Midwife in Berlin Explains: What Midwives in Germany Do

If you’re expecting a baby in Germany, you may wonder: What exactly does a midwife do? Here’s a clear overview of a midwife’s role, from pregnancy to postpartum care.

What Is the Job of a Midwife in Germany?

A midwife in Germany is a trained healthcare professional who supports and monitors a healthy pregnancy, provides guidance during birth, and cares for both mother and baby during the first 12 weeks postpartum.

By law, a midwife must be present at every birth in Germany, whether at home, in a birthing house, or in a hospital. After birth, midwives continue care during the Wochenbett, the critical postpartum period.

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Antenatal Care During Pregnancy

Midwives provide comprehensive support during your pregnancy. Their tasks include:

• Filling out and updating your Mutterpass
• Measuring your growing belly and palpating the fundus (top of the uterus)
• Listening to your baby’s heartbeat
• Checking for water retention and varicose veins
• Measuring blood pressure
• Checking urine
• Conducting blood tests or sugar tests if needed
• Answering all your questions about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care

Note: You can choose to see a midwife exclusively, or alternate visits with your doctor.

You can read here how my first visit with my midwife went.

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Care During Birth

• Home or birthing house birth: Midwives work independently and or in a team with fellow midwifes. They don’t call a doctor for birth but a a second midwife.
• Hospital birth: Midwives follow hospital guidelines and involve a doctor if complications arise. During labor, you will meet a staff midwife, this midwife will be your primary caregiver.
• Beleghebammen- On Call midwifes work like this.

Midwives are trained to monitor labor, support your comfort, and ensure both mother and baby remain healthy.

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Postpartum Care (Wochenbett)

After birth, your midwife will continue care during the first 12 weeks, visiting you at home.

• First 10 days: Daily visits are allowed.
• After day 10: Up to 16 visits or phone calls until week 12.

During these visits, midwives check:

• Your overall health and recovery
• Uterus and bleeding
• Stitches or surgical scars
• Breastfeeding or other feeding methods
• Baby’s weight and jaundice
• Bathing the baby (first time, if wanted)
• Answering any questions

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Important Notes

Coverage may vary if you have private insurance, so always check your contract to see what is included.

This list applies to public insurance in Germany.