Giving birth in Zürich
Congratulations! First, a reminder: you don’t have a medical condition. You’re growing a human being.
The Swiss system is supportive, but it can be confusing, especially if you didn’t grow up here. This guide maps out who can support you, where you can give birth, and the paperwork to start early.
Your support team
Many people are there for you on this journey, each in a different way. Don’t forget that.
Your partner
Your main support person, before, during and after. Involve them early! They aren’t carrying the baby, so the changes ahead may not always be front of mind. They might need intentional moments to connect with what’s coming.
Gynecologist
Looks after the medical side of your care. Your gynecologist is also the one who writes a sick note (Arztzeugnis) when the last weeks get heavy. Switzerland has no leave before birth, so reducing work gradually towards the end is common.
Midwife (Hebamme)
University-trained and able to handle almost every part of a healthy pregnancy, birth and postpartum. You can do your prenatal checkups with a midwife, and a midwife will be at your birth. In hospital, she’ll often look after several births at once.
Doula
Continuous emotional, physical and informational support for you and your partner. In a system where you may meet many different staff, a doula is one consistent face. It’s a personal relationship, so find someone you feel truly comfortable with.
Bringing your own doctor or midwife
Some hospitals let you bring your own doctor (Belegarzt) or midwife (Beleghebamme) to your birth. They usually work with specific hospitals, so ask early if this interests you.
Find a postpartum midwife
A Wochenbett-Hebamme visits you at home after the birth to check on you and the baby. It’s covered by basic insurance, and good ones book up, so start looking during pregnancy.
Where to give birth
Choosing where to give birth is one of the first big choices you make for your child. You can give birth in a hospital, in a birth center, or at home with a midwife. Each hospital has its own policies and its own feel, so choosing a place also means choosing its way of doing things.
The core trade-off: immediate, maximum medical support if something goes wrong, against a higher chance of medical interventions. There’s no single right answer, only what feels right for you.
Why you’ll hear certain recommendations
The medical system is designed to minimise risk, both for your safety and for the professionals’ liability. Knowing this helps you understand why certain interventions are suggested. Think about your own comfort with risk and intervention before you’re in the delivery room, so you can make decisions from a calm place.
Paperwork timeline
Navigating Swiss paperwork isn’t trivial, especially as expats. Here’s when to do what.
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Weeks 12–25
Gather documents for the birth certificate
Contact the civil registry (Zivilstandsamt) of the town where your hospital is, not just where you live. Requirements are similar everywhere, so it’s fine if you haven’t decided yet.
Unless you married in Switzerland, you’ll need birth certificates for anyone born abroad and a foreign marriage certificate. They must be less than 6 months old at the birth, with an apostille and official translation if needed.
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Weeks 30–35
Pediatrician and insurance
Find a pediatrician for the 1-month checkup. Call nearby practices, mention your due date and ask if they take new patients.
If you want supplementary insurance for your baby, register now: it’s the only time they’re accepted without a medical exam. If you’re not married, arrange the paternity recognition (Vaterschaftsanerkennung).
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Days 0–3 after birth
Name the baby
The hospital gives you a form with your baby’s name. Bring your IDs and all the relevant certificates with you.
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Weeks 1–4 after birth
Certificate, insurance, checkup
The birth certificate arrives by post, usually after 1–2 weeks. Call your health insurer with the birth date (you have 3 months, but the card helps at the checkup). Book the 1-month checkup.
If you gave birth in another town, register your baby at your local Einwohnerkontrolle once you have the certificate.
You have options, and time.
Build a support team that fits you. If you’d like help choosing, book a free intro call.