Neonatology in Germany

Neonatology is a field of medicine that focuses on caring for newborn babies, particularly ill or premature newborns. It is a subspecialty of pediatrics. A medical professional who specializes in neonatology is called a neonatologist. The difference between a pediatrician and a neonatologist is that, while pediatricians are qualified to solve most health problems of newborns, neonatologists are trained specifically to handle the most complex and high-risk situations. Neonatologists can also provide antenatal consultation for women with certain risk factors, such as multiple births. 

Neonatologists’ main patients are newborn infants who are ill or in need of special medical attention due to congenital malformations (birth defects), low birth weight, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, pulmonary hypoplasia, seizures, hydrocephalus, birth asphyxia, or sepsis. In general, neonatologist provides the following care:

• Antenatal consultation (consultation during pregnancy) for women with certain risk factors or when a problem is identified before the baby is born.
• Care for newborns at delivery due to issues or conditions in the mother or baby that may require intervention in the delivery room.
• Diagnose and treat newborns with conditions, such as birth defects, infections, and breathing disorders.
• Make sure that critically ill newborns receive the correct nutrition to recover and grow.
• Medically manage newborns who are critically ill, born premature, or in need of surgery.
• Treat and stabilize newborns with any life-threatening medical problems.
• Give comprehensive care to newborn babies by involving obstetricians, pediatricians, and family physicians.
• Educates parents or caretakers about disease prevention and wellness.

Some of the diagnostic tests and treatments that neonatologists perform include newborn screening tests, imaging tests (such as CT scans and MRI), laboratory tests, APGAR scores, breathing treatments, phototherapy, and surgical procedures.

How Long Should I Stay in Germany?

The length of stay in Germany depends on the mother’s and the baby’s condition and the type of treatment they receive. In most cases, the baby may need to stay in the hospital for two to three weeks. However, you should not leave Germany immediately after your baby is discharged. It generally takes at least 8 weeks until it is safe for your baby to fly on an airplane or travel a long distance. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The specific condition of your baby and the treatment they underwent will determine the recovery time. It can take a day to several weeks until the baby’s condition stabilize and then starts to improve.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your neonatologist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your baby during and after their recovery period. Make sure to follow all of the instructions. You may also need to take your baby for regular checkups. However, you can choose to have these checkups with your local doctor at home if you prefer. 

What's the Success Rate?

Neonatology continues to improve and advance each year. With advances in pediatric anesthesia and airway management, the establishment of NICU, a better understanding of transitional neonatal physiology, and the introduction of total parenteral nutrition have improved the survival rates of newborn babies who need neonatal surgery. Of course, there are still risks and side effects to be aware of, but the procedures are now safer than ever.

Are there Alternatives?

For complex and high-risk situations in newborn babies, there are no other alternatives than seeing a neonatologist.

Neonatology in and around Germany

About Germany

The largest country in Central Europe, this European Union powerhouse is considered to have the best health care system in Europe. Medical Tourists tend to visit Germany for the quality of service rather than the price, with Neonatology procedures being a popular choice. Compared to neighboring Poland and Hungary, prices are considerably higher. With only two JCI accredited facilities, Germany relies more on its local accreditation bodies, including the German Institute for Standardisation, the Telemedicine for the Mobile Society (TEMOS) and the Cooperation for Quality and Transparency in Healthcare (KTQ-GmBH). Most doctors and even medical staff are fluent in English. Popular medical tourism destinations outside of the capital, Berlin, include Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt.

Popular Parts of Germany

With a population of roughly 83 million people, Germany is the second most populous state in Europe. The country is a mixture of rich history and advanced technology. You can pay your respect at WWII memorial and museums, enjoy its beautiful artistic nature, or indulge in its gastronomic delights.

• Berlin is Germany’s capital city. It is a vibrant city with diverse sights to see. Visit the glass dome of The Reichstag, take a walk through Brandenburg Gate, be inspired by Berlin Cathedral, or wander around a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Museumsinsel (Museum Island).
• Munich is home to a beautiful historic city center, futuristic drives, and outdoor fun. For a historical tour, tourists can travel to the Church of St. Peter, the city’s oldest parish church dating back six centuries. For a car lover, visit the BMW Museum to learn more about the history of BMW cars and motorcycles. For outdoor activity, tourists can surf at the Eisbach wave on the Isar river.
• Hamburg provides refreshing sea air. The city was labeled as “the gateway to the world” because it is a center of international trade. As the city revolves around water, tourists should stroll around the harbor, lay around beside the Elbe, or sail on the Outer Alster lake.
• Frankfurt am Main is the financial and business hotspot of Germany. Although it is packed with skyscrapers, the city still offers amazing architecture, a piece of history, and even a large green space in the city forest.
• Hanover calls itself as the “EXPO City” because it hosts several of the biggest exhibition in the world. The city also boasts an astonishing blend of modern and ancient. There are a number of museums and galleries, a large zoo, and innovative street art for tourists to explore.

Weather and Climate in Germany

The four distinct seasons make Germany a year-round destination for tourists. The summer starts in June and ends in August. The average temperature is 24 °C, sometimes even as high as 30 °C. People tend to enjoy outdoor activities during this season. This is also the most popular time to visit and peak travel season, so prices can be higher than usual.

Autumn is during the months of September and October. The weather is almost as warm and as pleasant as summer, but the temperature can drop in mid-November. This is also a popular time to visit the country, thanks to the famous Oktoberfest.

Winter can be freezing, with temperature as low as -10 °C. The country can be very festive during winter because of its Christmas spirit. Winter stars from December to February. If you wish to visit during this time, be sure to pack warm clothes.

Spring is characterized by the arrival of cherry blossoms around March and ends in May. The temperature can warm up really fast.

Getting around in Germany

Frankfurt Airport is the largest airport in Germany. The airport serves domestic flights as well as international flights. It connects the country with almost every country in the world. The airport is the hub for Condor and Lufthansa. It also serves budget airlines such as Ryanair, Euro wings, Wizz Air. Düsseldorf International Airport and Munich Airport also receive their shares of international flights.

Train, bus, and taxi are the best options to get to the city center from Frankfurt Airport. A trip by train usually costs 4.65 EUR and takes around 40 minutes. Train tickets need to be punched, otherwise, you can get a 50 EUR fine. The bus costs 4.35 EUR and takes around 30 minutes. Buses that take tourists to the city center are No. 61, 77, 72, 58, 62, N81 and N7. Taxis are not very cheap, it will cost around 25 EUR and will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to the city center.

As the creator of the first highway system, Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. The public transportation is integrated with one ticket that gives tourists access to buses, trams, U-Bahn trains, and S-Bahn trains. A one-way fare starts from 2.90 EUR. It is better to get a one-day unlimited pass for 7 EUR or three days for 17 EUR.

Train travel is very efficient and affordable. Germany rail system has both high-speed trains and regular trains. High-speed trains are very fast but much more expensive. It’s advised to book train tickets in advance. Buses are the most cost-effective way to get around Germany although it is not as efficient as the train. Buses here are comfortable with air-conditioning and rest stops.

Taxis in Germany are expensive. All taxis are metered and start with a base fare of around 3.70 EUR. There is no Uber in the country, but tourists can use the MyTaxi App. If you want to get around the city, the best way is to rent a bicycle. Most cities are equipped with well-marked bicycle lanes.

Tourist Visas in Germany

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel, Japan, Poland, the United States, and Switzerland are granted visa-free entry and can stay up to 90 days. Germany is a member of the European Union, so citizens from the EU do not need to obtain a visa to enter.

Citizens of other countries need a Schengen Visa. The application for a Schengen Visa must be filed with the embassy of the country of your primary destination. It is best to always check the requirements for Germany Visa Application before applying.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the local currency is the euro (EUR). 1 USD converts to 0.81 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available across the country. The easiest way to obtain cash is to use an ATM linked to international networks. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Germany, so always make sure to carry some cash. Some hotels, shops, and restaurants will accept credit cards. Tipping 1 EUR to room cleaners or porters is common. Most people add 5% or 10% tip in restaurants and bars. Tourists can tip about 10% to taxi drivers.
3. Local Language: The official language is German. It is nice to know a little German to show respect. Many Germans in major cities and tourist areas will know a little English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: 57% of Germany’s population follows Christianity, making it the largest religion in the country. Islam is the second largest religion. Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism are also practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Germany celebrates Christian religious holidays. The country hosts several festivals such as Maibaumaufstellung every 1st May and Oktoberfest in October.