Midwives in need: losses of income threaten in Stralsund!

Midwives in need: losses of income threaten in Stralsund!

Stralsund, Deutschland - A look at the current situation of the midwives in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania shows urgent need for action. From November 1, 2025, a new midwife aid contract comes into force, which is not only tightened the financial framework, but also endangered the professional existence of many support midwives. According to [Ostsee-Zeitung] (https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/vorpommern-ruegen/stralsund/Hebammen-in-not-ostseider-unter-stolz-aus-neuer-sportsbar--3j3vgcvhthmbam52nf2yxje.html) a birth reduced to only 80 percent of the previous sum. For many freelance midwives in Stralsund, this brings potential losses of income with it, which it may make to give up.

The conversations with the clinic management are already in full swing to find solutions for precarious conditions. The midwife aid contract, which has existed since August 1, 2007 and has been concluded between the midwifery associations and the GKV top association, regulates the provision of services and billing with health insurance companies. Without admission to this contract, the freelance midwives have no way to settle their services at all, which could further tighten the situation, such as GKV-Spitzenverband emphasizes.

midwife supply and their challenges

Dissatisfaction with obstetrical care runs throughout Germany. Parents' associations and service providers have been demanding fundamental improvements for years. At the local, state and federal level, alliances are founded to promote a physiological birth, including as part of the National Health goal (NGZ), which is anchored in the coalition agreement of the Federal Government. The aim is to support women evidence-based and needs-based in order to improve birth experience, as explained [Barmer Institute for Health System Research] (https://www.bifg.de/versorgungskompass/gegeburtshilfe-und- and-midwife supply).

The lack of transparency in outpatient obstetrical care contributes to the confusion. In particular, the offers and services of gynecologists and midwives are often unclear, which makes it difficult to support pregnant women, childbearing. Dr. med. Dagmar Hertle speaks in her podcast "midwifery" about the need to advance changes in this industry.

economic effects on the Stralsund Baltic Sea Center

An additional problem for the regional economy is proud to close the department store, an important customer magnet for the Baltic Sea center in Stralsund. After closing a month ago, the neighboring shops recorded a decline to customers, which significantly stresses the economic situation in the center. A solution to reuse of the now empty sales area is still pending, so that the uncertainty about future developments in the Baltic Sea Center remains great.

In this context, the further development of the Gastro mile Prora, which attracts tourists and locals, could be considered a ray of hope. A new gastronomic offer has been created here, which shows that not only hotel guests are welcome. A fish roll for 4.50 euros is a tempting offer that can easily keep up with the prices on the harbor.

The starting point in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is tense, both with regard to obstetrical care through freelance midwives and in the regional economy. The coming months could be decisive for how the situation will develop and which solutions can be found.