The midwifery practice

At our practice we offer antenatal care, antenatal classes, prenatal and postnatal yoga (these courses are given by Murielle Henchoz) and postnatal exercise classes with Pilates.

After a home birth or a hospital birth with early discharge or a few days in hospital, we professionally support and advise women and families in their new life situation until the eighth week after the birth. This involves the following services:

Answering questions about breastfeeding or feeding the baby
Baby care
Support with postpartum recovery
Advice on family planning and living with a newborn baby
All necessary examinations and tests

This first period is crucial and we work in a bonding and needs-oriented way, addressing your individual situation.

These services are fully covered by your basic health insurance. It pays for 16 home visits for your first child or after a Caesarean section, and 10 home visits otherwise. A doctor’s certificate is required for longer follow-up care. We also strongly recommend that you attend an informative preliminary consultation to get to know your midwife and ask any questions you may have. This costs CHF 100 and is not covered by your health insurance. We cover for each other at weekends and during holiday periods, so a midwife is there for you 365 days a year. You will have one midwife as your main contact person.

FAQ

When should I look for a midwife for postpartum care?

You should look for a midwife after the first 8-12 weeks if you want to be accompanied by the midwife during the pregnancy. Otherwise, it is advisable to look for a midwife for postpartum care around 20 weeks at the latest.

What does postpartum care actually mean? What does the midwife do during her visits?

The midwife comes to your home immediately after your hospital stay and supports you medically, practically and emotionally during the initial period with your baby. In concrete terms, this means that the midwife will answer all your questions, check on the mother during the regression and give helpful tips. She will also check the child’s weight, care and practical handling and make sure that he or she is thriving, and give further instructions on postnatal exercises, baby handling, the use of baby slings, baby massage and much more. The support we provide is tailored to your individual needs and completely confidential.

Can I get to know the midwife beforehand?

You can get to know the midwife beforehand during a preliminary consultation at the practice. We charge CHF 100 for this consultation. A short telephone call or online meeting is free of charge. An antenatal class or a pregnancy check-up are also good opportunities to get to know your midwife.

In which areas of Zurich does the practice offer postpartum care?

We work in Zurich in districts 2 and 3 and partly also in districts 7 and 8, as well as in Kilchberg, Rüschlikon and Adliswil. We can cover other areas on request, but not further than 15 km from our practice.

Toggle TitleHow does the registration for postpartum care work?

Please send us an email, call us or click on the button in the postpartum care section of our website.

What costs does the health insurance cover?

It covers the full costs of 10 or 16 home visits, up to seven pregnancy checks and three breastfeeding consultations. The health insurer pays CHF 150 towards the cost of antenatal classes or a counselling session from the basic insurance. All other services are reimbursed differently and we recommend that you check with your health insurer beforehand to find out what it covers.

What is different about antenatal care with a midwife?

The midwife does all the usual examinations and tests, feels the baby with her hands and supports the expectant family in a resource-oriented way.

Courses

Why do I need to do an antenatal class?

To ensure that you have the required practical knowledge and tools for the birth. Whether as a woman giving birth or as a partner, you will also learn mental techniques that will strengthen you for the birth.

Next class with Lena will be Oktober, 21 in our rooms. If you want to participate elke@diehebammenpraxis.ch

When can I start antenatal exercise classes?

You can start from the 16th week of pregnancy or later.

When can I start with the postnatal exercise classes?

You can start postnatal exercise classes at the earliest six weeks after the birth. These exercises are useful throughout the first year after the birth as a way of strengthening your core.

What is the difference between postnatal exercises and pelvic floor training?

Pelvic floor training can follow on from the postnatal exercises if required, but is open to women of all ages, regardless of whether or not they have given birth to a child.

What does breastfeeding counselling include?

During a breastfeeding counselling session, the counsellor will record the current problem or question and your previous history and work out solutions and first steps to take together with you.