16.08.2024
More and more women are seeking help from the Caritas pregnancy counseling center. Last year, 432 women registered for the first time – almost all of them applied for financial assistance. In addition, 85 cases from the previous year were processed.
More and more people are seeking advice at pregnancy counseling centers
Last year, the counseling center was able to distribute a total of €230,500 to pregnant women and their families through the federal foundation "Mother and Child" to provide support. In eight particularly difficult situations, the counselors were also able to provide additional funds from the Bishop's Fund. "We are very pleased that we can use these diocesan funds to support families in need quickly and without bureaucracy," emphasizes Karin Falldorf from the pregnancy counseling service of Caritas Bremen.
Long waiting times are becoming a problem
The rising demand is a problem because it causes waiting times of several months. "However, those who can't get an appointment before the birth can't apply for financial support from the Federal Foundation," says Falldorf. "Furthermore, women with a migration background are often unaware of the services offered by midwives or the procedure for registering at a hospital. By the time they arrive for counseling, it's often too late to find a midwife or register. Long processing times for applications for child benefit supplements or housing benefits put families in additional hardship."
Psychosocial counseling for various problem situations
The number of pregnant women or couples with a refugee or migration background is very high. Many men who fled the war in Syria and came to Bremen in 2015 and 2016 have since become naturalized citizens and employed, allowing their families to join them. However, they often work in minimum-wage jobs and feel pressured to support their families, which can lead to conflicts in relationships and at work. This is where psychosocial counseling comes in.
Consequences of the lockdown
The coronavirus crisis continues to cast a shadow: women who gave birth in isolation during the lockdown were severely affected. Those now expecting a second child are often worried about having to go through childbirth again without a support person.
Comprehensive consultation
Pregnancy counseling considers the entire life situation of expectant parents. If needed, the counselors also connect expectant parents with other support services available in the city of Bremen or in individual districts. This includes referrals to early intervention programs such as early intervention centers, midwifery centers, family centers, and mothers' centers. At the Caritas counseling center, two specialists share one position. Funding comes from state and church tax revenue.
Further information on Caritas pregnancy counselling
Source: caritas-bremen.de, News , August 8, 2024