(This post might not be relevant to all the readers of this blog, but I have recently got a lot of inquiries as to the kind of birth I’ve planned, how it is to give birth in Germany, etc. As I am still in the waiting stage (less than 10 days to go), I’ve been reviewing a bit of where the last 9 months of this journey has taken me, the new things I learned about being pregnant but also the legal aspects and “German way” of doing things here. So I hope it’s somewhat informative for you and will give you an idea if you are on this side of the world and expecting.)
On Planning: Something that surprised me (just never thought about it before) was how often women in Asia choose Caesarian births as an option for the painless way, even before there is even complication with the baby. That is to say, most of my girlfriends in the Philippines asked me straight off, when I was only halfway through the pregnancy, if I “had planned a C-sec”, as if that were the normal way of doing things. I actually never once questioned whether I would take that route, though I have since come to terms with the fact that if it does happen to go that way last-minute, because of whatever reason, I’m okay with that too. But so far, we’ve planned an all-natural birth.
On Ultrasounds: The second thing that surprised me is how frequent ultrasounds are given here in Germany. With an excellent medical care system (free for those insured) and equal rights for everyone, you get an ultrasound at least once a month and then from the start (I got my first one at 14 days) about every week after the 34th week. I understand that some people have reservations about the safety of these scans, but that doesn’t really seem to be a concern here, where the machines are available and regularly used.
On Natural Birth: Germany is very up-to-date, not only with technology but also with the good old fashioned way of doing things—with midwives, holistic methods, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other natural birth procedures. (See photo above of water-birth tub.) Every mother is encouraged to seek out her own midwife (sometimes also paid by insurance) and at the hospitals during the birth, you will be assisted by one or a couple. The midwife (Hebamme) is a trained medical professional, and can assist you every day of your pregnancy, during the birth, and then even afterwards when you need advice or help at home.
Germany also gives parents a lot of information about childcare and preparing for it. Any Pharmacy will have magazines available on the subject, with phone numbers to call (i.e. lists of midwives and hospitals), legalities you should know, and all of the how-to’s on being a brand new parent. You’re also encouraged to attend birthing classes, which prepare you by teaching relaxation methods, breathing, everything about pregnancy, etc. Then there is exercise which is very much encouraged for expectant mothers. You can attend pregnancy swimming lessons (sometimes covered by insurance) in heated indoor pools even during the cold of winter. Then, after baby is born, he can also attend swimming lessons and baby-massage.
We were also given a tour of the hospital where we are giving birth. (Hospitals hold regular “Info Nights”.) Although it’s in a little town, I was surprised by the efficiency of the facilities (not to mention the cleanliness standard, which feels like a hotel compared to the hospitals I worked in as a volunteer in other countries) and availability of wide range of bed choices. You can have a water birth if you wish, or choose from a few different birthing suites, chairs, beds, etc.
Of course, there’s plenty of paperwork to be done; the last thing we finished was registering at the hospital, where you sign on the dotted line regarding awareness and rights, anesthesia, medicine, etc.
There is also a special clause for husbands wanting to be present at the birth. This states that he can’t blame the hospital in case he gets mentally traumatized by the event, ha!
(To be continued after I pop.)
