Geburtshaus Zollikerberg

Kim Runkel

My name is Kim Runkel, I grew up in Germany near the Swiss border and am now living with my family in Ottikon b. Kemptthal. I love spending time with my family, travelling and exploring the world. In my free time I regularly sing and dance and also do yoga.

I have become self-employed because it is a matter close to my heart to accompany women and families holistically through what is probably the most exciting time in their lives. It is important to me that families have enough time to share the miracle and let it unfold together. My son was born in July 2018 and this experience has reaffirmed me how important it is for midwife and mother to know and trust each other in order to facilitate a positive overall experience.

Professional background:
• 2016 – 2021 Member of the midwifery practice Rondo Pfäffikon ZH
• Since 2016 Freelance midwife in the Zurich Oberland, home births, antenatal and postnatal care
• 2013 – 2016 Midwife in the birth centre Zurich Oberland, Bäretswil
• 2012 – 2013 Midwife in a maternity department in a hospital in Switzerland
• 2011 Completion of Bachelor’s degree BSc in Midwifery in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Further education:
• Homeopathy for pregnancy, birth and postpartum (2015).
• Traditional midwifery, B. Kosfeld (2016)
• Quality circles on various topics, B. Kosfeld (2017-2023)
• Regular further training Start4Neo and AED/BLS

Linda Haller

I am Linda. I grew up and live next to the beautiful lake of Zurich. As a family person, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Besides my work as a midwife, I love to travel, cook and work out at Crossfit.

The needs and requests of you and your family are central in my work. Your individual support and care during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period is very important to me. I want to support and encourage the natural processes and changes as well as you as a woman and you as a family. I always have an open ear for issues that concern you. Talk about them openly and directly anytime, because there are no taboos for me.

Professional background:
• 2023 Freelance midwife
• 2020 – 2023 University Hospital Zurich, Birth Department, Trainer
• 2020 Paracelsus Hospital Richterswil, maternity ward
• 2016 – 2018 Qualified nurse, Hirslanden Clinic, Orthopaedics/Urology

Further education:
• EST. 2024 Master’s degree in Advanced Practice Midwifery, FH Gesundheit, Tyrol
• 2021 beMom Yoga Teacher Training, Room for Yoga Bayreuth
• 2021 “Professional family support in the event of the early death of your child”, basic course, kindsverlust.ch
• 2020 Graduation Bachelor of Science Midwife, Bern University of Applied Sciences
• 2018 K-Taping Gyn, K-Taping International Academy
• 2016 Graduation from Higher Technical School of Nursing, Hirslanden Clinic
• 2014 Graduation as a health professional EFZ, Hirslanden Clinic
• Regular further training in Start4Neo and AED/BLS

Maya von Bergen

My name is Maya von Bergen. I live in Uster and I am always kept busy by my two teenage boys. I love nature, doing sports and I have a great sense of humor. Besides German, I also speak fluent English.

It is important to me to support mothers with my knowledge in a trusting setting and to respond individually to their needs. Pregnancy, birth and postpartum are natural processes that should be disturbed as little as possible from the outside. I observe closely to recognize deviations and treat them as much as necessary but as little as possible. It is my aim to strengthen the mother’s confidence in the competence of her body.

Professional background:
• 2011 – 2019 Member of the midwifery practice Rondo Pfäffikon ZH, home birth support.
• 2013 Training as a breastfeeding and lactation consultant IBCLC
• Since 2009 Freelance midwife in the Zurich Oberland, pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding counselling, postpartum classes.
• 2003 – 2008 Building department in various hospitals

• 2002 Graduation as federally certified midwife at the midwifery school St. Gallen


Further education:
• Traditional teaching of midwifery and childbirth B.Kosfeld.
• Antenatal care
• Postnatal gymnastics BeBo and Pilates
• Homeopathy
• Cranio-Sacral-Therapy
• Kinesio-Taping
• Newborn resuscitation Start4Neo and BLS
• Breastfeeding and lactation

Moranne Caplunik

I am Moranne Caplunik. I grew up in Switzerland and am now I am back after living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for a few years. Spending time with my family and friends is very important to me. I am very adventurous, but I also enjoy cosy moments like cooking, being in nature or reading.

I speak German, Spanish, English, Hebrew and some French.

Accompanying women and families during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period is a great joy and an indescribable honour for me. I attach great importance to sharing my knowledge in such a way that the couples I support can make their own decisions. This not only creates a deep trust between us, but also strengthens their self-confidence, which in turn enables them to experience pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period in a natural but self-determined way.

Professional background:
• Since 2023 midwife in the maternity department of the Zollikerberg Hospital
• 2018 – 2023 Freelance midwife in home birth in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 2015 – 2017 Midwife in the maternity ward of Limmattal Hospital
• 2015 Completion of Bachelor’s degree BSc in Midwifery at ZHAW

Further education:
• Regular further training in Start4Neo and AED/BLS.

Michelle Andermatt

My name is Michelle and I live in the heart of Zurich in a shared flat. I like the noise and variety around me and the fact that I can cycle around the city almost all the time. I find my balance in nature, reading or being creative.

As a midwife, I support the physiological processes during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. At the same time, I attach great importance to giving the parents a lot of space, because they know themselves and their child the best. I became a midwife in order to be able to accompany families continuously and to get to know the parents already during pregnancy. So I can respond to their individual needs during the birth.

Professional background:
• 2023 Freelance midwife
• 2020 – 2023 University Hospital Zurich, Birth Department
• 2020 Uster Hospital, Birth Department

Further education:
• 2020 Aromatherapy
• 2020 Graduation Bachelor of Science Midwife, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
• Regular further training Start4Neo and AED/BLS

Irene Blum

I am Irene. I live with my family in Uetikon am See. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, cycling or hiking in the mountains. I often spend quiet moments at Lake Zurich, either in or on the water. A good meal with friends is enjoyable and relaxing at the same time.

I have been working as a midwife for over 25 years and my work enriches my life. I take great joy in supporting families during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. My speciality is lactation counselling and postnatal care. As an IBCLC lactation consultant, I love finding effective solutions together with families in challenging situations. In my role as a day midwife at the birth centre, I am able to use my knowledge in a targeted way and support families as they begin their journey with their child.

Professional background:
• Trained as a pharmaceutical assistant and qualified nurse AKP
• 1997 Graduated as a qualified midwife FH at Zurich University Hospital
• 1997 – 2009 Worked at Bethanien Private Clinic as a midwife in the delivery room and puerperium
• Since 2001 Freelance midwife
• 2004 Additionally began working as breastfeeding counsellor IBCLC at Privatklinik Bethanien
• 2004 Completed lactation counsellor training IBCLC, recertified 2009, 2014, 2019, 2024

Further education:
• ICL training as a counsellor in difficult life situations and as a crisis manager
• Regular further training Start4Neo and AED/BLS

Sophie Wirth

My name is Sophie. I grew up in Eastern Switzerland and have been living in the city of Zurich for quite some time now. In my free time, you can find me often out walking, with a book in my hand or with my friends and family.

Since 2020 I have been working as a qualified midwife, most recently in the maternity department of the University Hospital Zurich. I consider it a great privilege to be able to accompany women and couples during the unique, exciting and sensitive time of having children. The desire for midwife-led and continuous care finally led me to the Zollikerberg Birth Centre. My aim as a midwife is to create a setting in which every woman feels well informed and cared for, so that she can fully engage in the processes of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period with complete confidence.

Professional background:
• 2023 Freelance midwife
• 2020 – 2023 University Hospital Zurich, Birth Department, Trainer

Further education:
• 2023 – 2024 CAS breastfeeding and lactation counselling, Bern University of Applied Sciences
• 2023 Traditional Teaching of Midwifery and Childbirth, TLHE
• 2020 Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, Zurich University of Applied Sciences
• Regular further training Start4Neo and AED/BLS

Ilke Reijnen

Nicole Widmer

My name is Nicole Widmer and I live with my family in Mönchaltorf. We love being outdoors together, whether it’s in the mountains, on the high ropes course or on a toboggan run. When I have time for myself, I enjoy a nice cup of tea with a good book or a podcast. Good food can also make me very happy.

I have a particular interest in medicine, women’s and family health, and interpersonal communication in my midwifery profession. I consider working as a caseload midwife a great privilege, as I can accompany families from the positive pregnancy test to the first birthday. For me, this continuum of care represents a very high level of quality, which is of great importance in my work.

Professional background:
• 2023 Freelance midwife
• 2022 – 2023 Mother and father advisor, kjz Uster
• 2019 – 2022 Freelance Midwife in the Uster area
• 2017 – 2019 Midwife, Kantonsspital Baden
• 2015 – 2017 Freelance Midwife, Hebammen unterwegs, Winterthur
• 2013 – 2015 Midwife, Kantonsspital Baden

Further education:
• 2013 Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
• 2009 Completion of Registered Nurse HF (Child, Adolescent, Family, Women)
• 2005 Completion as a Swiss Certified Business Administrator

Melanie Trentini

I am a mother of three children (born in 2009, 2011, 2014), a qualified nurse and at the birth center I make sure you feel completely cared for after giving birth. With great passion, I am here to support you with all your questions and concerns about breastfeeding and baby care and also to look after your well-being. What I enjoy most is being able to continue supporting families at home during the postpartum period or through consultations.

Since 2010, I have been accompanying parents with newborns and young children as a babywearing, sleep and breastfeeding consultant. When a baby is born, the world can feel upside down. At first, everything revolves around the needs of this tiny being. The internet is full of advice on how to meet those needs in the best way. But for a family to truly thrive, everyone’s well-being matters. What’s most important to me is what you want and need. Together, we’ll find ways to make your everyday life easier.

Background:
• Dipl. Nurse HF, Postpartum & Pediatric Home Care
• CAS Breastfeeding and Lactation Consulting
• Certified Sleep Consultant 1001kindernacht®
• Certified Breastfeeding Companion DAIS
• Babywearing Consultant ClauWi®

Janneke Ruiter

My name is Janneke. I am originally from the Netherlands, but I have been living in Switzerland for many years. I love my profession and always say: “It’s more of a hobby than work.” Thanks to my many years of experience, I have a wide repertoire of skills that I enjoy using to support you in the best possible way.

I believe in the abilities of every woman. Every family is unique and deserves to be seen individually. It is both an honor and a great joy for me to accompany couples on the adventurous journey of becoming parents.

Professional background:
• 2024 – 2025 Freelance Midwife / Attending Midwife at GH Zollikerberg
• 2023 – 2024 Midwife at Geburtshaus Delphys
• 2023 Midwife at Hospital Público Roatán, Honduras
• 2016–2023 Midwife at Klinik Hirslanden Zürich
• 2015 – 2016 Midwife Assistant / Postpartum Care at Geburtenhotel Amsterdam and KraamZus Noord-Holland

Further education:
• 2021 – 2022 Homeopathy in Midwifery Practice (Ingeborg Stadelmann)
• Regular training: Start4Neo and AED/BLS

Madlaina Zindel-Jann

I grew up in the beautiful Engadin, and my training as a midwife took me to Bern, where I lived for 15 years and worked in various fields of obstetrics. Among others, I worked at the Inselspital, at the birthing center Maternité Alpine, at the midwifery practice Baby im Bauch, and at the specialist organization Home – Kindsverlust.ch , where I engaged deeply with the topic of pregnancy and infant loss. Since the summer of 2025, I have been living with my husband and our three boys (born in 2019, 2021, and 2025) in the Zurich Oberland. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors with family and friends – hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing, or simply enjoying a relaxed barbecue.

My many years of professional experience, together with my personal role as a mother, have sharpened my awareness of the diverse ways pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period can be experienced. I know how challenging, sensitive, and at the same time powerful this unique phase of life can be. It is a central concern of mine to help create the best possible conditions for a strong and nurturing bond: between mother, father, and child, but also between the parents themselves. This bond is the foundation for a healthy and loving family life. Every family follows its own individual path – often filled with joy, but sometimes also different from what was hoped or longed for. Supporting parents through the experience of loss is especially close to my heart. Even in such moments, parenthood grows – deeply formative and lasting.

Professional background:
• 2024 – 2025 Midwife, Delivery Ward, University Women’s Hospital, Bern
• 2022 – 2024 Midwife, Baby im Bauch Midwifery Practice, Steffisburg
• 2017 – 2021 Midwife, Home – Kindsverlust.ch Specialist Organization
• 2016 – 2018 Freelance Midwife (part-time)
• 2017 – 2018 Midwife, Maternité Alpine Birthing Center
• 2016 – 2017 Midwife, Delivery Ward, Spital Oberengadin
• 2013 – 2016 Midwife, Delivery Ward, University Women’s Hospital, Bern

Further education:
• 2023 Trauma-Sensitive Midwifery Care
• 2020 Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner
• 2016 – 2017 Certificate Program “Professional Support in Cases of Early Child Loss,” Home – Kindsverlust.ch
• 2016 Diploma Course: Vocational Trainer in Apprenticeship Programs
• 2015 – 2016 Traditional Midwifery and Obstetric Arts Training
• 2009 – 2013 Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, Bern University of Applied Sciences
• 2008 – 2009 Professional Baccalaureate
• 2005 – 2008 Apprenticeship as Pharmacy Assistant
• Regular continuing education: Start4Neo, AED/BLS, and participation in quality circles

Katja Bertallo

My name is Katja Bertallo, and I became a midwife because I have been fascinated by this profession from the very beginning. Even after more than 20 years, I cannot imagine a more beautiful and fulfilling career. It is exciting to witness how obstetrics and the support of families and their newborns have continuously evolved over the years. Supporting expectant mothers and families during this intense and emotional period—from pregnancy through the postpartum phase—is a great privilege. With enthusiasm, expertise, and dedication, I support and advise families at the birthing center during these first days. I live with my husband and our three children in Uster. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being active outdoors, or simply reading a good book.

Professional background:
• Since 2018 Freelance midwife in Uster and surrounding areas
• 2003 – 2012 Midwife, Delivery Ward, GZO Wetzikon
• 1997 – 2001 Pediatric Nurse, Children’s Hospital Zürich

Further education:
• 2023 Bottle- and Formula-Consultation, FeS
• 2021 CAS Breastfeeding and Lactation Consulting, Bern University of Applied Sciences
• 2003 Diploma in Midwifery (FH), Midwifery School Zurich
• 1997 Diploma in Nursing, specialized in pediatric, postpartum, and infant care, Children’s Hospital Zürich
• 1993 Commercial Apprenticeship
• Regular continuing education: Start4Neo, AED/BLS
• Mastitis spectrum, European Institute for Breastfeeding and Lactation
• Babywearing consultation, Babywearing School Dresden
• Postpartum care by midwives, ZHAW
• Traditional Midwifery Techniques, B. Kosfeld, Early Postpartum Care
• Kinesio Taping, K-Taping Academy

Katharina Lauber

Supporting women and families around the time of birth is not only my profession – it is my calling. The first days and weeks after birth are often a vulnerable time, full of physical, emotional, and family changes. During this period, I accompany you and your family with experience, calmness, and attentiveness. My approach is shaped by respect, sensitivity, and a deep trust in the natural processes of this special time. Every woman, every baby, and every family is unique – and I meet each one with the same individuality.

Outside of the birth center, I have been supporting women for many years as a body therapist in my own Shiatsu practice in Rapperswil. There, I accompany women through various phases of life – especially after birth. This work is a gentle yet effective form of body therapy that supports the flow of energy and helps you regain your strength.

Professional background:
• Since 2024 Midwife at the Zollikerberg Birth Center
• Since 2013 Certified Shiatsu Therapist in private practice (Rapperswil)
• Since 2005 Independent midwife in Rapperswil and surrounding areas (antenatal care, postpartum care, breastfeeding consultation, postnatal exercise classes)
• Part-time Maternal and Child Health Advisor, Höfe / Pfäffikon
• 2011–2015 Head of Breastfeeding Consultation, Männedorf Hospital
• 2000–2011Postnatal Ward Midwife, University Hospital Zurich
• 1999 Midwife in Madagascar (Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders)
• 1998 Delivery Room Midwife, Nursing School Zurich
• Until 1997 Registered Nurse in various Swiss hospitals

Further education:
• 2008 Training as IBCLC Lactation Consultant
• Postgraduate studies in Shiatsu, Well Mother Foundation Course (Suzanne Yates)
• Training in Aceki Baby Shiatsu
• Pelvic Floor Instructor, CANTIENICA® method
• Traditional Midwifery Training, B. Klosfeld
• Ongoing professional development in:
– Neonatal resuscitation (Start4Neo, AED/BLS)
– Pregnancy, postpartum care, and breastfeeding
– Women’s health
– Shiatsu, body and energy work
– Trauma-sensitive support
• 1997 Midwifery Diploma (FH), University Hospital Lausanne
• 1988 Diploma in Nursing, Zollikerberg Hospital