Valentina: Hyperemesis, Sibling Bonds, Induction, Home Birth Transfer, Breast Feeding, Tandem Feeding and Knowing Your Rights.

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Born on a tiny river boat in Colombia during a tropical storm, Valentina grows up across continents and later lands in Switzerland working in maternal health and gender equity. Then pregnancy hits and theory becomes real. Hyperemesis gravidarum leaves her sick for months, and she learns how quickly a system can turn “protocol” into pressure when a mother is exhausted and vulnerable.

We talk through what informed consent actually sounds like when your waters break, time starts ticking, and someone pushes oxytocin or an early induction at Triemli Stadtspital Zurich. Valentina shares how she asks for the least invasive option, gets second and third opinions, and holds her ground even when it makes the room uncomfortable. She also opens up about postpartum anxiety and that disorienting early feeling of “is this my baby?” plus the relief of finally getting clear mental health guidance instead of vague reassurance.

Then the breastfeeding story deepens. Persistent pain gets brushed off again and again until she finds La Leche League support and starts connecting the dots to oral restrictions, including posterior tongue tie and lip tie. From there, we follow her through breastfeeding after breast implant complications and surgery, a second pregnancy with better care, a planned home birth that transfers to hospital, and the surprisingly complex beauty of tandem feeding and child-led weaning.

If you care about birth stories in Switzerland, doula support, breastfeeding help, tongue tie assessment, and maternal rights, this conversation will stay with you.

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Valentina's Resources

• Aline Schneckenburger who was also Valentina's therapist (perinatal psychologist) for all these years
• Ximena Silva who is also known as the birth fairy for the Spanish speaking mamas. Her company is called Nacer -
• midwife for the home birth Christine Faessler
• Postpartum Hebammes and former colleagues Haerzklopfä Hebamme
• Surgeon who performed the implant explant and removed Valentina's implants during her first lactation journey: Dr. med. Alessia Lardi
• VSV Perinatal Health & Equity Consulting - services as a gender and health policy analyst and as an IBCLC
• Barbells & Plates | perinatal strength training for pregnancy and postnatal recovery -
• LinkedIn
• IG: valsvelandia

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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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