When to Arrange Maternity Care?
And What Maternity Care Options Are There in Amsterdam?
After giving birth, your postpartum week begins. During this initial period with your newborn, you are entitled to maternity care. However, be sure to arrange it in time, as there is also a shortage of maternity care professionals. An overview of maternity care services in and around Amsterdam can be found on our website. In this blog, we’ll explain what to consider, how to make a choice, and when to register for maternity care.
Typically Dutch: Maternity Care for You and Your Baby
Maternity care is unique to the Netherlands. No other country offers a professional to support you during your postpartum week, providing practical tips, advice, and answers to your questions. Maternity care also monitors the well-being of both you and your baby, offering advice or referring you for additional support if needed. For a home birth, the maternity care provider is present at the birth to assist the midwife and help you with showering and feeding the baby for the first time. If you give birth in a hospital, maternity care begins as soon as you’re home. In both cases, we will contact your maternity care provider for you, so be sure to inform us which organization you’ve chosen for this care.
Registering for Maternity Care in Amsterdam
As soon as you know you’re pregnant, it’s helpful to know which maternity organizations and agencies are available in your area. We’ve compiled a convenient overview of maternity agencies and care providers in the Amsterdam region on our website. Our midwives can also recommend the best agency or provider for your needs, which can usually be arranged online. It’s best to secure maternity care between the 12th and 16th week of pregnancy.
Cancellation Fees
Once you register with a maternity agency or care provider, you are officially enrolled. Some parents may not be aware of this and register with multiple providers, hoping to secure care somewhere. This results in a high rate of cancellations. For this reason, parents who cancel their maternity care may incur a fee, as noted in a recent NOS news report (Dutch). You can avoid this by carefully researching which agency or provider you prefer and only registering with that one.
How to Choose Your Maternity Care Provider
You have the freedom to choose your maternity care provider, either an organization or an individual. Make an informed decision by researching in advance:
- Ask your midwife. We can share a lot about different agencies and care providers and have a list of recommended partners in the Amsterdam area on our site. Want to know more? Just ask us!
- Ask others about their experiences. Find out not only what they thought about their care but also what was important to them during the postpartum week. This can help you think about what you’d like from your care provider and choose accordingly
- Read reviews of different maternity care providers
- Email or call agencies and care providers. To discuss their services or ask any questions you may have.
What Does Maternity Care Cost?
Maternity care is covered by basic insurance but is subject to a co-payment. In 2024, this co-payment is €5.10 per hour. If you have supplementary insurance, this co-payment may be reimbursed. Want to know the exact cost of maternity care for you? Ask your insurer.
How Many Hours of Maternity Care Are You Entitled To?
You are entitled to at least 24 hours of maternity care within the first 8 days. However, if you need more hours due to medical reasons, you will receive an additional allocation. These hours can be spread over a longer period than just the first postpartum week. However, availability of care is also a factor, so there is no guarantee that you will receive all the hours you are entitled to.
Digital Maternity Care
Increasingly, maternity agencies also offer digital care. In addition to having a maternity care provider visit you at home for a few hours, you can also reach a care provider through chat or video calls, like on Teams, to ask questions anytime throughout the day.
Your Midwife Is Also There for You During the Postpartum Week
Many assume our role as midwives ends once your baby is born, but that’s not the case. At Midwives Amsterdam South, we are here for you during the postpartum week as well. We will visit you a few times after the birth to check on you and your baby, discuss any questions or concerns, and provide support. And if you still have questions or worries after the postpartum week, we are here for you.
Want to Meet Your Midwife First? Schedule an Appointment!
Before arranging your maternity care, the first step is to choose a midwife. Want to know what we can offer you? Or would you like to meet? Feel free to schedule an introductory meeting at one of our two locations in Amsterdam South. We look forward to getting to know you!