The first steps in life: Insight into the work at our maternity centre
December 30, 2024
8 min
Meenu Thattil, team leader of the maternity department at Zollikerberg Hospital, describes her fulfilling work, in which she supports and accompanies parents and newborns in emotional and challenging moments. She also talks about a very special encounter that shaped her.
Why did you choose to work as a nurse and why at Maternité?
As a qualified nurse at the Maternité, I have the opportunity to directly influence the lives of other people by accompanying parents and their newborn babies after birth. It is an enriching and meaningful experience for me to be present at such a sensitive and joyful moment.
My tasks are also very varied and exciting. The mixture of medical expertise, practical care and emotional support challenges me every day and allows me to grow. I work closely with gynaecologists, paediatricians, midwives, breastfeeding consultants and other nursing staff - the teamwork enriches me and creates a strong sense of community.
I learn something new every day, be it through new medical developments or how to deal with stressful situations. This not only helps me professionally, but also personally to remain calm and competent. It fulfils me to support women and their partners through one of the most emotionally and physically challenging experiences of their lives and to help them build a close bond with their newborn. This gives me the feeling of really making a difference and having a positive impact beyond the hospitalisation.
What was your training path and how did you end up at Zollikerberg Hospital?
My training began with an apprenticeship as a healthcare specialist, which I completed at Waidspital, accompanied by a vocational baccalaureate. This allowed me to gain valuable practical experience in the healthcare sector. I then decided to do my bachelor's degree in nursing to further deepen my knowledge and skills.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to complete various internships, including one at the Maternité. This experience particularly inspired me, as it was there that I discovered my passion for working with expectant mothers and newborn babies. After completing my Bachelor's degree, I knew that I wanted to specialise in this area, which is why I specifically applied for a position at Zollikerberg Hospital in the maternity ward.
How long have you been working at Zollikerberg Hospital and what other career steps are planned?
Since February 2020, initially as a qualified nurse and later as a specialist. I'm planning to do further training in health care management and leadership to further expand my skills. My aim is to take on more responsibility in management in the future.
What do you like best about your work?
I particularly like the fact that I can support families in one of the most beautiful and at the same time most challenging phases of their lives. It is incredibly beautiful to see how the bonding between the parents and their newborn works and how I can contribute to this with my care, counselling and emotional support.
I particularly appreciate the mixture of medical expertise and interpersonal care. Every family and every baby is unique, which makes the work very varied. The teamwork, be it with midwives or doctors, and the opportunity to continuously develop myself are also aspects that I really appreciate about my work. It gives me great pleasure to be part of these special moments.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
A typical working day as a qualified nurse at the Maternité is varied and often unpredictable, as not all births follow a fixed schedule. However, there is a certain structure that helps to organise the day and ensure that patients are well cared for. I can give you an overview of the main tasks here:
Our gynaecology
Gynaecological services at Zollikerberg Hospital
Are you looking for a gynaecologist near Zurich? Our gynaecology department treats you in all specialist areas of gynaecology. This includes obstetrics as well as consultations on the desire to have children, check-ups and investigations into breast diseases. Our specialists work around the clock and are happy to work with other specialists if required.
What challenges do you face?
The work involves several challenges. These include responding to the different physical and emotional needs of mothers on an individual basis and dealing with breastfeeding problems with patience. Everyday life can be hectic, which makes it important to organise tasks well and still provide each family with personal support. Emotional stress, for example due to complications in the mother or child, is also part of the job. In addition, the work often requires diplomatic communication in the event of family tensions and quick action in the event of medical emergencies. However, these challenges also promote personal and professional growth.
A concrete example that I come across time and again is the following situation:
A new mum arrives on the ward after a caesarean section. She is in a lot of pain, seems exhausted and is emotionally overwhelmed. She also has difficulties breastfeeding as the baby has problems latching onto the breast properly. The mother is frustrated and begins to doubt herself, which makes the situation even more stressful for her.
At this point, my job is to first make sure she is well cared for medically. I check and care for her wound, adjust the pain medication and make sure she feels physically stable. At the same time, I help her with breastfeeding. I show her different breastfeeding positions that are more comfortable for her after a caesarean section and give her practical tips on how she can breastfeed her baby better. I always encourage her and try to take the pressure off so that she doesn't stress herself even more.
It is just as important to provide the mother with emotional support. I sit with her calmly, listen to her and take her concerns seriously. I explain to her that it is completely normal for breastfeeding to be difficult at first and that many mums have similar challenges. Through these conversations, I can give her the feeling that she is not alone and that she will overcome the situation.
As well as looking after the mum, I also have to keep an eye on time as I'm looking after other patients. It's a challenge to meet everyone's needs without neglecting anyone. That's why I prioritise and make sure that each mother gets the support she needs at the time.
This situation shows how demanding and at the same time fulfilling my work can be, as I not only provide medical care, but also offer emotional support and have to organise everyday life well.
Is there a particular experience that has touched you during your work?
I had a particularly touching experience with a patient who needed an emergency caesarean section and whose child had to be transferred directly to the children's hospital due to serious complications. I was responsible for her from the very beginning and looked after her and her partner every day until she was discharged. During this time, I was able to build up a trusting relationship with both of them.
It was particularly important to me to keep making the patient aware of her small progress and to encourage her. I gave her space to rest when she needed it and was there when she wanted to talk.
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