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How to Ask ChatGPT About Pregnancy & Birth Questions and Complications: A Practical Guide for Parents

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:00:46 GMT

When you’re navigating the unknowns of pregnancy, birth, or postpartum recovery—especially with complications—it helps to have clear, supportive information at your fingertips. ChatGPT can offer that, but how you ask makes a big difference in what kind of help you get.

Here’s a practical guide to help you get personalized and holistic support from ChatGPT:

1. Start with context

Give your current stage:

"I'm 28 weeks pregnant..."
"I'm 3 weeks postpartum..."
"This is my second baby, and I had a traumatic birth last time..."

The more context you provide, the more tailored the support can be.

2. Include medical or emotional concerns

Mention specific complications or symptoms:

Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, breech baby, birth trauma, anxiety, NICU time, blood test values etc.

If you’re unsure what's going on, just describe your symptoms or feelings.

3. Ask holistically

If you want more than just medical info, ask for it:

“Can you explain this medically and emotionally?”
“What are some lifestyle, mindset or nutrition tips too?”
“What’s the gentle way to approach this?”

4. Use clear, open-ended questions

Examples:

“I have placenta previa at 30 weeks. What are my options, and how can I prepare mentally and physically?”
“What are ways to emotionally process a birth that didn’t go to plan?”
“What are red flags in postpartum healing that I should not ignore?”

Remember: ChatGPT isn't a replacement for your village or medical care, but it can be an informed starting point to help you ask better questions, know when to access specialized and feel less anxiety.

Maternity Service?

Tue, 06 May 2025 18:42:28 GMT

Maternity Leave: it's Time for a Re-Brand and a Re-Frame

In a recent Instagram reel (ok- I admit it, I was doom scrolling), journalist Emma Barnett shared a sneak peek of her upcoming book, Maternity Service: A Love Letter to Mothers from the Frontline of Maternity Leave. Her words (eloquently and articulate) stopped me in my tracks.

The word "leave" in the context of Maternity Leave is misleading, isn’t it? We often think of “leave” as time away from work, a break, a pause. But in reality, there is no "leave" when it comes to matrescence, especially if it is for the first time. We all know this, yet, no one thought to change the word.

You do leave behind paid work though, and yes, parts of your old self too are left behind. But in return, you’re thrust into a life where you are always on. This new life, where everything changes and you are on call, 24/7, there is no “leave” about it.

This is where the term Maternity Service feels so right. I sighed a huge sigh of recognition and validation when I first heard Emma Barnett’s words.

There’s something about it that rings true to the all-encompassing nature of mothering. Because it is a service, a constant offering of yourself, your time, and your energy. And something more we need to recognize? That mothering is a service to society. It’s a sacred, ongoing commitment to the future that goes largely unseen and forgotten. But other mothers see this. This is why it feel so right for me to be a birth worker at this time. For minds to come and redefine constructs like “maternity leave” and bring us “maternity service”.

The breakdown of extended family units and the weakening of the traditional "village" means that most mothers, certainly all the mothers that I know, are left to navigate this massive shift alone or with minimal support. The demands of matrescence are immense, and yet we often have no real framework for understanding them. We don’t talk about matrescence as a cultural rite of passage, or as an intense, all-consuming work of service. And this lack of language makes it harder for new mothers to see themselves in the full scope of their journey.

But a rebrand could be the first step in changing that.

More than just a break from paid work, maternity service acknowledges the totality of the experience—emotionally, physically, and mentally. It honors the work that goes into raising the next generation, and by doing so, creates a more accurate cultural conversation about what mothers really need.

As mothers, we need to recognize and demand that our work be valued—not as a leave, but as a service that deserves both acknowledgment and support. We need a cultural shift that celebrates matrescence as an ongoing process of transformation, rather than an isolated, fleeting moment in time.

I absolutely love the idea of Maternity Service becoming a regular part of the conversation around motherhood. I believe it has the power to reframe how we think about maternity leave and reshape the way society views the work of mothering. Because in the end, mothers are the key to the cultural changes we absolutely require around themes of pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

The story of how a question reshaped my career, my identity, and my understanding of learning itself...

Tue, 06 May 2025 18:36:13 GMT

Bear with me—this is going to get pretty niche. And pretty personal, which isn't how I normally like to write my blog posts, but here we go.

Before I became a birth worker, I was a teacher—primarily working within the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP). After I had my first child, I enjoyed a long maternity service and year later, I experienced the tragic loss of my second son at six months of pregnancy.

Amidst the traumatic circumstances and grief, my second birth experience was one of love, humanity, and an unexpected sense of beauty and gratitude. My first birth, on the other hand, was far more painful, impersonal and traumatic. I don’t use the word trauma lightly in either case, but the contrast between the two experiences stirred something in me.

So, I did what any PYP teacher would do. I noticed the tension between these experiences, I began investigating and eventually, I had a question. "Why are some births traumatic?". I followed this question into a years long self-directed inquiry.

Inquiry, we are taught as PYP teachers, is a cycle provoked when we are engaged and want to discover more. It is a truly motivating and remarkable stance on learning, when we approach learning as inquiry. Different authors and thinkers have created their own cycles, which make great posters for classroom walls, but even they will not teach it in rigid terms. In all models of inquiry, some core components remain pretty much the same: there’s a provocation, a period of time spent investigating, there’s reflection, and finally, action.

My own inquiry into birth experiences led me through a rich and messy journey—just like learning often is. It didn't follow the tidy stations of an inquiry cycle poster on a classroom wall (gosh the hours spent agonising over rigid frameworks is something I don’t miss). Instead, it kind of spiralled. I found that I was re-visiting elements of this cycle again and again and again. It is fun, it is exhilarating, it is frustrating and it is reflective. The action elements have been profound and unexpected, like:

Giving birth to my third son in 2022 (in case you're wondering: it was wonderful, not a lick of trauma anywhere in sight)
Beginning my training as a birth worker, first with KG Hypnopbirthing, then with Birthing from Within and many more amazing institutions and mentors
Launching my own website and leading in-person courses (especially that first one back in 2023, first day of school jitters are REAL in all contexts!)
Creating the Swiss Birth Stories Podcast

This work—rooted in research, connection, experience, reflection, and inquiry—has become one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional and personal life, and I am really loving this journey.

How to Find Recall Information in Switzerland

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:00:02 GMT

Recently, a recall of widely used Vitamin D drops due to the risk of glass pieces in the liquid caused quite an (understandable) outpouring of concern and anger in parent groups. There is a lot about this recall to talk about, I want to specifically make sure that parents are aware of Recall Swiss , a government-run website and app which is easy to use and to receive updates from them. This is where you can find information on the recalls on consumer goods and food in the country. There is also an app. I recommend that all parents sign up for emails from Recall Swiss, as then you know right away if there is a recall due to safety, hygiene or other concerns.

When there is a recall, you can print out the recall from the website and return the item to where you bought it or directly with the manufacturer. You do not necessarily need a receipt, but do check on the details before you go in-person.

I have personally had a toy, a baby monitor and one item of food (my favourite granola bars, sigh) recalled since I started getting Recall Swiss updates and I've returned the items each time either in shop or directly with the manufacturer and got my money back or a new product.

Want to know more about navigating the Swiss system during your pregnancy and postpartum? Looking for empowering, balanced and informative birth, prenatal and postnatal education? Check out what I offer for parents in Switzerland here

An Environmentally and Budget Friendly Way To Buy Baby and Child Items in Switzerland

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:09:00 GMT

Babies and toddlers grow FAST. It's a fact that we all know, but some children grow so quickly, it catches their parents off guard. The sad thing is, that so many new items are purchased for these fast growing little humans and especially before they are even up and walking, they hardly get used. I remember getting a lot of hand-me-downs and second hand items for my eldest son and especially the items under size 98 (see here for a handy size converter) were pristine and hardly looked ever used. In a time when we want to limit our environmental impact, and keep an eye on expenses, it's important that all parents and parent-to-be know about this website and what it shows you: https://www.kindex.ch/

This website is a link to a map of Switzerland, where you can choose your desired area and learn about when there will be a second hand clothes and toy sale/market in your area. These markets are usually held in the spring and fall and are full of thrifted gems for your family.

These Kinderkleiderbörse, as they are known in the German speaking part of the country are the secret to high-quality, lightly or never worn used children's toys (there are also books and toys too!). These markets are especially useful for items like baby/toddler snow suits, rain boots, and items like sleds- which have a high price to buy new, and hardly get used before the child outgrows them.

Empower Your Planned C-Section Birth with Hypnobirthing

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:54:15 GMT

A planned cesarean birth can be a calm, connected, and empowering experience when approached with intention and preparation. At Happy Day Hypnobirthing, we believe every birth is unique and deserves to be celebrated—and that includes cesarean births.

Our Hypnobirthing for Planned Cesarean Birth course is thoughtfully designed to help you create a positive, family-centered birth experience. This bespoke course goes beyond traditional hypnobirthing techniques to focus on comfort, connection, communication, and empowerment, ensuring you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

You’ll gain practical tools to approach your cesarean birth with intention, learning how to:

• Communicate effectively with your medical team and advocate for personalized care.

• Explore your options to create a more gentle and meaningful cesarean experience.

• Train your mind for calmness and empowerment throughout the process.

• Support your birth partner in their role as an active participant.

• Understand the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of cesarean birth for both you and your baby.

This course is not just about the procedure—it’s about nurturing a sense of empowerment and connection that can positively shape your journey into parenthood.

Whether you’re looking for a private in-person session near Zurich or prefer the flexibility of an online course, this experience is tailored to fit your needs.

Your birth story is yours to create. Let us help you make it a beautiful and unforgettable one.

Learn more and book your session here.

A guide to Creating the Perfect Oxytocin Bubble for Pregnancy and Postpartum.

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:33:56 GMT

Supporting the Queen Hormone of Labour and Birth- Oxytocin

I love that pregnancy and birth hormones are having their moment on social media and therefore entering our collective consciousness about birth physiology. Oxytocin is the queen of the hormones related to birth. While there are synthetic forms of oxytocin, typically given intravenously during an induction of labour or in the immediate postpartum, the function is significantly less holistic than when oxytocin is produced in the brain. This post is all about that natural oxytocin, produced in our brains.

Oxytocin itself is a multi-tasking hormone (as all hormones are!) and is the primary driver of our surges during labour and postpartum. Another function of oxytocin is that of love. Oxytocin is shy, it flourishes best when the environment supports that fact. This is a paradox- oxytocin is the most important hormone of birth and is at once shy and loving, but also immensely powerful and intense.

Setting up an environment at home which is oxytocin-inducing for both late pregnancy and early postpartum is going to help us mentally get into the zone of labour, birth and postpartum- a zone where there is a lack of inhibition because we feel safe, loved and in our parasympathetic nervous response.

When we imagine this oxytocin rich environment in the full-spectrum prenatal and hypnobirthing course that I offer in the Zurich region I invite parents to consider all of our senses and how we can encourage all of these sensory experiences both at home, late in pregnancy, during early labour at home, during the postpartum at home, and then also how parents could bring these things into their birth environment (if they are giving birth away from home).

First, let's start with sight, as we are primarily a visual species. I invite you to brainstorm with your partner, but here are some ideas to get you started. Keep track of what works for you in a notebook or on your phone:

Sight

Sight is incredibly powerful for influencing mood and emotions. To create a visually calming and oxytocin-rich environment:

• Dim the lights: Use soft lighting like candles (in a birth environment, this almost always has to be battery operated, but in your home, you to you), fairy lights, or a Himalayan salt lamp to create a warm, inviting glow. Avoid harsh overhead lights that can feel clinical and goes against the nature of the "shy" hormone. This is important to remember in your birth context.

• Nature-inspired visuals: Bring in elements from nature, such as plants, flowers, or even photos of natural landscapes. A serene image of the ocean, forest, or a sunrise can help evoke a sense of calm. Think about which visuals were especially powerful for you when we were practicing breathing techniques.

• Personal touches: Display comforting items like family photos, affirmations, or vision boards that remind you of your strength, love, and connection.

• Colors that soothe: Choose colors that make you feel relaxed. Earthy tones, pastels, or warm shades like peach, gold, or lavender are great options. Consider the colour which came to you during The Garden of Pregnancy relaxation.

Sound

Sound has a direct impact on our nervous system, making it a critical element for creating an oxytocin-friendly environment. Consider these ideas:

• Music: Create a playlist of soothing or empowering songs, from meditation tracks to your favorite uplifting tunes. Rhythmic music can even mimic the soothing effect of a heartbeat. Having a variety of playlists makes sense- there are times when we want to invite big energy into our space, and times when something more quiet is best.

• Nature sounds: Add a sound machine or app with options like ocean waves, birdsong, or gentle rain.

• Silence: If music or sounds aren’t for you, ensure the environment allows for calm silence to deepen your focus.

• Soft voices: Encourage those around you to speak softly and with kindness, mimicking the nurturing tone of love and connection. This is especially important in the birth context and birth partners should be aware of this, and feel confident to remind people in the care team to keep things quiet and peaceful.

Touch

Touch can be grounding and comforting, supporting a sense of safety and connection. Incorporate these tactile elements:

• Soft fabrics: Surround yourself with cozy blankets, pillows, or a favorite sweater that feels comforting against your skin.

• Massage: Partner massage, with or without oils, can help relieve tension and promote relaxation. A firm, rhythmic touch on your back, hands, or feet can work wonders. The soft, light touch, massage we practice in the course, can also be wonderful. Remember hand and head massage as well.

• Warmth: Use a heated blanket, warm compress, or a warm bath to soothe muscles and enhance relaxation.

• Movement: Gentle movement, such as rocking on a birthing ball or swaying your hips, can provide comfort and rhythm to your labor process. the birth partner can mimic these movements while giving counter pressure or doing a double hip squeeze.

Smell

Scents are deeply tied to memory and emotion, making aromatherapy a powerful ally in creating a positive atmosphere:

• Essential oils: Lavender, clary sage, frankincense, or rose oils can promote relaxation. Use a diffuser or add a few drops to a wet cloth. Avoid putting them directly into a bath.

• Familiar scents: Incorporate scents that remind you of comfort and home, such as the smell of fresh bread, flowers, or a partner’s cologne.

• Fresh air: Don’t forget the power of fresh air—open a window if possible for a gentle breeze and a sense of renewal.

Taste

Taste can be a form of self-care, offering nourishment and comfort during this transformative time:

• Comforting snacks: Think light, hydrating, easy to digest, and nourishing foods like fruit.

• Drinks: Sip on warm teas like chamomile or raspberry leaf, or electrolyte-rich drinks to stay hydrated and balanced.

• Favorite treats: If it makes you feel good emotionally, have a small piece of chocolate or a favorite indulgence to lift your energy levels and spirits.

Movement and Space

Creating a sense of freedom and ease in your physical space is just as important as engaging your senses:

• Room to move: Ensure your environment allows you to move freely and without inhibition—walking, swaying, or stretching as needed.

• Supportive tools: Have tools like a birthing ball, yoga mat, or sturdy chair to help you find comfortable positions.

• Comfortable layout: Arrange furniture to create a cozy, uncluttered space that promotes relaxation.

Bringing It All Together

When you design your oxytocin-rich environment, think about layering these sensory elements to create a holistic experience. For example, imagine dim candlelight, the scent of lavender, soft music playing in the background, a warm blanket around your shoulders, and the comforting touch of your partner’s hand. All of these elements together can help you feel safe, loved, and empowered.

Whether you’re at home or in a birthing center, the goal is to create a space where you feel free to surrender to the flow of birth. Take the time to explore what resonates with you and discuss these ideas with your birth partner or doula so they can help bring your vision to life.

By prioritizing oxytocin-friendly environments throughout late pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, you’re not just supporting your birth experience—you’re embracing the power of connection, love, and your innate physiology.

Sign up for Hypnobirthing : A full-spectrum prenatal course with hypnobirthing, 25 minutes from Zurich HB in Uster, or get in touch for Preparing for a Positive Cesarean Birth (hypnobirthing tools for an empowered planned surgical birth) or come on out to the weekly Mindful Postpartum series at Lilybee in Zurich for more prenatal and postpartum preparation for more useful, empower ing and nurturing information and discussion.

Why Hypnobirthing Isn't Enough Anymore

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:52:09 GMT

It's More than Just Hypnobirthing at Happy Day Hypnobirthing

I chose hypnobirthing as the foundation of my work at Happy Day because I know how powerful and effective it is. Hypnobirthing gives you a deep, embodied practice of how to calm your mind, work with your body, and navigate the natural, physiological process of birth.

However, it is clear to me, and has been for quite some time, that hypnobirthing alone isn’t enough.

While hypnobirthing is a transformative tool for managing pain, reducing fear, and empowering parents, it doesn’t fully prepare you for the reality of giving birth within the modern medical system and lacks nuance in many vital areas. Birthing is a natural, physiological process, and, in many cases, the body knows exactly what to do without intervention.

Yet, we don’t give birth in a vacuum. Yes, even in Switzerland, a country where we often shun the medical establishment when treating minor health issues, the environment in which most of us give birth is medicalized, risk-centered, and governed by protocols that often view birth through a lens of potential litigation.

Navigating this medicalized space requires more than just understanding how birth works. It requires knowing how to communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and to advocate for yourself and your baby with confidence.

Dr. Rachel Reed, a leading voice in midwifery and birth education, emphasizes that birth should be treated as a normal physiological process, but she also acknowledges the importance of understanding the medical system you’re entering. I agree with her and my courses set you upon this path.

The Power of Informed Choice

When you enter the medical system without the knowledge of how to ask questions, how to interpret advice, and how to say both no and yes with confidence, you become more vulnerable to a birth that feels out of your control.

While it’s important and vital to be uninhibited in birth, it’s the feeling of loss of control, or rather, things being done to you without your consent, which is the most indicative of a negative birth experience. It's important to remember that you absolutely can have an empowering birth in a hospital or medicalized setting, and using interventions if that's right for you. But preparing yourself not just for your desired birth, but for the dynamics of the environment in which you'll be giving birth is a vital part of the process.

Part of what I offer at Happy Day Hypnobirthing is teaching parents how to critically engage with the information they're given, how to advocate for their choices, and how to make empowered decisions in any birth setting.

Hypnobirthing techniques help create the mental space for calm and focus, but beyond that, the mentoring I provide teaches practical tools for navigating the healthcare system in Switzerland.

Nuance

Nuance has become my new favourite word. We live in a time where we are so polarized- there is no grey, there is only black and white thinking. That one type of birth is "positive" and another type of birth is "negative". Or one type of birth is "natural" and another type of birth is "risky". That an entire birth can be categorized in one moralistic or value-driven word. That's not real life, real life is rarely black and white, real life is nuanced.

We need to challenge polarized thinking when we are planning for our birth and adding to our family. We can believe in the very popular hypnobirthing phrase: "baby knows best", but we can still also ask questions like: "what can I do to work together with my baby to encourage them to get in the most optimal position for birth?", "how can I prepare for possible alternatives with a positive mindset, while still planning for the birth experience I desire", "I think this intervention is the best choice for me and my baby, how can I work with this intervention, not against it?", or "how can I make this birth the best birth for me and my baby?" and so on.

Take Charge of Your Birth Experience

Birth is one of the most significant and powerful experiences of your life, and you deserve to feel confident, empowered, and prepared. Hypnobirthing gives you the foundation of calm and confidence, but at Happy Day Hypnobirthing, we take it further by giving you the tools to navigate the system and make decisions from a place of strength and knowledge.

If you’re ready to take charge of your birth experience, I invite you to explore Happy Day Hypnobirthing's hypnobirthing (though it's not just hypnobirthing!) and our postpartum courses . Whether you’re giving birth at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital, I'm here to help empower you to make the right choices for the birth which is right for you and your baby.

New Postpartum Preparation Course with LilyBee in Zurich

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 16:54:48 GMT

Happy Day: Mindful Postpartum Preparation

Preparing for the arrival of your baby involves many important decisions, from choosing your birth location to selecting the right preparation courses and practicing techniques for a positive birth experience. A well-thought-out birth plan accounts for both the expected and unexpected aspects of childbirth. Since birth is one of the most significant events in your life and your baby's, thorough preparation is essential.

However, many parents do not give the same attention to planning and preparing for the postpartum period and the (much longer) journey of parenting. Did you know that 70% of women wish they had more information about postpartum mental health before they had their baby? Or that, in Switzerland, while 95% of women want to breastfeed, only 64% of babies are having any breast milk at 3-4 months postpartum. These statistics are just two which offer glimpses to the complexity of postpartum experiences. They also highlight the importance of preparing for your new life as a family, to set you up to achieve your goals and desires.

For example, have you considered, practically, the wellness and self care of both parents during the postpartum? Have you considered what activities may bring you joy and rest if you have just 45 minutes to yourself? What about just 30 minutes? 10 minutes?

The Mindful Postpartum Preparation course addresses the practicalities of physical recovery, health insurances, handling visitors, feeding, and sleep, as well as the broader themes of family goals, connection between partners, and supporting mental health; it can help you achieve a more enjoyable and peaceful postpartum experience. I am so pleased to offer a comprehensive and unique Mindful Postpartum Preparation course which covers all these essential topics and more, at Lilybee in Zurich.

By attending together, partners can ensure you are both equipped to support each other and your new baby. Enroll in Mindful Postpartum Preparation and embrace the transformative journey to parenthood.

I am a guest on Katie James' The Feeding Couch Podcast- listen here!

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 11:52:19 GMT

The Feeding Couch- Episode 12

It was a privilege to be interviewed by the wonderful Katie James on her podcast, The Feeding Couch, about my own breastfeeding, birth and postpartum experiences. Have a listen to this podcast, other The Feeding Couch episodes and her other monumental podcast, The Midwives Cauldron wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts or here .

Topics covered: the highs and lows of breastfeeding to toddlerhood, late preterm delivery, jaundice, supplementation, night feeding, milk coming in after the loss of a pregnancy, giving birth and postpartum during Covid and so so much more. My own birth, breastfeeding and postpartum experiences are things I largely keep out of the pre and postnatal courses that I teach, so if you've met me through the work I do as a prenatal educator, you've likely never heard any of these stories.

! Late term pregnancy loss is discussed from approximately minute 35-58.

Finding a Birth House in Switzerland

Tue, 28 May 2024 07:34:59 GMT

Birth Houses in Switzerland

It's astonishing that 98% of births in Switzerland occur in hospitals, despite birth centers/birth houses being extremely safe, nurturing, positive, and family-centered places to give birth. Birth center births, including any necessary transfers to hospitals, are fully covered by Swiss insurance, just like hospital or home births.

Giving birth in a hospital increases the likelihood of cesarean sections, significant tearing, postpartum hemorrhage, and other interventions. Studies, including a Cochrane Review, have shown that births in birth centers and at home have similar safety levels as those in hospitals.

So, why aren't more people in Switzerland choosing birth centers? For many, it's a lack of knowledge, compounded by significant geographical issues, as many women live far from a birth center. When looking for a birth center in Switzerland, you can search the website of independent birth centers for one in your area. There are also birth centers associated with hospitals, which can be trickier to find. For example, in Canton Zurich, Spital Zollikerberg and Spital Bülach have attached birth centers. These are not free-standing units and operate under different guidelines than independent birth centers. This wonderful blog post outlines some options in Geneva. A word of caution: When googling, some hospitals in Switzerland use the term "birth centre" to try and attract more families to give birth there, but they certainly are not birth centres.

Most people who are unsure about birth center births are concerned about emergencies and safety. All birth centers operate under guidelines to ensure safety and standardization. They want you to have a safe, comfortable, and wonderful birth experience too. It's very important to note that if you need to transfer from the birth center, you can usually recover post-birth at the birth center, away from the hospital. Some birth centers offer this service even if you plan a hospital birth.

Entry requirements for birth houses vary, but in general, to consider giving birth in a birth house:

- Labor does not begin before 37 weeks of pregnancy

- The pregnancy has been uneventful and healthy for both mother and child -

The child is head down

- There is one baby (not twins or multiples)

- The mother does not have any serious previous illnesses -

There is no insulin-dependent gestational diabetes

- The placenta does not lie over the cervix

When choosing your birth place, remember that hospital births increase the likelihood of cesareans, even for low-risk mothers, who are perfect candidates for birth center births. If you need a cesarean or instrumental delivery, there is usually plenty of time for transfer to a hospital from a birth center. Extremely rare emergency circumstances where every minute counts are often exaggerated on social media, where algorithms target pregnant individuals for views and reactions.

At Happy Day Hypnobirthing, I don't believe one birth place is better than another. What I want parents to understand is that birth place is a choice. A significant choice and it's good to consider the options, visiting multiple birth place options should be something every expectant parent does before making their choice. I operate from the standpoint that knowledge is power and wish to empower every family with evidence-based, holistic information to make their own choices. Come to a Happy Day Hypnobirthing course to learn more about empowering and confident birth.

Sources:

Geburtshäuser Schweiz

A true choice of place of birth? Swiss women’s access to birth hospitals and birth centers

Birth Place Study

Incidence of risk factors for perineal trauma

Choosing a Postpartum Midwife in Switzerland

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 15:33:10 GMT

You can always wait until you get assigned a postpartum midwife- but why not optimize this choice?

Finding a postpartum midwife in Switzerland does not need to be a challenging or confusing experience.

Postpartum midwives usually come to your home the day after you return from the hospital or birth centre, and insurance covers 10-16 home visits (and more if needed) within the first 56 days of the baby’s birth. They help in so many ways, for example, checking the health of the mother, the baby, assisting with feeding, mental health check-ins and with the first steps to family life. Unlike other countries, you don’t need to go to checkups at the paediatrician's office in the first days and weeks of the baby’s life, because of the home visits midwives do in Switzerland. Remember that you always have choice and if you don't want the assistance of a postpartum midwife, or if you don't want them to come for all the 10-16 visits your insurance entitles you too, that is your choice.

It’s a good idea to “shop around” and research a few different midwives and even interview a few. Understand that visits before the baby is born are not usually covered by insurance, so it may be best to talk on the phone, look at testimonials and feel comfortable changing your mind if something doesn’t feel right, even if you do meet in person. The relationship with a postpartum midwife is very important, so don’t rush this decision.

Many postpartum midwives come with prior knowledge and professional developments like: prenatal and postnatal yoga, baby wearing, breastfeeding (you may see the letters “IBCLC”, this means they are an international board certified lactation consultant- a professional designation, which is the same as the lactation consultants in hospitals), birth debriefing sessions, closing the bones ceremonies and so much more.

The key to success is to start the search early on, sometime in the second trimester, or earlier if you are looking for a home birth, birth centre or midwife who will accompany you at the birth in hospital (this is rare and only some hospitals have this practice, called Beleghebamme in German).

These are the most comprehensive search engines for postpartum midwives in Switzerland. Most of these websites are only in Switzerland’s national languages. However, it is easy to find midwives who speak English, and many have other languages too. Check their website for detailed information to find out the languages they speak. I recommend that, if you aren’t confident in German or French, to install a translation tool on your web browser before viewing these links:

https://www.hebammensuche.ch/

https://www.swissmom.ch/de/links/links-zu-hebammen-13987

https://familystart.ch/ (Basel Area)

https://www.familystart-zh.ch/de/start (Zurich)

What to pack in your birth place or hospital bag in Switzerland?

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:37:40 GMT

Swiss birth places offer a lot more than internationally, meaning you can focus on comfort and practicality in your bag

- Phones and charging cables (extra long 2meters)

- Important documents in a folder (Red Book if Swiss, other citizenship documents needed for other nationalities)

- Copy of birth preferences/plan in a folder

- Hypnobirthing parent folder and ultimate birth relaxation audio

- Affirmations, photos, special scarves or pillows to aid in relaxation and visualization

- Battery operated tea lights, comfort items to make the room cozy

- Moms toiletries and favourite products (now is not the time to bring the cheap stuff!)

- Toothbrushes and toothpaste for mom and dad

Comfortable pyjamas which have easy breastfeeding access 2-3 pairs

- Nursing bras (2-4, wire free at this point)

- Warm socks and slippers

- A magazine or two, or an e-reader with light reading

- Hair bands, lip balm, hairbrush

- Day clothes/loungewear for mom, with comfortable nursing access, made from breathable, natural fabrics

- A change of clothes for dad

- Take home outfit for baby, any special items for first photos

- Snacks for mom and dad for during and after labour, if for mom, make sure they are easy to digest

- Shower shoes

- Gift for older sibling

Of course, this is just my list, what I think is important. I am curious what you might think I have missed or overlooked!

Have a happy day,

Julia

Postpartum Recipe: Customizable Banana, Oat and Nut Loaf (or Muffins)

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:43:37 GMT

Customizable Banana, Oat and Nut Muffins Recipe

I’ve had this recipe for over a decade. Scrawled on an old notebook page, which has long since lost it’s original book. It’s a great breakfast or snack muffin, as it’s not too sweet and is nutrient dense. It's great for supporting lactation as it's easy to eat, is made of uncomplicated ingredients, full of nutrients, energy and oats, which can assist in establishing a milk supply.

I’ve included some customizable options here, and I’ve tried them all myself. I always use cups and spoons for this tried and true North American style recipe, but have included weights if you don’t have cups and spoons but I've never tested it measuring by weight. I have always used Canadian cups, which aren’t exactly the same as American ones. It’s easy to remember, 1 cup= .25 of a Litre/250mL.

You can bake this recipe into muffins or into a load for banana bread and they can be frozen for up to 4 months which makes it a fantastic nesting party recipe, or one to prepare and freeze before baby arrives. I made this this week for a dear friend, who had her baby a few weeks ago, for her meal train. I love including a dessert or a snack when I do a meal train drop off, because it just gives something a little extra for the new family, and they need as much love and support as we can give.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: Muffins 20 minutes, Bread 35 minutes

Yield: 12 large muffins or 1 loaf

Ingredients:

1 cup (120g) white flour

½ cup (60g) whole wheat or spelt flour

1 cup (100g) oats

½ cup (75g) chopped nut of choice (I prefer pecans)

⅓ (75g) cup brown sugar

1.5 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 egg lightly beaten

¾ cup (166 mL) milk of choice

⅓ cup oil (of choice) (83 mL) or melted butter (see notes)

½ tsp of vanilla

1-2tsp of spices (I like 1 tsp of cardamom and cinnamon each)

1 cup (250mL) mashed banana (about 2-3 bananas)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 190 degrees celsius (no fan)

Mix all the dry ingredients except the nuts in a medium bowl, set aside

Mix all wet ingredients in a large bowl with a hand or electric whisk

Mix the wet and dry together, by hand, with a whisk, then fold in the nuts

Pour into prepared muffin liners (or use nonstick spray on your muffin tin) or a lined loaf pan, whichever you are using.

Cook times can vary by up to 10 minutes, depending on how you customized your muffins. I’ve included the lower end of the baking time as a guideline. Use a cake tester or fork and when it comes out pretty much clean, then they’re ready.

Notes: You can make your own brown sugar by rubbing a teaspoon of molasses (Tafelmelasse in German) in 1/3 of a cup of white sugar.

What is a Nesting Party?

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 10:38:32 GMT

A step by step guide to hosting a nesting party. How to host a more meaningful, practical and holistic type of baby shower, one which will leave you more supported, nourished and set up for more ease in the postpartum.

Why a Nesting Party?

For a more meaningful, practical and holistic spin on a traditional baby shower, nesting parties are all about supporting new parents with what they actually need and is hard to come by: community, compassion, physical as well as emotional support to welcome their baby. A nesting party is an act that goes with the saying: "It takes a village to raise a child". It takes that same village to support mothers and new parents.

What is a nesting party like?

Of course, just like any party, they can be very fun and personalized to the new parents. They can also be held for second or third+ babies because support is always needed and community is always helpful. The focus of a nesting party is on practical support and preparation for the new baby, rather than cutesy gifts that have no real purpose or impact and games with no real meaning.

People love to feel needed, helpful and useful. Nesting parties help strengthen your community, friendships and relationships, but also does the same for everyone else there. So, have absolutely no fear when asking the people you know if they’d like to pitch in for your nesting party.

What happens at a Nesting Party?

There are some core ideas of a nesting party, but how exactly you host and plan a nesting party comes down to you and your postpartum plan. If you want to take a course on more mindful postpartum planning, check out the Happy Day: Bumps, Babes and Beyond homepage . When you're planning your nesting party, think: What acts make you feel most loved and supported? What helps you when you’re most stressed and feeling most depleted? What are some practical tasks you could have help with right now, but also later, when the baby is here?

You can throw your own nesting party or have someone close to you plan it for you. Make a list of all possible tasks you’d like to get done before baby arrives, such as:

Prep nutrient dense and warming make ahead freezer meals and snacks (see the blog posts on this topic and instagram @happy.day.ch for recipe ideas)

Organize/decorate the nursery

Prepare the diaper caddy with diapers, wipes and bum cream

Prepare postpartum healing recipes like pre-mixed herbal bath blends or padsicles

Wash and fold baby laundry

Unbox and set-up baby gear like carriers, car seats and strollers

You can also have sign-up sheets for postpartum help: People who will look after baby when you attend your postpartum pilates or Rückbildungsgymnastic course, people who will come and help clean your home, people who will hold your baby while you shower or nap.

When should We Have a Nesting Party?

Invite your guests as you would any other special party! You can mail out traditional invites, e-invites, or simply text your loved ones with the time and place (your home!). The best time to host a nesting party is in your eighth month or therabouts, so there’s plenty of time in case the baby arrives early but close enough that you won’t have to re-wash everything. You could choose to have a nesting party with friends of all genders, and those of both parents. There are other ceremonies and rituals which may be better suited to being women or mother only.

How to Plan a Nesting Party

From your list of tasks, you can make groups of tasks and people can sign up to help in the particular group that they are most suited to, or want to be a part of. , I call these groups "teams", but you can call them what you wish. Ask your participants to sign up for one of the teams. If you want, create your registry with items the team will need (in Switzerland, or other countries which don't typically do baby showers, this is best on third party websites like www.wishbob.com or a good old fashioned shopping list in written or electronic format) OR, you can have everything prepared and ready on the day, and people can sign up to teams as they arrive. You can write the titles of the teams and leave them on a table or taped on a wall for your guests to sign up. You could have all the ingredients or items already there, or ask the people you invited to bring them themselves (from the registry or list), then they’ve also checked the box of buying a present, which people want to do when they go to a traditional baby shower. Here are some team ideas:

Meal prep team (and bring/have ingredients for a meal to cook and prepare for you)

Postpartum healing team (and bring/have ingredients for padsicles, teas or herbal baths- blog post TBD on those topics)

Home organization team (and bring/have baby safe laundry detergent and dish soap)

Baby care team (and bring/have items for baby diapering, first aid and feeding)

Any other team you want- nursery painting, furniture building, crafting, cloth diaper preparation, car seat installation- whatever you want and whatever you think would be best for you and your particular family and the skillset of the people you are inviting..

If you want people to sign up to a team before the party, you can easily set this up on google docs or sheets and make sharing accessible to everyone with the link or just have them reply to you and you keep track of the teams. Make the link clear in your invitation to your nesting party. If you don’t have a gmail account, you can make one just for your party and access google sheets or docs in the drive.

On the Day of the Nesting Party

Lay out some simple snacks and refreshments. When folks arrive, they can work in their teams to get those tasks done, or float between teams as they wish! For example, family members on cooking duty, a few friends organizing the nursery and folding baby clothes, a team of work friends unboxing baby gear and wiping down their surfaces, all while your friends from your tennis club paint the nursery room. Depending on how you’re feeling, you can sit back and soak it in or join in on the nesting fun.

Thanking Your Guests

People love feeling like they made a positive impact. Keep the list of teams, so that, in the future, when baby or you are using the item they helped to create or clean or make, you can send them a quick email or message thanking them for their efforts.

If you host a Nesting Party, it's more likely that someone else will host or suggest one in the future. This means that you're creating a lasting impression of what care, help, friendship and community feel for everyone who attends your nesting party!

Consider taking the postpartum planning course for more ideas and preparation for your own postpartum experience.

Postpartum Book Review

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:57:40 GMT

Golden Month: Caring for the World's Mothers After Childbirth

"Golden month outlines a holistic approach towards postnatal care that amalgamates the best practices from different cultures throughout the world."

If you're a parent looking for a holistic approach to the postpartum, this is a great resource for you. In this compact book, Jenny Allison shares her wealth of knowledge and research into traditional Chinese medicine and holistic postpartum practices in traditional cultures all over the world. We are taken on a journey around the world, learning how rich and holistic cultures mother the mother, the baby and the family in the postpartum period. Healing practices, warming recipes and rituals are beautifully outlined in this book. The book is not long, it's lovely to hold, and it is compact enough to fit in a handbag; so it's easy to read and access in the pregnancy period. After reading, the reader is left with questions about how we got it so wrong in the West and how we could mother the mother and honour the family more in our societies.

A negative aspect of this book is that we learn a lot about traditional cultures, and not so much about how we can apply them to a world where we are perhaps removed from our home culture, family and long term friends, like many of us are here in Switzerland. If you come to a Happy Day: Bumps, Babes and Beyond course, class , you will join a thriving community of parents and families which help to mitigate this challenge. Through our courses, classes and playgroups, we have organized meal trains, nesting parties (see the blog post on this topic too!), emergency childcare, and we often spend our time talking about the challenges of finding our community and village, and in the process, we create it.

Overall, I would give this book a buy, especially if you want some traditional, delicious, warming recipes for the postpartum period.

You can buy the book online, for example, here direct from the publisher