Having a Baby in The Netherlands

Having a baby in The Netherlands as an expat or digital nomad can be a unique and reassuring experience, thanks to the country's high-quality healthcare system and its family-friendly policies. The Dutch approach to pregnancy and childbirth is generally characterized by a preference for natural processes, a high level of prenatal care, and a supportive social system. Expats will find that the healthcare professionals are competent and that there is a strong emphasis on mother and child well-being. However, navigating a new healthcare system and cultural practices around childbirth can be challenging, especially if there is a language barrier. This article aims to provide an overview of what expats can expect when having a baby in The Netherlands, from choosing a healthcare provider to understanding the options for pain management during delivery.

Choosing a Doctor

When expecting a baby in The Netherlands, expats should start by registering with a local huisarts (general practitioner) or a verloskundige (midwife). The huisarts can provide initial advice and refer you to a midwife, who typically manages low-risk pregnancies. It is possible to find English-speaking doctors and midwives, especially in larger cities and expat-centric areas, where there are many healthcare professionals who are accustomed to working with international patients. To find an English-speaking doctor or midwife, expats can ask for recommendations from their local expat community, check online expat forums, or consult the Access guide, which lists healthcare providers with multilingual services.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in The Netherlands is thorough and is designed to monitor both the physical and mental health of the mother and the developing baby. Expectant mothers will have regular appointments with their midwife or obstetrician, where they will receive routine ultrasounds and blood tests. The Dutch healthcare system emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, and as such, prenatal classes and consultations often include advice on diet, exercise, and stress management. Additionally, home visits from a kraamverzorgster (maternity nurse) are arranged for postnatal care, which is a unique aspect of the Dutch healthcare system.

Do Expats Typically Have Private Health Insurance when Having a Baby in The Netherlands?

In The Netherlands, health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including expats. While the basic health insurance is often sufficient to cover standard maternity care, some expats opt for additional private health insurance to cover extra services, such as private rooms during hospital stays or additional prenatal classes. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered under your policy and whether any additional coverage is recommended for pregnancy and childbirth.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The experience of giving birth in public hospitals in The Netherlands is generally positive, with a focus on natural childbirth and minimal medical intervention. Public hospitals are well-equipped to handle routine deliveries and emergencies. Private hospitals or birthing centers offer a more personalized experience, with options for private rooms and additional amenities. However, it is worth noting that private maternity care may not be covered by basic health insurance, and the availability of private facilities can vary depending on the region.

C-Sections in The Netherlands

Caesarean sections are less common in The Netherlands compared to some other countries, as there is a strong cultural preference for natural childbirth. C-sections are typically reserved for medical reasons where the health of the mother or baby is at risk. The decision to perform a C-section is taken very seriously, and expectant mothers are encouraged to discuss their birth plan and any concerns with their healthcare provider well in advance of their due date.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management during delivery in The Netherlands may differ from what expats are used to in their home countries. The Dutch healthcare system encourages natural pain relief methods, such as breathing techniques, warm baths, and massage. However, pain relief options like epidurals are available if requested. It is important to discuss pain management preferences with your midwife or obstetrician during prenatal visits to ensure your birth plan aligns with available options.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are available in major Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. These facilities are equipped to provide specialized care for newborns who require extra medical attention. If you live outside these cities, it is advisable to plan ahead and know where the nearest NICU is located in case of an emergency. The Dutch healthcare system is well-connected, and in the event that a baby needs NICU services, arrangements can be made for transfer to a facility that provides the necessary care.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Netherlands

"I had wonderful prenatal care at the local hospital Antonious, which I was not surprised to find out is the best natal unit in Holland. I was seen regularily and they took amazing care of me. I had two misscarriages before this pregnancy so was very nervous in the first 12 weeks. Whenever I thought something was wrong I would call the natal unit and speak to a midwife for reasurrance. They even let me come in for extra scans when I was very scared I had lost the baby again. I cannot fault the care and medical services I received through my whole pregnancy. I went into labour 11days early, I had excellent care at the hospital but due to a very fast labour and my son being breech I finally ended up having a c-section. I had made a birth plan and discussed it with my midwifes and I had requested an epi which I could have had, so there was not problem with that, however my labour just went to fast and was complicated by him being breech so there as no time for the epi in the end. The after care is amazing. I had a private room and my husband could stay the night with us. The nurses came to check on us regularily and gave great advice. When I went home, I had a wonderful Kramzorg (which is basically a nurse specializing in mums/babies)who took care of me, my son, gave breast feeding support, fed me, cared for my c-section wound, weighed my baby everyday, recorded his growth, taught my husband to bath our son and take his tempreture etc and even did the housework. It was unbelievably wonderful - it made my transistion into motherhood so much easier. I never had any feelings of fear, or worry in that first week which meant when she left I felt confident I could do it on my own. When I hear of my cousins experiences in the UK I feel so lucky I had my baby here in the Netherlands. It is such a shame this service is not available to women in the UK," commented an expat living in Nieuwegein.

"My son was born at the main hospital here in Dordrecht. We were planning a homebirth, but I had to deliver at the hospital due to medical reasons. They broke my water at 1 pm, and I was later given an IV to onset the contractions. That was was not fun, but it wasn't too bad. I gave birth to my son just after 9 pm. We stayed overnight at the hospital for observation, and we were released to go home later the next morning. Overall, I had a great birth experience. The medical staff was very friendly, understanding, and helpful. They also spoke an adequate amount of English, which was great," said an expat in Dordrecht.

"Make sure you write a birth plan and discuss it with your midwife at about wk35. They don't normally do that here in the Netherlands but my midwife thought it was a great idea and was very happy that I did it. She then put the info in my records so that everyone taking care of me knew exactly what I wanted and didn't want before I was in too much pain to express my feelings. If anyone would like some advice about creating your own birth plan please feel free to email me and I will send you a copy of mine so you can use it as a reference - giving you ideas of what to think about and how you would like things to go. Lastly, I would just say that make sure you pack your hospital bag early at least 2weeks before you are due. I am so glad I did," said one expat living in Nieuwegein.

"Make sure you find a midwife that works well for you and your family. Never hesitate to ask as many questions as you like. The more educated you are, the better. There are a lot of great resources here for first-time moms. If you're an expat here, try to get connected with other moms in the Netherlands who can encourage you, answer any questions you may have, and help guide you along your journey! Enjoy every moment because it all goes by way too fast," wrote a member in Dordrecht.