Simone: One Birth in The Netherlands, One in Switzerland. Unexpected Home Birth, Surrender and Strength.
Simone shares her remarkable journey of giving birth to her two sons in two different countries (the Netherlands and Switzerland), revealing how cultural and systemic differences profoundly shape the birth experience beyond just the physical process.
- Born and raised in Amsterdam before relocating to Switzerland with her family
- First pregnancy transformed from planned birth center delivery to unexpected home birth in the Netherlands
- Second pregnancy culminated in a planned home birth in Switzerland
- Used hypnobirthing techniques for both births which helped manage pain
- First birth required a mental shift from resistance to surrender which transformed pain perception
- Second birth was quicker, more primal, and required different coping strategies
- Noticed significant differences between Dutch midwife-led system and Swiss more medicalized approach
- Learned to trust her body and ask questions when confronted with different medical recommendations
- Found second-time motherhood more relaxed, with less need for strict schedules
- Experienced postpartum care differently in each country, with different emphasis and support types
- The most brilliant part of motherhood has been discovering inner strength and reconnecting with her body
Remember that birth is your time to shine. You can do this!
Subscribe for more Swiss Birth Stories, Write a review, and share this podcast to help more parents in Switzerland and beyond find the show.
Simone's Resources
Simone hosts mother's circles in Uster, ZH, you can find out more information here: https://www.salonduyoga.ch/workshops/
Support the podcast with a small donation or tip
Please connect with us!
Click here to share your story and be our next guest!
All Swiss Birth Stories Episodes
Our Websites:
Instagram:
Mentioned in this episode:
Discover more great podcasts at SwissCast.Network
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 - Introduction to Simona's Birth Journey
05:48 - Pregnancy Experiences and Preparation
19:48 - Unexpected Home Birth in Netherlands
32:33 - Moving to Switzerland's Different System
44:33 - Second Birth Experience in Switzerland
50:45 - Postpartum Journey with Two Children
57:46 - Letting Go and Finding Confidence
