District of Kassel

Hedi in your region

District of Kassel: for children to grow up healthy

We support (expectant) parents and families with children and help parents to strengthen their competences. Here you will find information, counseling services and helpful contacts in your region.

Frau in Badewanne - Landkreis Kassel
Hebammensuche regional

Find a midwife in your region

The Hedi midwife search displays midwives in your region who are available to take care of you. This saves you and the midwives time.

If you do not find a midwife there, feel free to get in touch with us at willkommen-gesundheitsamt@kassel.de

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Things you should know about pregnancy

Ärztin und Hebamme

‘Der Mutterpass’: A Record of Prenatal and Natal Care

The German maternity record (Mutterpass) is an important document that will accompany you until the birth of your child and beyond. You will receive it from your gynaecologist or your midwife as soon as your pregnancy has been safely established. Your maternity record lists the check-ups and screenings that are specified in the German maternity guidelines (Mutterschaftsrichtlinien) and are paid for by statutory health insurance. The results of all check-ups are entered in your maternity record. These data provide information that is important for birth and postpartum care. This documentation is also helpful in the event of another pregnancy. The information recorded in your maternity record is very important in case of medical emergencies during pregnancy. That's why you should always have your maternity record with you!

Mutter stillt Baby

Breastfeeding: The Best Start for Mother and Baby

Most parents who give birth can breastfeed their babies. Breast milk is sufficient as the sole food for infants for the first six months after birth. It not only satisfies hunger, but at the same time provides exactly as much liquid as the baby needs. It is also rich in substances that promote your baby’s growth and overall health. Breastfeeding your baby strengthens their body's defenses against disease, and better protects them against allergies and infections. Your breast milk passes antibodies and cells that your immune system has formed on to your child. Artificial milk does not contain these important ingredients. Also, the close skin contact during breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between you and your child. Last but not least, many parents find breastfeeding convenient. Breast milk is always at the right temperature and is always available. You will have these benefits even if you are only partially breastfeeding your baby.

Mutter und Baby beim Windelwechsel

Why Babies Cry and Scream

The first weeks and months with a new baby are a beautiful but exhausting time for most parents. A baby's frequent crying or screaming can be a challenge. Maybe you're irritated because you don't understand what your baby needs? Remember that you are just getting to know each other! You will learn over time what your baby wants and how to comfort them. The baby will also gradually learn to self-soothe. It's okay to admit that sometimes the baby's loud screaming and crying gets on your nerves. You're not alone in feeling this way. It is perfectly okay to ask family members or friends to take the load off you.

Berater, Helfer und Familie

Counseling and Assistance for Single Parents

Raising a child alone is a big task that many mothers and fathers master day after day. Even as a single parent, you face the challenge of doing right by your child, yourself, and possibly your job. To manage this balancing act, it can be helpful to have a network of supporters who can help and step in when needed. This can include relatives or friends. But different governmental offices or professional counseling centers can also be part of this network or support you in building such a network for yourself.