An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Eindhoven, Netherlands

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Eindhoven

How recently did you give birth in the country that you are reporting on?

1999 and 2004

Describe your experience giving birth there. What type of facility did you go to? What (if any) type of pain management did you use? How long did you stay in the hospital? Was it a positive experience? Etc...

My first: I laboured at home with my male first line midwife and then left for hospital at 4cm. I pushed for an hour but he had no choice but to call the gynae. after a failed vacuum he was born by c/s.

My second I laboured in hospital with the second line midwife until 7 cm and then they decided to do a c/s -- with both c/s I had an epidural.

The kraamzorg was fantastic in both cases. You get 8-10 days, minus the days you are in hospital.

William Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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How did you choose your doctor, midwife or other type of medical professional?

As a midwife, I wanted a midwife and found a midman locally! With the second I was also under his care up to 37 weeks and then we went to the head of the obgyn dept in Catharina ziekenhuis and got all my needs and wants written down in my file!

If you were to have another child in this country, would you do anything differently in terms of preparation and/or the delivery?

A doula. I really missed having a doula there. One who is up to date on active childbirthing. Now there are doulas and I am convinced they will make a big difference, but they really need to be fully bilingual.

If a friend of yours living in the same country were expecting a baby, what advice would you give her?

To contact me as I now help ladies in the greater Eindhoven area with a consult of 2 hours to explain about "Having a baby in the Netherlands".

The correct info is vital to having a positive birth! There is a super doula and a super childbirth educator too.