FAQs
When should I contact a midwife?
Ideally, you should contact a midwife early on in your pregnancy, as demand is often high.
What does a postpartum midwife do?
During the postpartum period, the midwife provides support with postnatal recovery, wound healing, breastfeeding and baby care. She is available to answer questions and give practical tips.
How long can I use the care of a midwife?
- Pregnancy: up to 7 check-ups.
- Postpartum visits: 10 visits within 56 days, plus 6 visits for premature births, multiple births, first-time mothers and after a caesarean section. Further visits possible on doctor’s orders.
- Breastfeeding advice: up to 3 consultations during the breastfeeding period (even if this lasts 2 years).
When should I call the hospital?
- Regular, increasing contractions:
- When the contractions come every 5 minutes and last for 1-2 hours (during the first birth).
- In the case of a second or further birth, it is better to call a little earlier, as the process is often quicker.
- Bubble rupture:
- Even if you are not in labor, if your water breaks.
- The amniotic sac does not always break with a gush of water.
If you are not sure, put on a sanitary napkin and wait 1-2 hours. If it was a rupture of the membranes, fluid will keep leaking uncontrollably.
- Bleedings:
- Slight mucous bleeding is normal shortly before the birth (drawing bleeding), but you should call the hospital before the 37th week of pregnancy or if you have liquid, bright red blood.
- Severe pain:
- If you suddenly experience severe, unusual pain in your stomach or back.
- Reduced fetal movements:
- If you notice that your baby is moving significantly less or not at all, you should contact the hospital.
- Uncertainties:
- If you are unsure whether the birth has started or you have serious questions, you can call the hospital at any time. It is better to ask too much than too little.
Do you need support?
- https://www.profamilia.ch/familien/familienratgeber/stichworte/finanzielle-unterstuetzung
- https://www.shmk.ch/ueber-uns/wir-helfen/
- https://schwanger-wir-helfen.ch/
- https://www.frauenbund.ch/unsere-werke/solidaritaetsfonds/der-solidaritaetsfonds
- https://stiftungen.stiftungschweiz.ch/organisation/schweizerische-hilfe-fuer-mutter-und-kind
