Pregnancy and Birth

Pregnancy and Birth
I want to get pregnant!
Pregnant? Pregnant!
Unwanted pregnancy?
Public information centres
Prenatal care
Antenatal classes
Where to give birth?
Premature birth
Expecting twins or multiple births
Baby blues and postpartum depression
Helpline "Familystart"
Breast feeding counselling
Baby massage
Infant health-care centres
Baby swimming
Our child is different
Children with disabilities
Family centres
Mother/father-baby groups
Second hand baby clothes and accessories
Some children «just happen», others are carefully planned.
Some couples desperately long for a baby but can’t get
pregnant, others are afraid to take on the responsibility for a
child. There are unwanted teenage pregnancies, and there is
unwanted childlessness. These factors influence how
parents feel about pregnancy and children. Today, many
couples try to plan a pregnancy carefully. But it isn’t always
easy. It can take a while until IVF works and the woman finally
gets over the critical first trimester.
Pregnancy is a precious time in a couple’s life. There’s a
whole new life to prepare for, and a new family member to
welcome. Nowadays, most young people have never
experienced the arrival of a child. A hundred years ago,
young women learnt about pregnancy and childbirth from
their mothers, aunts and older sisters. Today, we need
special public-health nurses, evening classes and midwives
to give advice. While it is important to recognize the
challenges, young people shouldn’t feel too anxious about
becoming parents.
When the baby is born, what young parents need most is
good advice and support from family and professional
carers. But no matter what everybody tells you: learn to trust
your own instincts, too!
Pregnancy and Birth
I WANT TO GET PREGNANT!
A woman can get pregnant approximately between the ages
of 15 and 45. However, her chances vary within this
reproductive phase. Biologically speaking, a woman has her
«most fertile» years between 25 and 30. It is much harder to
get pregnant after 40. Chromosomal deficiencies are more
frequent in mature eggs, increasing the risk of miscarriage or
birth defects. If you want to get pregnant, talk to your
gynaecologist!
Unfortunately, the desire for a child quite often remains
unfulfilled. About one in six couples remain childless due to a
fertility disorder in one of the partners. Check your fertility with
your doctor or in a special clinic, even if this is not easy.
Sometimes it helps to talk to a psychologist or counsellor.
Obviously, a healthy and stress-free lifestyle will have a
positive effect on your fertility.
• Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrischer Dienst
• Beratungsstelle Liestal, tel. 061 927 75 70
• Beratungsstelle Bruderholz, tel. 061 425 56 56
OFFICIAL INFORMATION CENTRES
Apart from many medical questions, you may also have
questions concerning your relationship, sexuality, money,
employment law or maternity benefits. The canton BaselLandschaft runs two information centres that offer free and
confidential advice.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Beratungsstellen für Schwangerschafts- und Beziehungsfragen
• Liestal, tel. 061 921 60 13
• Binningen, tel. 061 413 24 00,
www.bsb-bl.ch
• Pregnancy counselling in hospitals
• Liestal, tel. 061 925 22 03
• Bruderholz, tel. 061 436 21 92
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• www.swissmom.ch > Kinderwunsch
PRENATAL CARE
• www.kinderwunsch.ch
• www.familienplanung.de > Kinderwunsch
• www.bzga.de > Key Topics > Sex Education and Family Planning
• Understanding a miscarriage:
• www.babycenter.ch > Trauer und Verlust > Fehlgeburt verstehen
Read the sections «Foster Families» and «Adoptive Families» in the chapter
on «All Kinds of Families».
PREGNANT? PREGNANT!
Are you pregnant? Congratulations! You are in for a
wonderful adventure. Your body and soul are about to
change, and life with your partner will never be the same
again. A pregnancy raises many questions. Your
gynaecologist or midwife has the answers to all the
medical issues concerning you. If you are already thinking
about where to give birth, attend the information events
organised by hospitals, where you can even visit the
delivery rooms.
Most babies are born healthy. Still, it is wise to have the
baby’s weight and position as well as the mother’s blood
pressure checked regularly during the pregnancy. Ultrasound
scans are also part of the regular check-ups. Apart from
these routine checks, there are a number of other tests that
are part of the prenatal diagnostics. Some of these tests may
be useful, but please be aware that there are very few ways
to influence the child’s development before it is born. Parents
should consider very carefully which tests could be helpful for
them, and what could be done for the unborn child if a defect
is diagnosed. Prenatal diagnostics can cause a couple to
consider terminating a pregnancy which they had fully
supported up to this point.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• www.praenatal-diagnostik.ch
• www.swissmom.ch > Schwangerschaft > Medizinisches
• www.babycenter.ch> Schwangerschaft > Schwangerschaftsvorsorge
WHICH COSTS ARE COVERED BY
YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE?
UNWANTED PREGNANCY?
Are you unsure about continuing or terminating the
pregnancy? Such a decision is never taken lightly. In
Switzerland, abortion is legal up to week 12 after your last
period. If you are uncertain, there are several medical
helplines and other psychological counselling services to help
you come to a decision. Young women under 16 must see a
counsellor or talk to someone at the «Kinder- und
Jugendpsychiatrischer Dienst» (Child and Youth Psychiatry
Service).
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Unwanted pregnancy?
Information on counselling services in the canton Basel-Landschaft
Leaflet in 11 languages: www.bl.ch > Volkswirtschafts- und
Gesundheitsdirektion > Gesundheit (Bewilligungen, Publikationen) >
Schwangerschaftsabbruch (11 Sprachen)
The mandatory basic health insurance will fully cover the
routine checks during pregnancy and the cost of giving
birth. There is no co-pay («Selbstbehalt») for these
services.. Your insurance will also pay a contribution to an
antenatal class. It is up to you to choose the place where
you want to give birth: at a hospital, a birthing home or at
home. After giving birth, your insurance will cover
postnatal care and contribute to breastfeeding counselling.
If you stay at the hospital after the birth, the baby’s stay is
also covered by your insurance. You will find all the
mandatory services in the Federal Health-Care Benefits
Ordinance. The Federal Office of Public Health or your
personal health insurance will provide further information.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• www.bag.admin.ch > Topics > Health insurance > Benefits > Maternity
benefits
Pregnancy and Birth
ANTENATAL CLASSES
The birth of a child is a unique and unforgettable
experience for every mother and father. Many couples
want to be well prepared and start thinking about it quite
early. In antenatal classes, pregnant women get ready for
the big moment physically and psychologically. These
classes are also a good way to meet other prospective
parents.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Antenatal classes and pregnancy exercises:
www.geburt-bgb.ch
• Antenatal classes in hospitals and clinics:
www.geburt-sbg.ch
• Baby care for prospective mothers, fathers, grandparents and day
carers: www.srk-baselland.ch > Kurse > Familie und Kind
WHERE TO GIVE BIRTH?
Geburtshaus Basel, Schweizergasse 8, 4054 Basel,
tel. 061 462 47 11
• www.geburtsstaette.ch
Geburtshaus Tagmond, Hauptstrasse 26, 4133 Pratteln,
tel. 061 823 10 10
• www.tagmond.ch
Geburtshaus Rundum GmbH, Wahlenstrasse 70, 4242
Laufen, tel. 079 384 26 38
• www.geburtshausrundum.ch
Geburtshaus der Ita Wegman Klinik, Pfeffingerweg 1,
4144 Arlesheim, tel. 061 705 72 46
• www.geburtshaus-iwk.ch
Home Births
You give birth to your child at home, with a midwife
attending.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
In Switzerland, about 98% of all babies are born in hospitals,
which provide the necessary medical equipment in case of an
emergency. The remaining 2% are born at midwives’ homes,
birthing homes or at home. Talk to your gynaecologist or your
midwife and find out which place suits you best. You should
start to think about where to give birth around the middle of
the second trimester. Many hospitals organise free
information events, where you can visit the delivery room and
meet the staff. You don’t need to sign up for these information
events, just check the dates with each hospital directly.
Should you prefer a hospital or clinic outside your canton
of residence, make sure you check with your health
insurance whether the cost is covered.
It is best to register your child for the mandatory basic and
supplementary health insurance before the baby is born.
• A list of freelance midwives in the Basel area is available here: tel.
061 702 07 60, and www.baslerhebamme.ch > Hebammensuche
• The midwives of the Geburtshauses Tagmond will attend to you
during a home birth: www.tagmond.ch > Angebote > Hausgeburt
POSTNATAL CARE: PREMATURE
BIRTH
Parents of prematurely born babies can join the parents’
group of the Kinderklinik Bruderholz (UKBB), even if their
baby was not born there. There are group meetings at
Spitalstrasse 33, 4056 Basel once a month, where various
issues are discussed. There is always a paediatric nurse
present at the meetings.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Parents’ group of the Kinderklinik Bruderholz (UKBB):
www.ukbb.ch > Eltern/Besucher > Weitere Dienstleistungen >
Neonatologische Familienbegleitung
There are several hospitals and birthing homes in
Baselland and Basel-Stadt:
• The Verein Känguru offers advice and support for parents of prematurely
born children: www.fruehgeborene.ch
Public Hospitals
Kantonsspital Liestal with attending midwives,
tel. 061 925 22 80
PARENTS OF TWINS AND MULTIPLE
BIRTHS
• www.ksli.ch > Frauen
Kantonsspital Bruderholz, tel. 061 436 36 36
• www.bruderholzspital.ch > Patient > Fachbereiche > Frauenklinik
Kantonsspital Laufen, tel. 061 765 34 85
• www.ksla.ch > Fachbereiche > Geburtshilfe
Private Hospitals
Ergolz-Klinik, 4410 Liestal, tel. 061 906 92 92
• www.ergolz-klinik.ch > Fachgebiete > Gynäkologie
Birthing Homes
Geburtshaus Ambra, Unterdorfstrasse 25, 4443
Wittlinsburg, tel. 062 299 29 29
• www.gebaeren.ch
Twins are often said to be «as like as two peas in a pod.»
However, identical twins are only half as frequent as nonidentical or dizygotic twins. Identical twins share the
genetic material, whereas non-identical twins are no more
similar than siblings of different ages. They can both be
girls, or boys, or a boy and a girl.
Life with twins or multiple births not only means double
happiness, it also means a lot more work and requires
even better planning. Don’t hesitate to ask your family and
friends for support.
A special magazine called «Multipack» offers useful and
scientific articles for parents of twins and multiple births. In
many cantons, there are clubs for parents of twins or
multiple births.
Pregnancy and Birth
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• www.twinmedia.ch
• www.zwillinge.ch
"Das doppelte Mäxchen", Edition Riedenburg, by Regina Masaracchia
and Insa Wiegand
BABY BLUES AND POSTNATAL
DEPRESSION
During pregnancy, the hormones in a woman’s body, such as
progesterone and oestrogen, run wild. After giving birth, and
after the placenta has been removed, the hormones drop
back to normal within a few days. These rapid changes cause
some strange behaviour in women. During the first few days
after giving birth, crying fits are quite frequent – but nothing to
worry about. 50-70% of all mothers get the «baby blues»
during the first three to five days after giving birth. They are
touchy and often sad. However, there are also cases of
severe postnatal depression and psychosis, which are
caused by a number of factors. Postnatal depression affects
about 10% of all mothers, usually during the first few weeks
or months after giving birth. Psychotherapy usually helps.
Postnatal psychosis is very rare, only found in one or two of
every 1000 births.
If you suddenly feel like crying, don’t hold back. Sometimes it
helps to talk to other mothers in the same situation. Find a
self-help group or talk to your doctor or your midwife.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• www.postnatale-depression.ch
HELPLINE «FAMILYSTART»
Due to the introduction of per-case flat rates, mothers and
their newborn babies now stay in the hospital for no more
than three to four days. To ensure that you continue to
receive help and care when you are back home, we have
established a telephone helpline: 0848 622 622. Every day of
the year, from 8 am to 8 pm, forty experienced midwives are
available to answer your questions about the health and care
of mother and child. In some cases, the midwives may visit
you in your home. They can also refer you to parent
counselling services as well as medical providers.
«FamilyStart» is a pilot project that is being supervised by
several institutes of higher education, including the University
of Basel.
BREAST FEEDING COUNSELLING
Midwives and nurses show young mothers how to breastfeed
their babies right after giving birth. Your health insurance will
also cover three sessions with the midwife or specialised
nursing staff. You can find extra support and advice with «La
Leche League».
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• La Leche League
www.stillberatung.ch
•BSS-Berufsverband Schweizerischer Stillberaterinnen
www.stillen.ch > Adressen
BABY MASSAGE
Baby massage helps mothers bond with their babies,
supports the baby’s wellbeing and strengthens its immune
system, especially in the first six months. Baby massage
classes are organised by the Red Cross and by freelance
midwives.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Red Cross Baselland
www.srk-baselland.ch > Kurse > Familie und Kind
• Freelance midwives:
www.baslerhebamme.ch > Ueber die Hebamme > Ergänzende
Angebote
INFANT HEALTH-CARE CENTRES
Infant health-care centres offer on-site advice for parents with
children up to the age of five years. Specialised public-health
nurses can answer all questions regarding the physical,
emotional and psychological development of the child and
encourage mothers and fathers to trust their instincts as a
parent. In Switzerland, there is an infant health-care centre
open to all families in every municipality. The centres usually
run a telephone service and operate at regular opening hours.
Some nurses visit families at home or organise special classes.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• www.muetterberatung-bl-bs.ch
BABY SWIMMING
Baby swimming is a recognized method of parent-child
exercise for children between 3 and 24 months. Baby
swimming stimulates the baby’s motor skills and social
behaviour.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Schwimmverein beider Basel
www.schwimmschulebasel.ch > Schwimmschule > Angebote >
Schwimmkurse
• H2O Wasser erleben AG
www.wassererleben.ch > Baby-und-Kinderschwimmen
OUR CHILD IS DIFFERENT
Every child is different – an individual human being. There is a
lot of literature about the different stages in a child’s
development. But you should never forget that these are just
guidelines. Your child will have its own pace and develop skills
whenever it is ready for them. It will learn some things sooner
and some things later than other children. Don’t let these
differences unsettle you. If you worry about your child and
would like a professional opinion, check with your public-health
nurse or your paediatrician.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• www.muetterberatung-bl-bs.ch
• www.ebbl.ch
Pregnancy and Birth
• www.bsb-bl.ch
• www.ptz-bl.ch
MOTHER/FATHER-BABY GROUPS
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Mothers and fathers with babies up to one year meet
regularly to share their experiences and get support from a
public-health nurse.
You have gone through months of joyous anticipation and a
tiring birth. All you wanted was to hold your healthy baby in
your arms. But now you learn that your baby has a disability.
Only time will tell how your child will cope with his or her
condition. You will probably ask yourself: «Why has this
happened to me?» In most cases there is no clear answer.
But one thing is certain: it is not your fault! You have a very
special child now. It needs your love and affection as much
as any child. And it will give you a lot of love in return. Your
child is a gift – more than you can imagine in the beginning.
Parents need time to come to terms with the fact that their
child has been born with a disability. In this first phase,
parents are very vulnerable and often withdraw from family
and friends. But in fact, they need all the support they can
get. Doctors, relatives and friends are indispensable. Parents’
groups are very helpful. Other more experienced parents in
the same situation have a lot of useful information and
provide social and emotional support. Of course, you will
need special care and education for your child, but do not
make hasty decisions. It is always good to get as much
information as possible. You will learn to judge what is best
for you and your child, and where to get the professional
support that suits you best.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Beratungsstelle für Behinderte BL und Eltern von Kindern
mit einer Behinderung
Wiedenhubstrasse 57, 4410 Liestal, tel. 061 926 89 00,
[email protected]
• Insieme baselland, Im Dienste von Menschen mit einer Behinderung
Fischmarkt 13, 4410 Liestal, tel. 061 923 98 93
www.insieme-bl.ch
• Selbsthilfegruppen Zentrum Selbsthilfe
Feldbergstrasse 55, 4057 Basel, tel. 061 689 90 90
www.zentrumselbsthilfe.ch > Selbsthilfegruppen > Themenliste
FAMILY CENTRES
Depending on the age of the children, families need
different kinds of information or support. The «Familienund Begegnungszentren FAZ» in Baselland (family
centres) offer a whole range of support. Parents and
children can get together and discuss family issues.
Professional support of all kinds is available at the
family centre. It is a place where everybody helps each
other.
There are currently twelve family centres in Baselland, all
run by «Elternbildung Baselland», which also organises
informal parent-child get-togethers.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Elternbildung Baselland, Therwilerstr.11, 4103 Bottmingen
tel. 061 421 23 71
www.ebbl.ch > Familienzentren
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Elternbildung Baselland has information about all Mother/FatherBaby Groups
tel. 061 421 23 71
www.ebbl.ch > Eltern-Kind-Gruppen
SECOND HAND CHILDREN’S CLOTHES
AND EQUIPMENT
Small children grow so fast! It makes sense to shop in
second hand stores and at special children’s yard sales.
There are always nice clothes at good value. There are
also useful online shops.
LINKS/ADDRESSES
• Brochure with second hand shops and yard sales for kids’ stuff,
published by the Office of Environment and Energy BL
To order: tel. 061 552 51 11
Download PDF:
www.bl.ch > Bau Umwelt > Amt für Umweltschutz und Energie>
Publikationen > Kinderkleider und Kinderartikel
• www.ricardo.ch > Kaufen > Kind-&-Baby
• www.liliput.ch > Kleinanzeigen