What Is It Like To Stay At The Hospital After You Have Given Birth? Postpartum Ward Experience in Berlin And Tips on How To Cope
- Anne Matei
- May 11
- 8 min read
You might be focusing on birth mainly, as this is the next big event to happen. But you may slowly start to wonder: Okay then, what happens after the birth?
The transition from the delivery room as a being a freshly baked mum to getting to postpartum ward can be a bit overwhelming. Especially if it's your first baby. Especially if you are new to the German system or don't speak the language.
In this article, I’ll tell you a bit more about what to expect and how to best prepare for it.
As a doula with experience across most Berlin clinics supporting expats through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, I have seen firsthand how much of a difference having realistic expectations makes.
Whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section, understanding the local system helps you understand your options, and feel a bit more prepared (for this crazy unknown!)
Know Your Options: Do I Have to Stay In The Hospital After Birth in Berlin?
While most people expect a 2+ days hospital stay, it isn't your only path:
Ambulante Geburt: If your birth was uncomplicated and both you and baby are doing well, you can often leave the hospital within 4–6 hours, maybe a bit more when you had an epidural.
Hausgeburt & Geburtshaus: If you choose a home birth or a birth center, you are already home or will head there shortly after delivery.
Midwife Care After Birth: To ensure a smooth transition home, secure a Hebamme early. In Germany, midwives visit you at home for medical check-ups regardless of whether you have a standard hospital stay or an ambulatory birth. Because availability is limited, I recommend searching at the very start of your pregnancy. See how here on [Tips to find a midwife]
Note on the U2 Exam: If you choose an Ambulante Geburt or other out of hospital birth mode, you will usually not get the U2 (the second newborn screening) done at the clinic. This exam must be performed between day 3 and day 10 of the baby's life, so you should find a pediatrician (Kinderarzt) in advance who can perform this in their practice after you've settled at home. Look for a paediatrician before birth, asking them if they have spots for new clients.
The Reality of Berlin’s Postpartum Wards
Berlin’s birth clinics can be very... very busy! Many families I accompany as a doula are shocked by the pace of the ward. I share this to manage your expectations.
During the day and night, expect multiple visits from:
Nurses and Midwives
Paediatricians
Gynaecologists
Cleaning and catering staff
Visitors for you or your roommates (yes because often you share your room/bathroom)
A lot of people come in and out, often don't knock the door... my pro tip: pack some earplugs, a sleeping mask, and put a nice sign on your door when you are trying to rest - to tell visitors that you are resting so that they can delay non urgent routine questions/care when you sleep, or so that visitors of your roommate remember to be discreet!
Support You Can Get From Staff
You are typically in charge of your baby 24/7, but you should never hesitate to ask for help, especially after a C-section/ difficult long birth, or if you are feeling overwhelmed.
The staff are there to provide tips and practical support, such as:
Breastfeeding : The staff can help you put your baby at the breast. This is super precious, please ask for help if you are unsure! Some clinics have lactation consultants on-call in the ward (Stillberaterin). Getting good latch and correct positioning is crucial for a successful start to your breastfeeding journey. My favourite video on this is here. If you would like a 1 -1 session to prepare for breastfeeding, you can contact me.
If you are not breastfeeding, dont hesitate to ask the staff to show you how to do paced-bottle feeding and how to care for your breasts.
Practical Care: Nurses and midwives can show you how to change a diaper or provide techniques to soothe your baby. They can support you getting out of bed, showering, going to the toilet etc. But often they are busy and you need patience... If your mobility is limited, don't struggle in silence; ask for help often and for painkillers if necessary (if you have stitches for example)
Standards, Quality and Support Services to Consider
Some hospitals in Germany carry the label “babyfreundlich” (“baby-friendly”), a certification based on international standards supporting breastfeeding and parent–baby bonding after birth. These hospitals usually follow specific practices such as immediate skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, breastfeeding support, and avoiding unnecessary supplementation. If breastfeeding support and a family-centered postpartum approach are important to you, this label can be help. On my map, you can filter to see which hospitals have the "baby friendly" label.
In Berlin, some districts are unfortunately known for very long waiting times, to receive a birth certificate. Usually, the delay does not come from the hospital itself, but from the local Standesamt (civil registry office) responsible for registering the birth. Some Bezirke are especially busy and process a very high number of births, which can significantly slow things down.
This can become frustrating for families, because the birth certificate is needed to apply for certain benefits and often to obtain a passport for the baby.
Note that most hospitals also offer a wide range of postpartum support services even after you left the clinic. This is interesting to know of and see what is on offer. For example classes for Rückbildung (pelvic floor recovery classes), breastfeeding cafés where you can meet other parents and professionals and talk about your challenges (Stillcafé), physiotherapy, osteopathy, psychological consultations, baby photography, or Babylotsen services ( professionals who help families navigate social or financial challenges).
On my map, you can often filter to see which hospitals provide these offers, and you can also ask directly during the information evening or check the hospital’s website.
Rooming Logistics: How to Get a Family Room?
Usually, you will stay with your baby in the same room (Rooming-In). Your baby will have their own crib, and the ward provides a changing table, baby clothes, and diapers for you to use.
Familienzimmer (Family Room): These are private rooms with an extra bed for your partner. It means you can stay all together 24.7 and will have a private room and often private bathroom for you all. You and your partner will get food served from the hospital. Usually you need to pay extra for it (70-150€ per night on average), usually not refunded by your health insurance, ask the clinic and insurance to understand their terms. You cannot book these in advance. They are first-come, first-served. Ask for one the moment you arrive and keep asking, but be prepared that you may not get one.
Shared Rooms: If no family room is available, you often share a room with 1-2 other mamas and newborns. Partners generally must leave at the end of official visiting hours and cannot stay overnight.
"Typical" room in the Wochenbettstation - ward for the postpartum where you usually stay 2-3 days after an uncomplicated vaginal birth and 3-5 days after a c-section
Preparing For Your Hospital Postpartum Stay
If possible, ask to see a typical room during the tours usually offered at information evenings (Infoabende) to familiarize yourself . Or look for pictures online. Remember you will hear often contradictory testimonies and advice about birth places. Hence, it is best to form your own opinion by going there in person (info evenings, registration appointment (Anmeldung)) and defining your own criteria.
Pack items that make the space feel like home, such as your favorite blanket, a supportive nursing pillow, your toiletries etc.
Hospital food can be hit-or-miss. You can coordinate with friends or family to have freshly cooked meals brought to you.
A bonding top or skin-to-skin wrap is an excellent addition to your bag. It allows you to keep your baby close while keeping your hands free, which is especially helpful when you are recovering from surgery.
Know that there will be big emotions... and you are allowed to feel elated, down, sad, happy, all at the same time. I find writing a journal useful during these transformational times. But also opening up to people who love you and can listen without judgment.
It is important for your loved ones to realize that you need time to recover from childbirth and to learn to (breast)feed your baby. You are allowed to set boundaries for you and your baby and decline visitors for example, or ask for help.
In the early weeks after arriving home, feel free to ask for and accept help from family and friends. They want to help, so ask them to do some of the usual household chores or bring prepared, healthy food. Continue to drink to thirst and eat nutritious foods to help regain your strength. Prioritising your wellbeing is very important for your start into motherhood. You deserve care too! As a postpartum doula I support my clients in the clinic or at home for a smooth postpartum experience.
Note on Recovering After a C-Section
If you have a C-section, you will typically stay on the ward for 3 to 5 days.
Because this is major abdominal surgery, your movement will be limited for the first 24 hours. If you are in a shared room without a partner overnight, you will rely heavily on hospital staff. Simple tasks like holding your baby, standing at a changing table, or going to the toilet, can be difficult.
What to pack? Here is my special list of things to bring with you for the birth and postpartum ward in the clinic (photo credit Die Raben Mutti)
Understanding the "Baby Blues"
Around the third to fifth day postpartum, often just as you are being discharged, you might experience the Baby Blues. Because of the massive hormonal shift and exhaustion, it is very common to feel tearful, irritable, or overwhelmed. Read more on this here
The Baby Blues are a normal part of the transition in the early days after birth. However, if these feelings persist beyond two weeks or feel very intense, it’s important to talk to your midwife or doctor to screen for Postpartum Depression.
Support Beyond Medical Care: The Postpartum Doula
While a midwife provides vital medical monitoring, a Postpartum Doula offers complementary, non-medical care - we "mother the mother."
When everyone else is focused on the baby, I ensure you feel heard. My goal is to support the basics so you can recover and bond.
I come to you at the clinic, or at home. Days or weeks, or months after birth.
A typical three-hour session costs 140€ and might include:
Emotional Processing: A safe space to navigate the complex emotions of becoming a parent. Whether you are "crying all the time" or processing a traumatic birth, I am there to listen.
Newborn Care & Confidence: Practical help with bathing, soothing, and baby-wearing (in a scarf, carrier)
Feeding Guidance: Support for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
Household Harmony: Light help with laundry, organizing, or preparing nourishing meals.
A Calm Presence: Sometimes, the greatest gift is a professional taking the baby for a walk so you can finally shower or sleep.
Ready to plan your postpartum journey in Berlin? Whether you need help navigating hospital choices or hands-on support once you're home, having a dedicated support system makes all the difference. Book your free call here
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