Birthplace

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

Since a birth is a unique experience with very intimate and private moments, it is advisable to weigh the decision well together with your partner. Allow sufficient time for information and decision-making. Clinics, birth centers and midwives usually offer information evenings and appointments for visits. Thereby you can get a first insight of the atmosphere and the offers.

If an alternative to the hospital is an option for you, find out early. Places outside the hospital often require more timely registration.

For many parents, it is important to have a health care provider in the background during childbirth. This provides security in case complications arise during the birth. The clinic is also usually the first choice for high-risk pregnancies or multiple births. Planned cesarean sections are only performed at a clinic.

• Advantage: Should the mother or child not be well in the course of the birth, a doctor is immediately on hand. Necessary medical measures can be initiated without delay.
• Disadvantage: The choice of midwife and doctor or physician depends on the service schedule of the hospital. Therefore, it is 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.
  

In a birth center, things are usually more relaxed and individual than in a clinic. There are often one to two cozy rooms with a pleasant room atmosphere for you. You also usually have a bathroom to yourself.

• Advantage: A birth in the birth center always means a 1:1 care of the birthing. That is, a midwife is fully there for the woman and her attendant during the entire time. Approximately 4 to 6 hours after the birth you go home with your child.
• Disadvantage: In the birth center is usually no doctor present. Provided that complications arise, you must be driven to the clinic. However, these procedures are so routine that you do not need to worry if the pregnancy proceeds normally. You should register early, preferably in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
  

If you wish to have a largely self-determined birth and be cared for exclusively by experienced midwives, birth under midwife supervision is a good alternative. Since the midwife delivery room is part of the birth 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. You are cared for during the birth exclusively by experienced midwives. In case 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 so far 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 care for you during the home birth. Home birth is possible if your pregnancy is normal and there is no foreseeable birth risk.

• Advantage: An important aspect of any birth is peace and attention. The familiar and relaxed atmosphere at home offers the best conditions for this. You can fully concentrate on the birth and enjoy the benefit of having your personal midwife all to yourself.
• Disadvantage: A home birth requires good preparation in close contact with the midwife. Attention must also be paid to hygiene conditions. In case of complications, you will have to go to the clinic. You should pack a hospital bag as a precaution for such cases. You should also keep in mind that the midwife has limited options to prevent pain during home birth.