December 16, 2025, 1:10 pm | Read time: 8 minutes
A birth is a miracle—but it can also be overwhelming. Suddenly, there’s a little being that needs care around the clock. Sleepless nights, uncertainties, and bureaucratic hurdles challenge many parents. This is where the “Babylotsen” (baby guides) come in. They support mothers and fathers in the first days, sometimes weeks, after birth, provide assistance, and ensure that no one has to go through this turbulent time alone. FITBOOK editor Julia Freiberger spoke with the program coordinator and a baby guide who shared their experiences from Charité Berlin.
“We are there when parents don’t know what to do next,” says baby guide Mira Wilkendorf. Together with Dr. Christine Klapp, longtime coordinator of the Babylotsen program at Charité Berlin, they explain to FITBOOK in an interview why early support is so important—and how the program works.
Overview
- “Many Parents Don’t Even Know That Help is Available”
- Program Process
- “Midwives and Baby Guides—We Work Hand in Hand”
- “Many Women Don’t Know That the ‘Baby Blues’ is Normal”
- “This So-Called Shaken Baby Syndrome Has Devastating Consequences”
- “We Are Definitely Available the Entire First Year”
- Touching Moments of the Babylotsen Program
- “Social Media Puts Enormous Pressure on Parents”
- Conclusion: Parents Need More Support—Baby Guides Are an Important Step
- Sources
“Many Parents Don’t Even Know That Help is Available”
FITBOOK: Why was the Babylotsen program created? Was there a lack of information or support for parents?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “Yes, there are many support services for parents, especially within the framework of ‘early help.’ But the problem is: Many don’t even know these services exist, or don’t know how to access them. This is where the Babylotsen—introduced in Hamburg in 2007 and in Berlin in 2011—come into play. Their goal is to guide mothers and fathers early on—before being overwhelmed becomes a problem.”
Mira Wilkendorf: “We don’t want parents to only receive help when they are at their wits’ end.”
Program Process
How exactly does the Babylotsen program work?
Mira Wilkendorf: “Even when registering for birth at the clinic, psychosocial questions are asked: Is the mother a single parent? Are there financial or health burdens? Those who reach a certain score in this analysis are actively approached by the Babylotsen. But anyone can contact us—regardless of the score. The contact details can be found in Berlin on the insert in the maternity record or on information sheets in the clinic.”
“Midwives and Baby Guides—We Work Hand in Hand”
What distinguishes baby guides from midwives?
Mira Wilkendorf: “Midwives are primarily medically trained and accompany women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. We, on the other hand, also address psychosocial issues, advise on parental leave or child benefits, mediate support services, and assist with organizational questions.”
Why is collaboration so important?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “Midwives often don’t have time to deal with social and legal issues—that’s where we step in.”
Why don’t all parents automatically receive support?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “That would not be feasible in terms of personnel and finances. That’s why we specifically reach out to families where our analysis indicates potential burdens.” This also involves sensitive topics such as financial worries, psychological stress, or difficult partnership situations.”
Mira Wilkendorf: “At the same time, we are there for everyone. Even parents who are not considered particularly burdened in our analysis can contact us at any time.”
“Many Women Don’t Know That the ‘Baby Blues’ is Normal”
What concerns and questions do parents have most often?
Mira Wilkendorf: “Many mothers only realize after birth how important a midwife would be—and then it’s often hard to find one, but we can help in 80 percent of cases. Other recurring questions include: How do you quickly get the birth certificate? Are you entitled to household help? What to do if the baby cries a lot? When does postpartum depression start?”
Dr. Christine Klapp: “Additionally, many women don’t know that the ‘baby blues’ is normal. It’s important to distinguish it from actual postpartum depression—and then offer targeted support. The topic of colicky babies also plays a role in many conversations. Parents often feel helpless and desperate when their child cries inconsolably for extended periods.”
“This So-Called Shaken Baby Syndrome Has Devastating Consequences”
How common is shaken baby syndrome—and how severe are the consequences?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “This is where we must discuss the risk of being overwhelmed, which can lead to a temporary loss of nerves and self-control by the caregiver, resulting in the baby being shaken. This so-called shaken baby syndrome has devastating consequences: Only about 10 to 20 percent of babies survive this form of abuse unscathed, 10 to 30 percent die, and 50 to 70 percent survive with lifelong mental or physical disabilities and seizure disorders.”
How can parents be informed early about the dangers of shaking?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “Many parents don’t know what happens when a baby is shaken. We address this early on and provide advice on how to manage and prevent such overwhelming situations—including early counseling at so-called ‘colicky baby clinics.’ It’s not about making accusations, but about providing information that is well-received. Parents respond openly and gratefully.”
“We Are Definitely Available the Entire First Year”
How do you recognize parents who are hesitant to ask for help?
Mira Wilkendorf: “Often, it helps to start the conversation with non-threatening topics like the birth certificate or financial questions. This lowers the threshold. Once we’re in conversation, many parents open up on their own. We are definitely available for the entire first year. We encourage families to contact us if they have questions or new challenges even after discharge.”
Dr. Christine Klapp: “Especially when we’ve initiated concrete help in the clinic—such as applying for household help, arranging a midwife, or setting up outreach parental support—we follow up after a few weeks. We ask if everything worked out, how the family is doing, and if new needs have arisen. If necessary, we start anew.”
Touching Moments of the Babylotsen Program
Was there a moment that particularly touched you?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “There are many such moments. A mother wrote to me after a conversation: ‘Thank you! Now I can finally look forward to my child.’ This shows how valuable our work is.”
Mira Wilkendorf: “Another case was a mother who had been living in a shelter for a year. We supported her through the birth and helped her find housing. Such situations are, of course, particularly challenging. This work changes lives—and sometimes even our own. When we see that parents regain hope with our support, it gives us a lot in return.”
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“Social Media Puts Enormous Pressure on Parents”
What is the biggest mistake parents can make in the first weeks?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “Many put pressure on themselves. They believe they have to do everything alone and be perfect parents right away. Social media amplifies this pressure. Everywhere you see mothers who are back in shape shortly after birth, have everything under control, and seemingly never reach their limits. But that’s a completely unrealistic expectation. We show parents that they don’t have to be perfect—just be there for their child.”
Who funds the baby guides?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “Families don’t have to pay anything—that was clear from the start. But nationwide, funding is not yet uniformly regulated.”
Mira Wilkendorf: “Some locations are funded by foundations, others by the city or through donations. Berlin is a pioneer—here, the program is fortunately largely funded by the Senate Department for Health and for all maternity clinics, but unfortunately, we still lack nationwide regular funding for our work. This unfortunately also affects us because it is uncertain almost everywhere in Germany whether the baby guide positions will exist long-term.”
Dr. Christine Klapp: “We hope that politicians will recognize the importance. Our work is indispensable, as has been confirmed both practically and scientifically.”
Conclusion: Parents Need More Support—Baby Guides Are an Important Step
Your program does important work and helps new families. But is there possibly still room for improvement?
Dr. Christine Klapp: “The birth of a child is not only a moment of joy, but often also a time of uncertainty. The Babylotsen program helps exactly where parents are overwhelmed—and gives them the security they need. But the system still has weaknesses: Secured funding and better integration into long-term services are urgently needed. Parental well-being is child well-being—and no one should be left alone during this important phase of life.”
In 2024, BILD hilft e.V. “Ein Herz für Kinder” also supported the “Babylotsen” project by covering personnel costs for baby guides—distributed across 17 Berlin maternity clinics.
The Quality Association Babylotse e.V. is a nationwide association of professionals and institutions that continuously develop and implement the Babylotse program together. The program’s goal is to support families through early counseling and targeted assistance during pregnancy and in the first years of the child’s life.1
The National Center for Early Help (NZFH) aims to strengthen children’s developmental opportunities early and sustainably, especially concerning families with burdens. A key focus is the targeted networking of services in the health sector, child and youth welfare, and other relevant areas such as pregnancy counseling and early intervention.2