FAQ _

Questions ?
_

If you have not found the answer to your query on our website, you will find frequently asked questions here.

Maternity_

Do you hold antenatal classes? What kind of class? At what point in my pregnancy?

Answer :

We hold Classic, Fit Ball and Pool antenatal classes from the 26th week of pregnancy.

Can I give birth at the Clinique de La Source without supplementary insurance?

Answer :

Yes, you can give birth at la Clinique de La Source for a flat delivery rate of CHF 5,800 (in a twin-bedded room) or CHF 7,800 (in a single-bedded room), excluding the fees of your gynaecologist, his assistant in the event of a caesarean section and the paediatrician.

Can I have a private room even though I only have semi-private hospital insurance?

Answer :

Depending on the availability of our private rooms, we can accommodate you with a surcharge, the amount of which depends on your insurance coverage. For an estimate, please contact us at 021 641 34 97 (MON - FRI from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) or by e-mail at gap@lasource.ch.

Will my gynaecologist be present at my delivery? Who else will be there?

Answer :

Your gynaecologist or his replacement as well as the midwife that has looked after you as well as a second midwife from team will be there to help you give birth and welcome your baby.

Will my paediatrician be present at the birth?

Answer :

Your paediatrician does not need to be at the birth unless there are maternal or paediatric medical reasons for him to attend.

However, if you give birth by caesarean section, a paediatrician is always present. If it is planned, you can ask your own paediatrician to be present.

Can one give birth without an epidural?

Answer :

Yes! This is about freedom of choice and individual comfort. There is neither any shame in having one nor any glory in giving birth without an epidural.

Do you do epidurals? Day and night and weekends included?

Answer :

Our anaesthetists are present round the clock, seven days a week and can administer an epidural any time.

At what point can one still have the benefit of an epidural?

Answer :

Theoretically, you can ask for it right up to the last minute. But given the fact that the epidural does not take effect immediately (at least 30 minutes), your midwife will help you choose the right minute, without waiting until the pain becomes unbearable.

Does it hurt when they insert the epidural catheter?

Answer :

The pain is regarded to be similar to that experienced when you have an intravenous catheter. If you are already experiencing painful contractions at that point, the insertion of the epidural catheter will be a lot less painful than a contraction. During the administering of the epidural, please feel free to tell us what you feel so that we can do something about it.

Could it still be painful to give birth despite the epidural?

Answer :

The aim of the epidural is to make the pain of the contractions and the birth of your baby bearable. However, a certain element of feeling, which might be painful, notably when your baby comes out is normal. Sometimes the epidural only works on one side. In this case, the catheter is usually removed and replaced with another as fast as possible.

Will I still feel my contractions?

Answer :

The point of the epidural is to feel the contractions without too much pain while allowing you to push effectively to give birth. However peoples' sensitivity to local anaesthetics can vary incredibly. If you do not feel the contractions, please let your midwife know as a change in the volume or concentration of the drugs used can fix this inconvenience.

Is there any risk that I will be paralysed?

Answer :

An injury to your bone marrow is theoretically impossible as this ends quite far above the area that the injection takes place. A direct injury to a nerve is exceptional and total recovery is the likely outcome.

On the other hand, even with small amounts of local anaesthetic, a slight weakness in a leg is possible and corresponds to the effects of the drug, especially in the case of marked asymmetry in the injection. A total recovery is made within one to two hours after the drug has finished being administered.

In the event of a caesarean, the strength of your legs is always affected and mobility is recovered an hour or two after the operation under general anaesthetic and earlier under epidural anaesthetic.

Does an epidural increase the risk of a caesarean or forceps birth?

Answer :

NO. With current amounts of local anaesthetic, the length of the delivery is not increased: the risk of caesarean or forceps is not increased.

What effect might the epidural have on my child?

Answer :

There is no chance that your child will be put to sleep by the epidural. The drug is used in very small quantities and the amount received by your child is miniscule. In addition, the epidural anaesthetic reduces your stress, improves your child's infusion through the vessels in the uterus. Lastly, it makes it possible to avoid the use of morphine-based painkillers to calm the pain of the contractions which have a negative effect on your child.

A drop in blood pressure which is sometimes caused by an epidural can result in decreased placental perfusion so your blood pressure will be checked regularly and corrected if necessary.

Doe the epidural have any effect on breastfeeding?

Answer :

While a tiny amount of the drug may go into your milk, it won't have any effect on your child. The ability to suck is not affected either even immediately after birth.

How soon after my delivery will I be able to move around freely again?

Answer :

The effects of the epidural wear off two to three hours after the birth of your child and any possible episiotomy stitches. The midwife withdraws the catheter rapidly which is pain free. As soon as this is done you will be independent once again but you will need to be accompanied by a midwife the first time you get up.

Do you support UNICEF’s beliefs regarding breastfeeding?

Answer :

We support breastfeeding as far as possible and depending on the wishes of our patients and doctors.

How long will I be in hospital?

Answer :

On average, a birth requires a four to five day stay depending on the delivery method. 

Will a midwife come and see me at home after the birth?

Answer :

An external midwife care system ensures that a midwife takes care of you as soon as you return home. You can also be taken care of by your own midwife. These services are covered by your basic insurance.