Postnatal care after returning from abroad
After giving birth or experiencing a premature birth abroad, there is usually still a period of follow-up care once you return home. Arranging postnatal care after an international return works slightly differently than after a regular birth at home. This article outlines the key points to consider.
Why follow-up care after returning is slightly different
When a birth takes place abroad, there is no continuous file with your own midwife or postnatal care organization, as there would be after a regular birth at home.
This means that the medical handover upon return is especially important: the general practitioner, paediatrician or postnatal care provider at home should be informed as fully as possible about how the birth and the first few days went.
The more complete the medical records brought back, the more quickly care at home can connect seamlessly.
Applying for postnatal care after returning
Postnatal care can generally also be requested when the birth took place abroad, although the exact procedure differs by postnatal care organization and insurer.
It is advisable to start this as soon as possible after returning, as the usual application periods sometimes begin during pregnancy.
For this, contact your own insurer or postnatal care organization and explain that the birth took place abroad.
Medical follow-up for the mother
Follow-up after returning is also important for the mother, especially if there were complications during the birth abroad, such as a caesarean section or heavy blood loss.
Schedule an appointment with the general practitioner or midwife shortly after returning, even if there are no immediate complaints, to monitor recovery.
Bring the medical records from the birth, or a summary of them, so that the healthcare provider at home has a complete picture.
Medical follow-up for the baby
A newborn baby needs several check-ups in the first few weeks, such as weight monitoring, hearing screening and assessment of general development.
When returning from abroad, it is important to schedule these check-ups as soon as possible with the general practitioner, paediatrician or child health clinic.
In the case of a premature birth or medical concerns during the birth, targeted follow-up by a paediatrician is especially important.
Administrative steps after returning
In addition to medical care, there is also administration to arrange: registering the birth in your home country, applying for a birth certificate or updating the national register, and possibly adjusting health insurance.
The exact steps differ by country and situation; if in doubt, the municipality or health insurance fund/insurer can provide more information.
Keep all documents relating to the birth and the journey safe, as they are often needed for various administrative steps.
Emotional aftercare for parents
Giving birth abroad, especially in the case of complications or a premature birth, may have been emotionally difficult for parents, regardless of the medical aspects.
It is not unusual to still have questions, stress or uncertainty about what happened after returning.
Do not hesitate to discuss this with your general practitioner, midwife or a specialized counsellor; good aftercare goes beyond the medical aspect alone.