During pregnancy, you think a lot about the future. A particularly difficult decision is where to give birth, because after all, you want to give your baby the best possible start in life. We will try to make the decision easier for you.
Find out about the different options. Hospitals and birthing centers regularly organize information events where you can visit the delivery room or birthing center. This is also an opportunity to get to know the nursing staff and the relevant specialists.
Be sure to clarify the insurance benefits with your health insurance provider in advance.
Birth in hospital - fast help around the clock
What speaks in favor of giving birth in a hospital is that in the event of an emergency, help is available quickly and there is no need to transfer the baby: gynecologists, surgical teams, pediatricians and, ideally, a neonatal intensive care unit are available around the clock.
There are hospitals that offer the attending doctor and/or attending midwife system, so that you can be accompanied and cared for by your doctor or midwife during the birth. The range of options available in hospitals for how a birth can proceed has become very diverse. In addition to the option of a water birth, other equipment is often available so that different birthing positions can be offered.
Birthing houses - cozy atmosphere
In a birthing center, most mothers give birth on an outpatient basis, which means that the mother can go home with her baby shortly after giving birth. A particularly positive aspect is that birthing centers ensure a comfortable atmosphere and the pregnant woman gets to know her midwife during the pregnancy. The range of options is varied: birthing chairs, Maya stools, exercise balls or water basins are available as birthing aids. Depending on the midwife's training, alternative means are offered. Every birthing center has heart rate and contraction monitors (CTG), oxygen devices and other safety equipment necessary for the birth process. If a doctor works together with the birthing center, a forceps or vacuum birth can be carried out in the birthing center if necessary. Otherwise, mother and child are admitted to the nearby hospital for this or other obstetric complications.
Home birth - gentle birth in your own bed
A birth in the comfort of your own home is probably the most relaxing place for the mother. A home birth is more pleasant, especially for the mother, than in a hospital. There are fewer perineal tears, infections and fewer painkillers are used, but alongside the advantage of a gentle birth, there are also all kinds of risks. The midwife is usually alone during a home birth and cannot treat any complications as well as would be possible in a hospital. But if the pregnancy is without complications, it is not advisable to do so. The familiar midwife and the familiar environment provide security and promote a gentle birth. If you decide on a home birth, find out about the risks and discuss your final decision with your midwife or doctor.
No matter which place you choose to give birth to, there are always advantages and disadvantages. Choosing a place to give birth is difficult. It is best to talk to your midwife or gynecologist about it; they can then go into more detail about your ideas and wishes and advise you accordingly. Also ask friends who have already given birth to children about their experiences.
Take a closer look at the different birth locations together. This will help you decide on the place where your baby should see the light of day.
