Paperwork & Benefits

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How and When to Apply for the Berlin Kita-Gutschein

Learn when you should apply for the Berlin Kita-Gutschein and what to pay attention to in regards to the number of hours provided.

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English Birth Preparation Classes in Berlin

Learn how to find a "Geburtsvorbereitungskurs" in English in Berlin.

What is a Rückbildungskurs and Why Should I Take One?

Did you know that your German health insurance might pay for your postnatal recovery class? Learn more.

Parental benefits in Germany
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Elterngeld 101 – What It Is and How to Get It

In this article we will talk about 💸 Elterngeld – literally parent money – including what it is, how it works and how to get it.

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English Language Postnatal Recovery Courses in Düsseldorf

Learn about your options in Düsseldorf of attending a "Rückbildungskurs" in English.

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Berlin Prenatal Yoga Classes in English

Read on for an up-to-date list of prenatal/ pregnancy yoga classes in Berlin offered in English.

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Resources for Expats & International Families in Germany

As an international family living in Germany or moving here, there’s so many things to learn about the system, the culture, the bureaucracy…! Here's some resources we recommend.

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Health Insurance for Baby and Parents on Leave in Germany

Learn what will happen to your health insurance when you’re having a baby as well as how and when to add your baby to your insurance.

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How does the German healthcare system work for families?

As an international couple expecting a baby or a family moving to Germany from abroad, it’s super important to understand the German healthcare system. Learn how it works.

Doula with a new mother and baby

How to Get Support After Giving Birth (Paid By Your Health Insurance)

Did you know that you could get at-home support (called "Haushaltshilfe") after your baby is born and that this can be paid for by your health insurance? Learn more.

Your Return to Work After Elternzeit – The Legal Perspective

As a new or expecting parent, you may have lots of questions when planning your return to work after your parental leave (Elternzeit). Our employment law specialist answers some of the most frequently asked questions.

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How to Find a Pediatrician in Berlin?

Once your baby arrives, you’ll need a pediatrician for both scheduled checkups as well as adhoc appointments. Here are tips on how and where to find one in Berlin.

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How To Get Your Baby's Birth Certificate?

Your baby's birth certificate is a super important document that you will need to apply for many of the benefits available to families in Germany. Learn how and where to get it and what documents to prepare.

Father and baby

How does the Vaterschafts-anerkennung (recognition of paternity) work?

Are you expecting a baby but are not married? Find out about the German process for recognition of paternity (Vaterschafts-anerkennung) – the how, the when and the why.

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Cologne Prenatal Yoga Classes in English

Find out where to take Prenatal Yoga in English in Cologne.

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Frankfurt Prenatal Yoga in English

Check out the providers we found that offer English prenatal yoga courses in Frankfurt in this article.

Sabine Kroh – founder call a midwife

Introducing call a midwife

Are you struggling to find a midwife that can support you during pregnancy and the postpartum period? We chat with Sabine, the founder of call a midwife, about how they can help.

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The Ultimate Kietzee Kita-Gutschein Cheat Sheet

A step-by-step English translation guide on how to apply for your Berlin Kita-Gutschein.

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Guest Post: Parental Benefits I am Grateful for as an Indian Mother in Germany

In this guest post, Gitanjali More, mom of a little girl and the creator of The Confused Mother, reflects on her experience as an Indian mother in Germany.

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Getting Ready for Kita in Berlin – Paperwork

You're almost there but of course (this is Germany, after all!) there's a couple of bureaucratic hurdles to clear before your child can start Kita in Berlin.

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What to Include in Your Kita Application

Create a personal connection when you are applying. Includes a sample application letter.

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How to Apply for Elterngeld – Your Checklist

Ready to apply for Elterngeld? Here is your list of documents to submit with your application.

How Much Does Daycare (Kita) Cost in Berlin?

Find out how much it costs to send your child to daycare in Berlin – spoiler alert: not much!

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What is Kindergeld and How Can I Get It?

Families in Germany are entitled to Kindergeld. We spoke with Karla and Tarik from Get In Expat about the application process and how their tool can help international families.

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What to Expect at Your Third Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany

Find our what your OBGYN will check at the third (and last) scheduled ultrasound during your pregnancy.

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What is Mutterschaftsgeld and How Can I Get It?

Mutterschaftsgeld is one of the benefits available to (expecting) parents in Germany. But what is it exactly and how do you apply for it?

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Template for Elternzeit Application

Use this template for apply for parental leave (Elternzeit or Elternteilzeit) with your employer. Approved by our employment law experts.

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Elternzeit 101 – What It Is and How to Apply For It

Learn everything you need to know about Elternzeit. What is it? How and when should you apply for it? What about monetary benefits?

Parents with Baby
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Elterngeld Plus & Partnerschaftsbonus – What You Need To Know

In addition to Basis Elterngeld, there are two other types of parental allowance in Germany. Here's what you need to know and when this might make sense for you.

What Does a Doula Do And How Do They Support Families?

Are you curious about how doulas support families during pregnancy and the postpartum period? And how does this differ from the work of midwives? Read on to find out.

Doctor explaining ultrasound image to pregnant person

What to Expect at the Feindiagnostik Ultrasound in Germany

In certain cases, your OBGYN will recommend a special, detailed ultrasound, called the "Feindiagnostik." Find out when and why this may be recommended and what you can learn from the test.

Pregnant woman with ultrasound picture

What to Expect at Your Second Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany

In week 17-20, it's time for the second ultrasound exam during your pregnancy. This is when things get really exciting because you'll be able to see your baby in more detail! Find out what else to expect.

Pregnant person with sign saying "maternity leave"

What is the Mutterschutz (Maternity Protection) in Germany?

What protection is offered for pregnant people in Germany? What does Mutterschutz mean? What is the Schutzfrist? Here’s everything you need to know.

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How to Find Your English Prenatal Yoga Course in Düsseldorf

Connect with your bodies and babies, and prepare for childbirth – check our article for English language pregnancy yoga courses in Düsseldorf.

Baby Ultrasound Picture

3 Things To Do Once You Find Out You’re Pregnant

Here's what you want to tackle right away when you know you're having a baby – or better still: when you're planning a pregnancy in Germany.

Expecting couple with OBGYN

Changing Your OBGYN During Pregnancy in Germany: What You Need to Know

If you're thinking about changing your OBGYN during pregnancy in Germany, there's a few things you need to know about the timing and different options to move forward. Learn more.

Pregnant woman receiving an abdominal ultrasound

What to Expect at Your First Pregnancy Ultrasound in Germany

Let's dive into the details of your first ultrasound exam, which usually takes place between the 9th and 12th week of your pregnancy. Find out what to expect and what you will learn.

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Prenatal Diagnostics in Germany: NIPT, First Trimester Screening & More

If you are thinking about having additional prenatal tests, here is an overview of the available invasive and non-invasive prenatal tests in Germany.

To dos / post it notes

An Overview of Pregnancy & Parental Benefits in Germany

Did you know how many government programs (soon-to-be) parents can benefit from in Germany? Here's an overview so you don't get lost.

Pregnant person at work.
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When to Tell Your Employer About Your Pregnancy

When you find out that you are pregnant, you may be wondering how and when to inform your employer.  Here’s everything you need to know.

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What is a Mutterpass?

At your first appointment with your OBGYN or midwife, you will receive a little booklet called a “Mutterpass” in German. But what is this booklet and what do you do with it?

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Recommended Tests & Vaccinations in Pregnancy in Germany

You will find that there are lots of tests that will be offered to you leading up to your baby’s birth. Here is everything you need to know about each of the tests that are covered by public health insurance.

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Your First Pregnancy Appointment in Germany

What should you expect at your first pregnancy appointment? What tests will be done? What documents should you bring? Find out in our article.

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Midwife, OBGYN, Doula – How Does Prenatal and Postnatal Care Work in Germany?

The way that prenatal and postnatal care is offered can vary greatly from country to country. Learn how the prenatal and postnatal care system works in Germany.

How to find a Midwife in Berlin

Finding a midwife in Berlin can be challenging. Learn where you can find your Hebamme.

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What Does a Midwife Do in Germany – And How Can I Find One?

Find out about the different types of midwives and how you can find a midwife for your pre-natal, birth and post-natal journey.