Expectant mothers in German politics break precedent

In a groundbreaking move, SPD politician Verena Hubertz is set to become the third federal minister to have a child during her term, joining the ranks of Kristina Schröder and Manuela Schwesig. Hubertz, who is expecting a baby in January, has announced her plans to take a break from politics during maternity leave and return in March.

Unlike some of her predecessors, Hubertz has decided to bring her baby to the office after returning from maternity leave. This decision marks a departure from the traditional approach, where politicians often delegate childcare responsibilities to partners or family members.

In 2006, Hildegard Müller, then a Chancellor's Office Minister, became the first to take parental leave, putting her position on hold for about 15 months. Kristina Schröder followed suit in 2011, bringing her daughter Lotte Marie to the ministry after eight weeks of maternity leave. Schröder's daughter's birth made headlines nationwide.

Manuela Schwesig, the current Minister President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, also chose to bring her child to the workplace. She took three months off before her husband took parental leave after having her daughter Julia in 2016. Schwesig dared the balancing act between cabinet and nursery.

Not all politicians have followed this trend. Silvana Koch-Mehrin, a former Member of the European Parliament, made a statement about pregnancy and career in 2005 by showing her baby bump in "Stern" magazine during her eighth month of pregnancy. Koch-Mehrin planned to return to parliament after just a few months following the birth, with her partner taking parental leave.

Interestingly, none of the mentioned politicians have stated their intentions to house their babies in the children's room of the Bundestag or the ministry, unlike Verena Hubertz. Similarly, none have announced their plans to bring their babies to the office after returning from maternity leave, again unlike Verena Hubertz.

Andrea Nahles, the current head of the Federal Employment Agency, returned to her desk two months after the birth of her daughter Ella Marie in 2011, while her father and grandmother took care of her. None of the mentioned politicians have made a public statement about pregnancy and career similar to Silvana Koch-Mehrin in 2005.

As Hubertz prepares to become a mother, she joins a growing number of politicians who are challenging traditional norms and paving the way for a more family-friendly political landscape. Whether her baby will be housed in the children's room of the Bundestag or the ministry remains to be seen.