Swiss Birth Stories
Our mission is to share diverse birth stories from across Switzerland in a way that empowers the storyteller. We aim to create a supportive space where each person is in control of their own narrative. By recording and sharing birth stories in Switzerland, we hope to inspire those planning their own birth, offer insights for birth workers, or allow listeners to reflect on their own birth experiences. Tune in to hear real, personal, raw birth stories. Available on all major podcast platforms. This podcast is in seasons; during an active season, episodes will be released weekly.
Swiss Birth Stories
S01E11 Veronica: Beyond the Birth Plan. A Story of Resilience, Calm and a "Dream" Birth.
See Veronica's resources under this description
Veronica shares her journey of giving birth in the midwifery led program at Stadtspital Triemli in Zurich, including a "dream birth" and a surgical repair of a third-degree tear caused by her baby's "saluting hand" position during delivery. Through her story, we explore how careful preparation, a positive mindset, and strong support systems helped her navigate both the beautiful and challenging aspects of childbirth.
• Moving from Italy to Switzerland 6.5 years ago and deciding to start a family in 2023
• Experiencing a generally positive pregnancy with thorough preparation including birth courses, midwife meetings, and extensive reading
• Choosing Triemli Hospital for its English-speaking staff, location, and respect for birth preferences
• Going 9 days past her due date and trying various natural induction methods
• Laboring at home for several hours before going to the hospital around midnight
• Finding relief in a warm bath during active labor where she laboured till she was 10cm dilated
• Pushing for 1 hour 40 minutes with midwife-led support
• Experiencing an unexpected third-degree tear requiring surgical repair under general anesthesia
• Managing postpartum recovery with support from her husband and postpartum midwife
• Overcoming initial breastfeeding challenges due to blood loss
• Finding a profound bond with her baby on the second night
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Her resources:
Built to Birth (youtube account)
The Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill
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Hi, welcome to Swiss Birth Stories. I'm Julia Neal, mother, perinatal educator, hypnobirthing coach and trainee doula.
Speaker 2:And I'm Christina Bliven. I'm a doula, baby-wearing consultant, childbirth educator and mother of three.
Speaker 1:In this episode we hear Veronica's birth story an unmedicated, midwife-led birth at Trimli Spital in Zurich, followed by a third-degree tear that required medical intervention to repair. Veronica walks us through her thoughtful birth preparation, the role of midwives in her journey and how she embraced both the beauty and complexity of her experience. With openness and honesty she shares how she navigated postpartum recovery and the often taboo topic of severe tearing, offering insight and encouragement to anyone who faces or is concerned about similar challenges. She also talks about the strength of her relationship with her husband, breastfeeding and her mindset on birth preparation. Her story is a reminder that birth isn't ever just one moment or label. It is a layered, deeply human experience that can be many things all at once. Veronica was the kind of guest who seemed to answer all our questions before we even asked them. We are so grateful for her story and all stories shared on Swiss Birth Stories. This episode can broaden your idea of what a positive birth can mean and invites us to embrace our own strength and resilience. So enjoy this episode.
Speaker 2:Hi Veronica. Thanks so much for joining us.
Speaker 1:Hello.
Speaker 2:Hi, could you start by just telling us about yourself, your family, sure.
Speaker 3:So, yes, my name is Veronica. I'm originally from italy uh, in the north part, so not that far from the swiss border and I moved to switzerland um six and a half years ago for work, uh, so basically, I started my career here in switzerland, in lucerne, and my office moved to Zurich. So I've been around the Zurich canton since the beginning and I moved with my then boyfriend, now husband, and we got married in 2022 and then in 2023, we felt ready to start our family and we got very lucky. We conceived naturally, so in July 23, I found out I was pregnant.
Speaker 3:And yeah the whole adventure started. Then let's say Great.
Speaker 1:So could you tell us about your pregnancy? How did you feel in your pregnancy?
Speaker 3:Yeah, sure, so I would say I've always felt very positive and calm about it. I've always had a positive mindset throughout the whole journey. Let's say the first trimester, I'd say I had the classic first trimester symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, food aversion, and actually I had a trip, a work, a business trip planned on the first trimester. And since at the beginning it's not the best to share that you're pregnant, because you never know how it will continue.
Speaker 3:I didn't share, but I also didn't want to miss this business trip to the US. So yeah, it was a little bit stressful, but I must say after all everything went well that I would say the worst part was wearing compression socks for a six hour flight.
Speaker 3:So yeah, but all good um then, yeah, everything progressed well then, uh, at 20 weeks I had the anatomy scan and actually, um, my doctor was checking, uh that my baby was all good and it seemed that everything was okay, except that when he checked the umbilical cord he didn't really see three vessels uh, so he suspected that it was a two vessel uh umbilical cord, which basically there was one, only one artery rather than two, or at least he wasn't able to see both arteries. So then he suggested he referred us to another doctor here in zurich um to have another pair of eyes, and he was, uh expert in pregnancy ultrasounds that we had to wait like, I think, 10 days, which was, which were the longest days of the pregnancy I would say, um, but then everything also, when we went to the other doctor then he checked, at the beginning he also saw just two vessels, but then he preferred to check from another angle and eventually there were three vessels. So, even though it's actually something that happens to, I think, one percent of pregnancies, so it's still something that happens and maybe then it ends up being all fine. Still, there would have been maybe additional checks, uh, throughout the rest of pregnancy, but then it was all good. So that was, I would say, a bit of a stressful part, because the anatomy scan is fairly important during uh pregnancy. But then I'd say, um, the second trimester maybe was the best because you don't have a big belly yet but you are done with nausea.
Speaker 3:And then I would say, throughout the whole time I've used, I try to educate myself as much as possible. I basically, well, I follow, I think it. Educate myself as much as possible. I basically, well, I follow I think it's called the pregnancy bible what to expect when you're expecting. And I was really like reading it a step by month or, I think, month by month. And then, apart from that, we we did the birth prep course, uh, at the triemli hospital, which we was also the hospital that we picked for uh for our birth. We also did infant care course in triemli um, which was very interactive and practical and really, really useful. But then, yes, we did also first aid CPR and then we met also the midwife beforehand. So before birth we prefer to meet so that we can have a bit of a course from her, but also, you know, having that connection, so that we already met her before birth.
Speaker 1:Just to ask is this, was this a Beleg Hebamme, or was this just the more part of the team of midwives that you met?
Speaker 3:No, no, it was the Beleg Hebamme, the one that then was coming, or actually? No, maybe I'm confusing. She wasn't there when I gave birth. She was the one that was coming at my home after I gave birth. Your postpartum midwife.
Speaker 1:Oh great, it's so good that when they offer those prenatal meetings it's often a little bit tricky with insurance, but great when they do that, so you get to know them exactly, yes, yes, yes, it was really really really good.
Speaker 3:And then I've also read plenty of books, but I'd say the one that helped me the most was the positive birth book, because I really like the whole positive mindset of dealing with the pregnancy and especially with birth and managing pain, or at least approaching pain in a positive way. And then other resources that I really used a lot, especially towards the end of the pregnancy, were some YouTube videos that were meditation from birth to birth, I guess. Yeah, probably you know her, uh, bridget. She's super sweet and really really helpful to just uh switch off the brain for for a bit. Um, but yeah, so that was my pregnancy.
Speaker 2:Can I ask how you decided on triemli?
Speaker 3:uh, yes, sure. Well, firstly the location, because it's five to seven minutes drive from my home, but also we. We went to the information evening both in Triemli and Unispital. However, we, both me and my husband, we are not really proficient in German, and at Unispital the information evening was in German, so that was already. I mean, I know that then for sure the staff would have spoken English, but I'd say the English speaking information evening plus location were convincing to us.
Speaker 3:and also, I was due on March 16 2023 and in Triemli they were opening a new word on March 18, so two days after my due date and I was like, oh, I really want to try the new word. Let's hope the baby is late, and actually, well, he was nine days late, so there was plenty of buffer. And also, something that we really liked about TRIEMLE was that they care. I don't know, probably, yes, at the information evening, but also on the website, they were caring a lot about your own birth preferences and I don't know, maybe now it has changed, but, and maybe other hospitals are offering this, but in Triemli there was even a birth plan template on the website where you can, and it goes very much in details on what are your preferences. So, yeah, it was a fairly easy choice, I would say, for us and we were very, very happy of the whole experience at the Triumvir Hospital.
Speaker 1: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.
Speaker 1: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. Let's, uh, go to your labor did you have? You said your baby was nine days past their estimated due date. Um did you have any early signs of labor?
Speaker 3:yeah, so actually, um, at the third week 39, when it was, yeah, week 39, uh, I felt like after peeing there was some more liquid coming out. So, since it was my first pregnancy, I had no clue that when your water broke you have a lot of water going out. But I was very naive. I was like, ah, maybe my water broke, even though it was not a lot. So I went to the hospital, since it was a Sunday and it felt a bit like a rehearsal, because actually we were sent back home right after, because they double checked with a swab and the sack was closed. No water broke, so it was just a false uh sign. And then, no, actually, after the due date, I did some more checks and baby was good, there was enough liquid. So, um, we actually wait until week 41 to even talk about either induction or other options.
Speaker 3:Um, but actually, yes, on exactly week 41, we went to to the hospital for a check and then the midwife, apart from suggesting the usual tips such as, um, sexual intercourse, spicy food, lots of work, stairs and the usual um, she also asked, suggested a membrane sweep. And I did that, um, and then I also did all these. Like the other, I followed the other tips, because then they were saying if by the ninth day after due date I wasn't starting my labor, then they would have given me a cocktail they call it and then potentially, which was maybe a bit more natural, and then maybe some medical induction. But that wasn't actually needed and maybe I didn't really talk about this before. But I really wanted to give birth naturally and avoid as many medication as possible. So I was like no, no, I really wanted to give birth naturally and avoid as many medication as possible, so I was like no, no, I really hope the baby comes out without any extra push.
Speaker 1:And how was your mindset going past 40 weeks?
Speaker 3:Yes. So that was those. Nine days were very, very, very long, because when you're very excited that the due date is approaching, then you're also sharing the exact due date with family and friend, which in hindsight I shouldn't have done. That I should have said yeah, towards the end of March without being clear, because then every single day I was receiving texts from family and friends which were really like they were with a good intention, but from my side it wasn't really helpful to be asked how are you, is the baby here? Because of course, if the baby come, I would tell you immediately or not immediately, but with due time. Come, I would tell you immediately or not immediately, but with due time. So there was actually a point where I even turned off the notification, gave my phone to my husband and I was like I don't want to see, I don't want to talk to anyone, I just want to be on my own. Because, yes, it's, it gets long. I would say to wait, because because then you never really know when it's coming. But nine days were fairly long. I would say but yeah, so then it was a Sunday, we did double walk, spicy lunch, and then I think I read somewhere as a tip to just relax and watch your favorite movie. So I did that. I watched Mamma Mia, and I really love ABBA. So even to further relax, let's say, I started even singing along the musical and I managed to watch the full Mamma Mia, the first one. Then I started the second one, mamma Mia here we Go Again. And actually I think I managed to watch maybe 20-30 minutes and then my mood suddenly or quickly changed and I was like, okay, I don't wanna watch the movie anymore. I became a bit lethargic and I told my husband I think it's starting. So then it was like 6 pm and the contractions were coming a bit more intense, because actually before then I was yeah, it may be a bit silly at saying maybe I'm already in labor, but my pain tolerance is really high. So maybe I am actually in labor, but my pain tolerance is really high. So maybe I am actually in labor, but I was very wrong.
Speaker 3:And then, yeah, well, during the contractions we were trying to already put in practice a bit of the different positions and the counter pressure that we learned in all the different courses that we were doing, and then we managed to actually have a light dinner. We called our parents saying, hey, it's happening. But both our family are living in Italy. But the agreement, especially with my parents, who are a bit closer, was that they would have left our hometown in Italy only when we were admitted to the hospital. So we were like, fyi, this may happen overnight.
Speaker 3:And then, um, we actually went to bed around nine and that part was really fascinating and we were both having fun. We were saying the fascinating part is that in between contraction you really don't have any pain. Um, so we even managed to nap in between this contraction, which were, I think, every eight or nine minutes, and then we were really like laughing and saying, oh my God, this is really fascinating. We were both so excited. And then, actually I think around 9.30, I called the hospital a first time and they listened to myself while I had a contraction, but they told me, no, no, it's OK, you need to stay home until when they are every five minutes for one hour and they need to be at least one minute long. So I kept napping and around midnight I started not feeling comfortable anymore. So we called again and again, I would say. Then we found out why. But thewife at the on the phone she said, yeah, well, if you really want to come, you can come, but she was sound.
Speaker 3:She sounded a bit like maybe it's a bit too early, but I was like I prefer to go, and then we found out that the hospital was really busy, so that's why they were suggesting to stay home a bit more. But anyways, we went to the hospital and, um, it was around I think, midnight 30 and, um, we were admitted in the triage. Um, because probably, yes, I looked like I wasn't in real labor and maybe because the birth room were all busy, we don't really know. But we were in the triage room for until two and I was monitored with the CTG, but they didn't really check internally until around 2 am. And, yeah, same, every contraction. I was doing all the breathing exercises that I've learned and my husband was doing the counter pressure. We tried different position, but it ended up being sideline position, my favorite. And then at 2 am sorry, they checked me and I was four centimeters dilated. So they were like, ok, let's go to the birth room and finally I was hallelujah, it's really happening.
Speaker 3:Then, yes, in the birth room I kept going more or less like before. I think contractions maybe were getting a bit closer, like before. Uh, I think contraction maybe we're getting a bit closer, um, but I think around six centimeters. Uh, they checked again and they offered me um nitrous oxide. So the laughing gas, um, and I was like yes, okay, that was. I think I really didn't want epidural, but I was accepting laughing gas, like let's give it a try. I think I tried to breathe three times, didn't see any improvement. So I was like no, okay, let's keep going. And at some point I asked to go to the bathtub because I didn't want to give birth in the water. But I read and I really wanted to try because it seems like hot water was a good idea and actually it was the best because the warm water and the shape of the bathtub was great because then I was able to do the counter pressure by myself and like being able to push in the right place on my back.
Speaker 3:So that was really good. And actually even then I think I've been able to nap a little bit, because at some point I even heard myself snoring. So I was like, oh wow, this is really funny. And it was also good for my husband, because then he managed to have a little break for himself, at least for his wrists, because he was pushing really a lot every time, at least for his wrists, because he was pushing really a lot every time. And then, funnily enough, until now my water didn't broke.
Speaker 3:But then I was feeling that there was something happening down there and at first I thought, well, maybe the baby's coming. But I was wrong. It was the water's breaking because at some point I felt a sort of explosion. It was the water is breaking because at some point I felt a sort of explosion. And it was really funny because, like water breaking in the water, I didn't really know how much water was actually coming out, but I felt because I instinctively I put my hand between my legs and I really felt, like you know when a balloon is exploding. So that was really funny. I think I don't know how common this is, but it was funny.
Speaker 3:Wow, yes, and then actually I started feeling the urge to push, so I asked the midwife to check and again she was like, oh, okay, let's see, but I think you're not fully dilated. Then she actually checked and I was 10 centimeters, which was such an achievement because during the whole preparation to birth, I read and a lot of people told me that the um, the transition phase when you go from eight to ten centimeters is the most painful is when everyone is asking for a c-section, like when really the pain is a lot. So, hearing that I was fully dilated, it was really a so it felt like a success because I was like, yes, I made it, uh, till the end, or at least till fully being fully dilated, um, so then I was like, okay, I don't want to give birth in water, we need to go out. Um, we went on, uh, on the bed and actually, um, I, before starting my labor, I had in my mind that I wanted to give birth maybe on all four or standing, but then it ended up that I preferred to be lying on my back or a bit on the side and then I started pushing but the urge to push was constant.
Speaker 3:I started pushing but the urge to push was constant. So the both the midwife and my husband were putting a lot of effort at telling me when to actually push, because I wasn't feeling anymore the contraction or it wasn't clear to me when they were coming, because I would have pushed the whole time. So they were trying to stop me and to like control myself and not push the whole time.
Speaker 3:So they were trying to stop me and to like control myself and not push the whole time, because otherwise it's it's not a good idea um, but then at some point uh, I think in total until my baby came, I pushed for, uh, one hour 40, which was a bit longer than they were expecting. So at some point, I think maybe after one hour, the midwife suggested to call a doctor to do a further ultrasound because, like, the baby was not, or the, even though I was pushing fairly hard, the baby wasn't really coming down at the pace let's say that they were expecting. So a doctor came and they've done ultrasound and everything seemed fine. So they were like, okay, let's keep going. And then I would say the midwife, throughout the whole labor was, together with my husband, a key player, because before I don't know, I had in mind that the midwife is just like staying there and watching at you, but they were actively helping me a lot, and especially in the pushing phase, and especially in the pushing phase, they were doing counter pushing towards me so that I was able to like they were pressing my legs against me so that I was able to push properly. So it's really, really a tough job. Kudos to the midwife in the birth room.
Speaker 3:But then, yes, I kept pushing and pushing and many, many pushes to me. They felt like they were the last, because I was like, yes, yes, I feel that it's, it's progressing, it must be almost out. But then, yeah, in total, yes, as I said, 1 hour 40 ish of pushing. But finally the head came out, uh, which, well, I was, I think, on my back so I didn't really see anything, but my husband saw it and I don't know for me, before starting the whole pregnancy and being educated, I thought that when a baby comes, it's in one push and then the whole body comes out at once. But no, it's first the head and then you need to wait for the following contraction to push the rest of the body out. So that felt a bit of a strange moment. But then the following contraction came and then the rest of the body came out, flowing super Like it was.
Speaker 3:The head was the most difficult part. The rest of the body came out super easily and then the baby came all the way to my chest immediately and that was the highlight, of course, like the best moment of the whole birth. And seeing him, uh, probably didn't say until this moment, but it was a boy and we knew from the anatomy scan. No surprise, uh, but yes, I saw him, uh, and then we, we both got very emotional, um, and, yes, I was like, wow, this has been the birth of my dream, because really, the baby was out, came to my chest we already tried to latch, we took even a picture and everything was really really good and we felt really good because I was feeling some pain, like burning pain. But I, you know, there's actually a phase that is called the ring of fire during the labor. So I was like, okay, it must be that, uh, but you know that you don't really think about pain when you have a baby close to you, like, you forget about everything, uh, before. So, yeah, I was there with the baby.
Speaker 3:Um, the placenta took a little bit to come out. So I think after 20 minutes there were no signs of the placenta coming out. So they gave me the pitocin and literally 30 seconds after they gave me that, the placenta came out. So I'm not sure if it was such a quick effect or, uh, it was just time. But then placenta came out. That was also they, it was in my birth plan and they followed that uh, instruction. They briefly showed me the placenta because I wasn't really interested in seeing it in detail, but I was really impressed by the size of the placenta, because it's really big, much bigger than I was imagining.
Speaker 3:Um, and then, after placenta came out, still I was bleeding and the midwife which probably didn't mention, but we did, the midwife led birth. So no doctor throughout the whole labor, except for when, briefly, the doctor came to do that ultrasound. Um, so when I actually the baby was almost coming out, there was a second midwife that joined us in the room, um, so both of them were checking, uh that, and they both said, oh, you're, you're bleeding, but the placenta it's not really the placenta or the uterus. We need to call a doctor. So a gynecologist came and then she tried to. She said like, ah yes, there's a tear, let's try anesthesia and we local anesthesia and we will do some stitching. So I really, really felt the anesthesia. And then, even after the anesthesia, still I was feeling a lot of pain and I was moving a lot because I was feeling like burning or all the stitches coming so then I think, she called another doctor to have another pair of eyes and then it turned out that it was, uh, quite a severe tear.
Speaker 3:So it was um. And then we were really, really impressed by how quick the this doctor showed, explained me the surgery, and then an anesthesiologist came because they told me, yes, we, we really need to do a surgery, uh, with full anesthesia. And that was a bit of a shock to me, because before now or before giving birth, I never went to the hospital. I never had any other surgery. So in my mind, first having a full anesthesia, in my mind it meant like I don't know five, six hour surgery. In my mind it meant like I don't know five, six hour surgery. And also, yes, I didn't really know how a full anesthesia was working. And because of this, actually, I was asking to drink, because I was super thirsty and the doctor kept saying, no, no, no, you can't drink now. And I found out why because they need to intubate myself.
Speaker 3:But, yeah, right after they found out that I needed surgery, they were basically explaining me I guess it's like a normal procedure all the risks of both the full anesthesia and the risk of the surgery, both the full anesthesia and the risk of the surgery. But also they were fairly clear at telling me you really need to do this, otherwise you will pay the consequences afterwards, because I wouldn't have the muscle tissues back working again properly. But since I really wanted to spend the first hour, or even more, doing skin to skin with my baby trying to latch, I got a bit scared because I was a bit concerned of being away from the baby for long. Then, actually, they reassured me, saying that the surgery would have lasted one hour. So then I had to of course accept it.
Speaker 3:I mean, it wasn't. They didn't put me in a big pressure, it was a decision that I, that I made, but still I felt it was what I had to do. Um, so then I handed the baby to my husband and they did skin to skin so they also wanted, from the very beginning, uh. So I felt that was a bit of a precious moment for them as well. But also I felt, you know, for myself, then I was in full anesthesia. I didn't really uh, feel the stress. But my husband, you know for myself, then I was in full anesthesia, I didn't really feel the stress, but my husband, you know, he just had a baby. You see your wife leaving for a surgery with full anesthesia. He was also a bit stressed and that was actually when we were happy that my parent overnight actually drove to here and he managed to call them and they went to the birth room to with him so that they were together. And actually it was really uh for my parents.
Speaker 3:It was at the beginning, of course, getting to a birth room, not seeing me. They got very stressed, but also they. They then appreciated the the fact that they were able to see the baby literally an hour after he was born, um. And then, yes, well, I went to the surgery room, um, and I went on full anesthesia so I didn't really feel anything. Uh, then I woke up, um, I was chilling like I was, I had chills. I was chilling Like I was, I had chills and I was probably over speaking, and in many different languages, like I was in a bit of a strange zone, I think. But I guess that's part of anesthesia. But then I came out to the birth room and the baby came back to me and then the whole journey started properly. So, yes, let's say that the surgery wasn't planned at all, but still I'd say I processed it well. So, yes, that was, let's say, until the baby came out. It was really the birth of my dream, but the aftermath was a bit unexpected, but still manageable.
Speaker 1:I'm wondering if you think your preparation because you did so much preparation for this birth and so much on your mindset I'm wondering if you think that that impacted your ability to cope with these circumstances.
Speaker 3:Yes, definitely so, even when I, when they told me that I needed to do the surgery, I was actually asking how common is such a surgery compared to a C-section, like which one is more common and also which one is more invasive? Because I really was scared of c-section. I really didn't want to do a c-section, unless, of course, unless needed. But I think that I mean and this is some is a very personal opinion but I would have felt worse if I ended up having a C-section rather than having this surgery, because I don't know, in my mind still, I felt all the natural feelings of giving birth naturally, no medication, all the hormones were coming in, um, and also, yes, the positive mindset definitely helped because, uh, even right after the whole surgery, I was like you know, I maybe there are moms that after going through this, they are like, oh, never again, this was uh too much, or maybe I want to do a c-section if I have another baby, while from my side, I think, yeah, I can do this again, if possible, of course, because with with a tear like that, you need to make sure that, uh, if you have another baby, still it's possible to do a natural birth. But let's say I haven't been traumatized by this. I must admit that, um, maybe like the second or third day after giving birth, probably also when baby blues were hitting, uh, I was feeling like, uh, in hindsight, should have we, we should have chosen, um, not birth with a gynecologist there, but that really it wouldn't have changed things, because also, yes, probably I didn't mention this, but the reason why I got the tear is that my baby was. We came out with a salute, it's called saluting hand. So it was like superman, his hand where was coming out? By his face, by the face. But unfortunately, when the doctor did the ultrasound when I was in labor, the, the skull was covering the, the hand because it was behind the skull, so they couldn't have seen it anyways. And also, I would say, the postpartum midwife. She helped me a lot at, you know, digesting or dealing with the whole surgery, because with all the details that I gave her, she was telling me that even if they noticed that he had the hand by his face, then there would have been potentially a maneuver to do, but that would have risked, in a, I think, like the, the umbilical cord might have came out, or, you know, there was a risk that then the umbilical cord wasn't really giving him blood as needed, so then there would have been a need of a c-section, which was what I was mostly scared of. So eventually it happened and you know you're not always lucky, but I think it's okay. I must say that really, maybe from outside, especially like my mom or like some family, were like, oh, you've done like such a big surgery and yes, of course I don't deny that but I think the mindset really really helped and the fact of having them, the baby afterwards, was really good and actually something else that was a bit scary.
Speaker 3:I think the first day was that eventually I've lost I think one liter point three of blood and they were. I think the second day after birth I had to do an iron infusion and my baby was born at 8 20 in the morning, in the evening on his first day. Um, they were trying to, the nurses were teaching me how to express colostrum or to stimulate the colostrum, because it wasn't really coming out, and then they were telling me, yes, that this is because you've lost a lot of blood and now your body is dealing with creating again blood for yourself. Colostrum and milk for the baby is not the top priority for your body at the moment. So there's a chance that then your production is a bit delayed or not enough and I really, really wanted to breast.
Speaker 3:So actually that first night they were even suggesting formula, which I found a little bit surprising because, well, I read that for the first, I think, couple days the baby still has a lot of nutrition from the womb. But also because 3Mly is um, breastfeeding, supporting hospital, baby friendly hospital, yes, exactly, um. So that was a bit surprising. But we we pushed back a little bit on on the formula because I really didn't want my baby to get the bottle, because at the beginning and maybe it's different, but my feeling was to try with the breast as much as possible and then let's do formula if it's really really needed. And then actually milk came out. I managed to breastfeed exclusively the whole time until when we started solid. So that wasn't an issue. Actually, I must say that when he was two months I had the issue of overproducing milk. So that was really funny after all the warnings they gave me. Oh man, yes, exactly. So you never know what your body can do.
Speaker 2:Hi, I'm Christina, a doula, baby wearing consultant, childbirth educator and mother of three. I'm the owner of Lilybee, 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.
Speaker 3:So, yes, that was my birth story. And then, well, the days after were magical, I would say. And, at the hospital, also something we really liked about Triemli. Well, apart from the food, which was delicious, we managed to have a private room and especially after, I would would say, either c-section or a surgery like mine, having your husband there or someone there helping you was crucial, because I think I never really looked at changing, at the changing nappy procedure at the hospital, because I was not really able to stand at the beginning or even, like you know, stand for a long time, um, so I think that's something really precious to have someone there.
Speaker 3:And also, apart from physical needs, I think mentally, uh, it's good to have someone, you know they're always with you because of course, the nurses were were really sweet and super supportive, but of course they don't know you as much as a partner knows you. So that was really good. And yes, as I mentioned earlier, when we were at the hospital I actually experienced some baby blues which, again, since I let say, studied pregnancy and postpartum, I knew that they were happening, so I was there crying and say yes, I know it's a baby blue, but I can't stop myself from crying Because, yeah, the whole hormones are playing together against you or not against you, and exhaustion and recovery and breast milk Everything is happening in those times.
Speaker 1:So feeling those feelings is completely normal, but can catch people really off guard.
Speaker 3:Yes, exactly, and the triggers were really funny Because actually, yes, it was like one of them, it was a time where to allow me a relaxing. I think that my husband, with my parents and his parents, they went to the cafe with the baby. So I was on my own in the room, tried to maybe nap. I wasn't able. So I was like, okay, I need to continue. Mama mia, here we go again. I need to continue watching it. And, yeah, it was like a very silly scene and I was there in tears. So, yes, it gets you off guard very much.
Speaker 1:I'd love to ask you about your postpartum care. So what levels of physical support did you have, like what were doctors recommending to you for your long-term healing, to sort of respect what your body had been through and its ability to you know, move on and move forward from that? And then also, what was your other supports you know surrounding postpartum?
Speaker 3:Yeah, yeah. So actually, right after the surgery, the doctors handed to me the prescription for physio. So, yes, the recommendation was to start physio right after the six weeks check with the gynecologist and like for, of course, like the pelvic floor physio, and then, so well, I started that when it was due time and but before that, when I was coming back home, the postpartum midwife was really a key player, I would say, because then she was double checking how the stitches were progressing and then also giving me some tips and tricks to make sure that the healing was going well and there were no infections or like any sort of issue. Because, of course, something else that I wasn't really prepared for was the bleeding after you give birth. Else that I wasn't really prepared for was the bleeding after you give birth, which was a lot, and, and, yes, so basically mostly I would say, the postpartum midwife helped me right after giving birth.
Speaker 3:And then I went to my gynecologist and and actually after six weeks, he told me that he wasn't even able to see the scar. So I was like, wow, okay, that's very good of him to say, I don't know, like it felt really, really good. So that was nice, and then I started the physio for a bit, but also something that, from the very beginning, that the doctors told me and warned me was that, unfortunately, you know the muscles that between the vagina and the anus are affected. So there it would. There are chances that it's harder.
Speaker 3:Let's say to control passing gas and not only gas. So they were actually very careful at telling me please let us know if passing gas without controlling it, let's say it's normal after this type of surgery, but if something else comes out, then that's a big problem. I was very lucky so I didn't have such an issue, but that was something to to be aware of and also something that I don't think it was only because of my own surgery. I think that's a bit common, but also a bit of a topic that it's not really widely spoken about is also the p incontinence, um, because even, like you know, when you're laughing a lot because these are the happiest time of your life, but then when you're really laughing hard, it can happen.
Speaker 3:So, um, yes, like you really need to basically listen your body and understand that it's part of the process and um and deal with it. So I think that also um, like throughout the whole healing process, having the support of not only the midwife but also my husband, because, yeah, you know it's, you need both mentally but also physical support and I really can't complain. It was really really precious, especially even like and this doesn't really apply only because I of the surgery I had, but in general, having the some time where you can just nap and take a rest by yourself and the baby is also maybe napping, but maybe on a walk outside then you're able to sleep on your own and recover, because, yes, the lack of sleep is a thing in the postpartum phase, um so yes, I think mostly.
Speaker 3:Well, my parents were here for only like four or five days after the birth. Then they went back to Italy, so it was more basically the three of us, but my husband was really a key player in this. He was super, super helpful and supportive. Apart from cooking and then taking care of the baby, he was really the best I could have asked for.
Speaker 3:So it's definitely a team effort, and something super sweet that he was always telling me is that yes of course, like we both need to take care of the baby, but there are some things that I can only do, such as breastfeeding. So, because of that, then my priority is take care of the baby. His priority is taking care of me, because if I'm not taken care of, then it's harder for the baby. So, yes, that was really really helpful, because something also that I wasn't prepared for, even despite all the reading and studying that I've done, it's how intense breastfeeding is at the beginning, because it's not really intense. Well, physically, yes, because then, well, apart from the contractions, um, like postpartum contractions, but also latching, even if the baby latches, well, it's just the time that you spend with the baby latched to you. Because I was timing with an app for one day he was latched for eight hours. That's a full-time job.
Speaker 3:So the first days, I would say, even though I was very committed and determined to do breastfeeding, there were times where and maybe the whole postpartum hormonal change etc there were times when I was like, no, I don't, I really don't want to breastfeed, I'm, I'm exhausted, I just want to sleep. But then I I managed to keep going and then it paid back. I really enjoyed the whole breastfeeding journey. It's super practical, it's for free, cheap, like, and so quick. So I wouldn't change it at all. But the very beginning I was like, wow, how can all these moms breastfeed? That's amazing. But then, once you get into it, it's feasible and also babies get a bit quicker, so that's also a big change it takes both of you some time to get used to it and figure things out yes, definitely.
Speaker 3:Now it's a sort of relationship I would say breastfeeding and actually, well, this is not related to birth it afterwards, when I was feeling a bit done with breastfeeding, I think someone told me or maybe the lactation consultant she told me yes, breastfeeding is a relationship. Both parts needs to be involved and committed in into the relationship. So if you don't feel engaged anymore, maybe it's time to stop. Um, and that was the case for me. So also, my baby was not that interested anymore, so the whole weaning worked well. But, yes, it's a. Breastfeeding is definitely a journey, uh, but something that I will repeat.
Speaker 1:It's a commitment, of course, because you really need to be there for the baby, but very much worth it um, veronica, before we say goodbye, we have um one last question for you, and that is if you can share with us one wonderful, brilliant moment, your most brilliant moment from this experience the most, uh, maybe, um, the second night after the baby was born.
Speaker 3:Uh, so the first night he slept on my chest. The second night, both me and my husband were like, uh, I think we can try to put him in the crib, let's see if he can sleep on his own. And of course he was able, because right after they're born they just want to sleep. But then so the baby was sleeping, but I was not able to sleep, and then I just touched the baby and brought him on my chest and I felt in peace. So I was like, oh my God, like it wasn't the baby missing me, it was me missing him. So, and that felt such a grounding moment, because then you really feel this, like how animals, let's say, we are, like it's such a natural bond. So, yes, for me that was the highlight, because, even like touching him gave me some I don't know sort of energy or something beyond that. I don't know. I guess something is that, something that moms can definitely resonate with, but it's yeah, for me that was a magical moment.
Speaker 1:Julia, I see you're in tears. I didn't want to no that feeling. I know exactly what you're talking about.
Speaker 2:Thank you, oh man, I'm not supposed to be the one who cries. It is. It's very beautiful and it's amazing that that comes so quickly after birth, not, like you know, after you really are used to motherhood or in day two and you already felt that that was a piece of you yeah that's beautiful.
Speaker 3:Thank you, veronica yeah, of course no.
Speaker 1:thank you for allowing me to share my story 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.
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