Clinic, birth house, or home birth?
The closer the estimated due date gets, the more likely you are to think about how the birth will proceed and what you wish for. In a special and intimate event like the birth of a child, the environment and whether you feel comfortable in it also play an important role. To accommodate the wishes and needs of expectant mothers, there is the option to choose between different birthplaces. In this article, you will learn about the various birthplaces and their advantages and disadvantages.
Birth in the clinic
Most babies in Germany are born in hospitals or maternity clinics, either as inpatients or outpatients. Under certain circumstances, giving birth in a clinic is even unavoidable: in cases of chronic maternal illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney diseases, breech or transverse lie of the baby, placenta previa, premature labor, multiple births, or preterm birth, the clinic is always the safer choice as the place of birth. If a vaginal birth is not medically possible or would be very risky for you and/or your baby, a date for a planned will be scheduled.
Different hospitals (or maternity clinics) often differ greatly in terms of size, equipment, and care. For example, there are large centers with Level 1, which means that these hospitals have a neonatal intensive care unit ( Neonatology ) are available. Here, especially children born prematurely or with certain risks can be well cared for. Other clinics that do not have such medical facilities usually only admit women with uncomplicated pregnancies and births from the 37th week of pregnancy onward.
Regarding the equipment, most houses have birth tubs, birthing chairs, exercise balls, or ropes for holding on. Some hospitals offer, in addition to conventional pain relief methods, acupuncture, acupressure, or homeopathic remedies. In almost all clinics, it is now Rooming-in offered. This means that you and your baby will not be separated during the first 24 hours after birth, as was common practice for a long time. This way, you can get to know each other calmly during the first hours together after the exciting birth.
In addition to hospitals where births are attended by local staff, there are also other models. Some clinics, for example, have a Midwife delivery room . This is available for natural births and is led solely by midwives. Nevertheless, medical care is available in emergencies, which reassures many expectant mothers. So-called Inpatient hospitals working with freelance midwives (and sometimes also with doctors). The hospital provides the delivery room, the equipment, and additional staff if needed. The advantage of giving birth with a midwife on call is that you can be assured that the midwife who assists you during the Childbirth Preparation who has supported you will also be present during the birth of your baby and there will be no staff change during this time. If you are interested in having a midwife present for the birth, it is advisable to start the search early, as they are often in high demand. Typically, midwives charge a flat fee for being on call around the estimated due date. You will need to cover this amount privately.
No matter which hospital or clinic you choose for the birth: it is recommended to register there for the birth between the 33rd and 36th week of pregnancy. The same applies if you and are planning a natural . The costs for a hospital birth are covered by statutory health insurance.
Advantages
Strong sense of security through medical-technical care
Pain relief methods (for example, an epidural) are available
Your partner or another accompanying person can be present at the birth
Experienced birth team provides reassurance
If necessary, hospital care can also be provided a few days after birth
Disadvantages
Routine birth procedures can limit the mother's space and wishes
Possible staff change during childbirth
Less intensive care, as midwives often support multiple births simultaneously
A doctor is usually only present during the final stage of labor or in case of complications
Birth house
A birth house is an independent facility usually operated by several midwives, sometimes in cooperation with a doctor. Birth houses offer, in addition to prenatal classes , Pregnancy Care and many other offers, the opportunity for your child to be there ambulant and self-determined to bring into the world. The medical equipment in the birth house is not comparable to that in a hospital, which is why childbirth in the birth house is only an option for women whose pregnancies are uncomplicated. As long as this is the case, births in the birth house are statistically very safe and involve significantly fewer medical interventions than in a hospital.
As with childbirth with a midwife on call, the on-call service of the attending midwife is usually privately reimbursed with a flat fee. The midwife's service itself and the operating costs incurred during a birth at the birth center are usually covered by statutory health insurance. Even if the birth itself takes place outpatient, you are entitled to home visits from your midwife during the postpartum period. It is best to check directly with your health insurance provider which services related to the delivery at the birth center are covered.
Advantages
Autonomous, natural birth without extensive medical-technical intervention
Wishes for the birth process can already be discussed with the midwife beforehand
Opportunity to meet the midwife during childbirth preparation or prenatal care
No change of midwife during childbirth
A feel-good atmosphere can contribute to a positive birth process
Alternative methods for pain relief such as acupuncture, massage, and homeopathy are available
Disadvantages
Limited medical care options compared to the hospital
Hospitalization is necessary if required
Home birth
Although home births still remain rare in Germany, the number of families choosing to give birth at home is increasing. For many women, the intimate home atmosphere and the desire for a natural birth with minimal interventions contribute to the decision to have a home birth. However, it is important to note that a home birth is only possible in the case of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Whether this type of birth is suitable for you should be discussed with your doctor or midwife during your prenatal check-up. Marius, dad, shares how a spontaneous home birth can unfold in our article "". Our LILLYDOO midwife Sissi is also a strong advocate of home births and has brought all three of her children into the world at home. She shares her experience of giving birth to her youngest daughter in the article "".
To prepare for a home birth, it is especially important to who is willing to also provide care at your home. If you are interested in a home birth, you should start your search early: not all midwives offer this service. It is also advisable, for safety reasons, to choose a hospital for emergencies and register there. Even though home births are statistically very safe in the case of an uncomplicated pregnancy, transfer to a hospital may be necessary in case of complications.
The costs for a home birth are usually covered by statutory health insurance; the flat rate for on-call duty must be paid privately, as with a birth in a hospital covered by insurance.
Advantages
Possibility of a self-determined, natural birth
Wishes for the birth process can already be discussed with the midwife beforehand
No change of midwife during childbirth
Giving birth in a familiar environment can contribute to a positive birth process
Disadvantages
Items such as a birth shocker or pool must be organized in advance
No pain relief measures such as epidural anesthesia possible
Hospitalization is necessary if required
Which place of birth is the right one for me?
A birth is an intimate experience. As long as there are no medical reasons or other circumstances against it, you can (together with your partner) choose the place of birth entirely according to your personal wishes and needs. The aspects that play a role in the decision are very individual. For example, your own sense of safety, the atmosphere of the birth location, special wishes for the birth process, or medical facilities, but also support in the first hours and days after the birth and not least proximity to your place of residence, can influence the choice of birth location. Many clinics and birth centers offer information evenings once or twice a month, where expectant parents can get an impression of the services of the respective facility, test the atmosphere, and ask questions.
We have compiled a checklist with questions about the hospital, birth center, and home birth for you. If you're still unsure about where you want to give birth to your baby, they can serve as suggestions to help you make your decision. Perhaps you also have your own, completely different questions that you would like to ask or discuss with your midwife during your visit to the hospital or birth center. You can easily add these to the list.
Ultimately, the choice of birthplace is a gut feeling. Trust your intuition and your own ability to bring your baby into the world safely. No matter which birthplace you choose: what matters most is that you feel comfortable there and can relax. We wish you a beautiful birth!