KarollIf you are expecting or planning for a baby in the Netherlands, you may have started to look into the local care system and wondered what it is kraamzorg? We will tell you what’s hiding behind that strange name and how it’ll help you in the very first few days after birth.
Postnatal support in the days following the birth of your baby ensures that you have time to recover from the birth, and that both you and your baby are healthy. In the Netherlands, the Kraamverzorgsters (maternity nurses) are trained to provide this support, at your own home. They play a key role during your first few days as parents!
1. What is Kraamzorg?
2. What is the role of a kraamverzorgster?
3. Where do I find a kraamverzorgster?
4. How do I choose the right Kraamzorg for me?
5. When to register for Kraamzorg?
6. How many hours of Kraamzorg am I entitled to?
7. Will my health insurance cover the cost of Kraamzorg?
1. What is Kraamzorg?
Kraamzorg is a unique service that originated in The Netherlands to meet the care needs of postnatal women in the 8-10 days immediately after the birth of their child. Unless there have been birth complications, as long as mother and baby are in good health, most women will leave hospital within a few hours of giving birth, in average if all goes well between 4 and 8 hours post birth. To support the new parent, a kraamverzorgster (or maternity nurse) will come to your home to assist you as you recover from the birth and settle into the first days of parenting your infant. This medical caregiving service is available and accessible to every mother whether it is their first baby or not.
2. What is the role of a kraamverzorgster?
The primary role of a kraamverzorgster is to ensure the wellbeing of mother and baby. While the kraamzorg role will be tailored by the kraamverzorgster to each family’s needs, it will always include daily medical check-ups for both mother and baby. For the mother this will mean checking temperature and heart-rate, as well as breasts and abdomen (uterus), and discussing any physical or emotional concerns. Baby will be weighed and evaluated and the kraamverzorgster will ensure that she is feeding and expelling waste properly. If there are any postnatal health concerns, the kraamverzorgster will discuss these with your midwife.
Once the medical checks are out of the way, the balance of time will be used to support you according to your unique needs. This might include:
- Light housework such as washing dishes, laundry, basic house cleaning.
- Light grocery shopping.
- Caring for older siblings including assisting them with adjusting to the new addition to the family.
- Preparing breakfast or snacks.
- Helping you with bath time.
- Offer feeding tips.
- Preparing you for your first outing.
- Helping you set boundaries and assist when receiving visitors.
3. Where do I find a kraamverzorgster?
There are a number of independent maternity nurses that provide kraamzorg services. You can also register through an agency which will allocate you one of their kraamverzorgster. A kraamverzorgster will usually provide services within a specific areas or regions.
4. How do I choose the right Kraamzorg for me?
Before you talk to any potential kraamverzorgsters, consider what your specific needs (and the needs of your family) are. If you already have children you may prefer a kraamverzorgster experienced in dealing with larger families and sensitive to the needs of older siblings. If you are a first-time parent, you might be happier with someone who is going to focus more on you and baby rather than general household needs.
This being said, remember that kraamzorg is first and foremost a medical service and that the primary goal is to provide the medical checkups to ensure you and the baby are doing well. The provision of the additional support often depends on the remaining available time.
The kraamzorg experience is a personal one, and you want to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed with the person you choose to have with you during this time. With the right maternity nurse, you will feel supported and able to take the time to bond with your baby. With a good kraamverzorgster, you will be sad to see them go when the kraamweek has passed while at the same time knowing that you are ready and prepared to continue without them.
5. When to register for Kraamzorg?
There is a shortage of kraamverzogsters across the country so you should definitely register for kraamzorg before the 16th week of pregnancy at the latest. Registering early means that you are more likely to be able to retain the services of the kraamverzorgster of your choice. At some point before the birth, you will meet with your kraamverzorgster to discuss your household situation, needs, and expectations. If you are a first time mother, this interview will take place in person at your home. If you already have children, this conversation may take place telephonically.
6. How many hours of Kraamzorg am I entitled to?
The Landelijk Indicatie Protocol outlines how many hours of maternity care new parents are entitled to. The average amount of kraamzorg is 49 hours, with 24 hours being the minimum. The number of hours allocated depends on factors such as your personal health status, the health of your baby (or babies), and how your pregnancy progresses.
If your situation changes during pregnancy, birth, or post-natally, you will be re-evaluated and the hours you are entitled to may be adjusted.
7. Will my health insurance cover the costs of Kraamzorg?
The costs of kraamzorg are covered by basic health insurance. It is a standard part of all health cover in The Netherlands. You might however be required to pay a statutory personal contribution depending on the coverage you have chosen. This personal contribution (in 2024) is €5,10 per hour. Rates are standardised nationally, so costs will be the same no matter where you live. We advise you to heck with your insurance policy to know if your package covers this excess.
Browse through our selection of Kraamzorg and get in touch now!
Want to get in touch or book an appointment now? Browse through our network of Kraamzorg, select the one who most closely meets your needs and get in touch or plan an appointment whenever suitable. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at hello@parentally.nl. We are here to help!
Looking for other types of postpartum support? Discover our Breastfeeding support services, Postnatal massages & Belly Binding, Rebozo closing ceremonies, Postpartum Nutrition Support & Meal services,
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