Birth
Thematic focus
What you should know about giving birth in a private hospital
As the due date approaches, everything should be prepared for the upcoming delivery and stay in hospital. But what else do you need to think about, what does the baby need and what should not be missing for the time afterwards?
Below you will find insightful answers to urgent questions about childbirth.
- What are the advantages of giving birth in a private hospital?
No time pressure during the birth, plenty of consideration for individual wishes and an uncomplicated registration process are just the three most common factors why more and more expectant mothers are choosing to give birth in a private hospital. The combination of a calm, relaxed atmosphere and the highest level of professionalism creates the ideal conditions for a safe birth without complications. This also applies to the days following the birth, the so-called puerperium. The admission of the newborn in the mother's room and the sensitive care provided by the nurses enable a gentle, relaxed start. Breastfeeding advice and initial postnatal gymnastics are also part of the standard offer in Austrian private clinics. - Do you need supplementary private health insurance to give birth in a private hospital?
No, even without supplementary private health insurance, there is nothing to stop you giving birth in a private hospital. Part of the costs are reimbursed by social insurance, the rest is to be paid by the patient. The prices for this vary from clinic to clinic. However, even if you are already pregnant, it is possible to take out supplementary insurance that covers all costs for pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. You can obtain a clear breakdown of the total costs from the private clinic of your choice. - By when do you have to register for the birth?
You can register either online or in person. If you would like to attend a birth preparation course at your chosen hospital, you should of course register in good time. The right time to start antenatal classes is between the 28th and 30th week of pregnancy. - What individual antenatal classes are offered in a private clinic?
The private clinics cater to the individual needs of the expectant mother during pregnancy. In addition to the classic birth preparation course, they also offer holistic methods, pregnancy gymnastics, pregnancy yoga or breastfeeding advice as well as birth preparation acupuncture. You can find more information about the courses at your chosen clinic. - How early before the due date should the hospital bag be packed?
Good preparation is the be-all and end-all so that the birth process starts less hectic. The baby often sets off to see the light of day earlier than planned. The hospital bag should therefore be packed a few weeks before the due date. One recommendation would be to have the basic equipment for the hospital stay prepared by the 37th week of pregnancy at the latest. And to make your stay as comfortable as possible, pregnant women should take the same care products, toiletries and clothes that they use at home. A robe, slippers, nursing bra, nightgown, warm socks for the birth and the most important cosmetic items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, face cream and hairbrush should definitely go in the hospital bag. As a general rule, clothing and underwear for the journey home should be comfortable and functional.
- Can you give birth in a private hospital if you don't bring your own doctor with you?
There are several options for expectant mothers in this case. You can choose an attending physician at the clinic of your choice and get to know him or her during your pregnancy. The best possible care is also ensured by having a specialist on site or on call at all times. In addition, not every gynecologist performs births. In this case, there is the possibility of so-called referral obstetrics. This means that the expectant mother does not have to change her doctor during pregnancy, but can still decide to give birth in a private hospital. In this case, the birth will be carried out by an obstetrician on duty at the chosen private clinic. For the postnatal care, the mother then has the choice between the gynecologist or an attending physician at the hospital. In addition, there is always a specialist doctor on site or on call around the clock, as well as an anesthetist who will be called in if an epidural is required. - What birthing methods and positions are used in the private clinics?
In Austrian private clinics, attention is paid to the individual wishes and needs of expectant mothers. In order to take these into account as much as possible, the maternity wards have a variety of aids at their disposal, such as birthing tubs, birthing squats, wall bars and Pezzi balls. Giving birth in a position that is comfortable for the woman is encouraged: This can be in water, on a stool, in bed and in any birthing position that makes sense and can be changed depending on how the woman feels. Alternative medical therapies, medication or an epidural can be used to relieve pain. - Are caesarean sections also performed in private clinics?
Yes, if a caesarean section is necessary, this can be performed immediately in any private hospital with the assistance of a pediatrician. Planned caesarean sections are also standard in Austrian private clinics. - Can the partner be accommodated in the room?
Yes, there are so-called family rooms in the private maternity wards and a companion (e.g. the partner) can also be accommodated together with the expectant mother. This is a good opportunity for new parents to get to know the new family member and familiarize themselves with their new role in a protected atmosphere and with loving and experienced support, especially during the first few days of the postpartum period.
