You are pregnant and don't know what to do after the birth of your baby? Maybe the household is getting away from you and you feel like you just can't cope with everyday life with your baby. In all these cases and other emergency situations you can get help from an early help specialist. These are midwives, children's nurses and other healthcare workers who have undergone special additional training to be able to support you in difficult psychological and social situations. They are also called ‘family midwives’ or ‘family health and children's nurses’. Such a professional will come to your home and work with you to find out how best to support you and your family. They will help you and your family members grow into your new roles. They will also help you fill out applications, accompany you to authorities and to doctors' offices. Their support is free of charge. These early help specialists are usually there for you and your family until the baby's first birthday. They’re part of the Early Help Network (Netzwerk der Frühen Hilfen) and therefore have contacts to other aid and support services.
Is such an offer right for me?
An early help specialist supports both pregnant people and those whose babies are already in the world. They help mothers and their families with special stresses and in personal crises. You may be having such a crisis due to financial problems. Or you’ve experienced domestic abuse in your partnership. You may be very young and feeling overwhelmed. Parents who have problems with alcohol or drugs can also take advantage of the offer. This offer is also available to parents who just feel unhappy and overwhelmed since their baby was born. And there are many more reasons to get support. There is no reason to be ashamed of!
Where can I find an early help specialist?
If you would like an early help specialist to come to your home, you can contact the staff of a pregnancy counselling centre. You can also ask your doctor or your midwife for contacts. Or you can get in touch with the people you find in the Early Help Network. You can also call 0800 40 40 020 for advice. This number is set up for pregnant people in need. The employees speak a total of 18 languages and are there for you around the clock. You don't have to say who you are if you don't want to. For more information, visit www.schwanger-und-viele-fragen.de.
