10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GIVING BIRTH IN GERMANY

[@lifeingermany_]

THINGS I MENTION IN THE VIDEO: - English Birth Prep Courses Online: bit.ly/birth-prep-courses - Birth Preparation in Germany Checklist: bit.ly/birth-checklist - Compare (ADD ON Insurance) Zusatzversicherung: bit.ly/additional-health-insu... - OTTONOVA Hospital Add On Insurance: bit.ly/ottonova-addon (they speak English!)

[@lifeingermany_]

@@TheBonnyline sorry!! I think the problem was that my website was running sooo slow that it just wasn’t loading. I’ve since made some changes! You can check it now if you’d like. 🙃

[@raistlinhelmi2645]

I had to laugh when you talked about the spot on Paperwork .. there is actualy a meme going aroung it is like : Finland : Hey awesome a Baby here 200€ by Goverment to spend on stuff. Schweden: Hey A Baby Crongrats , here is your save Spot in Kindergarden for a max rate of 126€ ; Germany : Dear Mr. ,Ms , Mx Baby , we proudly present you with your tax identification Number .

[@winkelsarah]

And it is so true. First mail for both of my kids was their tax ID. What a warm welcome... 🙈

[@EK-gr9gd]

Well yes, but the Jugendamt will send you a nice letter, if necessary The Standesamt will invite you to register etc..

[@EK-gr9gd]

@@winkelsarah Yes, so you can save taxes!

[@liesascott5414]

But Germany also pays a minimum of 210 Euro every month to every child from birth to the end of college for absolutely NO reason!

[@ATypiclaNPC]

​@@liesascott5414not every child, u can op out of this and gain tax benefits. But that is most often for peiple who earn more then the average people.

[@liesascott5414]

I live in the US as a German. Americans are always astonished when I tell them that how much of a language you remember depends on your stress level. They think that a brain is like a computer. You install and then push the button and here it goes. When ever you are tired, stressed out, very preoccupied or in pain your brain focuses on the biggest issue at hand. That means generally that when ever you really need to communicate because you are under pressure or in a lot of stress you can't do it well or not at all.

[@lifeingermany_]

It makes so much sense when you explain it this way!! And that’s exactly what happened to me!

[@shanmccookie3604]

Accurate!!

[@vickypedia223]

I had something similar while giving birth to my 3rd child. My midwife wasn't from Germany and had a heavy accent i just couldn't understand while giving birth. And I'm a native.

[@AnoNymInvestor]

That is so true. In 2005 I could speak and write English very well. Today I earn so much more money and have a much more demanding job and my English is not the best of the best, as we Germans like to say. 😂 So no surprise! Your German is excellent and doesn't sound like the usual "foreigner German". Where did you learn that? Don't say it in real life! 😉

[@LlawenSeri]

I gave birth with "my midwife", but I stayed home. I can really recommend the Geburtshaus Düsseldorf 😊

[@stephlivesabroad7763]

I’m not pregnant or planing to be but I had to watch I was so curious LOL

[@lifeingermany_]

Steph Lives Abroad 😂♥️ it’s pretty interesting how different some things are in some countries regarding any topic I find!

[@cucublueberry8078]

I was really thankful for the other women in the room after giving birth. We could talk about baby related stuff and keep each other company. Regarding the paperwork : if you keep in mind that you get Money for your child 18+ years every month after you fill our those papers, I'd say it's not really much work.

[@lifeingermany_]

Cucublueberry I’ve heard that a lot too! 🙂 At first I was actually fond of the idea, but after birth had this uncontrollable need for my husband and felt so lost without him. It was the strangest feeling! I think when we decide to have baby #2, I’ll be a lot more confident and relaxed and more open to sharing a room and sharing experiences 🙂 (talking German to other women I don’t know at the time seemed like the last thing I wanted 🙈 was just toooooo tired!) You’re totally right about the paperwork being worth it though! After it’s all submitted, it’s smooth sailing! And so worth it! ✊

[@cucublueberry8078]

@@lifeingermany_ I can understand the "tired-thing". It lasted the next three years after I gave birth 😂 Maybe german women have it easier adapting to not having a single room, because it's the norm here. I know not a single mom who had a room for herself when they gave birth. You don't think about it, it's the way it is, I guess.

[@lifeingermany_]

Cucublueberry hahaha ohhhh don’t I know that feeling! 😂 My son is almost 2 and still doesn’t sleep through the night! I’m still a walking zombie! Yes - you’re probably right - I wasn’t expecting to share a room at first which is why is probably caught me so off guard (mostly the language barrier though - I speak German, but actually could barely get out a single word for the following 2 weeks 😂🙈)

[@AnoNymInvestor]

Good to have you here. I hope you live here forever, so that you can optimize your german life.

[@tasminoben686]

Moin und vielen Dank für das Video! Es hat mich an die Geburten meiner beiden Töchter erinnert. Und wie aufregend und schön es war, dabei zusein, wenn sie das 'Licht der Welt' zum allerersten Mal erblickten! Und an das Gefühl, als ich bei unserer zweiten Tochter die Nabelschnur durchschneiden durfte! Alles Gute für dich und deine Familie und Grüße von der Elbe an den Rhein6

[@mpdg11]

Such a helpful video, thank you so much!! Grabbing as much info as I can (American-Thai with German fiance), knowing bureaucracy is on steriods in Germany. I think I would be so overwhelmed! No language course will ever prep you for "Mutterkuchen" oder "Fruchtwasser"... in confusion I'd probably answer "ja gerne!!" thinking its mommy nutrition lol

[@michaelf8556]

Your German pronounciation sounds pretty native,... even the ch 👍👍👍😁

[@gabriellebluemarine4463]

Just heard you say Geburtsvorbereitungskurs and Rueckbildingskurs - and I am really impressed how you manage to say these difficult words without the slightest accent. WOW!

[@robinhill2005]

I gave birth way back in 1999 in Frankfurt. I agree with everything you mentioned but I would add (unless things have changed) : They love to use rectal thermometers in Germany. My husband had strict order to protect me. I was in a 3 person room. Hospitals often do not have privacy curtains. This includes doctor exams. Or trying to nurse when you roommates family is visiting.

[@lifeingermany_]

😂🙈 ohhh boy! Thankfully I didn’t have that, but I’m sure they still do it 😝

[@Schattenkind.]

Now it’s ear thermometers

[@manub.3847]

Sharing the room with fresh mothers before giving birth seems to be a hospital-specific approach. Sometimes necessary when no room is available for all expectant mothers. The time before my children were born, I was only in a room with expectant mothers, or with the second child, even alone, as no other expectant mother was there that night. And sometimes a public insured person, especially after a caesarean section, can be granted a single room for the first 2 to 3 days at no extra cost. And yes depending on the size of the hospital and the number of births, sometimes even a privately insured person cannot be guaranteed a single room. ;) Many young mothers also stay in the hospital until the U2 examination of the child has been completed (around the 3rd -day> Usually a pediatrician comes regularly to perform this examination in the hospital in the first few days. It has to be completed no later than the 14th day after the birth) because it is too stressful to see a pediatrician for this examination so soon after the birth.

[@lifeingermany_]

Awesome comment! Yes! It always depends, doesn’t it?! I know so many privately insured families who never got private rooms! You just have to get lucky 😝

[@winkelsarah]

That's why I stayed 3 days after my first child was born, to have the pediatrician there perform the U2. But now that my son has a regular pediatrician, for my 2nd child I came home right after birth and the doctor actually came to my house for the U2. And I really really appreciate this service 🙏

[@Arltratlo]

lol, the midwife who delivered me at home, she came in to my mom, checked her watch for time and ask my dad what time the tide comes in, born at the coast, kids most times born are at incoming tide...or i was just lucky...lol so she came back a few hours later, and i came on time... shortly before max tide at 6am...lol l

[@etoile2576]

Thank you so much🤗 this is the kind of video I had been looking for over a month now. I am 5 months pregnant with my 3rd, I have a C section planned and we have decided to give birth in germany as we live in Africa (Burundi) and our last delivery was chaotic. My husband is German and I barely speak a word. I am terrified because of all the paperwork and I don't know where to start since we live abroad and only go for holidays. I just looked at your link to documents, I will definitely go through it. Vielen dank! at least I know what to expect now 😊

[@teacherella1338]

I recommend giving birth at home under the supervision with an experienced midwife. I had two kids in hospitals and became traumatized by those experiences. My third came at home - planned. It was wonderful.

[@sylviesmiles11]

If you want to have the same midwife from beginning to the end, sign up for a home birth (Hausgeburt) or a Geburtshaus. I had my second son in Grmany and had the same midwife all the way and even the Geburtsvorbereitungskurs took place at the Geburtshaus. It was such a nice and relaxed experience. Our insurance back then was mhplus and they even paid for it. In general, they have exceptionally good services for everuthing related to having a baby.

[@TheWFamilyMusic]

it is everytmie interesting to listen to people, who have something like an outside look to our system and habbits :-) very good german expression, btw

[@SuperLittleTyke]

You are such a positive, bubbly person and your video is absolutely brilliant. I've recommended it to an American family in Southern Germany, who have just announced (this morning) they are expecting their second child. They already have a sweet 2½-year-old girl. Their videos on KZbin are called "Our Story To Tell", which you will find interesting to watch.

[@lifeingermany_]

Aww thank you so much for the incredibly sweet message!! Yes, I’ve seen their wonderful channel, I love their content 🥰💛

[@RustyDust101]

As a single male with no own kids I obviously have no personal experiences. But I am interested in the whole process nonetheless. Nice video on the topic. "Formulare, Formulare, von der Wiege bis zur Bahre." / "Forms, forms, from the cradle to the guerney/grave." The German motto in essence.

[@matthiasschmitt2311]

delivery floor for kreissaal is funny because if you translate it word for word it means "Lieferungsstockwerk". :D

[@lifeingermany_]

😂😂🙈 never thought about it that way!!

[@matthiasschmitt2311]

@@lifeingermany_ "Madam? Your delivery is ready!" (Panting) "STFU! I know!" :D

[@galacticangel5262]

what a sweet person you are!!!!

[@sb_vlogsde3778]

Thank you so much, very informative. Just going through my ICSI cycle at the moment, and you know, a gal's gotta be positive 😊 so I watched this and I'm glad I did.

[@lifeingermany_]

🥰♥️

[@gurbetcigezgin]

Great video. I am new in Germany and I ended up in hospital for 1 month with a preterm labor risk. And I wish I have watched your video earlier. ❤

[@lifeingermany_]

Ohh man! I hope all is well now though 🥰 is the little one born yet? ❤️ sending all my love and best wishes!

[@tanjahopfl8734]

A "Mutterpass" is very useful when you take public transport, eg. a bus or train, because when you show your Mutterpass, you always get a seat and don't have to stand. :-)

[@lifeingermany_]

Tanja Höpfl hahaha this is a great tip! I had no idea you could do that! Mind you, when you’re noticeably pregnant, I just assume that someone will stand for you! I had to say something a few times (because I was supposed to be on bedrest, so anytime I had an appointment, I’d take the tram and make someone get up 🙈🤭)

[@Feier_Salamander]

I would not get up if I see a Mutterpass, because I would not know what it is. I would get up for older or pregnant persons without anything if I recognize they need the seat, or if you just simply ask. If you ask I stand up and will not ask "And where is your Mutterpass?" :D

[@lifeingermany_]

Frank Sagurna haha that’s true! I didn’t even know a Mutterpass existed until I had a baby! But for the most part, people were really nice about getting up and giving me a seat 🙂

[@tanjahopfl8734]

@@Feier_Salamander But you know that you don't see a pregnancy from the very beginning? A pregnant woman who is, let's say 6 or 8 weeks pregnant, may feel sick, but you don't see that she is pregnant, yet. So, if she shows her Mutterpass and explains that she is pregnant, you woudn't get up, just because you don't see a big belly yet?

[@Feier_Salamander]

@@tanjahopfl8734 Ok, dann mal auf deutsch, damit da nichts in der Übersetzung verloren geht: Ich stehe unaufgefordert auf wenn ich erkenne, dass jemand den Sitz braucht (alt, krank, schwach, schwanger ...) Ich stehe auf wenn mich jemand fragt ob er/sie den Sitz haben darf (egal ob alt jung schwanger oder mehr oder weniger bedürftig als ich) Wenn aber jemand zu mir kommt und sagt "Ich habe einen Mutterpass, lassen Sie mich jetzt sofort sitzen." ich glaube das wäre dann die Situation wo ich zweimal überlege ob ich aufstehe.

[@micrn777]

Hi. Its so very interesting to hear how other countries handle the birth process.. Here in NJ a vaginal birth is 48 hrs in the hospital and a c section you get 4 days. Of course if you are doing well and you want to leave early you can as long as the baby's dr and your dr medically clears you. If you are medically unstable after birth, of course you stay longer.

[@doctorphil0078]

Gruß von Ssn Francisco Bay Area. We enjoy your videos. Meine Frau komme aus Berlin and her Father lives in Dusseldorf. Schönes Wochenende!

[@kerstingefischert3170]

Totally agree with you and I’m German myself 😅 greetings from Bonn

[@sallybilly1]

Greetings from Bonn too! I noticed that you're German and was wondering if you know if midwives here can issue Mutterpass or is it mandatory to go Frauenartz as an initial visit to get your mutterpass? Hoping for a homebirth so currently scouring www.hebammensuche.de for english-speaking midwives coz I wouldn't want to put my German husband in a headlock situation as well!

[@christinah4451]

My mom gave birth to me in Canada and was really happy that she had the same doctor throughout the process. My brother is born in Germany and my mom always said that she liked giving birth in Canada 😊 She said that the midwives were more hands on and uncomplicated 😅

[@yurav5109]

Sounds like you are having fun and there is more to come for sure!

[@2004EP]

As I delivered my daughter, the whole time my midwife and Doc was with me. It depends if the Hospital is a normal one or a ' belegkrankenhaus'

[@EK-gr9gd]

The other way round! The midwife and the physician need to have Belegbetten in the hospital.

[@swabia1554]

but that paperwork stuff is one walk to the office bringing things with you the longest of the process there was waiting. You are told what you need to prepare before and that is the main thing. If you always have your main administrative papers together its a no brainer. Obviously being from another countra might involve some more papers needed. Being organized before things start definitely saves a lot of time.

[@mathildal3291]

Your German is really great! "Geburtsvorbereitungskurs" is an awfully long word and it must be so difficult to learn German as a second language. I'm so glad I grew up here and did not need to "learn" it. ;-) Did you take any German courses or did it just come naturally by living here? Anyway, I'm looking forward to your next videos. :-)

[@lifeingermany_]

Mathilda L thanks for your sweet comment 🥰 I took courses for 3 months until I got pregnant! the rest came naturally! But I really need to go back and learn the grammar! 🙈

[@Bonsai61]

This is what I noticed by hearing you pronouncing all these german words ... especially that you could pronounce the "R" in the german way. Either you are highly talented or you had a very good teacher or both. So keep on going. The gramma comes within the time. But don't worry and do not care to much about it. Lot's of germans don't understand german gramma. :-)))

[@lifeingermany_]

Wolfgang Kück thanks so much! 🥰🥰 sadly, I have lots more learning ahead of me! Haha I’ve just learned through a few months of language classes and dinner table conversation in German 😝 your motivation helps a lot though! 😍

[@alexanderwalther7302]

@@lifeingermany_ Salu Jenna, ce qui vous facilite l'apprentissage de l'allemand, c"est le fait que vous avez un mari allemand. Mais c'est incroyable a quel point vous prononcez les termes avec aisance et sans Accent. En ce sens, passez un bon Dimanche. Salutations Alex ☺☺

[@deotio2768]

This is such great imformation!!! This information is not that accessible to foreigners especially with the languaage barrier. Please give us more information on birthing and parenting in Germany.Thank you!

[@nikkypal4308]

omg im a so so happy i found your youtube channel, Im filipina and im a bout to give birth in january and i am in berlin believe it or not all those topic u have right now is big questionmark in my head before i found your vlog thanks god here u are sharing us its really big help for me caused thosed words u mention its really important for me to know those meaning and stuff to bring its my 2nd baby but i feel nervous but i will do my verry best to deliver normal . all i can say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO AND SHARING TO EVEYONE about your experienced will watch more .keep safe and bless you . best regards NIKKI.

[@verenamichel2447]

Frist: your German is awesome! My due date is in September and had to watch even though I am from Germany and what you described is "normal" to me. Still I didn't think to check if my Krankenkasse had any offers! Thank's for the tip!! As bad as the Corona situation is - I hope it will take care of the private room thing for me.

[@lifeingermany_]

Ahhh best of luck! Glad you were able to get a little from this vid even as a German 🥰🤗!

[@tinahasel4092]

I can’t believe your doctor and nurse didn’t speak English we learn it in school!!

[@keinsatzohnetippfehler]

They most likely did speak English but the words used in the process are very specific and different in the languages (as seen in point 10). I imagine most Nurses are not used to the words, so it might be hard to suddenly go through the whole birth in fluent English while focusing on the work. This is something they would have to train for. Facing stressed out parents is already hard enough without a foreign language in the mix :)

[@howitworksforme]

Actually all public insurances cover the birth prep course for the mother (not for the dads) and the Rückbildungskurs. And yes, you really want to carry the Mutterpass with you ALL the time!😉

[@lifeingermany_]

Haha right?! And yes! You’re right. Well, mine was included in the 200€ “pre birth” bonus I got from my insurance at the time, but not for English classes, which is good to know!

[@Tom-hz1kz]

How do doctors in Canada cope with fatigue when they get a call at dinner and then stay 26 hours on your side? How do they avoid making mistakes?

[@lorrainehinchliffe5371]

This information is not necessarily accurate. My son is 35 and I was the last mother I know who had her doctor attend his birth. Everyone else I know for the last 35 years only had their personal doctor attend if they were on call when you went into labour. That being said if they are on duty most, not all, will stay until you deliver. Both my grandchildren were delivered by the doctor on duty not my daughter-in-laws doctor. You also don’t get a private room unless you pa for it or have extra private insurance. Goverment health insurance only covers ward beds, 4 people. If you want private or semi-private you can only have it if it’s available. That being said ALL medical costs and medications in the hospital are covered.

[@jessicaely2521]

The US is the same way as Canada. I'm not sure if Canada does the same thing, but in the US they wait to show up until you are at 9 cm. Some doctors wait until you are almost ready to push. These doctors that wait until last minute live close to the hospital. I remember I volunteered in the labor and delivery area when I was 15 (really good birth control 😂😂😂😂) and the woman was about to deliver and the doctor wasn't there yet. The doctor came in for the last 2 pushes 🤦‍♀️. It really doesn't matter if doctors are on call or not. Doctors could be at risk of missing the delivery. I delivered my baby in Switzerland. Switzerland is pretty much the same as Germany. The stranger doctor that was supposed to deliver my baby missed the entire thing 😂😂😂😂. My husband showed up for the last 2 pushes. The doctor was delivering another baby when I was delivering. Why another doctor didn't fill his shoes I have no idea.

[@athelaaranion7426]

@@jessicaely2521 Most times there is only one doctor present especially at nights. If it's day there are several doctors bit they also do gynecological operations - not only deliveries. Also I also stumble across the wording that some doctor or midwife delivered the baby when actually it's the woman delivering the baby and the others are there to help or for emergencies.

[@marie-soleildobie7495]

@@jessicaely2521 Here in Quebec Canada the information she give was not true. Your family doctor and nurses are never there when you go in labor. Some don’t even work at the hospital, only in their practices. It might change from a region to another tough... you have the doctor that’s there when you go into labor. 😊

[@marie-soleildobie7495]

I answered for Quebec , Canada on Jessica’s response 😊 have a nice day!

[@ivanamicimici]

this part went really bad for me,when i had my second child i didnt have a midwife at all ,and i had a difficult labour even though i did everything at home right,because everyone at the hospital freaked me out. i didnt want to give birth in the hospital but since it was impossible to find a midwife to begin with(i live in sachsen on the border with check republic)i couldnt plan a home delivery because my partner was scared that if i gave birth home alone something would go sideways. (my first birth i had in the netherlands,where i lived at the time,went perfect i had a boy at hme with my midwife and an asistant,who visited me the next 10 days after delivery). so sadly i had a hard birth and the whole experience along with many other bad medical experiences here,have left me a bit untrustworthy of the german medical sistem,at least here in sachsen.

[@Lxx-tc4xc]

A German obgyn will not offer to circumcise your newborn son. If you ask him/her to do it, (s)he will decline. What I write here counts as a big plus for me and spouse.

[@hanshans6354]

I know, I'm late to the party, and you probably know about this already, and it's definitely too late for your 2y/o but if you ever decide to go through the ordeal again, you might want to look into a "Geburtshaus". There everything is (usually) much more personal, and much less hospital-y and unless you have a "Risikoschwangerschaft" (high risk pregnancy) the Geburtshaus can be (from what I heard from other people's personal experience) a generally more pleasant and much more personal experience than a hospital. The downside is, I am not sure if all public insurances cover it and spots on the list are often times hard to come by.

[@lifeingermany_]

I also considered a Geburtshaus here in Düsseldorf, as I’ve also heard fantastic things about them! I can be cheap when it comes to clothes and food... hahaa... but during birth, I thinks it’s okay to spoil oneself even if public insurance won’t cover it! ✊ I had pregnancy diabetes though and the risk of a c-section was quite high so I ended up not even thinking twice about a hospital birth!

[@chrstiania]

A Geburtshaus would never be an option for me. This year alone two friends of mine ended up having a emergency c-section. They both thought they'd deliver naturally and there was no sign whatsoever that there might be complications ahead.

[@stefans.6858]

Hospital or nothing.

[@jennyh4025]

@@chrstiania there are quite a few Geburtshäuser attached to hospitals. I gave birth in a hospital with an attached Geburtsraum (no room for more) and a midwife-run Kreißsaal (I only saw the doctor for my stitches, because it was a slow night and the midwife (and midwife in training) were checking my child at the same time.

[@chrstiania]

@@jennyh4025 yes that's perfectly good. I thought most hospital Kreißsääle were midwife run. But the doctor wouldn't be far on case of emergency

[@uweschuttoff7411]

You are so true with everything!!

[@swabia1554]

No3 had the same experience our midwife was not on the exact shift then but they all were brilliant! somehow I get the impression that preparation is not always given in other countries the way we get it here. So not knowing about how to breathe when in labor and the hard ones hit is almost impossible here. I as the male knew exactly what to tell her during the process cause of the prep done in the prep course! And I dont get why some in the US often say they never found out before!

[@LakshmiArunTidbits]

Dear that was a super useful video.. thanks a lot for this 🤗

[@vanessa47218]

This video is a life saver!!!!! Thanks so much 🩵🩵🩵🩵

[@lifeingermany_]

Yay! My pleasure 🥰💛

[@francessmarius909]

I'm impressed. Loooove it🙂

[@jackybraun2705]

I had all my babies in Germany and no one came to my home. I had to go and get my checkups at the paediatrician and the gynaecologist. That was over 30 years ago, mind you. I can't compare with what it would have been back in the UK where I came from. As far as I know there is a system of health visitors there. No one helped me with breast feeding. My first was therefore bottle fed. I made sure I knew more about it with the others and fed them for as long as possible. I think my mother had more care than me back in the UK in the 1950.

[@Nicole-yy7ei]

Awesome! So informative 🙏🏼✨

[@hannaevol]

Interesting video even though I probably won't have a baby in the next 10 years😂 And wow I feel like you didn't get an English accent when speaking German 👍🏼☺️ Would be excited if you'd do a video in German! :)

[@lifeingermany_]

Hahahha 🥰 thank you!! I’ve been considering a video in German 😏 just so nervous 🙈😂

[@hannaevol]

Noo don't worry 🙈 :)

[@shilpamurali1300]

Thanks a lot

[@ellirichter3203]

I have given birth to 2 babies in Germany and 1 baby in Canada. And I loved it more in Canada.

[@lifeingermany_]

Elli Richter really?! I’d love to know how you’d compare them!! Having given birth in both countries!! 🥰

[@ANNEWHETSTONE]

I had a German doctor in Canada so i was able to stay for 10 day! I had a c section so i needed that. I couldn't raise my foot very hight so i would not be able to go up stairs or into the tub to take a shower.

[@lifeingermany_]

@@ANNEWHETSTONE ahhh so glad to hear that there are definitely exceptions to the rules!! It is much easier in the hospital, everything close by! And no stairs!

[@lylecosmopolite]

In Germany (and all of Europe), no obgyn will offer to circumcise your newborn son. If you ask him/her to, (s)he will say "I don't know how to do that."

[@lifeingermany_]

I only know one paediatrician in Düsseldorf who will offer it! Didn’t realize it was such a frowned upon process in Germany until I was pregnant!

[@lylecosmopolite]

@@lifeingermany_ I bet that the paediatrician who is the only doctor in Dusseldorf willing to circumcise a child, only circumcises the sons of Muslim parents. To circumcise a child merely because the parents desire it, there being no medical indications for it, is very much frowned on everythere in the first world, except in Israel, South Korea, Ontario, Alberta and... the US of A east of the continental divide.

[@lylecosmopolite]

@Jessica Ely A circumcision performed by a doctor is not Jewishly valid, unless the doctor is a Jew with special training in how to carry out brit milah. An Islamic circumcision is not a religious ritual and can be performed by a person of any or no faith. An intact man must clean under his foreskin. But in the absence of phimosis, this requirement is utterly trivial. What you describe is called paraphimosis. Most cases of it are easily treated via a sitz bath. No penis can remain erect when in contact with water. American doctors do not know this because nearly all of them are circumcised. The first time a medical practitioner retracts the foreskin of a new male patient, it should be done slowly and gently. The same is true of retracting the clitoral hood during a pelvic examination.

[@liberoAquila]

Yes, I'm from Europe and it's done by a urologist on private pay. And they will do it for hygiene and prophylaxis.

[@lylecosmopolite]

@@liberoAquila In what country do you live? How many of these circumcisions are performed on boys whose parents are not Muslims?

[@dalangie]

I don't have children but as far as I know years ago it was quite common to have ones own midwife which accompanied the mom through the pregnancy until birth. But then slowly the insurance costs for midwives increased because in Germany started the thing which is common in the USA: to sue midwives, doctors, hospitals etc. when something goes wrong. So less midwives chose to work independent and rather work in the hospital. I think this is very sad.

[@nadiafurs6288]

Your video is fantastic! I am also from Düsseldorf and choosing the best clinic. Did they ask you how do you want to birth a baby? Any list of questions before ? And in which clinic were you? Thank you :)

[@lifeingermany_]

Ahh how exciting! Congrats 🥰 They didn’t ask me, but they’re more than willing to accept your birth plan!

[@MagnificentGermanywithDarion]

Wow, God Bless all of you ladies out there giving birth and with that being said I want to give a big "THANK YOU". I am glad that I am a man because I am not man enough to give birth lol lol. Great video and I learned some things as well. :) :) :).

[@mimosa7143]

Is her German already soo perfect

[@jadesarah266]

Thank you for this video, it made me laugh thinking back about my own experience giving birth here in germany. 😊 schönen Tag und tschüss

[@katedarapho59]

Dankeschön. The video is really useful for me. 😊

[@suseq949]

Hello; interesting info. However what about the actual labor and delivery? Details about their process. Inducing? Pitocin? Epidural? Stirrups for pushing? Episiotomy? Who delivers .. midwife or doctor.. How different than birth in the U.S. or Canada..

[@lifeingermany_]

Sounds like I need to make another video 😉 and perfect timing since I’m in the midst of planning my birth for baby #2 now! Will add it to my list! 🙃 and hopefully make it in the next couple of weeks!

[@lakshmijyothi9536]

That was a great video... Very useful info.. even I live in dusseldorf.. if you don't mind can I know in which hospital you gave birth. Because we haven't decided yet on that

[@faustinaboakyewaa2230]

Danke fürs Teilen

[@millymaj762]

Have given birth to Two children in Germany; Never took or wanted any Service From a midwife. Relax, do Pre Natal care, go to hospital when ready

[@lifeingermany_]

I’m considering that with the second! 🙂

[@stricknitt0184]

You can't choose that, when givin birth in a German hospital.

[@lifeingermany_]

@@stricknitt0184 I mean I’m considering not getting a midwife for the before/after consultations (not the actual birth lol)

[@stricknitt0184]

@@lifeingermany_ Well, that sounds way more legal😉. I personaly would always choose midwifes over doctors in all aspects where you are allowed/where it is possible to do so. During and after pregnancy for both mother and Baby. Midwifes are the real experts in it and only trained for that field, doctors (gynocologists/pediatricians) have that field as one of many.

[@kathrinvonderbeck2622]

@@lifeingermany_ I really want to give you the advice to have a midwife for the Wochenbett. You never know, even if you didn't have problems with your first child, what problems will show off. And in this moment when you would need help it is nearly impossible to find a midwife immediately. So have to go to a pediatrician with your newborn or even have to go to a Kinderklinik.

[@EK-gr9gd]

There came up some insurance issues for "self-employed" midwifes That's the main reason for the decrease. These are fixed now after some debates. .

[@SS-yc4se]

Hello, thank you for all this valuable informations, I would like to know if possible concerning the papers that we need to prepare how long should they date like 3 months, 6 months or how long do they are accepted.and should they be translated and legalised also in ambassy or not am giving birth soon I live in Karlsruhe and am new here in Germany no family. thank you

[@afrinmerchant9619]

you are amazing...you made me smile.

[@JJKetsarin]

Thanks god I found you and this vdo!

[@lifeingermany_]

🥰🥰 so glad it helps! And let me know if you have any questions regarding birth in Germany haha .. goodness knows I had a million before giving birth!

[@nancysand3143]

Where did u deliver your baby in Düsseldorf?

[@lifeingermany_]

Nancy Sand at EVK 😊

[@nancysand3143]

Life in Germany thank you. Do they register for baby birth certificate in the hospital itself. I read your post and it says some do and some don’t. I am also registered to give birth at EVK

[@MaskedBishop]

I'll never become pregnant XD, but I would have never guessed things might be that different between different Western countries.

[@Wie.Sabrina]

I‘m a german mom of 4 kids & I remember two times sharing the room with „only“ french speaking women.... they were totally lost! 🙄. It would be nice, if someone make „How to DIY“- Video for all new moms in many languages!

[@lifeingermany_]

Couldn’t agree more!! It’s something that we all have to just power through ✊ not that it’s all that easy after giving birth 🤣

[@bettybeatrice6046]

Please any recommendation for an effective German language School?

[@lifeingermany_]

I really like Lingoda 🙃

[@bettybeatrice6046]

@@lifeingermany_ Thanks

[@amymurray111]

Lol, in the UK mother's leave the hospital's with their baby mere hours after giving birth (if there's no complications)

[@johnnyachillesjelinek6765]

I last my son I dot like to live in csnada I wish to move in Germany from Canada and live there , I knew Germany but I need to knew what will help me relocated from Canada there if possible

[@mattschke]

You´re German´s amazing! For how long have you lived here before this video?

[@johnnyachillesjelinek6765]

Germany is best country I ever bin truly I love that and I regreats I left and gome in this ignoring country..

[@mrbedati]

Hi, could you please introduce me a language class which has visa option to move to Germany? Thanks for the channel

[@SamuelHauptmannvanDam]

Great video

[@seedscaling]

Danke!

[@johnnyachillesjelinek6765]

Yes

[@NoName-1239]

Do they use epidural in Germany? I heard they refuse epidural use for the most part in Germany? This scares me.

[@lifeingermany_]

Yes, they use epidural (PDA auf Deutsch). They dont refuse epidural by any means here, but you may notice that the university associated hospitals are more open to the idea where as the catholic hospitals may try and steer you into a more “natural birth”. I gave birth twice at a catholic hospital and although they didn’t push me to get an epidural, the option was always there and they never tried to discourage me thankfully! If you’re worried you wont be in the right state of mind on the day of, bring a birth plan print out in German so they know. For both of my births, the first thing I told them is “im taking the epidural as soon as the pain gets worse” … both times I dilated so fast that I never even had the option 🙈🙈

[@NoName-1239]

@@lifeingermany_ thank you!

[@xCorvus7x]

1:53 That's actually a considerable downside of our pregnancy care. While there are some midwives who offer this one-on-one service including birth at home (or wherever), many don't anymore because their working conditions are relatively bad (at least as freelancers). Even though the extent of their work is guaranteed by law insurance companies get by with stifling them. In consequence, most work in hospitals or special houses for giving birth (Geburtshäuser) where several midwives share the work through working in shifts. Our politicians don't seem inclined to do anything so we need to organise more protest. Edit: the thing about the midwife not being there at birth is also a problem. If you have to go to the hospital, your midwife should be able to come along and still supervise you there.

[@lifeingermany_]

I agree! And my midwife told me all about the the terrible pay and that’s why there’s such a lack in midwives around Germany! 😔♥️ It would have also been nice to have her with me in the hospital! Husbands aren’t much help 😂

[@xCorvus7x]

@@lifeingermany_ I'm sorry, that question was rude, intrusive and creepy. I shouldn't have asked that. It's just that my mother happens to be a midwife who lives/works in and around your city's Northern neighbour Duisburg (and has been for more than twenty years), who is aware of these issues and outspoken about them (even politically active, as far as she has the time), and who offers her services in English. As childish as this is (it's rather unlikely, after all), it would have been funny to randomly encounter one of her clients.

[@lifeingermany_]

@@xCorvus7x hahah yes my midwife was from Düsseldorf and didn’t speak any English with me! But nice to know there’s more around the area who do speak English 🥰

[@angiesequera5463]

What apps do you recommend to learn German quickly?

[@lifeingermany_]

Angie Sequera I guess it’ll depend on HOW you want to learn it! Here’s a video of mine that might help answer your question - the links are all included in the description 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqC6nah5g6mreZI

[@nazneenislam6375]

Thank you so much for this video dear. Can you please tell something about vaccines schedule for newborn in Germany.It’s will really helpful for us to plan eltern seit as we want to plan a vacation for 5 months but we don’t know when it’s possible to have a gap in vaccines.

[@lifeingermany_]

That’s a tough one at the moment! There is no plan in place for vaccinating newborns yet. There’s discussions, but nothing concrete!

[@nazneenislam6375]

@@lifeingermany_ thank you dear

[@peterfischer7084]

There are recommendations by a gremium called "StIKo". You can find them here: www.rki.de/DE/Content/Kommissionen/STIKO/Empfehlungen/Impfempfehlungen_node.html

[@susannabonke8552]

Because of the Shift Plan better Take a Geburtshaus. Except for critical pregnancy.

[@vevomaster2]

The mutterpass really confused me, why would they stop treatment for that? Wouldn't they have the critical stuff on the hospital files?

[@Bella-uq7dl]

Thank you for this video, it helps a lot. I have a question do i need really somebody with me in the room while giving birth because my husband actually doesn’t want to see that ? I speak Only French Arabic or English 😕 Thank you for your answer

[@karinland8533]

You might also bring a friend

[@silmuffin86]

I actually didn't really care I didn't know the midwife, even though she wasn't the nicest (yay German bedside manners LOL). But most midwives in the hospital and all the doctors spoke some English at least. Also, I have private insurance, but they didn't have any private room available when I gave birth :( Last but not least, German midwives will do anything in their power not to give you an epidural! I had it as soon as I was admitted in the hospital with my first, but here they were adamant it was early, and when they were finally deciding that maybe I could get one it was too late... I enjoyed giving birth with an epidural much better :D

[@thomkers]

Jenna, do you and your child have the Canadian cityship or do you have both, German and Canadian? Are there pros and cons ? Take care and have a nice day, Kind regards from Oberhausen

[@lifeingermany_]

Hey there! Yes we both have Canadian citizenship now 🤗 my son got his a few months ago. PROS: we have no problems moving back to or entering Canada, never need a visa either! We also have the right to vote in Canada CONS: it costs a lot to get a passport renewed and the children’s passports have to be renewed a lot more often than adult passports. It’s even more expensive if you’re doing it internationally, so it’s a lot of paperwork and some added life expenses that you can avoid. If I’m being honest, I just got him Canadian citizenship because it made me feel a little more connected to back home. ❤️ I feel like my passport is the only thing that makes me feel Canadian nowadays and it’s such an honour 🥰. Sending a heat wave hallo 👋 from Düsseldorf! 😅

[@thomkers]

Life in Germany Thank You very much for your open and direkt answer. I can very well understand that the connection to the own roots are strong 😊 I hope that you will stay in Germany for ever and will get your German citizenship sometime in addition. We need great persons like you in our country who can vote and will help to keep Germany an open minded and social oriented country. We called it „soziale Marktwirtschaft“ ...Have a nice and healthy day.

[@rivenoak]

@@thomkers they might have to renounce the canadian citizenship for that.

[@shazhamza9492]

I am an auslander 33 week pregnant i didnt knew about midwife system.can you please guide. How you can find and when to find a midwife. Please reply

[@lifeingermany_]

Hey there! You’re 2 weeks ahead of me 🙃 I’m 31 weeks pregnant with my second baby. Where are you living in Germany?? The system is different for each city, so I’ll have to send you a specific link. ♥️

[@shazhamza9492]

@@lifeingermany_ living in langenfeld near düsseldorf. And btw good luck for your journey

[@lifeingermany_]

@@shazhamza9492 thanks, you too! 🙃 I’d recommend contacting a couple on Midiaid: midiaid.de/en/midwife-search/langenfeld (there’s one named Anne Gößling who seemed super sweet!)

[@shazhamza9492]

@@lifeingermany_ thank you dear

[@thomasstehmann4277]

Was wäre Deutschland ohne seine Bürokratie....🙃

[@lifeingermany_]

Thomas Stehmann 😂😝 Das stimmt! Haha

[@peterfischer7084]

Es gäbe halt einfach kein Kinder- oder Elterngeld.

[@sanbimu1991]

I volunteered at the delivery ward near Düsseldorf (in Mettmann to be specific) some years ago for six months. I had been really shocked when I realized how many midwives do not speak English. We had so many Indian mothers delivering their first babies at that time so I had to translate quite a lot. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get an apprenticeship to become a midwife, otherwise there would be at least one English speaking one more walking around by now. Now I work as a medical assistant at an orthopedic surgery, so still doing something within medical care.

[@lifeingermany_]

Ahhh I agree! I was in hospital for a while after my water broke and had about 8 midwives on rotation while I was there 😂 and not one spoke English

[@chinacetacean]

I'm all for everyone learning languages but it shouldn't be shocking when they don't. It's not everyone's responsibility to cater to the foreigners at their convenience. Can you expect that in other countries, speaking German or English in Brazil, China, even France, Spain, etc.? No. The places where I actually find it shocking is the Auslandsbehörde and the foreign office in universities.

[@lifeingermany_]

@@chinacetacean I totally get that! And respect it. I wouldn’t complain, but I did find it quite surprising as we have quite a number of English speakers in Düsseldorf

[@sanbimu1991]

@@chinacetacean I think it always depends on the circumstances. In big cities that claim to be international and multicultural it should be at least possible to find someone who speaks just enough to get through. It would be something else somewhere on the countryside, where it is rather uncommon to speak anything else. In Düsseldorf are so many foreign people, many from Asia, especially Japan, who usually do not speak more than 3 words in German but are quite fluent in English. I worked in Düsseldorf city center for many years. English was crucial to get along in work life.

[@robertsari]

I magically found a midwife under a month that also speaks English

[@abhilashravichandran]

actullay in german can the husband stay with wife when she giving birth???

[@lifeingermany_]

Yes 🥰 (during the pandemic this was different, but as far as I know now, all hospitals are back to running like normal)

[@abhilashravichandran]

@@lifeingermany_ thanks for replying.

[@volkerhaiges1205]

Interesting but one thing I doubt. As it is mandatory for every kid in Germany to learn English, it is closely impossible that the midwife does not Spoke English if she is younger then 55 except in former East Germany. That a Doctor does not spoke English is impossible. First they would never pass even the High school and for sure not University. In addition, in todays days most of the continuing education of Doctors are based on many international publications which are all in English.

[@lifeingermany_]

I don’t know what to tell you 🤷🏽‍♀️ there are many younger people in Germany who still do not speak English. Just because they learn in school, I don’t think it’s ever enough to speak properly OR even have the confidence to hold a conversation. Those who speak English are the ones who have spent time abroad somewhere else. I know many who can understand bits and pieces but would never speak English - including well educated individuals in my own family here. However, I don’t expect anyone to speak English - I’m a foreigner living in Germany, so I totally understood and respected the fact that I needed to do things in German during my first pregnancy. 🙃

[@derbender9264]

We need Paperwork even for giving birth 🙈

[@EK-gr9gd]

Of course! Everything to protect the newborn child. It's hard to imagine for a native German because we are used to all the regulations etc. Just try to imagine what could happen to a newborn child, if there is no one who keeps track of it. A woman or her family could give the child away or do harm to it. The woman could succumb to any birth related issues. Look at what happened under Trump in the US, they lost track of thousands of minors and babies.

[@derbender9264]

@@EK-gr9gd It was a joke to the stereotype, which has a little truth in it. No one was talking about all or nothing.

[@helloweener2007]

That you don't can have the same midwife is not true. You can search for one in forehand. There are self employed midwifes and you can go to them and they will accompany you through the whole process. And you can give her a call when it is time. My sister have done this with both of her kids.

[@lifeingermany_]

Helloweener in Düsseldorf, that midwife has to be employed at the hospital/birth Center you are giving birth. Otherwise, they can come as a “friend” but not do the work of a midwife.

[@helloweener2007]

@@lifeingermany_ Yes right, she can acompany you during birth but she can't give any instructions to the personal of the hospital. But she can talk to you as a "friend" and you have someone with expertise if the hospital is doing it right and a witness if there are complications caused by the hospital. Maybe this is more worth than her in charge for birth?

[@lifeingermany_]

Helloweener certainly! Sadly, not all midwives agree to this - so far, no one I know has had their midwife agree to this. It’s also quite frowned upon (even having more people than just the father isn’t appreciated since the doctors and midwives delivering your baby need focus and space in the room). I’d say there certainly are exceptions, but for many, they’ll likely have a similar situation to mine. PS. If a midwife doesn’t agree, you could always pay out of pocket for a Doula (it wasn’t in my price range sadly). Doulas usually always agree to come with you “as a friend”. 🙂

[@BoT001k]

What if you don't like your midwife... I dont see her so useful and I'm scared to say I want to change... Please advice what to do....

[@tinoj9661]

you should tell people that the extra fee for the single room is pretty much all you payed.

[@lifeingermany_]

And it really wasn’t expensive at all! I think for my husband and I at a hospital in Düsseldorf it was about 60€/night! But it always differs depending on the hospital!

[@tinoj9661]

@@lifeingermany_ my wife gave birth in our hospital last year. they have a policy to only put one women per room. we didn't pay a cent for the whole thing. when you hear numbers from the US you can only shake your head.

[@lifeingermany_]

Tino J that’s sooo nice to read! It also gives the women a great peace of mind before giving birth! 🥰 I am so glad I decided to have a baby in Germany! I really was so honoured!

[@athelaaranion7426]

Krankenschwester is an old term and a bit derogatory and sexist. Now we call them Krankenpflegerin or if it's a man Krankenpfleger.

[@lifeingermany_]

Very cool!! Thanks for the update 🙃🙃🙏

[@uhoffmann29]

Your number 9 is funny, because of course, it' unfathomable for someone from Canada or the U.S to get money from the government (although I thought that Canada was as medieval as the U.S. in that regard). Getting Kindergeld and Elterngeld and having to provide paperwork for your child to also get your native citizenship shouldn't be considered a burden in my opinion. 🙂

[@hasnaq4711]

sorry for asking but do u apply for both before the delivery? I´m still new in Germany and don´t know a whole lotta things