Pregnant women can find the right midwife in every federal state and throughout Austria. This is because supporting expectant mothers through their pregnancy, up to the birth and beyond—in collaboration with their treating gynecologist—ensures the best possible medical care.
Support from a midwife
A midwife is much more than just someone who assists with childbirth. In addition to the physical aspects, many expectant mothers are also concerned about the emotional side of pregnancy and childbirth. We’re about to become parents—are we ready for this responsibility? Is my baby healthy, and what if it isn’t? Do I feel strong enough to give birth? These and many other questions are asked by many expectant mothers who want to prepare as best they can for childbirth.
To do this, they turn to a midwife they trust. For the partner as well, the midwife is the first point of contact for concerns and seemingly everyday questions that occupy the minds of men today. Do I have to be there for the birth? How can I really help my wife? The midwife finds answers, offers support, provides strength, and guides the couple through the coming weeks and months.
What does a midwife's job entail?
More than 80,000 children are born in Austria each year, and every single baby is welcomed by one of the approximately 1,500 practicing midwives. But providing support during childbirth is only one aspect of a midwife’s work, which begins much earlier, during pregnancy:
- Diagnosis and Tests During Pregnancy
- Home visits and telephone counseling
- Childbirth Preparation Class
- Prenatal Swimming
- Breastfeeding Help
- Baby Care
- Postpartum Care
- Advice on all matters related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days with your baby
When is the best time to start looking for a midwife?
As soon as the pregnancy test comes back positive and the OB-GYN confirms the pregnancy, couples begin looking for a midwife. If you’re just starting to plan a pregnancy, you can also start looking into local hospitals and birthing centers.
How do you find the right midwife?
There are several ways to find the right midwife. The website of the Austrian Midwives’ Association , www.hebammen.at, offers a convenient online search tool for all of Austria. A direct link takes you to each federal state, allowing you to get in touch with local midwives. Word of mouth is also a great way to find the right midwife. Who has had a good experience with whom? Other mothers are happy to share helpful tips and ideas.
Where should the baby be born?
When choosing a midwife, you’re often indirectly deciding on the birth location as well. If you want your own trusted midwife by your side on the big day, you’ll need to contact a midwife affiliated with your local hospital. However, there are also birthing centers that employ midwives. For home births, freelance midwives are a good option. The cost factor should not be underestimated either. Care from a private midwife can cost several hundred euros per pregnancy. At the local hospital, however, the costs are usually covered by health insurance.
Trust brings people together—especially before and during childbirth
The most important thing when choosing your very own midwife is the fundamental trust you have in the person who stands by your side during one of the most intimate moments in a woman’s life. With her help, your long-awaited child is born, and both mother and child are safe, healthy, and happy after the exertions of childbirth.
