For foreigners, the postnatal care covered by both types of insurance is usually a welcome shock. A midwife can make up to 10 visits after the birth to help you with everyday tasks, such as changing nappies, breastfeeding and coping with an addition to your family. If the visits aren’t enough, let your doctor know and he can prescribe even more. Alternatively, if you’re doing fine with the baby and the visits are becoming laborious, let the midwife know and she’ll either come less frequently or stop the visits altogether. It’s best to find a midwife for postnatal care before you give birth – you can ask one of the midwives at the hospital or check in with a birthhouse. As with most things medical, friends are also a good potential source. Once you’ve decided on a midwife, she’ll have you sign a contract and then give you her mobile number so you can call as soon as you need help.

Directly after giving birth, the doctor will give your child the once-over in the first of a series of examinations prescribed by law. The exams are chronologically titled and this first is known as the U1, where u equals Untersuchung, or exam. If everything is going well, you’ll have to take your child to the paediatrician for the second exam – the U2 – three to 20 days after the birth. The doctor will take a good look at the baby’s early development and pepper you with questions about breastfeeding, the baby’s weight and everyone’s health.

Germany has a very open society, so don’t feel nervous about breastfeeding in public. Since there’s a baby boom underway in parts of Berlin, you may not even be the first in the restaurant, cafe or store to be breastfeeding your baby.