How to Choose Where to Give Birth in Berlin?

⚠️ Note that spots for an out-of-hospital birth go very quickly, so if this is an option you are considering, contact the birthing center(s) and/or home birth midwives as soon as you can! (Learn more about an out-of-hospital birth in Berlin)

Similarly, hospitals have certain periods where you can pre-register, so check with the hospital you’re targeting to see when you need to contact them.

Things to consider when choosing where to give births

Overall, there are two main criteria when deciding for a hospital or out-of-hospital birth (ausserklinische Geburt in German):

One is your requirements for a feeling of safety and the other is atmosphere. So think about what type of environment and care you want for your birthing experience and what type of role medical assistance plays for you.

This decision is a super important one as you want to make sure you feel comfortable, safe and secure in the surroundings you chose so you can fully embrace your birthing experience. (I enjoyed reading the first part of Marie Mongan’s book “Hypnobirthing”, which reflects on a woman’s need to feel safe and secure in her choice of birthing environment.)

Comparing a hospital birth with an out-of-hospital birth

Here are the pros and cons of each option:

Hospital birth

• You will be taken care of by the midwife (or multiple different ones) on staff that day (no 1-on-1 care unless you have a Beleghebamme)*

• An OBGYN and/or pediatrician is available to assist if needed

• Neo-natal units available at some hospitals if needed

• An epidural and other drugs are available

• You can stay for 2-3 days after delivery (longer with a C-section)

• The baby's U2 checkup is possible at the hospital

• Registration of birth is possible at some hospitals

• Private and family rooms are not always available, so resting and family bonding may be harder than at home

*According to the Berliner Hebmmenverband, it is common on big German cities that 85% of midwives working in a hospital take care of more than 3 women in labour in parallel during their shift.

See our overview of all Berlin hospitals with delivery rooms, including details on their information sessions and registration deadlines.

Out-of-hospital birth

• Your midwife will be on-call 24/7 for the last few weeks of your pregnancy

• You will have 1-on-1 care with your personal midwife

• (Usually a second midwife joins to assist)

• The environment will be home(-like)

• No transfer during labor with a home birth

• There will be no interventions such as a drip or CTG cables

• There is no option for an epidural or other drugs

• There will not be a doctor on-site, nor a neonatal unit

• If complications arise, you will need to be transferred to a hospital

• If not already home, you will go home about 3 hours after the baby is born*

• (Almost) immediate bonding with the family (partner, siblings)

• Registration of birth needs to be done with the local Standesamt within 7 days

• U2 needs to be done at a pediatrician’s within 10 days so you need to make sure you have a pediatrician lined up for this

*Note that this is also an option at the hospital (ambulante Geburt). In this case, your midwife will visit you shortly after arriving home and then frequently (up to twice a day) for the first few days.

Check out our detailed article on out-of-hospital births in Berlin if you’d like to find out more.

Note that certain health conditions may prevent a birth at home or at a birthing center, for example:

• Pregnancy with multiples (twins, triplets…)

• Baby in breech position

• Premature births

• Obesity (BMI higher than 35 pre-pregnancy)

• (Pregnancy) diabetes with insulin treatment

• Low iron levels

• Delivery after week 42+0

Check with your OBGYN and midwife about any health concerns.

If you’re going for a hospital birth, here are some criteria for choosing the right one for you:

• Distance from home

• A neonatal unit, if this may be needed or will make you feel safe

• Other special requirements, such as for pregnancy diabetes or breech position

• Quality of care during the delivery

• Quality of care on the “Wöchnerinnenstation” (maternity ward)

Also pay attention to any registration deadlines at your chosen hospital.

📍 Personal experience:

I had a hospital birth with a Beleghebamme with our first child, and a home birth with the second and for me, the second time around was so much nicer! 

I loved the fact that after our second baby was born, we could just settle in at home right away and the big sister joined us just a few hours after. Our midwife came to check on us regularly and the bonding period was super special.

Even though I can wholeheartedly recommend an out-of-hospital birth, I know it’s not for everyone and every family needs to decide on the best option for them. Feel free to email me with any questions ([email protected])!