Pregnant and giving birth in the Netherlands

If our maternity care system is unfamiliar to you

Becoming a mother in a country that isn’t your homeland can raise many questions, especially when the differences between the two systems are significant. That’s something many of our clients experience, including Kelsey (US) and Donya (Iran). Both were pregnant in the Netherlands for the first time and chose \Midwifery practice Amsterdam Zuid. Through personal, supportive care in our practice, they discovered how much confidence they could gain in their own bodies and in the possibility of a natural birth.

“I can do this”

Donya didn’t know what to expect from the Dutch healthcare system at first. “In Iran, women usually see a gynaecologist. Natural births are rare and caesarean sections are often planned in advance,” she explains. “I used to think that was the safest option too. But once I started seeing the midwives here, that changed. They really took the time for me, explained everything calmly and gave me the confidence to believe I could do this.”

“In the Netherlands, they see you as a woman who can give birth naturally. That gives you so much strength.”
Kelsey (US), gave birth with support of Midwifery practice Amsterdam Zuid

Fewer medical interventions, more confidence

Kelsey noticed the difference straight away. “In the US, it’s all about medical control. Here, I was encouraged to trust my own body. Fewer scans, fewer interventions and much more focus on what I wanted and how I felt.” “Fewer interventions might sound like less attention, but that’s not the case. It’s just a completely different mindset. I actually felt more empowered by it and really in control. Everything was explained to me without any pressure. I really appreciated having that space to make my own choices.”

Pain relief during labour

The Dutch approach to pain relief during labour took some getting used to for both Kelsey and Donya. Kelsey: “In the US, almost everyone I know gave birth with an epidural. So, when I found out that’s not standard here, I thought, ‘how is that even possible?!’ But in the end, I gave birth without any pain relief.” “It was hard, yes, but I felt incredibly strong. And because I hadn’t received any medication, I was able to go home quite soon. In my own bed, with my baby. That was so nice.”

“I never thought I’d be able to have a natural birth. But with the right information and support, I realised I can do this.”
Donya (Iran), on her experience with Dutch maternity care

Not about suffering, but about freedom of choice

Donya recognises that feeling. “In Iran, pain relief during childbirth is very common,” she says. “I found it a bit strange at first that things are so different here. But it was explained so clearly that I understood why. Pain isn’t denied here, but it’s approached as something natural – and something you can manage with the right support.”
Both women emphasise that it’s not about ‘having to endure pain’, but about being able to choose. Medical pain relief is available if you want it, but it isn’t automatically used. That approach leaves space for trust, guidance and personal control – exactly what surprised them in such a positive way about Dutch maternity care.

Different locations

For the birth itself, they each chose a different setting. Kelsey went to the Birthing Center, while Donya opted for hospital. “I felt it was important to have medical help close by, just in case,” Donya says. “One of the midwives was with me at the start of labour, which meant that things were pleasant and calm from the start. When I chose to have an epidural, the hospital team took over. That part was a bit more hectic, with different people coming in and out.” Kelsey chose the Birthing Center because she lives on the third floor with no lift. “The atmosphere there was homely and calm, with soft lighting and a warm, welcoming space. The midwife, Tineke, was there the whole time. She was supportive and encouraging. “That was really lovely. She was there when needed, and otherwise let my partner and I enjoy our special moment.”

Midwifery care that continues after birth

What also surprised them was that midwifery care didn’t stop after the birth. Kelsey describes how complete the whole experience felt. “It wasn’t just a series of random appointments, it was one continuous journey. From the first consultation right through to the postnatal week, there was always someone who knew me, followed my progress and genuinely cared. The home visits after the birth gave me a sense of closure and calm.” Donya found the aftercare especially important. “My daughter struggled with feeding and lost weight quickly. We panicked and called the practice. The midwife arrived within minutes, even before the ambulance. She helped us feed her and reassured us that things would work out. I’ll never forget that.”

”Here, you are a woman who can do this”

“What surprised me most,” says Donya, “was how much confidence I eventually had in my own abilities. At first, I really doubted whether I could do it. But they took time for me, I felt heard and everything was explained clearly. I didn’t have to chase anything down myself.” Kelsey sums it up beautifully: “In Dutch healthcare, you’re not seen as a patient, but as a woman who can do this. Of course, there’s backup if you need it, but the starting point is: you can do this. And that gives you so much strength.”

“Trust the Dutch system”

Both Kelsey and Donya encourage other women to be open to the Dutch approach to maternity care, even if it feels unfamiliar or a bit daunting at first. “Make sure you’re well-informed, ask any questions you have and be honest about your fears,” says Kelsey. “The midwives are there to support you, not to push you into anything.” Donya agrees: “Trust the system. Everything is so well organised here, you don’t have to do it on your own. “It’s incredibly reassuring to know there’s always someone to help you think things through.”

New to the Netherlands and pregnant? We’re here for you!

Are you pregnant and is this your first time navigating pregnancy in the Netherlands? We understand it can feel overwhelming. At Midwifery practice Amsterdam Zuid, we offer personal guidance, clear information and answers to all your questions. Whether you are from Amsterdam or, like Donya and Kelsey, from abroad, you are welcome here.