Preemie care in Germany. What can I expect?

[MultipleMama]

My 30 weekers are still in hospital; one NICU & one SCBU. My son in NICU is ill and won't be home soon.

However at the end of the year we're moving to Germany for DH's job and even though DH is German we are completely clueless.

My son will need to see specialists and I have no idea where to start or what kind of care Germany offer.

Can anyone give us an idea of what to expect? Thanks in advance.

(Wasn't sure where to post this question.)

Congratulations on the birth of your twins. Where are you moving to?

We are both English, and my little boy was born at 28 weeks in Germany - the hospital care was excellent as was the after care - we had weekly physiotherapy for 18 months, and still have contacts with the consultant in the hospital where he was born. Our health insurance paid for most things. he now goes to a integrative kindergarten, where he also receives some help.

I would think you need to register with a Kinderarzt asap, and you will then be referred to the local hospital, who will take over the specialist care - they may also refer you to other specialists outside the hospital, for example physio. I would try to find a kinderarzt who is experienced in dealing with premature babies. Perhaps ask at the local hospital for recommendations.

I obviously don't have any experience of the transfer from the uk to Germany - how will you organise this? do you have health insurance organised already for germany? are they aware of your plans? will both babies be well enough to be discharged from hospital by the time you are due to leave? sorry, lots of questions..

I think as your husband is german you will be able to access the info pretty quick, as he speaks the language.

I would also recommend buying some books in both English and German so you can read about what to expect of the normal care/follow up care in both countries.

We're moving to Frankfurt. We have choosen Ped and the hospital (if they're still in hospital) I will stay in UK until they're well enough; transfer has been approved in UK & Germany - just needs to be confirmed before travel.

Both companies and hospital are aware of our situation and really helpful and accomadating. And it helps that DH is a German Citizen and I'm fluent in German especially with insurance.

Mainly concerned about to get care if they weren't in hospital and I wasn't sure on how they go about it but from your post it seems they do it a bit like the UK so that has eased some of my worries.

Will take your suggestion though and buy books :)