Three years of the Zollikerberg Birth Centre: Stories from behind our doors
Moranne Caplunik
August 14, 2026
4 min
For the past three years, our birthing centre has been a place where families experience a very special moment: the natural birth of their beloved baby. As part of Zollikerberg Hospital, it is now an integral part of our range of maternity services. But what actually goes on behind the doors of a birthing centre? Who works here, and what makes this place so special? We’ll give you a little insight.
A place to feel at home
Anyone stepping into a birthing centre for the first time may have a certain idea of what a place for giving birth should look like. Once you arrive here, however, your attention is quickly drawn to the many small details that give the rooms their own character.
The birthing rooms are cosy and warmly designed, offering plenty of space to settle in and retreat. Rather than merely serving a functional purpose, the rooms are intended to create an environment where you can feel almost at home. And it is precisely this atmosphere that photographs and videos can only convey to a limited extent. You have to experience it for yourself.
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Three years full of stories
A lot has happened at our birthing centre since it opened three years ago. What was once a small, unassuming cottage next to Zollikerberg Hospital, with just four birthing rooms, has become a familiar workplace for our team and a place with which countless families have forged their own personal stories.
For our team, the rooms, the layout and the little routines are now part of everyday life. For the families who come to us, however, much of it is new. It is precisely this interplay that makes the birthing centre such a special place. What is everyday work for some becomes, for others, a memory that will stay with them for a lifetime.
The people behind the birth centre
A birth centre is not just about beautiful rooms. Above all, it is the people within it who bring it to life. At the heart of it all is our team, who support families throughout the midwife-led birth process. Conversations, encounters and personal interaction are therefore just as much a part of the birth centre as the birthing rooms themselves.
If you’re curious and would like to experience our birthing centre for yourself, you’ll soon have the chance: on Sunday 30 August 2026, we’ll be celebrating our anniversary together. The whole team will be there to offer insights into midwife-led births and answer any questions. A variety of refreshments and play areas for children will round off the day.
We had a wonderful experience at the birthing centre. We felt well looked after from start to finish; everyone was incredibly flexible, really lovely and absolutely competent, even when things got a bit hectic. A huge thank you to Linda, who looked a...- Thank you very much for the brilliant care during my pregnancy, throughout the birth and during the postnatal period. We felt really well looked after; the midwives always took plenty of time for us and we were able to discuss all our questions and c...
- The whole team at the birthing centre made our stay wonderful and looked after us with great professionalism and empathy. The location is perfectly peaceful, yet close enough to the hospital for check-ups, and ticks all the boxes. We are so grateful ...
- We were able to welcome our first child into the world at the Zollikerberg Birth Centre, which is a huge blessing for us. We couldn’t have imagined better care during the pregnancy and at the antenatal check-ups, during the birth, the two days afterw...
- I hope that all expectant mothers receive the same wonderful care during their pregnancy and childbirth that we were so fortunate to experience here. We always felt well looked after and safe. The midwives are very kind and understanding, empathetic ...
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A birthing centre is also about everyday life
Of course, it’s the births that make this place special. But between these momentous occasions, there’s also everyday life. There’s preparation, organisation, discussion, laughter and care. People come and go; there are quiet moments and lively ones. Over time, routines develop, and yet no two days are the same.
Perhaps it is precisely this mix that makes a birthing centre so fascinating: it is a place of work, a meeting place and, at the same time, the setting for a very personal moment in life.
After three years, our birthing centre has long since become much more than just a place where births take place. It is a place full of life, memories and stories – and we look forward to many more.
Has this sparked your curiosity?
Anniversary celebrations at the Zollikerberg Birth Centre
On Sunday 30 August, we warmly invite anyone interested to join us in celebrating our anniversary. Do come along, take a look behind the scenes, meet our team and find out more about midwife-led births. Refreshments and activities for children will also be provided. We look forward to showing you round our birthing centre in person.
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