Bevor dein Baby auf die Welt Kommt

Expecting parents as team

Advocating for Yourself at Birth

Work towards a positive birth experience by learning how to advocate for yourself as well as for the birthing partner during labor. Expert tips by doula Marta Palombo.

Power and Limits of a Birth Plan

A birth plan outlines a pregnant person's labor and birth preferences to improve communication with healthcare providers, but has no legal standing.

Pregnant person
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What is Mutterschaftsgeld and How Can I Get It?

Mutterschaftsgeld is one of the benefits available to (expecting) parents in Germany. But what is it exactly and how do you apply for it?

International Baby Names for Families in Germany

Choosing your baby's name can get complicated – especially if you are from different countries! Learn how some of our Kietzee families chose their baby's names.

Father and baby. Baby carrier

Alles Zum Thema Baby-Tragen

Es gibt so viele verschiedene Informationen, Marken und Modelle zum Thema Babytragen, daher freuen wir uns, dass Dörte Hacker in diesem Artikel ihr Know-How zum Thema Babytragen und Tücher mit uns teilt. 

Pregnant person at work.
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When to Tell Your Employer About Your Pregnancy

When you find out that you are pregnant, you may be wondering how and when to inform your employer.  Here’s everything you need to know.

Dr. Claude with kids
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How to Find a Pediatrician in Berlin?

Once your baby arrives, you’ll need a pediatrician near you that you can trust and go to for both scheduled checkups as well as adhoc appointments. Here are tips on how and where to find one.

Flying Safely During Pregnancy

Are you planning another grip before your baby arrives? Here's what you need to know about air travel during pregnancy.

Parents with Baby
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Elterngeld Plus & Partnerschaftsbonus – What You Need To Know

In addition to Basis Elterngeld, there are two other types of parental allowance in Germany. Here's what you need to know and when this might make sense for you.

Birthing center (Geburtshaus Schöneberg)

Giving Birth at Home or at a Birthing Center in Berlin

Here's everything you need to know if you're considering to give birth at a birthing center (Geburtshaus) or doing a home birth (Hausgeburt) in Berlin.

Two pregnancy women laughing
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Midwife, OBGYN, Doula – How Does Prenatal and Postnatal Care Work in Germany?

The way that prenatal and postnatal care is offered can vary greatly from country to country. Learn how the prenatal and postnatal care system works in Germany.

Father and baby

How does the Vaterschafts-anerkennung (recognition of paternity) work?

Are you expecting a baby but are not married? Find out about the German process for recognition of paternity (Vaterschafts-anerkennung) – the how, the when and the why.

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Which Hospital to Choose for Birth in Berlin?

Here's an overview of all Berlin hospitals, including dates for information sessions, pre-registration information and specialties.

Mother breastfeeding her baby

Resources to Prepare for Breastfeeding – Before Your Baby is Born

Are you considering to breastfeed your baby? Learn how you can prepare even before your child is born.

What Does a Doula Do And How Do They Support Families?

Are you curious about how doulas support families during pregnancy and the postpartum period? And how does this differ from the work of midwives? Read on to find out.

pregnant lady doing yoga

Berlin Prenatal Yoga Classes in English & Online

Read on for an up-to-date list of prenatal/ pregnancy yoga classes in Berlin offered in English. Features both in-person and online classes.

Expecting couple

English Birth Preparation Classes in Berlin and Online

Learn about what is covered in a birth preparation class, when to take it and where to find a "Geburtsvorbereitungskurs" in English in Berlin or online.

Family by the ocean
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Health Insurance for Baby and Parents on Leave in Germany

Learn what will happen to your health insurance when you’re having a baby as well as how and when to add your baby to your insurance.

Pregnant person with sign saying "maternity leave"

What is the Mutterschutz (Maternity Protection) in Germany?

What protection is offered for pregnant people in Germany? What does Mutterschutz mean? What is the Schutzfrist? Here’s everything you need to know.

Baby

List of Birthing Centers in Berlin

If you're considering giving birth in a birthing center (Geburtshäuser) in Berlin, see our up-to-date list of centers near you.

Afi Huguette Kreyling
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Tips for Multilingual Families: Q&A with Kietzee Expert

Are you interested in raising your child with multiple languages? Learn about the different strategies and how to implement them in your day-to-day family life from Kietzee Guide Huguette.

Introducing Kietzee Guides

Learn how vetted professionals can help you with personalized support for paperwork questions, legal concerns, hands-on support during pregnancy, postpartum and your baby's early years.

Families with babies
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Postpartum Secrets: Tips from Experienced Parents

Expecting parents often ask experienced parents: "What is it that you wish you knew before your baby was born?" Here's what we found out.

Two babies wearing colorful reusable diapers

How to Cloth Diaper: Different Systems, Rental Services & More

If you want to try cloth diapers, here's what you need to know about how cloth diapers work, what system to buy, how rentals services can help, etc.

Image of two stacks of disposable diapers and two stacks of cloth diapers

Cloth Diapers: Pros and Cons

Are you thinking about using cloth diapers for your baby? Here’s what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of reusable diapers.

Do It In Community: How To Not Feel Alone as a Parent

Here's how to find your parent community and why it's so important to feel connected on the exciting journey of parenthood.

Mother breastfeeding under a tree

Introducing La Leche League

Learn about La Leche League, an organization that provides information and support to those who want to breastfeed their babies.

Baby Must Haves: What You Really Need to Buy for Your Newborn

Don't waste money on baby stuff you don't need. We worked with doula Keatyn Jayne to craft the ultimate list of everything you really need to buy for your newborn.

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What You DON’T Need to Buy for Your Newborn

No need to spend any more money than you already have to. We worked with doula Keatyn Jayne to craft the ultimate list of everything you DON'T need to buy for your newborn.

C-section mom and baby

How to Prepare for a C-Section and What to Expect?

About 3 out of 10 babies in Germany are born via c-section. But how can you prepare for a c-section as expecting parents, whether it is planned or unplanned? 

baby feet
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How To Get Your Baby's Birth Certificate?

Your baby's birth certificate is a super important document that you will need to apply for many of the benefits available to families in Germany. Learn how and where to get it and what documents to prepare.

Parental benefits in Germany
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Elterngeld 101 – What It Is and How to Get It

In this article we will talk about 💸 Elterngeld – literally parent money – including what it is, how it works and how to get it.

Dad with baby
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Elternzeit 101 – What It Is and How to Apply For It

Learn everything you need to know about Elternzeit. What is it? How and when should you apply for it? What about monetary benefits?

Privately Paid Tests in Pregnancy: Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegaly, B Streptococcus & Parvovirus B19

Find an overview of the tests that are not covered by public health insurance. Our midwife explains what they are and how to decide.

Sabine Kroh – founder call a midwife

Introducing call a midwife

Are you struggling to find a midwife that can support you during pregnancy and the postpartum period? We chat with Sabine, the founder of call a midwife, about how they can help.

Image with Mutterpass, ultrasound image and baby shoes

What is a Mutterpass?

At your first appointment with your OBGYN or midwife, you will receive a little booklet called a “Mutterpass” in German. But what is this booklet and what do you do with it?

Baby

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for the birth

Learn what you should pack in your bag to bring to the hospital for giving birth in Berlin. Covers items for the delivery room, the maternity ward, important documents and clothes for the baby.

Hand making a heart shape

How to Stay Lovers When You Become Parents

Becoming a parent is a major life event. But what happens to couples and lovers when they become parents? Find out from Kietzee expert Sammy Strasser.

notebook with checklist
MEMBERS

How to Apply for Elterngeld – Your Checklist

Ready to apply for Elterngeld? Here is your list of documents to submit with your application.

Expecting couple with baby ultrasound image

What to Expect at Your Third Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany

Find our what your OBGYN will check at the third (and last) scheduled ultrasound during your pregnancy.

Doctor explaining ultrasound image to pregnant person

What to Expect at the Feindiagnostik Ultrasound in Germany

In certain cases, your OBGYN will recommend a special, detailed ultrasound, called the "Feindiagnostik." Find out when and why this may be recommended and what you can learn from the test.

Pregnant woman with ultrasound picture

What to Expect at Your Second Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany

In week 17-20, it's time for the second ultrasound exam during your pregnancy. This is when things get really exciting because you'll be able to see your baby in more detail! Find out what else to expect.

Delivery room Berlin hospital
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How to Choose a Hospital to Give Birth at?

What criteria should you keep in mind when choosing your Berlin hospital to give birth at? Also, how can you learn more and why should you pre-register at your chosen hospital?

The days has come. Marked calendar.
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On the Day: What To Do When Labor Starts

The day is finally here and labor has started – now what? An experienced doula walks us through the next steps.

Man with stroller
MEMBERS

How to Choose The Right Stroller for Your Berlin Baby Adventure

Are you overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information, brands and models? Here's a guide on how to choose the right stroller for Berlin city dwellers.

Pediatrician examining baby

A Pediatrician's Top Tip for Expecting Parents

Berlin pediatrician Dr. Claude Grenzbach shares her number one tip for expecting parents. Spoiler alert: it's not what you would expect!

Pärchen mit Neugeborenem

Das Wochenbett – Produkte, Tipps & Tricks

Was braucht Frau alles für das Wochenbett? Unsere Expertin Karo Gaßmann empfiehlt und erklärt uns ihre zehn Lieblingsprodukte.

pregnant woman on the beach during sunset

What Does a Midwife Do – And How Can I Find One?

Find out about the different types of work midwives do and how you can find a midwife for your pre-natal, birth and post-natal journey in Berlin.

Birth Options Berlin
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How to Choose Where to Give Birth in Berlin?

Learn about the three options for giving birth in Berlin – hospital, home birth or birthing center. Includes pros and cons for each option.

Baby Ultrasound Picture

3 Things To Do Once You Find Out You’re Pregnant

Here's what you want to tackle right away when you know you're having a baby – or better still: when you're planning a pregnancy in Berlin.

Massage therapist assisting a pregnant person

How To Alleviate Aches and Pains During Pregnancy

Are you experiencing aches and pains during your pregnancy? Learn why they occur and what you can do to release the tension.

Couple with ultrasound image
MEMBERS

Medical Appointments During Pregnancy in Germany

Learn about the schedule of appointments with your OBGYN and/or midwife during pregnancy. How often are they? What tests are run?

sugar cubes

The Pregnancy Diabetes Test in Germany

What is pregnancy diabetes? And how does the test work, which you will be offered around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy?

Expecting couple with OBGYN

Changing Your OBGYN During Pregnancy in Germany: What You Need to Know

If you're thinking about changing your OBGYN during pregnancy in Germany, there's a few things you need to know about the timing and different options to move forward. Learn more.

Prenatal Diagnostics: How to Decide Whether to Test or Not

If you are thinking about or have been recommended to get additional prenatal testing done, here is some general information and guidance on how to make your decision.

Pregnant person having their blood pressure checked

Recommended Tests & Vaccinations in Pregnancy in Germany

You will find that there are lots of tests that will be offered to you leading up to your baby’s birth. Here is everything you need to know about each of the tests that are covered by public health insurance.

Person holding ultrasound image

Prenatal Diagnostics in Germany: NIPT, First Trimester Screening & More

If you are thinking about having additional prenatal tests, here is an overview of the available invasive and non-invasive prenatal tests in Germany.

Maternity Wear that Works for Pregnancy, Postpartum and the Playground

As your pregnancy progresses, you will find that all of a sudden, your everyday clothes just don’t fit anymore. Here are some tips on how to choose maternity wear that lasts.

To dos / post it notes

An Overview of Pregnancy & Parental Benefits in Germany

Did you know how many government programs (soon-to-be) parents can benefit from in Germany? Here's an overview so you don't get lost.

Ambulance

How does the German healthcare system work for families?

As an international couple expecting a baby or a family moving to Germany from abroad, it’s super important to understand the German healthcare system. Learn how it works.

Ana M. Arias of Valdivia Photography

Guest Post: Parental Benefits I am Grateful for as an Indian Mother in Germany

In this guest post, Gitanjali More, mom of a little girl and the creator of The Confused Mother, reflects on her experience as an Indian mother in Germany.

Midwife and pregnant person

Your First Pregnancy Appointment in Germany

What should you expect at your first pregnancy appointment? What tests will be done? What documents should you bring? Find out in our article.

Pregnant woman receiving an abdominal ultrasound

What to Expect at Your First Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany

Let's dive into the details of your first ultrasound exam, which usually takes place between the 9th and 12th week of your pregnancy. Find out what to expect and what you will learn.

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Template for Elternzeit Application

Use this template for apply for parental leave (Elternzeit or Elternteilzeit) with your employer. Approved by our employment law experts.

Family in bed

What is the “Wochenbett”? Preparing for the Postpartum Period

As you are getting ready for the time immediately after your baby is born, you may have come across the German word “Wochenbett.” Find out what this means and how to prepare for this postpartum period with the whole family.