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Carolin Kebekus Details Brutal Postpartum Ordeal, Calls Out Germany’s Support Gaps

A new interview ties her grueling recovery to systemic failings in childcare provision.

Overview

  • After giving birth in early 2024, Kebekus says a Caesarean left her with severe pain and wound fluid pockets that made standing impossible.
  • She underscores her privilege, citing money, family help, a capable father and early paid childcare that enabled a stage return seven months postpartum, often breastfeeding between shows.
  • Kebekus rejects Instagram’s idealized postnatal imagery, saying her Wochenbett bore little resemblance to curated depictions.
  • She expands on the pressures in her book, 8000 Arten, als Mutter zu versagen, describing motherhood as a job with terrible pay and extreme hours.
  • Kebekus urges structural fixes, pointing to scarce and costly daycare, hurdles for the self‑employed, and the need for more women in decision‑making roles and fairer sharing of mental load.