As you're get tingready for your baby's arrival, you might want some guidance on what to expect before, during, and after labor.
These topics are covered in a birth preparation class or antenatal classes (“Geburtsvorbereitungskurs” in German). Taken in-person, these classes can also be a wonderful opportunity to meet other expecting couples.
Currently, there’s a few of option for expecting parents looking to take an antenatal class in English in Düsseldorf, which we conveniently list below.
Our partner Jenna Davis contributed to this article. Jenna is the founder of Life in Düsseldorf, which is a treasure trove for internationals moving to the city. She is also a mom of two.
Kaity Fox also contributed to this article. Kaity is a doula and childbirth educator serving the international community in Düsseldorf.
Geburtshaus Düsseldorf
The Geburtshaus Düsseldorf offers an in-person weekend class in English that takes place every 2-3 months. The focus is on natural birth and is best suited if you plan on giving birth at the Geburtshaus or at home.
The course is covered by health insurance for the pregnant person, the partner fee is €175 (as of June 2024).
The class books out quickly, so make sure you book it plenty of weeks in advance.
Ruf die Hebamme
Midwives Giusy and Gioia also offer weekend antenatal classes in Düsseldorf in English (as of June 2024, the class is suspended but are planned to be relaunched in 2025).
The course covers a variety of topics, including choosing where to give birth, understanding the different phases of birth, Cesarean section information, induction procedures and pain relief options. They also offer information on positions for labor and delivery, breathing exercises, massage techniques, what to pack in your hospital bag, bonding with your baby and breastfeeding tips and guidance.
The course is covered by health insurance for the pregnant person, the partner fee is €180 (as of June 2024).
Hebammenpraxis 37
Hebammenpraxis 37 offers individual (private) birth preparation sessions for couples in English.
Sessions last for around 2.5 hours and the fee is €80 per hour.
The focus is on preparing for a natural, self-determined birth but they’ll ensure you feel well-prepared for a calm and positive c-section should this become necessary.
The practice also offers these sessions online.
Doula Kaity Fox
Australian-born doula Kaity Fox also offers private childbirth education and antenatal sessions in English. Her 6-hour holistic childbirth education class (€350) covers the stages of birth, pain management techniques as well as a deep dive into the “4th trimester” aka postpartum period. You can also book 2x2 hours of private and personalized birth coaching (€350). These sessions are totally customized to the individual's needs and are great for pregnant people who need greater support and/or preparation for emotional reasons.
German-Language “Geburtsvorbereitungskurse” in Düsseldorf
If you are also comfortable (enough) in German, you will have a few more options. Our partner Life in Düsseldorf has a handy overview of German language birth preparation classes in Düsseldorf.
The Evangelisches Krankenhaus Düsseldorf also offers a birth preparation course in Japanese (as well as a Japanese-language prenatal breastfeeding class and newborn care course). Note that typically, a birth preparation classes offered by a hospital will be well suited if you plan on giving birth at a hospital.
For online options, you can check out our list of online birth preparation courses held in English (and tailored to the German system).
