As you’re preparing for the arrival of your little one, you might be looking for some professional guidance about what to expect in the lead up to and during labor as well as the postpartum period.
A birth preparation or antenatal class (Geburtsvorbereitungskurs in German) is generally led by a midwife and can help answer some of the following questions:
How can a couple prepare for a baby?
What are the different stages of labour?
What are the signals that labour is starting?
When to go to your chosen place for giving birth?
What tools, positions or drugs might help during labour?
When might a pregnant person be induced?
Relaxation and breathing techniques
The role of the partner (if applicable)
The postnatal period and caring for a baby
These antenatal classes can also be a great way to meet other expecting couples!
Different Types of Birth preparation classes
There’s different types of courses, such as with and without the partner, or for families expecting multiples or families that already have children.
Some courses run for a few weeks in the evening, while others are intensive courses that are held on a single weekend.
When to take the course
Depending on the length of your course, you should start it between the 25th and 30th week of pregnancy.
Special courses, such as those focusing on HypnoBirthing techniques, might start earlier so there’s enough time to practice the techniques you learned before your baby is born.
However, make sure to book your course ahead of time as spots go quickly, especially for English-language classes! I would recommend to start looking at the different options at least 2 months before you want to take the course.
Who pays for the course?
For the classic birth preparation course, the pregnant person's fee is covered by public health insurance. The partner’s participation fee (mostly around €120-180) is not usually reimbursed but do check with your insurance.
Specialty courses (such as the above-mentioned HypnoBirthing courses) are not usually covered by health insurance but it is always worth checking, especially if the course is run by a midwife.
How to find a course?
Depending on your needs, we have compiled some resources for you:
List of English birth preparation classes in Cologne [coming soon]
List of English birth preparation classes in Frankfurt [coming soon]
If you're ok with a German language birth preparation course, you can search for "Geburtsvorbereitungskurs [your city or neighborhood]".
