Claudia Hellmers

Prof. Dr. Claudia Hellmers is a Professor of Midwifery Science at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. She leads the Midwifery Competence Center and is responsible for the Midwifery (B.Sc.) program. Her academic career includes roles at the University of Witten/Herdecke and the University of Osnabrück, where she was a postdoctoral researcher. She holds a PhD in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Osnabrück (2005) and has been recognized with the 2006 Promotionspreis from the DGPFG.

Her research focuses on maternal and child health, including maternal well-being during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods; family health dynamics; and healthcare models. Key areas include vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), perinatal outcomes, and the impact of work-life balance on maternal health.

Publications emphasize evidence-based guidelines for maternal and child nutrition, lifestyle recommendations during pregnancy, and scoping reviews on work-family health intersections. She has collaborated on national consensus papers (e.g., 'Healthy Start – Young Family Network') and contributed to policy discussions on midwifery education and healthcare system reforms.

• Education: PhD in Maternal and Child Health (2005), University of Osnabrück
• Professional Roles: Program Director for Midwifery B.Sc., Midwifery Competence Center Lead
• Research Priorities: Salutogenesis in perinatal care, family-centered healthcare models, midwifery practice innovation
• Grants: Multiple collaborative projects on midwifery education and public health policy

Her work bridges academic research and clinical practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to improve maternal and child health outcomes in diverse settings.