Bio:
Uschi Schueller was born in 1952 in Zurich, Switzerland. She attended the Swiss school system and, after prep school, completed a four-year program at the Zurich Drama School (1968 – 71). This was followed by a stint with the New York based Living Theatre (European tour) and performing for a season at a playhouse in Zurich. In 1971 Uschi traveled for the first time to the Far East, discovering her deep affinity for Eastern Philosophy. From 1972 to 1974 Uschi made extended trips to Sri Lanka and to various parts of India, learning about Vedic and Buddhist philosophies and contemplative practices.
In 1975 Uschi married Carlo Schueller, a scholar in the Vedic tradition and a book publisher. Uschi helped her husband with his book business for several years while also taking courses in psychology and philosophy at the University of Zurich. Uschi gave birth to four boys between 1979 and 1985. The experience of childbirth and nursing made her aware of the lack of adequate support for young families during this crucial time. Wanting to change and improve the situation for new parents, Uschi joined a volunteer organization (La Leche League) and helped to start the Zurich Association for Natural Childbirth. She served on the board of both organizations for many years. In 1984 Uschi started to get schooling and training with the goal in mind of obtaining a diploma as a certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). After successfully sitting the exam in the fall of 1987, Uschi became one of the first lactation consultants in Europe. She was fortunate to get a position in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital in Zurich under Professor Gabriel Duc. At the same time she was also on call for problematic situations in various Hospitals in and around Zurich.
Uschi and late husband Carlo
Uschi was concurrently teaching at the Zurich School for Pediatric Nurses, the School for General Nurses, and the School for Dieticians, as well as providing continuing education programs for several hospitals in Switzerland. She lectured frequently at seminars, symposiums, and international conferences. Together with her colleagues, Uschi founded the Swiss Lactation Consultant Association and served on its board as Director for Public Relations for seven years. She also served on the board of the Swiss UNICEF Committee for baby-friendly hospital care. In 1990 Uschi Schueller, together with Heidi Rennhard, founded the Zurich Lactation Center at the Pflegi Hospital. It was the first such facility in Europe. During these years Uschi published many articles in professional journals as well as in parents’ magazines.
After the loss of her husband in 1994 Uschi moved with her four sons to the United States. Raising four children on her own, she continued helping parents. Over the years Uschi expanded her skills by complementing her rich experience with training in family communication (Paddy Tyrrell, Chicago) and Aware Parenting (Aletha Solter, Santa Barbara).
Uschi does volunteer work as a member of the board of Prajnopaya an international charitable foundation under the patronage of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. She lives and works in the Boston area.
Uschi and Family