From warm lamps to quark and wool in diapers — here’s what you might only see in Germany after having a baby.
1. The Changing Table Heat Lamp (AKA Wall Hole Legacy)
German parents love their heat lamps — mounted right above the changing station to keep baby warm during those dreaded outfit changes.
But here’s the twist: it’s only used for a couple of months, and then you’re left with a random hole or mount above your table that says, “There was once a baby here.”
Truth is, newborns usually hate being changed no matter how warm the room is — you just learn to do it faster, not warmer. 😅
2. Quark on the Boobs (Yes, Really)
That’s right — quark, the German dairy staple, is also a folk remedy for engorged breasts or mastitis. Cold quark on cabbage leaves, applied to the breast, is said to ease swelling.
To be honest, it’s… messy. And kind of weird. There are many other gentle remedies that work before smearing dairy on your chest — and if a tip sounds crazy, it usually is.
(Still, I admire the dedication to fridge-based healing.)
3. Wool in the Diaper for Rash Relief
German postpartum tip: a little raw wool tucked into the diaper is said to help soothe diaper rash. And sometimes? It actually works! Other times, it’s just fluffy chaos.
I’m here for these old-school hacks — if it works and it’s safe, why not? But don’t be discouraged if it’s not the miracle solution you hoped for.
4. Midwives and the Breastfeeding Pressure
Germany’s midwifery care is a huge gift — most parents have regular home visits. But one cultural challenge? Midwife’s generally don’t have relationships with lactation consultants which would be a true blessing and change things a lot.
Many midwives are very pro-breastfeeding — sometimes to the point where parents feel pressured, judged, or unheard.
So many of my clients felt like they couldn’t say “this isn’t working,” or express how hard it was.
Here’s my take: it’s okay to pause and ask yourself what you need and what your baby needs. Most families I work with go on to create beautiful, mixed-feeding rhythms that feel good for everyone.
5. Early Babywearing, Rain or Shine
In Germany, babywearing is a way of life — and it starts early. You’ll see tiny newborns snug in woven wraps walking through parks, riding trams, or hiking in the forest.
No matter the weather, babywearing is seen as a bonding, regulating, and practical tool — and I’m fully here for it.
Though I always remind clients: only if it feels right for you. And yes, it’s okay to take the stroller.
6. Strict bed rest for 40 days
This works in countries who support postpartum but these days families are away, no help at home and I Believe the first 40 days at home only works if you have a whole team behind you. Your midwife and partner is not enough!
Many traditional postpartum practices recommend 40 days of bed rest, but in fast paced modern city life that often isn’t realistic—or even healthy. Without a big support network at home, staying indoors for weeks can feel isolating. Instead, take the principle behind the tradition—deep rest, nourishment, and recovery—and adapt it to your lifestyle. Build in quiet days at home, ask for help with meals or chores, but also allow yourself short walks for fresh air and sunshine. Healing doesn’t have to mean total confinement; it can mean protecting your energy while still engaging with the world in gentle, supportive ways.
German midwife’s can be strict which is good and not so good because if you’re feeling isolated and lonely it can have the opposite effect. Keeping in touch with your intuition is key.
