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Katie: Two Unmedicated Water Births at Triemli in Zurich, Midwife-Led Care and Feeling Strong Postpartum
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Katie’s two midwife led births at Triemli Stadtspital in Zurich share a surprising thread: both times, a skilled and observant midwife noticed what was standing between baby and this world, and once it was resolved, things moved quickly. In this warm, practical conversation, Katie talks us through her experience of giving birth to her children. We discuss staying active throughout pregnancy and postpartum, water birth, hypnobirthing, motherhood, and birth plans. She also shares her honest experience of breastfeeding pain, rebuilding strength postpartum, finding joy and what changed when her second baby arrived and her three year old became a big sister.
If you’re preparing for a birth in Switzerland, this episode is full of ideas to take to your own midwife or care team.
Katie's Resources:
Katie's own youtube channel (including her pregnancy and postpartum workout videos, interview episodes with Julia about hypnobirthing and so much more): https://www.youtube.com/@MyPregnancyPostpartumJourney
Katie's webpage: www.up2mama.com
And Women's TCM Specialist in Pregnancy and Postpartum, based in Zurich:
Katie's recommended Physiotherapist mentioned in the show: Physio-restart.ch
Questions Answered in this Episode:
Can you stay active throughout pregnancy, and how might it affect postpartum recovery?
Katie exercised through both pregnancies, often just 10 to 15 minutes a day while her children napped. She added exercises for her glutes and hips after a physiotherapist advised her on sciatica. She believes this training also helped her feel strong in postpartum. Of course, check what’s right for you with your midwife or doctor.
How do you choose a hospital in Zurich, and how do you make sure your birth preferences are recorded?
Katie wrote a birth plan for both births and met a hospital midwife before the first. Before her second birth, she called to ask if she needed a meeting and was told everything was fine. On arrival, her plans for another midwife led birth were not on file, and she was told that a doctor and IV were part of the standard process. It took about half an hour of discussion among staff to arrange the midwife-led birth she wanted. Her sound advice is to confirm well before you go into labour exactly what is recorded in your file, because negotiating is not something you want to do when in labour.
What is a water birth like, and how long should you stay in the tub?
Katie found the warm water calming, and b