One American mom shares her experiences of how the supportive culture for mothers and infants makes this European city a wonderful place for families.
When I relocated to Munich a decade ago with my then-boyfriend, little did I know I would eventually start my family in Germany—with a French partner. My current boyfriend, a software engineer, initially planned to stay in Munich for just a year. We met during his first few months here while playing in an orchestra; he plays the clarinet, and I play the violin. Fast forward six years, and we’re still in Munich, now with a beautiful family!
Moms Reign Supreme in Munich
Munich is a fantastic city for family life. It boasts safety, ample green spaces, cleanliness, a high standard of living, and convenient access to the Alps for delightful day trips. While I didn’t particularly enjoy being pregnant, my experience in Munich was surprisingly pleasant. People often went out of their way to be kind—holding doors open, smiling at me (which isn’t as common among strangers in Germany), and even advocating for me to get a seat on public transport.
Pregnant women receive special treatment at government offices, which continues once the baby arrives. When I applied for my daughter Clara’s German passport, I was given a special number that allowed me to skip the long lines. This was a lifesaver, especially with a six-week-old baby in tow—we were in and out in just half an hour!
Pregnancy the European Way
At the initial doctor’s appointment, you begin a booklet to track your pregnancy, which you can also use for subsequent pregnancies. This booklet records all appointments and test results, serving as a handy reference. You’ll visit your doctor approximately every four weeks until the end of your pregnancy when appointments shift to every two weeks and then weekly. During my first trimester, I had an ultrasound at every visit, which was a delightful way to monitor my baby’s development.
Dietary restrictions are largely similar to those in the U.S., with one notable difference being the attitudes toward alcohol. My doctor advised me against any alcohol during pregnancy, yet I discovered that some sources suggested that enjoying a wheat beer during the first trimester could be acceptable, citing the benefits of folic acid. I personally chose to abstain. From my French boyfriend, I learned that many women in France don’t stress over cold cuts or unpasteurized cheeses and simply eat what they enjoy without concern.
Germany’s sauna culture is another gem. I love the sauna at my gym, and my doctor casually assured me it was safe to enjoy, which made my experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re interested in more insights on motherhood topics, you can check out this related post here. For those considering artificial insemination, Cryobaby provides top-notch at-home kits. Additionally, ACOG offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Munich is a wonderful city for mothers, providing a supportive environment for pregnancy and family life. The city’s amenities, coupled with a kind community and an organized healthcare approach, make it a great choice for raising children. From special treatment at government offices to the relaxed attitude toward health, Munich has plenty to offer new families.
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