Are you an expat expecting a baby in the Netherlands? Congratulations!
As you prepare for this exciting journey into parenthood, understanding the unique aspects of Dutch maternity care, particularly kraamzorg, is essential.
To make it as easy as possible for you to wrap your head around this incredible aspect of Dutch culture, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate kraamzorg in the Netherlands.
Kraamzorg is an integral part of Dutch maternity care. It is a cornerstone of maternity care in the Netherlands.
It provides essential postnatal support to new mothers and their babies in the comfort of their own homes during the first week after childbirth.
Kraamzorg services are provided by trained maternity nurses known as “kraamverzorgende.”
These professionals offer various services, including newborn care, breastfeeding support, household chores, and emotional guidance.
Kraamzorg is typically covered by Dutch health insurance. As an expat, it’s crucial to ensure that your insurance policy includes kraamzorg services.
Your midwife or healthcare provider should assist you in arranging this.
Kraamzorg is tailored to meet the specific needs of each family.
Before the birth, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your preferences and expectations with your kraamverzorgende to create a personalized care plan.
Kraamzorg services typically last for around 8 to 10 days after childbirth, with a kraamverzorgende visiting your home regularly.
They provide invaluable support as you adjust to life with a newborn.
Kraamverzorgende are trained to respect the cultural backgrounds and preferences of the families they serve.
Whether you’re from Europe, Asia, Africa, or elsewhere, you can expect culturally sensitive care that meets your needs.
Some kraamzorg agencies in the Netherlands offer multilingual services to accommodate expat families. You can request a kraamverzorgende who speaks your native language or English to facilitate communication. However, most kraamverzorgende are Dutch and may only speak basic English.
But don’t worry. You can easily communicate with your kraamverzorgende using apps like Deepl, Google Translate or HeyGen.
The Dutch language may feel like a barrier, yet if you’re prepared to put in a little work to ensure you and your kraamverzorgende can understand each other, your experience will be dramatically improved.
Kraamzorg works hand in hand with midwifery-led prenatal care in the Netherlands.
Your midwife will coordinate with your kraamverzorgende to ensure seamless support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postnatal period.
Beyond practical assistance, kraamzorg provides a vital support network for new parents. Your kraamverzorgende will offer guidance, reassurance, and encouragement as you navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. They also have a longstanding connection with the GGD (GGD is an acronym for Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst which, in plain English, stands for Municipal Health Service).
The connection between kraamverzorgende and the GGD allows for more support when required because kraamverzorgende can signal to the GGD when and where extra support is needed on a case-by-case basis.
Kraamvisite, or postnatal visits from family and friends, is a cherished tradition in the Netherlands.
Whilst not technically a part of kraamzorg, this Dutch tradition happens at the same moment. It’s a time for loved ones to come together, celebrate the new arrival, and offer support and well-wishes to the new parents.
As you embark on your journey into parenthood, TinyExpat is here to support you every step of the way.
If you have a question, we have the answer. If you need assistance to fully embrace this unique aspect of Dutch maternity care and cherish the memories it brings, we’re here for you.
Get in touch today!
