In this episode I talk to Jessica Strickmann, an on-call midwife, a Beleghebamme, working in Berlin Sankt Joseph hospital. She is the founder of the Erdmutter Kollektiv, a collective of on-call midwives offering prenatal care, birth care and postpartum care to families all over Berlin. She lives in Berlin with her three children. I was really excited to have Jessica agree to this interview, because she is nothing less than a rockstar in the pregnancy and birth world in Berlin.

I had to cut this interview in two parts as we had so many topics to discuss. In this second episode, listen as Jessica explains what a transfer from a home birth to hospital really look like and how she makes sure she’s always available when on call. Jessica will talk us through the details of her work like when should a couple get in touch to secure a spot with her, how much her services cost and what can you do to have the best care if you cannot get a Beleghebamme. Finally, she will reveal to us what she really thinks about doulas and how one can get involved politically to ensure as many parents as possible receive 1-to-1 care at birth.

Trigger warning Midwife care around miscarriages

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39:11 What does a transfer from home to hospital really look like?

50:27 How does a Beleghebamme make sure she’s available when she’s on call?

56:52 When should a couple arrange for a Beleghebamme? When should you start looking for one?

59:57 until 1:04:25 Trigger warning Midwife care around miscarriages

01:05:00 How much does a Beleghebamme cost?

01:06:42 What can you if you are too late to get a Beleghebamme? What does Jessica think about doulas?

01:12:04 Why is there a lack of midwife and how can you politically engage to protect their status as well as empower the parents’ rights?

If you want to check if Jessica and her team to care for you during your pregnancy and birth, you need to call them as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test, send them an sms to:

If you want to get involved in or learn more about the work of Motherhood e.V.: https://www.mother-hood.de

Resources and tips that Jessica mentioned:

Ina May Gaskin: http://inamay.com

Get help with paperwork: www.babyinberlin.com

Doulas: https://www.facebook.com/groups/146721342710225

Placenta encapsulation: https://www.shanaythedoula.com/placenta-encapulation