There are a few important things on your to-do list during pregnancy. One of them is finding a good midwife. But how exactly do you go about it? Where do you start your search for an empathetic advisor? And when should you start your research? We have all the answers to help you find a good midwife.
Finding a midwife: Do I even need one?
Not all women choose to have a midwife during their pregnancy. And in fact, the medical care provided by the gynecologist is sufficient. However, you may not only want purely medical advice and support during your pregnancy - but also emotional support. Perhaps you have questions that cannot necessarily always be answered by your doctor. An experienced midwife is there to support you as a contact person and confidant with tips, sound knowledge and experience. She can also provide you with information spontaneously, outside of care appointments, by phone or WhatsApp and prepare you for the birth and the time after pregnancy. A midwife is an important source of support, especially during the postpartum period. We therefore recommend that you find a midwife early on. Especially if you are a first-time mother or have a high-risk pregnancy.
Female or male midwife?
The profession of midwife is still largely a "female" profession in this country. But that is gradually changing. A change is slowly taking place that we think is welcome. More and more men also want to learn the profession of midwife. They are then often called "midwives", although the term is not entirely accurate. This is because the midwifery profession usually involves more than "just" giving birth. It is about prevention, aftercare and, above all, care before the birth and afterwards. Whether you choose a female or male midwife is, of course, entirely up to you and your instincts.
How do I find a midwife? This is how you proceed
Some pregnant women find their midwife through personal recommendations from other parents. That's great, of course, but it often has a lot to do with luck. The midwife in question must have the time and capacity to look after you. Midwives are in high demand and are often no longer available several months in advance.
If you start your own search, you can look for a contact person online. There are directories on the internet that will tell you which midwife is in your area. Because this is important: you should look for someone who can visit you quickly in case of doubt.
You can use these online sources:
However, you can also find your midwife "offline". Good places to go are hospitals, birth centers and the Association of German Midwives or midwife lists in your city. Or you can ask your gynecologist. There are often brochures available in doctors' surgeries, as well as in owner-managed pharmacies. Perhaps you know a midwife's practice around the corner? Then take a walk past there and ask in person. At best, you can also get a direct impression of the work of the local midwives.
Finding a midwife: When should you start looking?
It depends a little on what you want from your midwife. If you want to have someone you can trust at your side during your pregnancy, then you should start looking as early as possible. Preferably straight after your positive pregnancy test. A midwife can replace some appointments at your gynecologist's office and fill out your maternity record. This is covered by health insurance.
If you only want to have a midwife by your side during the birth, you don't have to worry about this: This is because maternity clinics and hospitals usually have their own permanently employed midwives to assist you. Unfortunately, your care midwife is often unable to attend the delivery in the delivery room. The reason for this is that not all freelance midwives offer birth support, and not every birthing center or hospital allows you to "bring your own midwife".
Perhaps you have already had a traumatic birth or are afraid of giving birth? Then it's worth getting in touch with an affiliated midwife in advance and building up a relationship of trust. Attending midwives offer birth support and have signed contracts with one or more clinics to use their delivery rooms for deliveries. However, many also have their own practice where they offer antenatal care, birth preparation, birth support, postnatal care and further care after the birth.
This is because you will have many questions, especially in the postpartum period - and an experienced advisor is worth their weight in gold. Regardless of whether it's about breastfeeding, a healing process or baby care - your midwife is your first point of contact. So the same applies here: start your search as early as possible. Preferably when you are pregnant. As mentioned at the beginning: midwives are often fully booked months in advance.
How do I find a good midwife?
Midwifery training is regulated by law and therefore the vast majority of midwives hardly differ from each other professionally. So it's all about how you feel and the personal connection with your advisor. Do you like each other and do you feel that the midwife can take good care of you and your baby? It's best to arrange a personal meeting. If the "chemistry" between the two of you is right and you feel comfortable, the choice is a good one.
The midwife should also be able to answer all your questions during the first meeting. Questions you can ask may include
- How many appointments does your midwife take when you are pregnant?
- How much time does she take during postnatal care and parental leave?
- Does the midwife perhaps also attend births? What is her experience there?
- Are there any special approaches that your midwife takes to pre- and postnatal care?
- What recommendations does the midwife have for hospitals and birth centers?
- What can the midwife tell you about acupuncture, postnatal recovery, baby massage, osteopathy, etc.? What are her recommendations?
Find a midwife: The most important questions and answers at a glance
Do I need a midwife?
That's entirely up to you. Midwife care during pregnancy and childbirth is not prescribed by law. However, many expectant mothers appreciate the personal care provided by an experienced midwife.
When should I start looking for a midwife?
Ideally as early as possible. This is because many midwives, especially in areas of the city with many children, are often fully booked months in advance. So if your pregnancy test is positive, it's best to start your search early.
How do I find a midwife?
Either by recommendation or by searching for your midwife online. You can also ask at your gynecologist's office if they have a list of available midwives in your area. The Association of German Midwives is also always a good place to start.
How often will a midwife visit me after the birth?
As soon as you are discharged from hospital, your postpartum period begins. And your aftercare midwife will come - after consultation with you. If you wish, she can visit you every day at the beginning. Later on, at longer intervals. Your midwife is your contact person and advisor until the end of the twelfth week. She can help you with baby care or give tips on breastfeeding. She will also help you heal from the birth injuries and monitor your recovery. In short: the midwife can be a great relief during the postpartum period. Also, and above all, emotionally.
Does health insurance cover midwifery services?
Yes. Statutory health insurance covers all costs for your midwife's antenatal care, as well as the antenatal course, the birth, postnatal care, the postnatal course and breastfeeding advice from your midwife. You don't even need a doctor's referral. Simply present your insurance card to your midwife and the rest will be taken care of automatically.
Caution: The health insurance company does not usually cover any additional services that some midwife practices offer. Acupuncture or other supportive therapies usually have to be paid for yourself. However, you will be advised of this.
