Frequently asked,answered clearly

The postpartum (Wochenbett) is a long-standing German tradition of rest and recovery. The German word doesn't translate neatly into English, but it refers to the weeks that a mother stays around the bed and at home to recover. It typically spans the first six to eight weeks after birth, during which the mother is encouraged to rest, bond with her baby, and be nourished and cared for by those around her. Visitors are limited, household tasks are taken on by family or a postpartum helper, and the focus is entirely on the mother's healing: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Warm meals, herbal teas, and gentle support are central to this period. It keeps the mother in view as well as the baby. Read more about the postpartum tradition in the Journal.

The Wochenbett is at the heart of my postpartum care. The 40 Day Recovery Plan prepares your first weeks with you, before or after the birth, and my Wochenbett Sessions 1:1 bring care to you by video, as often as you need them. Birth Support includes a visit at home in the first two weeks, and more time at home after the birth can be added. In-person care at home is for babies born from 2027.

With Birth Support, we get to know each other across your pregnancy. We meet at your home first and take our time, then meet again to put your birth preferences on one page, in English and German, for your midwife and the hospital. From 36 weeks I check in with you every week, and the week before your due date we meet casually, in your home. You can message me whenever something comes up, and I reply between 8am and 8pm. When I am on call, you can phone me day and night. If you would like more preparation for labour, The Power of Preparation can take the place of the birth preferences meeting.

I am on call for you from 38 to 42 weeks. When labour begins, you contact me and I come to you, and I stay by your side continuously, offering comfort through breathing techniques, movement, massage, and calm encouragement. I help you stay connected to your body and your instincts, and I support your partner in finding their role too. I stay with you for two hours after your baby is born, and I visit you at home in the first two weeks.

Absolutely. Whether your caesarean is planned or unforeseen, I provide the same steady, compassionate support. Before the birth, I help you prepare emotionally and practically. During the procedure, where hospital policy allows, I can be present to offer reassurance and help you feel connected to the experience. Afterwards, I support your recovery and the early bonding moments with your baby.

Yes. The early weeks after birth, often called the fourth trimester, ask a great deal of a family. The 40 Day Recovery Plan prepares them with you, my Wochenbett Sessions 1:1 are there by video as often as you need them, and time with you at home after the birth, from 2027, is booked by the hour, two hours a visit. Discover what the fourth trimester looks like in Germany.

Very much so. Having a doula does not replace your partner. It strengthens their role. I support your partner too, helping them understand what is happening, suggesting ways they can comfort you, and giving them the confidence to be fully present. Many partners say that having a doula allowed them to be more connected to the experience rather than feeling anxious or unsure.

Doula care is not currently covered as a standard benefit by statutory health insurance in Germany. However, some health insurance providers do offer partial reimbursement for doula services, either as part of additional benefits programmes or upon individual request. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask whether they offer any reimbursement for birth support or doula care.

It is worth asking your health insurance provider, as some German insurers will reimburse a portion of doula fees as a pregnancy-related wellness benefit or through supplementary coverage. Private insurance policies may also cover part of the cost depending on your plan. I am happy to provide an invoice that you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

My fees vary depending on the type and level of support you need. Each offering has a clear package price, and each year I support two families through birth on a donation basis, plus one family through the early weeks with eight hours of care at home, where you pay what you can. If cost is the deciding factor, please say so and we will find a way. I have several offerings, from pregnancy preparation through to comprehensive birth and postpartum care. You can view my offerings and pricing here. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a tailored arrangement, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Travel within the Potsdam transport network is included, and so is travel to Havelhöhe and Waldfriede for a birth. Two things are invoiced separately as travel expenses, with the receipts: a taxi to your birth between 8pm and 8am, and my travel to visits in Berlin for care at home after the birth.

I know doula care is a real cost, and I want it to be within reach. If spreading the cost over several payments would be helpful for you, please raise this when we first talk and we can find an arrangement that works.

I work with a named backup doula, so if I am ever unable to attend, someone you know about is there for you. How the fee is paid, and what happens if either of us has to cancel, is set out in the written agreement you receive before we begin. The general terms are in the terms and conditions.

Yes, this is something I am especially passionate about. As an English and German speaking doula based in Potsdam, I understand how hard the German healthcare system is to work out in a language that is not your own. I help bridge that gap by explaining procedures, speaking up for your preferences when you want me to, and making sure you understand your options. The language barrier should not cost you any of that. Read my guide to the German birth system.

I support families across Germany. My online work, the sessions by video and live preparation, is for families anywhere in the country. My in-person doula care is around Potsdam, within reach on the Potsdam transport network, and care at home after the birth also reaches Berlin. I support births at home with a midwife of your choice, at Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann, and at Geburtshaus Apfelbaum and Geburtshaus am Neuen Garten, and I can also travel to Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe and Krankenhaus Waldfriede in Berlin.

With 30 minutes by video, complimentary. We get to know each other, talk about where you are, and see whether I am the right fit. You can arrange a call with me here and I will find a time that works for you.