During the birth
Every birth is a unique experience that brings with it both joyful moments and challenges. We create the conditions for you and your baby to feel safe at all times. In addition to our specially trained staff, you have access to the latest technology and all conventional medical treatment options, including complementary medical methods. Together we will choose the path that is best for you and your child. Our neonatology department is directly linked to the paediatric department and cares for children from the 32nd week of pregnancy (32 0/7). This means that we are ideally positioned to provide you as a family with comprehensive support, even in special situations.
When it starts
Whether you have ruptured your membranes, are in labour or are unsure - give us a call. We are there for you around the clock, 365 days a year: Midwife in the labour ward, Tel +41 44 397 26 41.
We will advise you individually on the phone and discuss together when the right time is for you to come to our labour ward.
For urgent cases or in the event of strong contractions, our stork car park is available directly in front of the main entrance. You can park there and our team will welcome you immediately. If there is still some time, you are welcome to park in our multi-storey car park. When you arrive, ring the doorbell of the building department. We look forward to welcoming you.
Our services during the birth
Tour of the building department
We would be happy to take you on a tour of the Zollikerberg Hospital's labour ward. Our midwives are there for you throughout the entire labour process. They will monitor the progress of your labour, show you different positions and positions and also offer you acupuncture, aromatherapy and massages on request.
For a positive birth experience
If you do not have a gynaecologist, you can also have your pregnancy checks carried out at the outpatient clinic of the Women's Clinic or at the Women's Permanence Zurich at Zollikerberg Hospital (Zurich Stadelhofen).
Pain relief during labour
Our primary goal is for you to experience a safe birth and feel secure with us. Labour pain cannot be completely avoided, but it is possible to alleviate it. Good labour preparation forms the basis for this. You will learn various techniques for pain relief, such as relaxation and breathing exercises. During labour, there are various ways of reducing or even largely eliminating the pain if you wish.
We work with complementary medical methods such as homeopathy, massages or compresses with herbal essences and aromatherapy applications. We also use PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) and peridural anaesthesia (PDA). This involves inserting a catheter in the lumbar spine, close to the spinal cord, to anaesthetise the nerves in the lower body. An experienced anaesthetist is available around the clock and can perform the epidural. We now have the option of a walking epidural, which allows you more mobility and active movement during labour.
Birth positions
You will no doubt have already thought about birth positions before the birth and developed ideas about how the birth process could take place. But it is only during labour that you really feel where and how you are most comfortable. There may be a position for you in bed in which you can tolerate the labour well and progress the birth. However, you may feel more comfortable on the stool, on the wall bars, on the ball or in the water. In order to find the most comfortable birthing position for you, our midwives and doctors are very flexible and will actively support you with their expertise.
Breastfeeding counselling
Pain relief during labour
Our primary goal is for you to experience a safe birth and feel secure with us. Labour pain cannot be completely avoided, but it is possible to alleviate it. Good labour preparation forms the basis for this. You will learn various techniques for pain relief, such as relaxation and breathing exercises. During labour, there are various ways of reducing or even largely eliminating the pain if you wish.
We work with complementary medical methods such as homeopathy, massages or compresses with herbal essences and aromatherapy applications. We also use PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) and peridural anaesthesia (PDA). This involves inserting a catheter in the lumbar spine, close to the spinal cord, to anaesthetise the nerves in the lower body. An experienced anaesthetist is available around the clock and can perform the epidural. We now have the option of a walking epidural, which allows you more mobility and active movement during labour.
Closeness and bonding even during a caesarean section
Caesarean section
Caesarean birth with eye contact
A caesarean birth is also possible with us - a special form of planned caesarean section in which the birth is organised as family-friendly as possible. You as a family take centre stage with the aim of welcoming your child as closely and consciously as possible, even during a caesarean section.
The following elements can be integrated on request:
- Lowered privacy screen: If you wish, we can lower the privacy screen during the birth so that you can experience the moment of birth.
- Active umbilical cord cutting: If the umbilical cord is long enough, it can be cut by the mother or the accompanying person.
Immediately after the birth, your baby is placed on your chest. This allows the important first bonding to begin immediately. Your companion will remain by your side throughout the entire procedure, providing emotional support and a shared birth experience.
Our experienced team from obstetrics, anaesthesia and neonatology work closely together to ensure both safety and closeness. We are happy to discuss your individual wishes in advance in order to provide you with the best possible support. Please arrange an outpatient appointment.
Caesarean section with direct bonding
Many expectant mothers want a natural birth - safe in the knowledge that a caesarean section is also possible in an emergency. Others prefer a planned caesarean section. Both options are possible with us. It is important that you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of a caesarean section. This will allow you to decide together with your doctor and midwife what is best for you and your child. In the case of a planned caesarean section, a neonatologist will also be present on request. In the case of an unplanned caesarean section, the neonatologist will be present depending on the categorisation.
A caesarean section takes around 45 minutes. Your child will be born in the first few minutes, usually under a partial anaesthetic, so that you can consciously experience the birth together with the person accompanying you. A general anaesthetic may be necessary for an emergency caesarean section.
Our labour ward has been expanded and now includes two operating theatres directly on site. This enables us to provide complete care in the premises of the building department in a private atmosphere and in close proximity to the neonatology department.
Bonding is also at the centre of the caesarean section: after the umbilical cord has been pulsed out and dried, your child is placed directly on your chest. It remains there during the entire operation. The person accompanying you usually stays by your side. If your child needs support, our neonatology team will be on hand immediately.
Midwife consultation
Caesarean birth with eye contact
A caesarean birth is also possible with us - a special form of planned caesarean section in which the birth is organised as family-friendly as possible. You as a family take centre stage with the aim of welcoming your child as closely and consciously as possible, even during a caesarean section.
The following elements can be integrated on request:
- Lowered privacy screen: If you wish, we can lower the privacy screen during the birth so that you can experience the moment of birth.
- Active umbilical cord cutting: If the umbilical cord is long enough, it can be cut by the mother or the accompanying person.
Immediately after the birth, your baby is placed on your chest. This allows the important first bonding to begin immediately. Your companion will remain by your side throughout the entire procedure, providing emotional support and a shared birth experience.
Our experienced team from obstetrics, anaesthesia and neonatology work closely together to ensure both safety and closeness. We are happy to discuss your individual wishes in advance in order to provide you with the best possible support. Please arrange an outpatient appointment.
Birth with support and trust
Outpatient birth
Many mothers usually stay with us at the Maternité for up to three nights after the birth. If everything is in order and you wish, you can also go home around six hours after the birth.
Important points when planning an outpatient birth:
- Inform your doctor while you are still pregnant and discuss your concerns.
- Before the birth, contact a midwife in your local community so that you can count on their support in the first period after the birth. Visit the Familystart Zurich website for more information.
- Decide before the birth on a paediatrician in your area who will look after your baby at home after the birth. The same applies if you only want to stay in the postnatal ward for a short time.
- In the case of an outpatient discharge, it is important that your midwife can carry out the first postnatal visit at your home as soon as possible.
Care for pregnant women or children with pre-existing risks
If it becomes apparent during your pregnancy that certain challenges could arise, we take appropriate measures at an early stage. In interdisciplinary meetings, we coordinate closely with all the specialists involved - including midwives, obstetricians, neonatologists, social workers, psychologists and specialists in foetomaternal medicine.
Our aim is to prepare you in the best possible way during this sensitive phase of becoming a parent - with calm, clarity and a feeling of security. During the birth, you can rely on an experienced and well-coordinated team of midwives, obstetricians, anaesthetists and neonatologists. This allows you to concentrate fully on yourself and your child.
Outpatient birth
Many mothers usually stay with us at the Maternité for up to three nights after the birth. If everything is in order and you wish, you can also go home around six hours after the birth.
Important points when planning an outpatient birth:
- Inform your doctor while you are still pregnant and discuss your concerns.
- Before the birth, contact a midwife in your local community so that you can count on their support in the first period after the birth. Visit the Familystart Zurich website for more information.
- Decide before the birth on a paediatrician in your area who will look after your baby at home after the birth. The same applies if you only want to stay in the postnatal ward for a short time.
- In the case of an outpatient discharge, it is important that your midwife can carry out the first postnatal visit at your home as soon as possible.
Our building department
0/0