25. June 2019
Baby honeymoon in the "House of Birth Bethesda"
At the beginning of May 2019, on Midwives' Day, the "Haus der Geburt Bethesda" was officially opened. Seven freelance midwives support expectant parents during pregnancy, birth, the postnatal period and breastfeeding. They also offer useful antenatal classes with Hypno-Birthing 2.0 and postnatal courses.
BirsMagazin: Andrea Pollheimer and Béatrice Aellen, you are the two co-directors of "Haus der Geburt Bethesda". You got off to a fast start - the demand seems to be high?
Andrea Pollheimer: Oh yes, the interest is huge and that makes us very happy. The high demand is a sign that we have closed a gap between a midwife birth and a hospital birth with our concept, the lovely facilities and the backup of Bethesda Hospital, which meets the needs of many expectant parents.
Can you still accept births?
Andrea Pollheimer: We are actually already very well booked until the end of August and it is very important to us that we value every stay as much as the young families deserve - after all, every single birth is always a very special experience. Our care concept is very comprehensive and personalised, because we see pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding as a natural unit. This holistic approach is very important to us at "Haus der Geburt Bethesda" and also takes a lot of time. If we look after too many women, we can neither fulfil our requirements nor those of the families. This does not correspond to our idea of holistic, all-round care.
What do you mean by all-round care?
Béatrice Aellen: We give the parents-to-be plenty of time to become a family. Even during pregnancy, the woman determines her own rhythm and also whether she wants to take part in one of our preparation courses. During the birth, the couple can take all the time they need, and afterwards we take a step back so that parents and child can get to know each other, feel each other and recover. If desired, the family can stay one or two nights in the family room and enjoy the "baby honeymoon" in peace and security. This very special time is very important in order to grow together as a family in a relaxed and peaceful way and to get to know each other.
Who is the "House of Birth" for?
Andrea Pollheimer: The women or couples who want to give birth with us want a self-determined, natural birth in a familiar, trusting environment. Our primary goal is for the woman giving birth to feel comfortable, to be emotionally supported and to have her privacy respected. Our women do not bring a doctor to the birth. However, as we have already built up a close relationship, we can recognise risks in good time and make decisions. In an emergency, however, we know our limits and can fall back on Bethesda Hospital, which is only a few steps away - this proximity is unique in the Basel region.