Frequently asked,answered clearly

The postpartum (Wochenbett) is a deeply rooted 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 is a beautiful reminder that the mother, too, deserves tenderness and care as she transitions into this new chapter. Read more about the postpartum tradition in the Journal.

The postpartum tradition inspires the heart of my postpartum care. My Nurtured Beginnings offering is designed to honour this tradition, offering dedicated in-home visits where I support you with feeding, newborn care, emotional wellbeing, and practical help so that you can truly rest and recover. Whether you are familiar with this tradition or discovering it for the first time, I help create that protected space for you and your baby.

During pregnancy, we meet for several in-depth sessions where we talk through your hopes, questions, and concerns. I help you create a birth plan that reflects your values, prepare you and your partner for what to expect during labour, and offer evidence-based information so you feel confident in the choices you make. I am also available between sessions by phone or message whenever you need guidance or reassurance.

When labour begins, you contact me and I come to you, whether that is at home, in the birth centre, or at the hospital. I remain 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 until after your baby is born and you are settled and comfortable.

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, are a tender and sometimes overwhelming time. I offer postpartum visits where I support you with feeding guidance, newborn settling, emotional processing of your birth experience, and simply being a calm, knowledgeable presence as you find your rhythm with your baby. 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 I also work on a sliding scale, so 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.

I understand that doula care is an investment, and I want it to be accessible. If spreading the cost over several payments would be helpful for you, please raise this during our initial consultation and we can find an arrangement that works.

Each birth package fee is paid in two parts. An on-call fee is paid on booking: it holds your dates and keeps me available day or night from fourteen days before your due date, and because it holds time I cannot offer anyone else, it is non-refundable. The rest is a birth presence fee, payable at 37 weeks of pregnancy, which covers the birth itself, however long it takes. The birth presence fee is €960 within Birth Support and Continuity in Birth, and €760 for hospital-only birth support and for complex and caesarean birth support.

The birth presence fee is refunded in full if I cannot be with you, or if you change your mind about having me there. If I am ever unable to attend, I will do my best to arrange a trusted backup doula, with your agreement; if no cover can be found, or you would rather not have someone else, the birth presence fee is refunded in full. One thing is asked of you in return: please contact me as soon as labour begins, as the birth presence fee is not refunded if your baby is born without me because I was not called. Preparation we have already done together stays as completed work, and anything not yet provided is refunded. The follow-up home visit is always your choice: you are welcome to it whether or not I was able to be at your birth, and if you would prefer not to have it, that part of the fee is refunded. The full 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 the challenges of navigating the German healthcare system in a language that is not your own. I help bridge that gap by explaining procedures, advocating for your preferences, and ensuring you understand your options clearly. You deserve to feel informed and empowered, regardless of the language barrier. Read my guide to navigating the German birth system.

I support families across Germany. My online work, the orientation consultation and live preparation, is for families anywhere in the country. My hands-on, in-person doula care is based in Potsdam and the surrounding Berlin-Brandenburg area, where I attend births at local hospitals, birth centres, and home births.

I offer an initial conversation where we can get to know each other, talk about your needs, and see if we are a good fit. You can book a consultation here or get in touch and I will be happy to arrange a time that works for you.