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Alexandra: Pregnancy as an Athlete, Long Labour, Unplanned Cesarean Birth and Postpartum Recovery in Switzerland
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Alexandra, a footballer who moved to Bern six years ago, shares her pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience just seven weeks after having her son. She explains how she chose an English-friendly hospital in Bern (Salem Spital), how her history of concussion impacted her pregnancy and overall health and fitness journey, how an English language birth preparation course helped her and her partner, and what pregnancy felt like as an athlete. She also describes how a long labour led to an unplanned cesarean birth (C-section) that she and her partner chose together, with partner present, skin-to-skin and a family room stay. Alexandra covers cesarean recovery, breastfeeding challenges, postpartum midwife support, two weeks' paternity leave in Switzerland, and the practical things that helped most: rest (and loving people who kept telling her to rest), pre-cooked meals, fresh air and a supportive partner.
Alexandra's Resources:
Inselspital's app mentioned in the podcast (Insel Health- Mama Care)
Alexandra's birth preparation class was with Mamamundo
Questions Answered in this Episode:
1. What is pregnancy and postpartum recovery like for an athlete in Switzerland?
Alexandra, a footballer living in Bern, found pregnancy mentally challenging because she could no longer control her body, sleep and training the way she was used to. Her earlier concussion recovery taught her to accept her body's limits, and during postpartum she leaned on "rest, rest, rest" advice from her midwife, partner and family.
2. How do I choose a hospital and prepare for birth as an English speaker in Switzerland?
Alexandra discovered she had three hospitals within an eight-minute drive in Bern. She attended hospital information sessions and chose Salem Spital because English was an accepted language. She also joined an English-language birth preparation course and took an infant emergency first aid course with her partner.
3. What happens if your waters break before contractions start?
In Alexandra's experience, her waters broke six days past her due date. The hospital midwives invited her in, checked her, and offered the choice to go home to rest, since labour had only just begun. She notes that waters breaking is often not the emergency people expect. Always follow the guidance of your own midwife or hospital.
4. What is an unplanned cesarean birth (C-section) like, and how are decisions made in the moment?
After a long labour with little progress, Alexandra and her partner were given two options: a cesarean now or waiting to see if labour progressed. They took some time and chose the calmer, planned-style cesarean. Her partner was present, they opted for a clear window to see the birth, and she had skin-to-skin contact and initiated breastfeeding