Doulas Deirdre Bowley and Susie Silverside share their thoughts on giving birth in Geneva and supporting women through pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Growing another human is one of the most amazing things we can do in our time here on earth. The process of hosting life within us, brings with it a range of emotions, fears and practical considerations that are as individual as our DNA.
Birth comes in many shapes and sizes and finding the birthing environment that suit us as individuals is very important. While we may not be able to control the exact nature and timing of the birth of our children, being in control of our decisions and being supported throughout our pregnancy and birth has been shown to have a positive impact on birth outcomes.
Within the Swiss healthcare system, mothers-to-be have the option to choose their OB/GYN, the preferred Clinique (if insurance cover allows) / hospital / birth house and to choose midwife led care during pregnancy and labour, though there is usually a doctor present at the moment of birth.
Susie and Deirdre have 6 children between them including twins, caesarean birth, epidural, unmedicated birth, induction, doula supported birth, mid wife led. Our combined experiences of birth in Geneva is one of professionalism, support and empathy. While every experience is different, there is a strong sense that medical intervention is driven by protocols and timelines which can lead to women feeling under pressure. However, when expectant mothers are firm in the communication of their desires about how they wish to be treated, we have met many medical professionals who are respectful and supportive and delighted to work with mothers in this way.
Throughout our lives as mothers and now as doulas, we have seen birth in many forms and appreciate that whatever way it comes, a positive birth comes from a place of support and one without fear.
What is a doula? A doula is an experienced person who offers support to a mother or couple during pregnancy and during and after childbirth. We enable women to have the most empowered experience that she can and help her relax, adapt and enjoy the experience. We support single parents, couples, people who hope to have a natural birth, induction, planned caesarean, complicated pregnancies and unexpected outcomes. We enable parents to make informed choices, signposting research-based information and most of all provide a reassuring presence.
We will be running birth support groups, hypnobirthing taster sessions and birth reflection sessions at the Centre Solstice, 5 minutes walk from the Maternity Hospital in Geneva. Please do not hesitate to contact us on contact@supportingyourbirth.org if you would like to join us for any of these sessions or if you would like to find out more about our doula support services.
https://www.supportingyourbirth.org