Giving birth in Hamburg, advice for pregnant women

I am hoping that I can get some good advice from mothers out there who have given birth in Hamburg and have up-to-date information on the hospitals, birth centres (if they have these) and antenatal classes. I am in my 2nd trimester and will start looking soon for places to prepare myself and have my first child, here in Germany. I would like to find a English speaking antenatal class or at least a English-speaking midwife, but have no idea where to start. I live near Altona, but have been given mixed opinions on having a baby at Altona's hospital, one opinion came from my Frauenarzt, I was wondering whether others have experienced this hospital or others and can give me advice - I am looking for somewhere which provides pain relief without having to fight for it.

Also is it true that with a normal birth, with no problems, mothers are required to stay 7 days in hospital after the birth?

Any help or information would be very kind.
Many thanks
Danielle

Sorry, no experience with giving birth, but I go to a very good gynaecological practice, they have two female doctors, one of them speeks English quite well, the other broken, and they have at least one English speaking midwife, and afaik they also offer English antenatal classes.
The practice is in Altona:

Praxisgemeinschaft Alsenstraße - the midwifes
They also offer acupuncture, hatha-yoga, etc.

I think there was also an expat midwife here on TT, she posted a few times, try the search function, not sure if she's still in Hamburg.

My wife had room mates that had a regular birth and they were out in 24hrs mostly (doctors suggested 2-3days). Cesarean I would guess comes more close to the stated 7 days.

AK Barmbek is a spanking new hospital with very competent folks.

Thanks Hammonia,

I am very happy with my present gynaecologist in Ottensen, he speaks good enough English. I shall ask again at my next visit if they have a English-speaking midwife, but I have a feeling this will not be the case.

Hi Danielle

I just moved to Hamburg two weeks ago and am in my 22nd week. I live on the border of Altona and Ottensen and am looking for basically everything you are looking for as well! So far I've found a pregnancy yoga class in Ottensen (Geburthaus Hamburg, Am Felde 2). They have walk-in classes on Mondays 17.30 - 19.00 and Fridays 10 - 11.30. I have yet to go but when I do I can report back. I also have a prenatal check up tomorrow at the Praxisgemeinschaft Alsenstr and can let you know about the facilities there as well. And if you can recommend a good hospital that would make me SO happy.

Let's swap info as we find out more!
Angela

Hi Angela,

I would be very interested in meeting up with you soon. Can you send me a private message and i will send you my contact details.
Kind regards
Danielle

Hi,
I gave birth to my son last year here. I found the level of care compared to New Zealand very bad, but I had a good birth and was out withen a few hours. If you want to ask any questions or have a chat about stuff let me know I'd be happy to help. i know how had it is to sort everything out when your away from home!

Hi, I've had two babies here in Hamburg, one at the UKE and one at the Elim hospital. Both were c-sections and the care was excellent at both hospitals. I only changed hospitals for number two because I found two "beleg-hebammen" who took care of me pre- and post-natally and one of whom was present for the birth. They both speak English and work at the Elim hospital. I would strongly recommend them. With a natural birth you certainly don't have to stay in for seven days - some of my friends went home on the same day or the day after. I have quite a few friends who have had babies here too and am a member of an English-speaking playgroup for babies and toddlers. If I can help at all please let me know. I also have a fantastic, English speaking (male) ob-gyn in Winterhude. Any questions, just let me know :) .

Hi rosekav and lalleylou, I have sent you private messages to your profile. Looking forward to meeting you.
Danielle

Hi there,

First of all, I can thoroughly recommend the preganancy Yoga at the Geburtshaus in Altona. Did it for more than 6 monhs of my pregnancy.
The Geburtshaus is a natural birth center where you can also have your baby with all the "alternative" pain relief there is (acupuncture etc.) but no drugs. Some of the midwives speak English and the also have "open consultation hours" with no appointment.

Just in case you change your mid about your gyn, Dr Hojabri in the mall next to Altona station spent many years in America, I think his wife's American too and he is constantly keeping up with the newest research - very competent and all the helpers are the sweetest in the world.

Well, after a 30 hour marathon in the Geburtshaus I ended up in Altona Hospital where I didn't have to beg for drugs at all - immediate relief... and then my baby got into trouble so needed emergency c-section with full blown knockout ... But I was out of the hospital within 3 days... There's nothing to stop you leaving as long as there are no urgent medical complications - in which case you will surely wish to stay anyway :-)

Despite my preliminary doubts and having chosen a different hospital beforehand, when it came to the crunch, Altona was great! And they do have the child care unit and the best possible baby facilities right there, so if for any reason your baby should need special care you'll be right there. You should know that in an emergency your baby would be taken there but you would not be transfered... So I reckon go with Altona :-)

Good luck!

Yes I am planning to attend the pregnancy Yoga at the Geburtshaus in Altona, but the wimp that I am, I do not plan a 'all-natural' birth. I am just no good with pain. I am also planning to go to the information evening at UKE in the next couple of weeks and I hope to find out when Altona and the Elim hospital offer information evenings too.

Hi All,

I realise that i am posting this message a long time after the original conversation but i am trying to find the same in Hamburg at the moment - i am now 16 weeks pregnant and over the next few months will be looking for English speaking mid-wife, classes etc etc.

Any help would be much appreciated.

I hope all of you have had good pregnancy/birth experiences.

Best wishes to you and your new additions.

L.

hello and congrats on your pregnancy. I created the original posting and am waiting for my baby to enter the world. When it comes to English speaking practices, I can highly recommend the UKE hospital, as i have not come across anyone in the maternity unit who does not speak English, also they have a brand new building -opened at the end of January 2009. UKE website just click on the English button or ring them and ask for someone who speaks English.

In regards to midwifes i can recommend Uta Spehlmann, a highly experienced woman who has worked in England for many years and also holds pre-birth courses. Her details are below if you contact her please let her know that you got her details from Danielle Deeke:

Uta Spehlmann (Hebamme)
Tel: 040 890 37 53
Mobile: 0178 890 37 53

I can also recommend another midwife practice, although their website is in German, they also speak excellent English and offer many courses and services including pregnancy photography (which i will be using this Friday).
midwife practice

I can also offer you other links and contacts, just send me a PM and i will be very happy to help!
Good luck!
Danielle

Danielle,
I can I ask when your due?

Yes sure, i am in my 38 week so could be anytime soon!