Family education center and St. Antonius-Hospital Gronau invite you to the “Day around the birth”

Anyone looking for information about childbirth today can find everything they need online. That was different 25 years ago. Back then, the “Birth Day” was created by midwives from Gronau who wanted to provide expectant mothers with personal information and support. But especially today, when all information is just a click away, personal encounters are more valuable than ever – especially during such a drastic experience as childbirth.

On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Gronau Family Education Center, in cooperation with St. Antonius Hospital Gronau, the Social Service of Catholic Women Ahaus-Vreden and Diakonie West, invites you to the 25th Birth Information Day. Expectant parents can get to know the people they will come into contact with in connection with the birth: Midwives, doctors, but also advisors from social institutions where benefits such as parental allowance or child benefit can be applied for after the birth. The event lasts from 14:30 to 17:30. Admission is free, registration is not required.

“It is important to us that expectant parents not only take away knowledge, but also the feeling that they are not alone here,” emphasizes Diana Ricker, Head of Department at the Family Education Centre. “The information day thrives on encounters, openness and trust – no website can replace that.”

Wiebke Zimmermann, head midwife at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics at St. Antonius-Hospital Gronau, adds: “In the past, the focus was on topics such as breastfeeding or birth preparation for women only – today, most couples come together to prepare for the birth as a shared experience and make initial contacts.”

This year, St. Antonius Hospital is an official cooperation partner for the first time. In addition to general lectures on childbirth, visitors can expect a varied program with four workshops: Topics include “Baby care”, “Natural birth and alternative pain relief”, “Becoming parents and staying a couple” and “Parental allowance, child benefit and co – An overview”.

In her presentation, senior physician Senait Berhane from the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics will provide information about the birth process and answer questions about birth planning, the delivery room and medical care.

Practical tips for everyday life in the clinic – from the packed clinic bag and registration formalities to the first nappy change and bathing – complete the program. Melanie Epping and Kirsten Radau from the Diakonie pregnancy advice center will also provide an overview of financial support services for young families.

All rooms of the family education center are open during the information day. A buffet with fruit and cake is offered in the foyer – including the opportunity for discussions, exchanges and personal encounters.

Attachment: Photo: Midwife Wiebke Zimmermann (left) and Diana Ricker from the family education center are looking forward to welcoming many visitors on March 1.