Weekend Birth Class
We’ll take a whole weekend to prepare you and your partner for your time before, during and after birth. The class includes theoretical information but the focus is primarily on interactive, hands-on practical exercises, such as how to breathe during contractions, different birth positions, massage and relaxation techniques.
Helpful handouts are provided to help you remember the main points once back home. The ideal time to take the class is between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, however, you can certainly participate earlier or later.
Main topics covered:
• Last weeks and months of pregnancy – physical changes, and how to handle and minimize common pregnancy-related side effects
• Role of the support partner - the does and don‘ts of supporting birth
• Physiology and phases of labour – how birth starts, how to handle contractions at home, and the baby’s path through the pelvis
• Preparing to come to the clinic - setting expectations, the process and steps, the support and pain relief options available, what to pack/bring with you
• Labour and delivery – preparing your body for birth, and the different birth positions and options available
• Interventions for when birth doesn’t go as planned – induction, vacuum, c-section etc.
• Newborn care - breastfeeding and expectations for the first few days
• Postnatal period – how to recover and mitigate common problems
Note: This is a "couples" course that prepares both the pregnant person and their birth companion. This can be your partner, a family member, or friend that will accompany you during your birth. It’s a team effort, so they should be equally prepared to help and support you during the birth, thus are expected to actively participate in this class.
Fees:
For the pregnant person:
• The class is covered by the German public health insurance
• For private insurance holders, please double check your insurance company’s policies
For the partner:
• Fee is 195 € for the weekend class
• You can likely claim a refund from your health insurance company. Check specifics with your insurance, but many offer partial reimbursements, such as 80% coverage for the partner. You are responsible for the refund yourself.
Registration Note:
On the registration page you will be asked about your insurance number ("Versicherung" which contains 9 numbers) and your personal Versichertennummer (one letter and 9 numbers). Both numbers are on the front of your health insurance card.