Where to give birth

Most babies are born in the maternity unit of a hospital. The amount of time spent in hospital can be very short (outpatient delivery) or longer. Sometimes, the mother may decide to give birth at home.

Outpatient delivery

An outpatient delivery means a birth which takes place in hospital, but where you are able to take your baby home a few hours after the birth.

In the event of an outpatient delivery, you are entitled to regular home visits by a midwife in the 10 days following the birth.

The midwife will take care of both you and your baby. She will provide you with information and guidance, particularly on the subject of breastfeeding. These services are paid for (reimbursed) by the health insurance fund.

In the event of an outpatient delivery:

• You can contact a midwife before the birth. A midwife consultation during pregnancy is paid for (reimbursed) by the health insurance fund.
• The child is given an initial medical examination within the first 48 hours of returning home, by a paediatrician in the maternity department.
• The second paediatric consultation, which must take place between the 5th and 10th days after birth, must be organised by the parent.
• The midwife will visit you at home on the 3rd day after the birth to administer a blood test, known as the Guthrie heel-prick test. A few drops of blood are taken from your baby's heel and screened to detect rare diseases that are not obvious at the time of birth.

Home birth

In the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, you have the right to a home birth. Parents who want a home birth must consult the gynaecologist and independent midwife about the possibilities and limitations of a home birth.

Outpatient delivery offers an attractive alternative to a home birth. It takes place in a dedicated healthcare environment but allows you to return home to your family with your baby on the same day.