14

Hi. I'm Christina, A doula, baby-wearing consultant, childbirth educator and mother of three. I'm the, a doula, baby wearing consultant, childbirth educator and mother of three. I'm the owner of Lily Bee, a family hub in Zurich where you can find resources, community and support in English as you begin your journey into parenthood. It takes a village. Find yours here.

Julia: 1:02:34

The last question I want to ask you, we want to ask you is in your births, what is your most brilliant moment, the one that kind of catches you off guard when you remember it and you're? Just filled with hi baby. No, I think it's great if mommy's okay with answering the question while she's feeding her baby. I think that's wonderful.

Dipal: 1:03:09

When they both were born and then when the feeling of them coming out of me and seeing them for the first time was the most most like powerful moment, or the most brilliant moment, when I saw them and then I felt that okay, I'm birthing them. That was the most most powerful moment and, like once your baby is born, you forget about all the pain that you have gone through and when you see them, you feel that if I can make this, I can redo this again and again.

Christine: 1:03:41

I don't mind. Also, I'm curious what happened after the birth.

Dipal: 1:03:44

As far as the club feet, yes, so I told that we already met the orthopedic pediatrician and so we emailed after he was born and then we met them on the 7th day after his birth and the treatment is like eight to ten casts so they put. So baby's feet are inward and upward, so the doctor changes the position of the feet gradually and they put their entire leg onto cast. So every week they will change a position a little bit, then cast, changing position a little bit, and cast. So from the seventh day he was in the cast for him to adjust to the new things was a bit difficult because in the womb or outside he was able to move his legs and after the cast it was difficult for him to move. So it took two, three days for him to understand that this is my new legs now and and, uh, and every week we need to go to the hospital for the cast change, uh.

Dipal: 1:04:50

But again, the doctors were super, super nice and even during the cast he will cry. Then the doctor will say, ok, calm him down, we'll come again, we will do this again, don't worry. And even if sometimes we need to bring our elder son with us as well, they will make sure that they will do something for him. The doctor will make some puppet out of his hand gloves and give it to him, or, like they just made us feel like it's our new home and gave us confidence that, okay, baby is doing good, his hips are fine. We will do this. Uh, and I like how he's progressing and and uh, when he was um eight weeks he also had a surgery a small surgery so they uh, it's called tenotomy, so they they break the back of their.

Dipal: 1:05:42

So when your feet is like this, so it needs to be stretched a little bit, so they just put a small cut so that it stretch more. So it was a small procedure but it he was under general anesthesia and surgery went okay for sure. But after, when he was wearing out of the anesthesia, it was a bit difficult. For two days he was upset as well, uh, but then once he is out of the cast, he is now wearing a special boots and bar, so there are two boots and there is a bar in between and he needs to stay in this boots and bar for next three months.

Dipal: 1:06:22

For 23. 7 means I can remove only for one hour so I could give him a shower after two months and then, after he will turn five months, then he needs to wear this only at night, so daytime he will be free. Yeah, and all of his progress is doing well. His feet are very nice now and we need to. He needs to wear this until he will turn four years old and then he will be fine. He can do everything, that's incredible, isn't it?

Dipal: 1:06:56

yeah. So, yes, yeah, for for us it was a bit like we were scared in the beginning, but the way we are seeing the progress and everything is going smooth, we are now very happy that, uh, and very, very grateful in that moment that we decided to have him with us yes, and he seems very happy and content as well yes, yes.

Dipal: 1:07:23

So first two months was a bit challenging because he's a newborn, he wants to be with us and he's not comfortable. What is happening with his body, what they're, what we are doing with his feet and legs. But after two months, yes, he's doing much better. After the cast was removed, he's much happy now. Even he can flip with all those stuff together. So so, yes, everything is nice. So even yes, um, I through this if we can educate that club food is treatable, curable it is, it will be a great thing for the parents like us yeah, for sure.

Julia: 1:08:02

we'll put um the fact that your baby has bilateral club feet in the description. Yeah, so people can search and look for that um if they're experiencing the same diagnosis as you, and I know that this story will reach the people who need to hear it, and it's exactly yes yes, yes.

Christine: 1:08:21

Thank you so much for sharing.

Dipal: 1:08:23

Yes, yeah, thank you so much for listening.

Julia: 1:08:30

Thank you so much for tuning into another episode of Swiss Birth Stories. If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an inspiring birth story or expert insight. Your support means the world to us and helps this community grow, so please also take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach even more parents-to-be. Don't forget to share this episode with a friend or loved one who could benefit from it, and be sure to follow us on social media at Swiss Birth Stories for even more tips, resources and updates on upcoming podcast guests, courses and events. We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and birth stories too, so feel free to DM us, fill out the form on our website, swissbirthstoriescom, or tag us in your posts. Until next time, keep sharing, keep learning and keep connecting with each other.