What does a maternity care assistant do?

Everything about maternity care in Amsterdam South

The first week after giving birth is special and intense. You get to know your baby, your body begins to recover, and everything feels new. Fortunately, you are not alone: a maternity care assistant is there to support you and your baby. But what does a maternity care assistant actually do? What can you expect, and what not? In this blog, you’ll read what maternity care in Amsterdam South involves, how it works, and what it feels like to be in good hands during those first days.

What are the 3 main tasks of a maternity care assistant?

A maternity care assistant is much more than just help around the house. Her work consists of three key elements:

• Medical checks: she monitors your health and that of your baby, such as temperature, recovery, weight, and feeding.
• Guidance in baby care: she helps you with bathing your baby, feeding, changing diapers, and everything you need to learn as a new parent.
• Peace and structure at home: peace and structure may sound strict, but they provide stability for you and your baby during those first days. She creates this structure and offers practical support so you can rest, recover, and focus on yourself.

This is the foundation of her work: care, guidance, and calm. In this way, she gives you and your baby exactly what you need in the first week after birth.

Does maternity care do the groceries or cleaning?

With maternity care, you have someone in your home to help you—but not to take over everything. She does not do major household cleaning or weekly grocery shopping. However, she does help with light household tasks to keep things running smoothly. This may include changing your bed, doing a load of laundry, or quickly cleaning the bathroom. She may also prepare breakfast or lunch, especially when you are feeding your baby or need rest. Your recovery and your baby always come first. Everything else follows if there is time and space.

What is maternity care allowed to do?

A maternity care assistant is not only there for practical help. She is also your support and guide. She checks in on how you are doing, thinks along with you, and offers answers or reassurance when you feel unsure. She can help with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding and explains how to care for your baby. She also monitors your recovery and contacts us as midwives if needed. Above all, she is there for you—with attention and without judgment.

How can you thank your maternity care assistant?

Maternity care is covered by your health insurance, so you don’t pay her directly. Still, many people like to give a small thank-you, especially if they experienced the support as very pleasant. Keep in mind: anything you do is appreciated—the gesture itself means a lot. A personal card, a box of treats, or a gift voucher for coffee or a massage can be a nice idea. And don’t forget to leave a positive review. She will truly appreciate it, and it also helps other pregnant women a great deal.

What do you discuss during the maternity care intake?

Around the 30th week of your pregnancy, the intake interview with the maternity care organization usually takes place. This can be by phone, online (for example via Teams), or at your home. The intake is the moment to discuss your wishes, expectations, and personal situation. The standard amount of maternity care is 49 hours spread over 8 days. How these hours are scheduled for you is also discussed during the intake. You will also talk about what kind of support you think you’ll need and whether there are any special circumstances, such as other children, allergies, or medical considerations. This way, the maternity care assistant is well prepared, and you know what to expect during the birth and postpartum week.

Maternity care during childbirth

If you give birth at home, we contact your maternity care assistant during labor. She then assists during the birth and cares for your baby immediately after birth. She also helps you freshen up or shower and makes sure the birth room is tidied. The first checks of your baby are also carried out by her, and she helps with the first feeding.

What checks does maternity care perform for you and your baby?

After the birth, maternity care comes to your home for several consecutive days. During this time, she closely monitors everything through daily checks. These include:
At you:

• Temperature and uterine recovery
• Checking stitches, bleeding, and breastfeeding
• Overall wellbeing and how you are feeling emotionally

At your baby:

• Weight, temperature, and skin color
• Feeding, bowel movements, and behavior
• The umbilical stump, breathing, and sleep pattern

If there is any doubt, she always contacts the midwife or your general practitioner. This ensures you are truly in good hands.

What does a maternity care assistant not do?

A maternity care assistant is there to support you and your family, help you recover properly, and guide you in caring for your baby. This means she does a lot—but certainly not everything. A maternity care assistant:

• Does not perform medical procedures like a doctor or midwife
• Does not do heavy cleaning or major household tasks
• Does not take over full responsibility for the household or other children
• Is not a nanny, babysitter, or housekeeper

What can you expect from a maternity care assistant at home?

With a maternity care assistant in your home, you can expect a committed, knowledgeable, and warm professional. Someone who follows your pace, helps where needed, thinks along with you, and senses what you need. Often she stays in the background while ensuring everything at home runs smoothly. She works independently but consults—such as with us—when necessary. And she knows when it’s time to create calm in the household. For many women, a good maternity care assistant truly feels like a pillar of support during the postpartum week.

Frequently asked questions

What does a maternity care assistant help with?

She cares for you and your baby, supports feeding and recovery, and helps you gradually adjust to parenthood.

Does maternity care also do household work?

Yes, but only light tasks such as laundry, changing the bed, or keeping the bathroom clean. She does not do major cleaning.

How many hours of maternity care do you receive per day?

On average, 6 hours of maternity care per day. A total of 49 hours spread over 8 days.

What do you discuss during the maternity care intake?

Your wishes, the number of care hours, medical considerations, your family situation, and anything else that is important for the postpartum week.

What does a maternity care assistant not do?

She does not perform medical procedures and does not take over full household or childcare duties.

Midwives in Amsterdam South, also after your birth

Did you know that we remain involved after your birth as well? During the postpartum week—and even afterward if needed—we are there for you. So if you have questions about maternity care, feel free to ask us. We’re happy to share what we know and always provide tips and advice.