Celebrated New Earth residents, here are our weekly newborns spotlight!
**New Parents in Neuss Navigate Birth, Early Parenting, and Community Support**
Neuss, Germany - Two new families are settling into their roles as parents, each with their unique stories and experiences. Ismail Camdzija, a textile retail worker, and his wife Melisa, recently welcomed their first child, daughter Hana, on Pentecost Sunday, May 19. Meanwhile, Bianca and Marc Heitzer are enjoying their time with their newborn son, Eddie, who was born at the Johanna Etienne Hospital.
Both families have benefited from the strong healthcare system and supportive community in Neuss. Most births in the city occur in nearby hospitals, with midwives playing a central role in prenatal, birthing, and postnatal care. Home births are possible but less common. After the birth, families can expect regular home visits from midwives, providing medical checks for mother and baby, breastfeeding support, and general parenting advice.
Germany offers generous parental leave and financial support, allowing one or both parents to stay home for up to 14 months, facilitating bonding and adjustment to early parenting. Ismail Camdzija has taken time off for the first few weeks after Hana's birth, while Bianca Heitzer describes holding Eddie for the first time as "overwhelming" and "euphoric."
The early parenting experience in Neuss is shaped by a variety of family-friendly activities and resources. The region offers playgrounds, indoor play centers, and nature experiences like the Adventure Alm, which provides playful and educational outdoor activities for young children. There are also parent-child groups, baby swimming classes, and early childhood centers, fostering community connections and peer support among new parents.
While Neuss is well-equipped for families, practical considerations such as access to parking, navigating public spaces with strollers, and finding suitable accommodation can be challenging. Some families may find certain areas noisy at night, which can be a concern for newborn sleep routines.
The region is increasingly supportive of early childhood development through innovative spaces, such as the first Montessori art center in Germany, which aims to engage young children and families in minimalistic and elegant art experiences. Local community centers and organizations frequently host events for new parents, providing opportunities to connect, share experiences, and access expert advice.
As the families adjust to their new roles, they look forward to meeting loved ones. Ismail Camdzija is overjoyed that the birth went well, and Hana will soon meet her cousins and her great-grandmother. Similarly, Eddie will soon be introduced to his cousins and his great-grandmother. For Ismail, Hana is a charming new subject for his photography hobby.
The Heitzers chose the Johanna Etienne Hospital due to its family-friendly delivery room, and they were able to use a family room during their stay. The couple got married on May 30, 2023, and Eddie is eagerly awaited by his extended family.
In summary, new parents in Neuss benefit from strong healthcare and social support systems, a variety of family-oriented activities, and access to artistic and educational resources. Practical challenges such as accommodation accessibility and nighttime noise can impact the early parenting experience, but overall, Neuss offers a supportive and child-friendly environment.
Baby of the week, Hana Camdzija, and Eddie Heitzer are thriving in Neuss's home-and-garden lifestyle, benefiting from the region's family-friendly playgrounds, indoor play centers, and nature experiences like the Adventure Alm while also gaining support from parent-child groups, baby swimming classes, and early childhood centers. As the babies grow, they'll enjoy the unique artistic engagement at Germany's first Montessori art center.
