07 Apr Exploring Berlin’s Birth Center – Interview with Mandy
Last year Synnytyskota had the privilege of visiting a Birth Center in Berlin, where we interviewed Mandy, the second owner of Geburtshaus Treptow. This article dives into the insights gained from the interview, shedding light on the state of birthing facilities in Berlin and Germany at large.
Birth Centers in Berlin and Germany
Berlin currently has five Birth Centers, with approximately 100 across Germany, primarily in larger cities like Hamburg, Munich, and Dresden. The concentration of Birth Centers in urban areas is due to the shorter distances to hospitals, making them more accessible. However, smaller cities often lack Birth Centers due to the greater distance to hospitals.
Additionally, many midwives in Germany attend to home births, contributing to the diversity of birthing options available.
Midwifery Education and Practice
Mandy explains that midwifery education in Germany is standardized for all midwives, regardless of whether they work in Birth Centers, hospitals, or conduct home births. The training includes both medical and natural approaches, with practical experience gained in hospitals and supplemented by 12 weeks of training in Birth Centers or under self-employed midwives.
Birth Center Treptow also accepts midwifery students from abroad for training, such as from Switzerland. The preference is for the trainee to speak and communicate in the German language.
In Germany, hospitals are classified into three levels, ranging from basic to advanced medical care, with Level 3 hospitals catering to both low and high-risk pregnancies.
The Journey of Geburtshaus Treptaw
Mandy shares the birth center’s journey, which began 19 years ago with just two midwives, herself and Katja, the co-owner. Initially starting as self-employed midwives attending hospital births, they eventually transitioned to opening their own Birth Center.
Mandy says:
“At the moment we need a lot of midwives in Berlin. At the midwife magazine there are 10 pages of open workplaces for midwives. Going back 19 years, there was nothing like this.
When I graduated everyone in my class went for their own work paths. So I met Katja, the second owner of Geburtshaus Treptow. We started to work as midwives who are self-employed entrepreneurs. We went with the woman to the hospital to give birth, and then back home after. Our entrepreneurship with Katja started like this.
When Katja had her second child, I was her midwife. During her postpartum we decided to open up our own birth center. It was difficult to find a place we liked. And then we found this place, where we are at the moment. It was little bit too expensive, but we decided to take it. And that how it started, then it growed up and growed up.”
Despite initial challenges, such as finding suitable premises and funding, the Birth Center Treptow gradually expanded over the years. From just three births in the first year, they now facilitate approximately 300 births annually with a team of 13 midwives.
Transfer to Hospitals
The Birth Center maintains close communication with nearby hospitals to ensure seamless transfers when necessary. Approximately 19% of births at the center require transfer to hospitals, with 3% classified as emergencies. Midwives prioritize early transfer to hospitals before situations escalate into emergencies.
Statistics and Trends
Mandy tells that popularity of birth photography is rising. She also highlights the diverse spectrum of individuals who give birth, highlighting the Birth Center Treptow’s commitment to inclusivity.
She also notes that giving birth at Birth Centers or at home is becoming more prevalent and is statistically as safe as hospital births. In Berlin, approximately 3% of all births occur outside hospitals, indicating a growing trend towards alternative birthing options.
Wrapping up the Interwiev
The interview with Mandy provides valuable insights into the functioning of Birth Centers in Berlin, emphasizing the importance of collaborative relationships with hospitals and the evolving landscape of birthing practices in Germany. With a focus on holistic care and personalized support, Birth Centers offer a viable alternative for individuals seeking a more natural and intimate birthing experience.
Geburtshaus Treptow GmbH
Am Treptower Park 54
12435 Berlin
Tel: +49 30-92124330
Instagram: @geburtshaus.treptow
Synnytyskota is a media platform focused on childbirth. As a collaborative company, Kota brings fresh ideas to Finnish childbirth practices, from birth cultures around the world.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to collaborate! Send us an email synnytyskota@gmail.com.
The article has been written by Marina Seppä, the creative entrepreneur, a doula, and the co-founder of Synnytyskota.