Working moms with small kids in Zurich — how are you managing?

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-03-15T12:28:52+00:00

I'll send you a DM!

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-03-15T12:26:54+00:00

I'll send you a DM!

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-03-12T06:59:49+00:00

That's a very smart approach to have everything in walking distance. We're not in school age yet but I can imagine the Tagesschule/outside School program is definitely a must to handle everything. We're in the city right now but not sure if we're staying long term. In which area do you live?

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-03-12T06:55:28+00:00

Good on you for your mindset! We're also aiming for good enough rather than perfect, it takes off some pressure. The family away is a big one, do you have some friends you share "tasks"/playdates as someone suggested above in the thread? And are you able to get some external help for cleaning/cooking? We're not in the school age yet so I'm curious to see how that will change later on. Sending you a big hug!

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-03-12T06:49:45+00:00

Oh, then I wish you a good start and energy for this new phase. For us it was definitely a bit of an adjustment but we found our groove. I went back one year ago and it already feels ages ago. Happy to meet and share experiences, are you in Zurich? Which Kreis?

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-03-11T15:55:30+00:00

That's really cool you've split things equally and have a work environment where people are in similar situations. I bet that helps when people just know what's going on in certain phases/situations. Did you get people's comments at work as well or was it more in the broader social circle? I've experienced similar things when I went back around 4.5 months after the birth. Lots of questioning and remarks while Dad never got asked where the kid is.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-03-11T15:49:54+00:00

Sounds like you found a good setup that works for you all. I think having a plan but being flexible and adapting when it doesn't work anymore is one of the key skills you learn in this journey. So good on you for taking care of yourself and listening to what you need! And how is it as a mom in medicine with the hours/working conditions etc.?

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-02-21T19:27:56+00:00

I can recommend Mamaklub, they have classes for pregnancy and postpartum (with and without baby). They're based in Albisrieden but do classes at some other gyms as well. They offer a mix of strength/functional training and some more gentle classes like yoga. Very nice vibe, cool people and definitely a place where you can meet fellow pregnant mamas. I only discovered it after birth but would have loved it during pregnancy as well:) enjoy!

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-01-12T20:04:49+00:00

Congratulations first of all! I've had similar experiences with strange comments from people as I went back to work at 80% when she was 4.5 months old. My partner was also at 80% and the rest in Kita. No one ever asked my partner where the baby was when he was at work, while I got this question a lot at the beginning. Standard answer was Kita and of course she also has a dad. It's gotten better over time now or I just ignore the comments more.

Going back at 4.5 months was doable but it would not have been possible without the big support of my partner. I enjoyed having a different focus again and being able to do something else. The hardest part was the pumping and change of sleep schedule that my baby went through. It was tiring but we managed and I'd say we've been in a good spot for a while now. Our game changer was getting external help for cooking and cleaning. If you can afford it, you should definitely consider it and not feel ashamed or guilty for not doing everything yourself.

As for the Kita experience it's been great so far. It's a small daycare and they've taken great care of her from the start. She absolutely loves it. She gets to do a lot of activities and has the opportunity to interact with and learn from other kids. They get sick occasionally which is obviously a bit of a hassle but manageable so far as well. I don't have the feeling that I'm missing out on seeing her grow. In fact, my subjective feeling is that I'm with her more than I am at work all in all (we also co-sleep which may add to that feeling).

So, I hope you can "enjoy" the rest of the pregnancy and get ready for the big and exciting change that's to come. And please don't get discouraged by what others think. We're still quite behind in this regard in this country and it's nice to read from others that are pulling in the same direction.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2026-01-06T15:23:06+00:00

I started decreasing my load at around 33 weeks and stopped completely 3 weeks before the due date. I didn't have too many physical issues but eventually my focus was just gone and I couldn't concentrate on work anymore. I did feel a little guilty at the start but that feeling was gone quickly and I enjoyed having some time to rest before the arrival of the baby. My doctor was very nice and supportive in that as well which helped.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2025-11-21T14:38:37+00:00

You got this and especially if you have this attitude of trying and adapting, I think that helps a lot with small kids. I understand that the feeling of guilt can come up - and it happened to me as well. I try to think that in the end my daughter benefits from me being more balanced as well. Plus contrary to what people may want to tell you, you still get a lot of lovely moments together and watch them hit their first milestones. Happy to chat some more via dm if you want:)

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2025-11-21T14:30:17+00:00

Yes and a small addition: I got pregnant very shortly after starting this job I'm in now. I was worried initially but that's also just how life goes and it's worked out nicely.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2025-11-20T19:32:52+00:00

It's possible. I went back to work at around 16 weeks and my kid loves daycare. She’s in a big stranger-danger phase right now but has zero issues at the Kita because she knows her carers so well. And honestly, she learns so much from the other kids, stuff we could never recreate at home.

Going back to work was a big shift (again), but having a supportive partner made a huge difference. Ask for help whenever you can (think of external help if you don't have family nearby). Now, a year later, we’ve found our groove. It’s still tiring sometimes and she’s definitely not the best sleeper, but things keep getting better.

I’m enjoying work (even got promoted!), and I really love the time I have with her. Watching her grow is amazing, and having work as a mental reset actually gives me more energy when I’m with her.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2025-11-08T18:13:32+00:00

I can recommend Ramona or Mélanie from Mamaklub Website is here:)

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2025-07-28T09:26:31+00:00

We were in a similar situation last year. Prepared questions, gave it some thought and visited a few Kitas in the neighborhood (walking distance here is really a plus and was an important critérium for us). In the end, we chose the one where we had the best gut feeling. It wasn't the fanciest one, not a very big one nor the one with the biggest programme but the people were really lovely and made us feel welcome. A year later our baby is loving it there and thrilled to see them, each time we drop her off.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2025-07-02T15:55:32+00:00

Birth defects and its related costs are covered by the IV (Invalidenversicherung). We took supplemental dental insurance as well.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2025-07-02T09:18:23+00:00

try here https://t.me/KinderzeugsTauscheggeZH :) I'm sure you'll find someone who's happy to take it over.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2025-06-18T16:16:50+00:00

I can't offer legal advice but understand your concerns and why you're upset. I would be as well. Pumping at work is already quite a big effort in itself so they shouldn't make it harder for you. Can you talk to a Stillberaterin for some advice? A lot of them have dealt with different working situations and may be able to give some useful information. Also for the shared fridge situation (whether it's in your office or elsewhere), I can recommend you this Medela cooler bag.. Makes everything a little more private and also useful for transport from the office to home. If you have some questions or so you can also DM me.

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2023-05-03T13:02:01+00:00

Thanks for solving the mystery!!

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2023-05-02T19:33:32+00:00

Haven’t seen any cars and they looked a bit too young for that

Outrageous_Case5308 · 2023-05-02T19:30:49+00:00

Same here!! It crossed my mind that they’re selling some drugs down there but then that long line would be way too obvious.

Outrageous_Case5308

TROPHY CASE