Place of birth

After the first few weeks of pregnancy, the question arises as to where the child should be born. Most babies are born in hospital. But there are also alternatives. You can opt for a birthing center, a home birth or a midwife-led delivery room. Here we present a comparison of the options.

As a birth is a unique experience with very intimate and private moments, it is advisable to weigh up the decision carefully with your partner. Give yourself enough time to gather information and make a decision. Clinics, birth centers and midwives usually offer information evenings and appointments to view the facilities. You can get a first impression of the atmosphere and the services on offer.

If you are considering an alternative to the clinic, you should find out about this early on. Places outside the hospital often require earlier registration.

For many parents, it is important to have a doctor in the background during the birth. This provides security in the event that complications arise during the birth. The clinic is also usually the first choice for high-risk pregnancies or multiple births. Planned caesarean sections are only performed in a clinic.

• Advantage: If the mother or child is no longer feeling well during the birth, a doctor is on hand immediately. Necessary medical measures can be initiated without delay.
• Disadvantage: The choice of midwife and doctor depends on the hospital's duty roster. It is therefore likely that you will not know the midwife. If several births take place at the same time, you may have to share a midwife with other women and not receive continuous care.
  

A birth center is usually more relaxed and individual than a clinic. There are often one or two cozy rooms with a pleasant atmosphere for you. You will also usually have a bathroom to yourself.

If you want a largely self-determined birth and would like to be cared for exclusively by experienced midwives, giving birth under midwife supervision is a good alternative. As the midwife-led delivery room is part of the maternity clinic, medical assistance can be called in at any time if necessary. This gives the mother additional security.

• Advantage: The concept enables 1:1 care. During the birth, you will be cared for exclusively by experienced midwives. In the event of complications, a doctor is on hand and the mother does not have to be transferred. The prerequisite is a normal pregnancy and no foreseeable birth risk.
• Disadvantage: This alternative is currently only offered in large clinics.
  

If there are no risk factors and you feel safe, you can also give birth to your child at home. The prerequisite is that you find a midwife who will look after you during the home birth. A home birth is possible if your pregnancy is progressing normally and there is no foreseeable birth risk.