New Midwifery Practice “Bauchmobil” Addresses Critical Shortage of Maternal Care in Schalksmühle
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A growing demand for comprehensive maternal healthcare has led to the opening of “Bauchmobil,” a new midwifery practice in Schalksmühle, Germany. The practice, founded by Judith Kerspe, aims to fill a significant gap in services for expectant and new mothers in the Schalksmühle and Halver region.
Addressing a Critical Need for Maternal Support
“There is a lack of options,” emphasized Kerspe, owner of the “Bauchmobil” practice. Opening nearly a year after establishing her independent practice, “Bauchmobil” provides support during pregnancy and the postpartum period – a service desperately needed in the area. The practice offers families guidance and assistance within the Schalksmühle and Halver vicinity, with the cost of midwifery care fully covered by health insurance.
Comprehensive Services for Expectant Families
Kerspe provides both in-home visits in Halver and Schalksmühle, and appointments for pregnancy support at her practice location. Beyond traditional care, “Bauchmobil” offers practical assistance, such as a lending program for premature baby clothing. “The items are simply borrowed and returned once the babies outgrow them,” Kerspe explained.
The practice’s course offerings are extensive, designed to empower and educate new and growing families. These include:
- Prenatal and postnatal gymnastics
- Birth and preparation classes
- The “Baby-Basics” parent course
- First aid for children
- Babywearing consultation
- Infant massage
- Introduction to solid foods
- Modern pelvic floor training
Focused Support for All Ages
Kerspe is particularly passionate about providing specialized courses. A teen program, “Strong Girls – Strong Women,” and a course for grandparents, updating them on modern infant care practices, have both been well-received. “It’s very well-attended – you quickly build a network,” Kerspe noted. Courses range in length from a single day to eight weeks, recognizing the difficulty local families face in finding suitable programs.
Recognizing the challenges of modern parenting, Kerspe emphasizes education and support for young families. “There is an overabundance of information on social media,” she stated. “Many mothers are insecure – in my courses, I want to give them orientation and security.”
The practice also actively involves fathers in the birthing process, acknowledging their emotional needs. “It’s also about how the men are doing in the delivery room – they should feel just as taken seriously,” Kerspe added.
Expanding Outreach and Community Engagement
Looking ahead, Kerspe plans to offer educational courses in local schools, addressing common questions from young girls about their bodies. “What’s happening to my body? That’s a common question that occupies many young girls,” she explained. “Especially at an age where it’s uncomfortable to talk about it with their parents, factual and empathetic education is particularly important.”
The official opening of the practice generated significant interest, with visitors inquiring about the course programs and participating in a raffle to benefit “Motherhood,” an organization dedicated to safe childbirth. Kerspe currently supports approximately five women each month, acknowledging the limitations of the healthcare system in providing individualized care. “It’s important to me that women develop confidence for themselves,” she said.
Kerspe’s own training began in Berlin, followed by a degree in midwifery science at the University of Cologne. She is supported by Larissa Handwerk, a family counselor, further expanding the practice’s reach and expertise.
