Having a Baby in Germany

Germany enjoys an excellent reputation for an exceptional health care system which is not only efficient but, in some ways, unique as well. 

Germany's maternal care system is not like anything else in the world, and though it may feel entirely new to an expat giving birth for the first time in this country, it will not be long before she realises that she and her child are in safe hands. This country has a highly reputable health care system in both clinical care and organisation which can ensure only the best possible outcome for both the baby and the mother. 

Prenatal Care 

Seeking the service/help of a midwife is the first step in the pregnant woman’s journey towards prenatal care. Community midwives in Germany serve as the primary point of contact between the expectant mother and with a team of obstetricians, General Practitioners and hospital staff. It is the midwife’s responsibility to arrange doctor’s appointments and laboratory exams on her behalf. 

One thing pregnant expats must remember when choosing an obstetrician is the fact that only hospital staff obstetricians are legally allowed to deliver babies. It means that if a woman is seeing a private practitioner for her prenatal care, this doctor will not be delivering her baby. 

All expat women giving birth in this country will have a mutterpass or a mother's passport which bears all relevant information about the woman's prenatal condition. Mainly, a mutterpass is intended to be a confirmation of the pregnancy and to provide vital information to care providers. 

Delivery 

In Germany, pregnant women can choose from several birthing methods such as homoeopathy and labour management. Acupressure and acupuncture are also some of the techniques that are being recommended by medical professionals. 

Though not necessarily required, relatives or companion of the expectant mother can consider calling the Kriessal (delivery suite) to give them a heads up that she’s on her way. It is also important to bring the mutterpass or maternity record to the midwife who will confirm her hospital registration. Other important documents to bring to the hospital are: 

• Maternity Record
• Child Health Record (where the medical staff will put the baby’s measurements, test and examination results)
• Birth Certificate of the mother 

Parental leaves and Benefits 

Every woman is entitled to 14 weeks of (paid) maternity leave: six weeks before the delivery date and eight weeks after giving birth. In Germany, if a parent is required to stop working due to the need to raise the child, she will receive 67% of her last net income of up to €1,800. This particular benefit can last up to one year and can be extended to 14 months if the other parent is also required to stay at home for the same reason. The state also provides a monthly child benefit of €184 to the first two children, €190 to the third child and €215 for every other child until they reach 18 years old. Germany also allows parents to legally leave from work for up to three years to attend to the needs of their family. 

Public and Private Healthcare 

Germany’s health care system is divided into two sectors: the gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (public health insurance) and the private Krankenversicherung (private medical care). Women that are earning a gross monthly income of less than € 4,687.50 must be publicly insured while those who have salaries beyond the above-stated amount have the option to take out a private health insurance where they can add a more comprehensive cover for maternity. 

In Germany, the public healthcare system which is state-funded is considered as excellent as the private sector. The only significant distinction between the two is that pregnant women who have private insurance do not need to wait for hours in the hospital since some doctors in the country are specifically attending to those who only has private insurance.