There are many different ways to be accompanied and supported by a midwife before, during and after the birth. A midwife will always look after you in the delivery room of a hospital. The term "midwife assistance" refers to the services provided by freelance midwives. You are free to decide whether and to what extent you would like to make use of midwife assistance. Midwifery assistance services include, for example:

• Pregnancy care, which is also possible in alternation with the gynecologist
• A birth preparation course
• A course for pregnancy gymnastics
• Obstetrics, if a so-called accompanying midwife is to accompany you to the clinic or birth center or if you are planning a home birth
• Follow-up care and support for mother and newborn in the postnatal period
• Valuable tips on breastfeeding and caring for the baby
• A postnatal course approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the birth of the baby
• Nutritional advice for the baby if problems arise

The care provided by a midwife can include the following services:

Care during pregnancy

The midwife supports and advises expectant parents during pregnancy. If there is no high-risk pregnancy, the midwife can carry out almost all the check-ups specified in the maternity record. She is an experienced advisor for pregnancy complaints. She can also help you decide where and how to give birth. Many freelance midwives have additional training and also offer antenatal classes.

Support during and after the birth

If the birth proceeds normally, the midwife can manage the birth independently. She monitors the baby's condition and supports the mother in coping with the labor pains and birth pains. If medical assistance is required during the birth, she will consult a doctor. Once the baby is born, she assesses the newborn's vital functions. The midwife also takes care of the mother's initial care after the birth and ensures that the baby is placed as early as possible to encourage breastfeeding.

Home visits and postnatal care

The midwife is there for the mother and her child for up to 12 weeks after the birth. As soon as the mother and her baby are discharged from hospital, the midwife makes regular home visits. She checks the postpartum flow and the uterine involution, gives advice in the event of contractions and discomfort during the milk letdown. She helps the mother to breastfeed successfully. She cares for the navel, monitors the healthy development of the newborn and gives tips on baby care. Parents can turn to their midwife at any time with their questions and concerns if they are unsure.

• Freelance midwives work without a permanent position. They run antenatal classes, accompany pregnant women during childbirth and look after the mother, child and young family during the postpartum and breastfeeding period. Many freelance midwives have additional training in alternative treatment methods.
• Clinic midwives are employed midwives who care for pregnant women in the delivery room during childbirth. Working in shifts ensures that every hospital birth is attended by a midwife. For pre- and postnatal care, you should look for support from a freelance midwife.
• Occasional midwives are freelance midwives who have a contract with one or more clinics to use the delivery rooms there for births. There are small clinics that only work with midwives on contract and hospitals where midwives on contract work alongside permanently employed midwives.

Some midwives work both as freelancers, e.g. in aftercare, and are employed by a clinic.

Depending on what you are looking for a midwife for, you can start your search at different times during your pregnancy.

There are regional midwifery centers in North Rhine-Westphalia that are available to expectant parents as a coordination point. Here you can receive telephone advice on all areas of midwifery work and find a midwife with free capacity near your home.

Midwife network Bergisch Land

Midwifery center Bochum

Midwifery center Düsseldorf

Midwifery Center Bielefeld/Gütersloh

Midwifery network Cologne

Münsterland midwifery network

Midwifery Center Rhein-Sieg-Bonn