Geburtshaus? Beleghebamme?Hebammenkreißsaal?Hausgeburt? Birth Options Explained by a Berlin Doula
- Anne Matei
- Sep 28
- 6 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
When you’re pregnant in Germany, you’ll quickly come across different terms for birth settings and care models. It can be confusing...
Beyond the "classical" hospital births, Berlin (and Germany in general) offers a range of beautiful options with environments and setups to support natural births where birth is respected.
I wrote this glossary to explain you the range of options that exist, so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
NB: These options are usually only suitable for people with "low risk" pregnancies. For example, some of the eligibility criteria include: no multiple pregnancy, no insulin-dependent diabetes, no breech or transverse position for baby, no preeclampsia etc.
🏥 If you have a high risk pregnancy, you will deliver your baby at the hospital. I wrote here about. the different levels of care and what they mean Do I need an NICU for birth in Berlin? Hospital Levels Explained (Perinatalzentrum : Levels 1, 2, 3). 🏥
If you have a low-risk pregnancy you may also choose to give birth in an hospital, of course, amongst the other options detailed below.
👀 You can register at multiple hospitals. Explore your options, meet providers...make an informed decision. 👀
Geburtshaus (Midwife-led birth center): A home-like, non-hospital setting run by midwives. Focused on natural birth, with a calm environment and minimal interventions. Suitable for low-risk pregnancies.
A Geburtshaus offers highly skilled midwives, that you can meet before birth (and usually they follow your pregnancy) and offer 1-1 support in labour. The focus is on natural birth without pain medication or interventions, with openness to alternative methods like acupuncture, homeopathy, baths, hypnosis... you have freedom to choose your birthing positions (standing, sitting, birth stool, birthing pool).
After birth, the stay is short, you usually go home just a few hours later.
In a Geburtshaus you are attended by midwives only, that means that if you need an intervention to be performed by an obstetrician or anaesthetist (for example if you want the epidural), you will be transferred to an hospital. If during labour the midwives detect anomalies or are worried about your health or your baby's you will also be transferred.
According to the QUAG eV Report around 1 in 6 births (intended at home or in a Geburtshaus) result in hospital transfer. There is a 30–40% transfer rate for first-time mothers. But a <10% transfer rate for experienced mothers. Most women change to hospital in a non-stressful way as there were non-urgent reasons for transfer.
Costs?
The birth and prenatal/postnatal care is normally covered by public health insurance. But you usually need to pay an on-call fee (because the midwives are on-call for you around your due date), this fee is out-of-pocket (between 700-1200 € usually, can be partly refunded by the insurance. For example TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) usually reimburses up to 250 € for a contract midwife’s on-call fee. If the on-call fee is higher than €250, the extra must be paid out of pocket. Also if the midwife isn’t “zugelassen” (approved) / contracted, it might not be reimbursable. Get in touch with your insurance to find out more.
There is a series of beautiful english videos recorded by the Geburtshaus Charlottenburg to give you more informations on birth in a birthing center.
Beleghebamme (Affiliated midwife): Your "own"midwife in the hospital. A Beleghebamme is a midwife that you "hire" from pregnancy care who can accompany you during birth in a hospital, ensuring continuity of care.
You already know her from your pregnancy, and she accompanies you during birth in a hospital. This model combines the safety of a clinic with the personal continuity of midwife-led care.
You can find a Beleghebamme here (look for Beleggeburt in der Klinik)
Costs?
The birth and prenatal/postnatal care is normally covered by public health insurance. But you usually need to pay an on-call fee (because the midwife is on-call for you around your due date), this fee is out-of-pocket (between 700-1200 € usually, can be partly refunded by the insurance. For example TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) usually reimburses up to 250 € for a contract midwife’s on-call fee. If the on-call fee is higher than €250, the extra must be paid out of pocket. Also if the midwife isn’t “zugelassen” (approved) / contracted, it might not be reimbursable. Get in touch with your insurance to find out more
Hebammenkreißsaal (Midwife-led unit inside a hospital): A separate ward within a hospital run only by midwives.
It offers a natural birth environment while keeping medical support close by if needed.
I explain extensively this option and where to find it in Berlin here: Respected Birth Physiology in a Hospital Setting. Hebammenkreißsaal : The Best of Both worlds?
📍 All Berlin clinics that have a Hebammenkreissaal mapped here (choose the filter midwife-led unit)
Costs?
Public health insurance covers it fully, you have no extra fee for these births, just like any hospital birth. Except for example if your get a family room for your hospital stay.
Hausgeburt (Home birth): Giving birth at home with the support of a midwife. This option is chosen by families who want the comfort and privacy of their own space. This can be a safe option for women with low-risk pregnancies
According to the QUAG eV Report around 1 in 6 births (intended at home or in a Geburtshaus) result in hospital transfer. There is a 30–40% transfer rate for first-time mothers. But a <10% transfer rate for experienced mothers
Most women change to hospital in a non-stressful way as there were non-urgent reasons for transfer.
You can find a midwife that supports home births here (look for Hasugeburt)
Costs?
The birth and prenatal/postnatal care is normally covered by public health insurance. But you usually need to pay an on-call fee (because the midwife is on-call for you around your due date), this fee is out-of-pocket (between 700-1200 € usually, can be partly refunded by the insurance. For example TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) usually reimburses up to 250 € for a contract midwife’s on-call fee. If the on-call fee is higher than €250, the extra must be paid out of pocket. Also if the midwife isn’t “zugelassen” (approved) / contracted, it might not be reimbursable. Get in touch with your insurance to find out more
What option is right for me?
If you have a low risk pregnancy and are wondering about your options I wrote more here to to support informed decision making 👉 Clinic, Geburtshaus, home birth? etc
Want to dive deeper and see all options in Berlin? Check out my Birth in Berlin Guide where you can find tons of useful informations.
How a Doula Can Support You
As a trained doula, I support families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum. The doula is not a medical professional, but works hand in hand with your care team.
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)
As a doula, 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.
Costs?
I offer various packages to support you. My prices are transparently stated on my service list. Have a look and book a free call to discuss your needs.
I currently offer discounted counselling for parents with breech babies who can not afford to pay full price for a birth companionship. I believe every parent deserves to be empowered by understanding their options and making a real choice for their birth. Get in touch to find out more.
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