Frequently asked questions

Yes – and in a way that feels right for you. Everything takes place at your home, in a private, protected setting. For the mother this covers the breasts and nipples in connection with breastfeeding, the caesarean scar, birth injuries and perineal stitches, the regression of the uterus and the lochia. For the baby it is weight, feeding behaviour, the umbilical cord and skin colour.

These checks are not a formality. Part of my responsibility as a midwife is to spot anything unusual early – mastitis in its early stages, a wound that is not healing well, a uterus that is not contracting as it should. That only works if certain things are examined properly.

You set the pace. I tell you beforehand what I am going to look at and why. If something feels uncomfortable, say so – we will find a way that works for you.

Postpartum visits are regular visits by a midwife to your home during the first weeks after birth. They check the health and well-being of mother and baby, answer questions and provide support with breastfeeding and with the new family routine. They make the transition to life with your newborn safe and positive.

The frequency depends on your individual needs. In the first days after birth, visits usually take place every one to three days. After that they are normally reduced to weekly or bi-weekly appointments. The exact number and frequency is determined together with you.

I take care of your physical and emotional health: general condition, healing after the birth, regression of the uterus and lochia. In addition there is support with breastfeeding and feeding your baby, questions about baby care, tips on dealing with possible discomfort and support as you adjust to your new role as a parent.

The length can vary, but a visit usually lasts about an hour. That leaves enough time for a thorough examination, for your questions and for any concerns you may have.

Contact me directly – usually already during pregnancy, so the care can be planned. It is advisable to get in touch early so that I am available at the time you need.

Please note: I am currently on maternity leave and not taking new registrations. You will find a colleague near you through the Swiss midwife search.

In Switzerland postpartum visits are covered by health insurance. The costs of care by a midwife during the postpartum period are covered by basic insurance, and the deductible does not apply. So there are no costs for you.

The postpartum visits are designed to give you a good start to family life. If you need additional support afterwards, I remain available and can refer you to further resources, counselling services or other professionals.

Yes. Regardless of the type of birth – home birth, birth centre, hospital or caesarean section – you can make use of postpartum visits. You and your baby receive the care and support you need to recover well.

The process varies depending on the family's needs, but usually includes several parts. First I check your physical and emotional recovery after the birth: well-being, wound healing, breastfeeding or bottle feeding and any physical discomfort. Then I assess the baby's condition, monitor weight and growth and assist you with baby care questions.

An important part is breastfeeding support: proper latch-on technique, identifying potential problems and offering solutions. If you have chosen bottle feeding, I help with preparation and with questions about formula.

There is also time for your questions about the postpartum period and early childhood development: sleep habits, umbilical care, general infant care, postpartum exercises and much more.

Ideally three to four months before your due date. Independent midwives in the Zurich area are often booked up early, and depending on the season it gets tight. Better too early than too late. If I have no capacity left, you will know early enough to find another midwife.

The on-call fee compensates a midwife for being available for you. In the city of Zurich it is paid by the city, and many municipalities in the canton cover it as well. As a rule there are no costs for you. When you register I will tell you how your municipality handles it.

Usually on the day you are discharged from hospital, or the day after. Sometimes the Guthrie test sets the timing, as it has to be done in the first days of life – we coordinate that together.

I am reachable from Monday to Sunday. That said, I sleep too – for genuine emergencies at night there is the children's hospital emergency number, which you receive from me at the first visit.

Yes. The hospital midwife is responsible for your stay in hospital. I take over at home afterwards and accompany you and your family through the first eight weeks after the birth.

Yes, of course. I come for you and your child – not for a particular way of feeding. Even without breastfeeding there are important things to consider, such as the milk coming in, weaning or bottle feeding. And a large part of the visits is about your recovery and well-being anyway. I support every family in their own situation.

Exactly the same: I come on the day of discharge or the day after. If your child has to stay in hospital longer, an extension of midwifery care can be applied for.

We discuss that in the midwife consultation. That way you can prepare what is right for you instead of working through a standard list.

In English and German, and in Malayalam. Especially in the first days after birth it helps a lot to speak in your own language – just tell me what feels more comfortable.