Where would you like to give birth? Your birth options
The birth of your child is a very special experience – which makes it all the more important that you feel secure and at ease during it. Find out about birth options and what to expect at each location early on.
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Short and simple
You can have your baby in different places.
For example in hospital, at a childbirth center or at home.
In hospital you will always have support from medical specialists.
At the childbirth center and at home, you will be looked after by a midwife.
CONCORDIA can help if you have any questions about giving birth.
If there are no complications during your pregnancy and you have no pre-existing conditions, you can generally decide where to give birth yourself. There are three options:
- In hospital (as an outpatient or an inpatient)
- At a childbirth center
- At home (home birth)
Each of these locations has advantages and disadvantages. Some people feel more secure at a hospital, whereas others prefer the familiar environment of their own four walls. Take your time to weigh up the pros and cons of each option.
Regardless of where you decide to give birth, let your gynaecologist know about your decision at an early stage so that you can be officially registered and a cost guarantee can be obtained from your health insurer, if required.
Hospital birth
Most births take place in hospital. The big advantage of giving birth in hospital is that, alongside the midwives, doctors and other medical professionals will also be present around the clock. In the event of complications, they can intervene immediately. This means that everything is in place for a natural birth, but also for a birth with complications or a Caesarean section. At some hospitals, the children’s clinic is also nearby, which means that your newborn can receive immediate medical care in the event of an emergency.
Is it important to you to know your midwife before the birth? Then you can opt for an attending midwife. Attending midwives already look after parents-to-be during the pregnancy. As a result, you always have the same, familiar point of contact before the birth, at hospital and during the postnatal period. Some hospitals work with attending midwives. Ask for more information at the hospital you wish to go to.
Many hospitals with a maternity ward near you might offer regular information events. This gives parents-to-be an opportunity to ask any questions they might have and view the various departments.
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Childbirth as an inpatient – staying on the hospital ward
After the birth, you and your child will spend the first few days on the postnatal ward. Here, you and your child will be able to recover from the birth and get to know each other. If you breastfeed your child, the midwives will give you guidance and round-the-clock support with this. Any follow-up medical checks that are required can also be conducted here.
Would your partner like to accompany you? Most hospitals offer family rooms on the postnatal ward. This enables your partner to spend the first days with you and your newborn.
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Childbirth as an outpatientIf the medical requirements are met, it is also possible to go home after the birth. In most cases, you can return to your accustomed home environment with your baby just a few hours after the birth. Ongoing medical care and support is then provided by a freelance midwife, who visits you at your home.
Which hospital is right for me?
Which hospital is right for me?CONCORDIA insureds can obtain advice on choosing a hospital. Call concordiaMed, CONCORDIA’s 24-hour health advice service, for more information.
+41 41 210 02 50
Birth at a childbirth center
Childbirth centers are independent institutions that are run by midwives. At a childbirth center, you are supported by a midwife or a team of midwives before, during and after the birth. Childbirth is viewed as a natural process. Self-determination for the pregnant mother and an atmosphere of security and comfort are the priorities. If medical interventions are required for pain relief or if complications occur, the mother is transferred to a nearby hospital.
Childbirth centers also offer regular information events. At these, you will be able to find out about the services offered and view the rooms at the childbirth center. You can also ask about the possibility of having a family room if your partner would like to spend the first hours and days after the birth with you and your newborn baby.
How can I find a childbirth center?
How can I find a childbirth center?Home birth
If you choose a home birth, you will give birth to your child in the familiar setting of your own four walls, with few medical interventions. Ideally, a qualified midwife will support you from the beginning to the end of the birth. Again, you will be transferred to a nearby hospital in the event of complications or an emergency.
Sometimes home birth may not be the best option – for instance in the event of pre-term birth, multiple pregnancies, complications or if you have a pre-existing condition that could have a negative impact on the birth itself. In such situations, having your baby at home is not recommended.
If you opt for a home birth, talk to your gynaecologist about your wishes and ask him or her for advice. If you meet the medical requirements for a home birth, you should find a suitable midwife as early as possible.
Which benefits are covered by your health insurance for maternity?
