How to Find Hebamme (Midwife) in Germany [2025]

Finding a Hebamme (Midwife) in Germany

In Germany, the role of a midwife, or “Hebamme,” is pivotal during the childbirth process, offering not just medical care but also emotional support and comfort throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. For expatriates and international residents, understanding how to find and work with a midwife can be particularly crucial, as they navigate the local healthcare system away from their home countries.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the services provided by midwives in Germany, detailing their critical role during such a sensitive time as labor and delivery. It aims to equip you with all necessary information to find the right support for your childbirth experience in Germany.

Understanding the Role of Midwives in Germany

For newcomers in Germany, the concept of midwifery might seem unfamiliar, but midwives are indispensable healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting expectant mothers through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Midwives in Germany are highly trained to offer comprehensive care, addressing not only medical needs but also providing emotional support and practical advice on issues like sleeping difficulties during pregnancy or challenges in breastfeeding.

In Germany, every woman is legally entitled to midwifery care during childbirth, which underscores the importance of this profession. Many expectant mothers choose to engage a midwife early in pregnancy to benefit from continuous support through pregnancy and labor, particularly valuable for first-time mothers. Others might opt for midwifery services at the hospital immediately following childbirth.

While obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) are increasingly preferred for their medical expertise in some circles, midwives continue to play a crucial role in offering a more personalized and holistic approach to childbirth and postpartum care for women across Germany. This enduring significance of midwives ensures that they remain a vital part of maternal health services.

The Essential Role of Midwives in Your Pregnancy Journey

Why Do You Need a Midwife?

Navigating pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience, where frequent doctor visits may not always be feasible. This is where the invaluable support of midwives comes into play. Offering a range of services, midwives provide comprehensive care that extends well beyond the delivery room. Their services include prenatal care, preconception advice, support during labor and delivery, newborn care, and even guidance through menopause and nutritional counseling.

Particularly for first-time parents, a midwife serves as a personal guide and a constant support system. They foster close relationships with mothers-to-be and their families, conducting regular home visits and remaining accessible via phone to monitor and support both maternal and newborn health. Whether it’s addressing concerns about breastfeeding or providing dietary recommendations postpartum, midwives are equipped to handle a variety of needs.

Benefits of Choosing a Midwife

1. Emotional, Practical, and Social Support: Midwives offer a unique blend of emotional and practical support tailored to each family’s needs. They educate expectant parents on birthing plans and labor processes and help devise strategies to reduce discomfort and stress during childbirth.
2. Lower Risk of Cesarean Sections: Studies indicate that the involvement of midwives in the birthing process can significantly reduce the likelihood of cesarean sections. Additionally, women under the care of midwives often report higher satisfaction levels during and after delivery compared to those who only receive standard medical care.
3. Nutritional Guidance and Lifestyle Planning: Even before pregnancy, the health of a woman is paramount. Midwives assist in creating a healthy lifestyle plan that includes nutrition and exercise, helping women quit unhealthy habits and prepare physically for pregnancy and childbirth.
4. In-Person Support During Childbirth: Childbirth can be daunting for many families. Midwives provide essential in-person support during labor, offering pain management solutions, including epidural options if necessary, to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
5. Comprehensive Aftercare: The postpartum period demands extensive care, and midwives play a crucial role here as well. They offer ongoing support for breastfeeding, conduct regular health check-ups, and manage any necessary medications, ensuring a smooth transition into motherhood.

The multifaceted support provided by midwives during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond makes them an indispensable part of the maternal health care team in Germany, ensuring that mothers and their babies receive the best possible care during these critical times.

Finding a Midwife in Germany [2025]

How to Find a Midwife in Germany

Securing the services of a midwife, or “Hebamme,” as soon as you discover you are pregnant is crucial due to the high demand for their care. Early engagement allows you ample time to explore options and ensures you receive expert prenatal care. Begin your search using platforms like hebammensuche, Anmely, and Spitzenverband, which are national databases designed to help you find a midwife based on location, language preference, and the type of services offered. Additionally, leveraging personal networks or community resources such as friends, neighbors, and Facebook groups can significantly simplify finding a suitable midwife.

If you prefer not to engage a midwife during the early stages of pregnancy, you can still find one at your local hospital post-birth. Other valuable resources include maternity hospitals (Geburtskliniken or Entbindungskliniken), midwife clinics and birth centers (Hebammenpraxen and Geburtshäuser), gynecologists (Frauenärzte und Frauenärztinnen), and family education centers (Familienbildungsstätte).

Regarding costs, midwife services in Germany typically cost around €40 per hour, although this can vary based on the midwife’s experience and the specifics of the contract. It’s essential to consult with your health insurance provider to understand coverage details, as most insurers, including Krankenkasse, typically cover midwife services. This consultation can also help you make a cost-effective decision regarding your choice of midwife.

How To Choose the Right Midwife for You?

Choosing the Right Midwife for Your Pregnancy

Selecting the right midwife is crucial to ensure a supportive and comfortable pregnancy journey. Here are five key considerations to help you find a midwife who aligns with your needs:

1. Comfort and Rapport: Comfort is paramount when interacting with your midwife. During the vulnerable period of pregnancy, it’s essential that you feel completely at ease and supported by your midwife. Reflect on your interactions: Does the presence of the midwife make you feel relaxed? Are you able to express your fears and concerns openly without feeling judged? Ensuring you can share intimate and possibly challenging emotions freely is vital for your mental and emotional well-being.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging and respecting cultural differences is significant in childbirth. A midwife who is culturally sensitive and experienced in dealing with diverse families will better support your specific needs and preferences. Before committing, discuss any cultural practices important to you and gauge the midwife’s openness and experience with international families. This understanding can prevent potential conflicts and ensure respectful, personalized care.
3. Emotional Support: The emotional upheaval associated with childbirth requires a midwife who can provide robust emotional support. This is crucial not only to help manage stress during pregnancy but also to reduce the risk of postpartum mood disorders. Inquire about the midwife’s approach to emotional challenges, familiarity with postpartum depression, and availability to support you through tough times. Understanding their strategy for handling emotional health issues will give you insight into the level of care you can expect.
4. Alignment with Your Decisions: While midwives bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, it’s important that they respect your personal decisions and values. Discuss your beliefs and expectations about childbirth to ensure there is mutual respect and understanding. A midwife who listens to your concerns and collaboratively finds the best solutions for you and your baby will likely be a good fit.
5. Language Compatibility: Effective communication is essential, especially in high-stress situations like childbirth. If you’re part of an international family in Germany, consider a midwife who speaks your native language to facilitate smoother communication. If this isn’t possible, arranging for a translator could be an alternative solution to ensure clear and effective communication throughout your pregnancy and delivery.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a midwife who not only provides expert care but also deeply respects and enhances your birthing experience.

Bottom Line: The Importance of Early Midwife Engagement

Pregnancy often brings significant stress for both the mother and her family, impacting them physically and emotionally. However, this crucial period can be navigated more smoothly with the support of a midwife. Midwives provide personalized care, addressing your unique concerns and needs throughout the pregnancy journey.

Therefore, it is advisable to begin your search for a midwife as soon as you receive the joyful news. By securing the right midwife early on, you ensure that you have expert support by your side as you prepare to welcome a new life into the world. This proactive approach can make a substantial difference in your pregnancy experience, offering peace of mind and dedicated care during this transformative time.