Resources
Having A Baby In The Netherlands
If you have a baby in The Netherlands, you will find that the health care system provides excellent and well-organized care. You may also find that some practices differ from what is usually done in your country of origin. For instance, both home births and using a mid-wife to assist in the birth are fairly common practices in the Netherlands. Pregnancy and birth are treated as natural events, and your doctor may suggest you have a home-birth. This may be something you wish to investigate. However, you are free to decide on the birth of your choice.
Making Decisions
When you are an expat living away from home, having a baby can be an overwhelming experience, but it does not need to be a stressful one. It is up to you to carefully research all your options. You will need to make good decisions ahead of time to ensure that you will be able to give birth in a manner and atmosphere that you are comfortable with. There are two main options in The Netherlands: a home birth assisted by a midwife or a hospital birth assisted by a gynaecologist and arranged in advance by your doctor.
Home Birth
If you choose to give birth at home, a midwife will be there to assist you. A midwife will care for you in every step of your pregnancy: before, during and after the birth. The midwife is responsible for the health of the mother and child, and also offers information and support. You can make an appointment with a midwife after the sixth week of your pregnancy. Ask friends or colleagues for their opinions or get a recommendation from your doctor or The Royal Dutch Organization of Midwives (www.knov.nl). If during your pregnancy or home birth you encounter any complications, your midwife will suggest that you see your doctor or go to the hospital.
Hospital Birth
If you choose to have a hospital birth, you should arrange everything in advance with your doctor (huisart). If you come from another country where this is the norm, this may be the most comfortable choice for you to make. As in all things, you must make choices that are best suited to you. The normal hospital stay is around twenty-four hours. Your doctor will recommend a gynaecologist and a hospital. If there are any complications, for instance if a caesarean section is required, then your stay will be a few days longer. If you want to choose your own particular hospital you must also make arrangements ahead of time. Check with your insurance agent to see what you are covered for in case of any unforeseen medical treatments.
Pain Relief
Another issue to discuss with your doctor is whether you want to pain relief to be available if it becomes necessary. If you don’t discuss this in advance, when the time comes and you feel you need pain relief, you may not be able to have it. During home births for example, a midwife can only administer over the counter pain relief. However, pain relief is available and the possibilities should be discussed in advance with your doctor. If your doctor is adamantly against pain relief, you may want to choose another doctor. University hospitals are usually the best choice when looking for anaesthetists, as they are on call 24/7.
Maternity Leave
If you are working in the Netherlands, you are entitled to four months of maternity leave. It will begin six weeks before your due date and extends ten weeks after, depending on the date of your child’s birth. Your partner has a right to two days paternity leave. In addition, both parents have the right to take unpaid parental leave. Check with both your employer and insurer regarding your options.
Kraamzorg
Maternity care (kraamzorg) is available for everyone, whether they have a home or hospital birth. The Netherlands is the only country where a professional maternity nurse will come to your home and look after you and your baby after you have given birth. You are entitled to this excellent, professional maternity care during the first eight days after the birth of your baby. Your insurance generally covers the cost. The nurse will show you how to care for the baby, how to bath him or her, and how to breastfeed properly. The nurse will help with the other children, make sure meals are prepared and may also take care of laundry and light housekeeping. This is a tremendous support for new mothers and mothers with young children at home. It is especially comforting for expats who may not have any family available to help them out during this time.
Doulas
A doula is an experienced, professionally trained woman who provides emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during and after childbirth for the woman and her partner. A doula is not a nurse or midwife so she does not do examinations or check the baby’s heartbeat as a doctor or mid-wife would do. A doula will help you obtain all the information you will need for your pregnancy and birth. You can hire a doula whether you are having a home or hospital birth. A doula can be a great go-between to help you communicate your needs to your medical caregivers.
Resources:
- www.parentinginholland.com - An independent guide to being an expat parent in Holland
- www.expatica.com - Expat website offering news, features, and essential resources to help you live abroad. Expatica has articles on childbirth and maternity matters
- www.access-nl.org - Access offers information for expats on pre-natal classes/pregnancy yoga. Childbirth preparation, breastfeeding classes, etc.
- www.kiesbeter.nl - A complete list of hospitals and medical centres in The Netherlands
- www.knov.nl - Dutch site on mid-wives
- www.doula.nl - Dutch site on doulas
Babies and Toddlers
The Access Guide to Having and Caring for Children in the Netherlands. This is a comprehensive guidebook that gives a great overview and valuable and relevant information about the Dutch maternal health system. It contains relevant and valuable information. It can be purchased by phone, mail, or online. (www.access-nl.org)
