What is an "Hebammenkreißsaal": Respected Birth Physiology in a Hospital Setting. The Best of Both worlds?
- Anne Matei
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 5
What is a Hebammenkreißsaal?
A Hebammenkreißsaal is a midwife-led model of care within the hospital.
It usually looks like a separate delivery ward within a hospital. In this delivery ward, you are attended by midwives only, with a focus on 1-1 support and low interventions.
They usually follow you during the end of your pregnancy, through birth. It literally means Hebammen = midwives, Kreißsaal = delivery ward.
This model supports women to experience a natural and respected birth under the continuous care of midwives, while still having access to a hospital's medical facilities if needed - under the same roof.
Women are supported to birth in their own power, stay mobile, use natural comfort measures, and bond with their baby undisturbed...
Routine interventions such as continuous fetal monitoring (CTG), breaking water bags, inductions, use of synthetic oxytocin, early cord clamping etc are usually not performed.
International studies show that these midwife-led models are safe for women with low-risk pregnancies. The benefits of such model include
Lower risk of assisted vaginal birth (e.g., vacuum extraction)
Comparable cesarean section rates and fewer interventions (such as artificial rupture of membranes or episiotomy)
More positive birth experiences overall
In Germany, the research project GEscHIcK has confirmed that midwife-led delivery rooms provides safety for both mother and child when caring for healthy women with low-risk profiles.
If complications arise, you can immediately be transferred (or sometimes you don't even need to change room), accessing all medical facilities and experts in the hospital's department.
NB: A Hebammenkreißsaal is not the same as a Geburtshaus, it's a designated delivery ward within a hospital where midwives provide the primary care.
If you are wondering what setting might be best for you : birth in a clinic (and choosing the right level of care), Hebammenkreißsaal, Beleghebamme, Geburtshaus, or home birth, I am supporting informed decision-making and explaining all these concepts here.
Where can I find a Hebammenkreißsaal in Berlin?
Here are the six clinics in Berlin offering a Hebammenkreißsaal:
On my map, you can see these when you filter for "midwife-led units"
Supporting Your Choice for an Unmedicated Birth, Flexibly!
In an Hebammenkreißsaal , strong pain medications such as epidurals or opioids are not used.
Instead, a wide range of alternative pain relief methods are available, including for example:
Acupuncture
Homeopathy
Massages
A birthing pool
TENS device
etc.
Should you decide during labor that you want medical pain relief such as an epidural, it is (still) possible: this is the most common reason for transfer: while not an emergency, an epidural or opioids requires physician-led care.
Who Can Use the Hebammenkreißsaal?
Every woman without significant medical risk can give birth within the Hebammenkreißsaal. VBACs are usually possible in an Hebammenkreißsaal.
If a complication arises during pregnancy or labour you will be taken care of by the multidisciplinary hospital team (including obstetricians, paediatricians etc.)
Some of the eligibility criteria include:
No multiple pregnancy (no twins, triplets etc)
No insulin-dependent diabetes
No breech or transverse position for baby
No preeclampsia
The Hebammenkreißsaal need to be quality-assured and to meet the standards of the German Midwives Association (Deutscher Hebammenverband e.V.).
Learn more: hebammenverband.de/hebammenkreisssaal
If you are not sure if you can be "eligible" for a Hebammenkreißsaal, simply contact the midwives there directly by email or phone, or meeting them during information evenings or 1-1 appointments.
How to register? Ready, Set, Go!
With the Hebammenkreißsaal, Berlin families gain opportunities to experience birth naturally, in line with their wishes and personal vision.
To find out more and register at an Hebammenkreißsaal, on my map, you can see the clinics offering, you will then find a link to each clinic to find out more about Info Abend (information evenings), and modalities for registrations (Geburtsanmeldung).
How a Doula Can Support You
As a trained doula, I support families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum.
Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor.
It has been proven that having a doula decreases:
the overall cesarean rate by 50%
length of labor by 25%
use of oxytocin by 40%
and requests for an epidural by 60%.
(data from – American Pregnancy Association)
I offer a wide range of services, including presence at birth. I also offer online consultations to help you explore your options, understand the different birth settings, write your birth plan and make informed decisions that align with your values and wishes.
I can guide you in creating a personalized birth plan, provide continuous support during labor, and advocate for your preferences during birth.
My goal is to help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way, ensuring your birth experience is as positive and empowering as possible.
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