Pregnant in office like Verena Hubertz: You have already combined politics and motherhood

SPD politician Verena Hubertz (37) will be a mother for the first time in January. She announced this of herself and her partner, as well as a photo of a couple of small baby shoes. In addition, she writes: “With great anticipation: we get a baby!” But Hubertz also writes a piece of German political history.

Because according to Kristina Schröder (48, CDU) and Manuela Schwesig (51, SPD), Hubertz is only the third Federal Minister in general, who receives a child during her term.

Your plan is already standing: break from politics during maternity leave, return in March, your partner takes over your partner. So she explained it in one and when Hubertz returns, the baby should go into office. “Whether in the children’s room of the Bundestag or in the Ministry,” she announces. It is only “one of many” that must master the compatibility patient of working mothers. A few other politicians have dared to take this step in front of her.

Silvana Koch-Mehrin (FDP) caused a sensation in 2005 when she showed her baby bump in the eighth month of pregnancy in the “star”. The MEP at that time consciously wanted to set an example: pregnancy and career are not mutually exclusive. After birth, she planned to return to parliament after just a few months, while her partner was supposed to take care of parental leave.

Hildegard Müller (58, CDU) was the first Minister of Chancellor to become a mother during her political term and took parental leave. In 2006 she had her position as Minister of State for about 15 months for the birth and care of her daughter. At that time not only a novelty, but also a clear signal in politics and society that such a responsible position with maternity leave and family priorities can be compatible.

Kristina Schröder went one step further in 2011. The then family minister was 33 years old when daughter Lotte Marie was born. After eight weeks of maternity protection, she brought the baby to the ministry, which triggered headlines nationwide.

Andrea Nahles (55) went another way. The current head of the Federal Employment Agency also received daughter Ella Marie in 2011 as SPD general secretary – in the middle of the political stress of the state elections. Therefore, Nahles was sitting at the desk again two months after the birth. The father and grandmother took care of daughter Ella Marie.

Manuela Schwesig followed five years later. Today’s Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania received daughter Julia as Federal Minister of Family Affairs in 2016. She withdrew three months before her husband took over parental leave and dared the balancing act between the cabinet and children’s room.