Berlin Birth Preparation Classes in English

As you’re preparing for the arrival of your little one, you might be looking for some professional guidance about what to expect in the lead up to and during labor as well as the postpartum period.

Birth preparation classes are led by midwives and can help answer some of the following questions:

• How can a couple prepare for a baby?

• What are the different stages of labour?

• What are the signals that labour is starting?

• When to go to your chosen place for giving birth?

• What tools, positions or drugs might help during labour?

• When might a pregnant person be induced?

• Relaxation and breathing techniques

• The role of the partner (if applicable)

• The postnatal period and caring for a baby

It can also be a great way to meet other expecting couples!

Different Types of Birth preparation classes

There’s different types of courses, such as with and without the partner, or far families expecting multiples or families that already have children.

Some courses run for a few weeks in the evening, while others are intensive courses that are held on a single weekend.

When to take the course

Depending on the length of your course, you should start it between the 25th and 30th week of pregnancy.

Special courses, such as those focusing on HypnoBirthing techniques, might start earlier so there’s enough time to practice the techniques you learned before your baby is born.

However, make sure to book your course ahead of time as spots go quickly! I would recommend to start looking at the different options at least 2 months before you want to take the course.

Who pays for the course?

For the classic birth preparation course, the pregnant person's fee is covered by the health insurance. The partner’s participation fee is not usually reimbursed but do check with your insurance.

Specialty courses (such as the above-mentioned HypnoBirthing courses) are not usually covered by health insurance but it is always worth checking, especially if the course is run by a midwife.

Here’s an overview of professionals and midwife practices that offer (live) birth preparation classes in English:

Prenzlauer Berg

• Hebammenpraxis Prenzlauer Berg - in-person or hybrid

• Praxis Lemm (also offers HypnoBirthing classes)

• Hebammengemeinschaft Mittendrin – sometimes offers courses in English

Kreuzberg

• Hebammerie - in-person or hybrid

• Marie Lakshmi - in-person (package of 13 sessions, incl. hypno birthing, yoga and reiki)

Friedrichshain

• Hebammenzeit - in-person

• Hebammenpraxis Bauchgefühl – in-person

• Irene Tribal Shakti - in-person and online (short course)

Weißensee

• Heviana - sometimes offer courses in English

Charlottenburg/Westend

• DRK Kliniken Westend - in-person

Wilmersdorf

• Martin Luther Krankenhaus - in-person on certain Saturdays of the year, contact midwife Rashmi Sharma for dates: rashmi.hebamme(at)yahoo.com

Location to be advised

• Cocoon Hebammenkollektiv – Queer/Trans* Birth Preparation Classes

Online Only

• Fokus Leben – not currently offering courses in English as of September 2023, but do check back

• Jutta Wohlrab – in-person and online

• Rainbow Doula - Decolonizing the pregnant body (pre-recorded)

• Gravida Amiga – online (not covered by health insurance)

Happy birthing prep!