Belén: Birth Centre to Hospital Birth. Making Birth Choices with Confidence.
Belén shares her empowering birth journey from Argentina to Switzerland, demonstrating how informed choices and self-advocacy created a positive experience even when her birth plan changed. Her story highlights the importance of preparation, language accessibility, and strong postpartum support across continents.
- Originally from Argentina, fell in love with a Swiss man while traveling
- Prepared her body for pregnancy by tracking cycles, training her body and focusing on nutrition
- Thoroughly researched Swiss birth options before choosing Burgdorf Birth Center (in the Spital Emmental network)
- Labored in the birth center using movement, water, and music for comfort
- Transferred to adjacent hospital for epidural when labor became challenging, described the ease in this transfer as the institutions are separated by corridor and reflects on this choice with a lot of introspection
- Successfully advocated for space and time to try natural methods to help baby descend before interventions
- Delivered baby Milo, who was in an unusual position as he had his hand up by his face, with vacuum assistance after respectful discussions with providers
- Experienced excellent language support with all providers communicating in English
- Received comprehensive postpartum care from visiting midwives and family
- Spent three months in Argentina with her newborn surrounded by family support
- Found the most beautiful moments in the quiet nighttime connections with her baby
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Belèn's Resources
- Doula & placenta medicine and more https://www.instagram.com/wise_woman_maternity_?igsh=MWs1MTVtdHc1Z2QwYQ==
- Doula & pre and post birth courses & stillen berater from La leche league https://www.instagram.com/nacer.suiza?igsh=NWg3a2E0NHBhMm91
- Geburtshaus Emmental https://geburtshaus.spital-emmental.ch
- Instagram: @happy.day.bumps.babes.beyond
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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.
00:00 - Untitled
00:01 - Meeting Belen: From Argentina to Switzerland
10:48 - Pregnancy Preparation and Resource Access
16:37 - Choosing the Burgdorf Birth House
24:04 - Labor Begins: From First Signs to Active Labor
33:59 - Decision Point: Moving to Hospital for Epidural
42:24 - Vacuum Delivery and Meeting Milo
48:45 - Postpartum Support and Recovery
54:36 - The Beauty of New Motherhood