Anna, a Swiss mom living in Zurich, shares two very different birth stories of her two daughters. Pregnant soon after deciding to try, she miscarried, then conceived again and prepared with yoga, a birth course, and a doula. Her first baby stayed in the breech position; she switched from Klinik im Park to Triemli Stadtspital Zürich to attempt a vaginal breech birth. Anna tried various turning methods, and began labor after a castor oil cocktail, but after slow dilation and the baby not descending, chose a calm cesarean and met her daughter with skin-to-skin. Postpartum was tough with C-section recovery, painful breastfeeding, and her partner’s depression. In her second pregnancy, she again hired a doula, chose Klinik im Park in Zurich with a supportive gynecologist, and achieved a VBAC with epidural and vacuum assistance, describing the moment her baby lay on her chest as healing, supported by a stable partnership, protected postpartum boundaries, and flexible feeding.

Highlights:

A pregnancy with a breech presentation and a choice to attempt a vaginal birth
The power of doula support
Pregnancy and early parenthood during a partner's mental health struggles
A calm, unplanned transition to a C-section after a long labor
A successful VBAC on the second birth, including a vacuum delivery she wasn't prepared for
How the second postpartum healed the first

Common Questions This Episode Answers

"What happens if my baby is breech & do I have to have a C-section?"
"Is a doula worth it, and how do I find the right one?"
"What's an epidural or vacuum delivery actually like?"
"Can you have a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) in Switzerland, and what does that process involve?"
"Why is breastfeeding so hard and is it ok to combo feed or stop?"

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Anna's Resources:

- Postpartum food service: Rooted by Ashley Schütz

- Doula: Carolin Taurer

- Pregnancy Yoga: Luisa Harisch

- Gynaecologist: Birgit Link

- Birth prep podcast: Birthful by Adriana Lozada

Mentioned in this episode:

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The SwissCast Podcast Network is here to amplify the diverse voices and unique stories of Switzerland—all in English. Whether you're a Swiss local fluent in English, an expat, or simply curious about Swiss culture, SwissCast offers engaging content that speaks directly to you. Our mission is simple: to create a space where Swiss life and English voices connect, bringing you meaningful conversations, expert insights, and compelling stories from all over the country. Our podcast shows are made by, for, or in Switzerland and range from Health, Business, Career, Travel, and more.

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Anna: Two births, breech pregnancy, unplanned cesarean birth, VBAC

Episode Description

Never lose your place, on any device