Anna-Tina is one of 15 midwives at Klinik Im Park. She has been attending expectant parents during one of the most emotional experiences in their lives for 30 years. In this interview she reveals which workday experiences move her most deeply.
Why did you become a midwife?
Anna-Tina: I always wanted to work in the medical field, but for a long time I didn't know what exactly I wanted to do. Being a midwife seemed to be exotic and special - along the lines of it's not something that everybody can do. It was also important to me that obstetrics mostly involve an extremely happy experience with a positive outcome – a baby.
What do you appreciate about your profession?
Anna-Tina: I love being able to share in this very emotional experience when a life begins. It makes me happy to assist the expectant parents in this process.
Did you have a special experience that you still like to remember?
Anna-Tina: This has to be my own two deliveries which gave me an entirely new perspective. I also published an article about this on Hirslanden's baby blog (in German): Wie ist es denn, wenn eine Hebamme selber am Gebären ist?
And I'm always very excited about twins.
What are the biggest challenges in your workday?
Anna-Tina: Midwives need to be very flexible – I regularly have to adapt to new situations which can change at a moment's notice. It's important to remain calm, even when things get hectic. The irregular working hours of a midwife also pose a challenge.
What advice would you give an expectant mother who is afraid of childbirth?
Anna-Tina: Try to keep an open mind about everything. Don't brood to much, stay positive, prepare yourself well and approach the birth naturally. And put your trust in the staff of the maternity ward – we're there to help you.
Seestrasse 220
8027 Zürich
Anna-Tina has been a midwife at Hirslanden Klinik Im Park for 19 years. She is mother of two grown-up children, do a lot of sport in her free time and loves to travel.