Midwife

Every woman is entitled to the support of a midwife during pregnancy and after birth. A midwife should be sought as early as possible from the beginning of pregnancy. The costs are covered by the health insurance funds. The range of services includes:

• Counselling and care during pregnancy
• Birth preparation
• Postpartum care and aftercare - information on offers
• Postnatal classes

A birth preparation course is recommended. Here all questions about the birth and the first baby period can be clarified. It makes sense to start between the 28th and 30th week of pregnancy. However, it is absolutely necessary to register for a course in good time. The costs for a regular antenatal course are usually covered by the health insurance.

Midwives can be found via:

• Health insurance funds
• Pharmacies
• Your local health authority
• Midwife practices and birth centres
• Gynaecologists and general practitioners
• Maternity hospitals
     

Aftercare by the midwife

The care and support of a midwife is also a great help in the time after the birth. Midwifery services are covered by the health insurance and should definitely be taken advantage of.

Regression

After pregnancy, it is important to strengthen the abdomen and pelvic floor. Therefore, every mother is recommended to attend a postnatal course. The health insurance companies cover an agreed contract rate, similar to the birth preparation courses. In a postnatal course, you can also make contact with other mothers and have the opportunity to exchange experiences.