Foundation story September 2024: Maternity care
Dana, what exactly are the tasks of a maternity nurse?
Maternity care is a supplement to the work of a midwife. The health insurance companies list me as a professional domestic help who steps in when there are difficulties before and after the birth. For example, anyone who has had a caesarean section is not allowed to do any heavy lifting at first. There is hardly a birth where everything is okay immediately afterwards, from exhaustion to bedriddenness, from psychological stress to breastfeeding difficulties. Then I can be available "on prescription", whereby it is usually decided together with the mother, the midwife and the doctors how often and for how long I am needed. Depending on the diagnosis, this can be four to six hours a day for up to 26 weeks. When I arrive at the family's home, the first thing I do is get an idea. What is the situation like, what is needed, how is the bond between mother and baby and how are the siblings coping with the new situation? Then I agree on a very sensitive approach with the mother. What needs to be done, how can it be done, where is the focus? For example, I make sure that the mothers can rest, provide support with breastfeeding and baby care, do the shopping and cook balanced and breastfeeding-friendly meals, look after siblings if necessary, offer pregnancy massages as well as baby and children's massages, and help to restructure everyday life. Above all, I bring calm. It is important to me that mother and child can build a bond without outside influence. Young mothers are under extreme pressure from social media and think they know how everything should be. When the moment arrives, everything is completely different and doesn't work at the push of a button. It takes patience and time to get used to the new life step by step. That's why "relax" is one of my favorite words.
How did the idea of founding the company come about?
I worked as a registered pediatric nurse in a hospital for 30 years, working shifts and nights. I would have liked to have done a lot more for mother and child, but the hospital simply didn't have the capacity for that. After a short break, I had the idea of getting certified as a maternity nurse. Despite my professional experience, I had to study and take exams again. But it was worth it. Now I'm doing exactly what I've been missing all these years. I can see that something is changing in the families and that makes me very satisfied and happy. Today, I go to work with a smile and come home smiling just as much in the evening.
How do mothers become aware of you?
I work closely with the midwives, whom I do not replace in any way. On the contrary. I see myself as the link between midwife and doctor. Although I don't carry out any medical activities or make any diagnoses, my professional experience means that I can see immediately if something is wrong and can provide information accordingly. I have now built up a large network consisting of gynecologists, women's networks and midwife centers. I also teach at the maternity care school and of course I know the other maternity nurses in Hanover. I work very closely with them, although each one is independent. We also cover for each other when necessary and are in constant communication about things like dealing with health insurance companies. In all of this, we always focus on the mothers and their concerns.
What tips do you have for other founders?
Founding a company has something to do with courage, but also with good preparation. If you have the right preparation, that's half the battle. I told a lot of people what I was planning and collected feedback. That helped and encouraged me to be on the right track. But you also have to be able to "door-to-door" in order to make yourself visible and, as in my case, build trust and overcome fear of contact.
How did hannoverimpuls support you?
I received exactly the right questions from hannoverimpuls: How many mothers are there, how many births, how many caesarean sections? Does it pay off? I drew up the business plan with Anke Pawla, we looked at the areas where I still needed support and went into the smallest detail. What should an invoice look like that I submit to the health insurance company? What about the documentation so that it is accepted by the insurance company? How can I support the mother with the application? What kind of advertising do I need? Am I more of a flyer person or do I need Insta?
I started very quickly after the first consultations, jumped in at the deep end and was almost overwhelmed by the order situation. Now I still need some know-how in terms of taxes and office management. I'm glad that I can fall back on hannoverimpuls at any time.
Dana Schlage-Gößl
In der Steinriede 7
30161 Hanover-List
T +49 151 72961349
How was the collaboration with hannoverimpuls?
That was great. I am still very grateful to Anke Pawla today, she supported me very, very well. We sat down together several times and each time I came a big step closer to my goal. Maternity care is exactly my profession and thanks to hannoverimpuls, I have put my self-employment on the right footing right from the start.
Anke Pawla, Project Manager Start-up and Entrepreneurship at hannoverimpuls about Dana Schlage-Gößl:
When Dana Schlage-Gößl talks about her work, you can sense her enthusiasm. We were able to support her in many areas on the way to founding the company and she is now also part of our health network. A great service from an expert who puts her heart and soul into her work.