Having a Baby in The Netherlands

Having a baby in The Netherlands as an expat can be a unique and rewarding experience, with high-quality healthcare and a supportive environment for new parents. The Dutch approach to maternity care is known for its emphasis on natural birth and midwife-led care, which might differ from what some expats are accustomed to. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process.

Choosing a Doctor

To manage your pregnancy, you'll need to find a healthcare provider. In The Netherlands, midwives (verloskundigen) play a central role in pregnancy and childbirth. You can find a midwife or a gynecologist (gynaecoloog) through recommendations from friends, online reviews, or by asking your general practitioner (huisarts). English-speaking healthcare providers are quite common, especially in larger cities and expat-heavy areas. The Dutch healthcare system is designed to accommodate English speakers, so you should be able to find a suitable provider.

What to Expect for Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in The Netherlands is typically led by a midwife. Initial appointments will involve a discussion about your medical history, any medications you're taking, and your family's health history. Regular check-ups will include physical examinations, blood tests, and ultrasounds. The Dutch system encourages a natural and holistic approach to pregnancy, with a focus on minimal intervention unless necessary. This means you might experience fewer tests and scans than in some other countries.

Do Expats Typically Have Private health insurance when Having a Baby in The Netherlands?

The Netherlands has a mandatory basic health insurance (basisverzekering) system, which covers maternity care, including prenatal visits, delivery, and postnatal care. Many expats opt for this basic package, as it is comprehensive and more affordable than private insurance. However, some expats may choose to supplement their basic insurance with private coverage for additional benefits, such as more extensive postnatal care or access to private hospitals.

Giving Birth at Public vs. Private Hospitals

The Dutch healthcare system encourages natural births and home births when possible. Public hospitals (ziekenhuis) provide high-quality care with a focus on natural delivery methods. Private hospitals offer more personalized care, larger rooms, and sometimes additional amenities. However, the overall quality of care is generally considered excellent in both public and private facilities. The main difference lies in the level of comfort and privacy, with private hospitals offering a more luxurious experience.

C-Sections in The Netherlands

C-sections are less common in The Netherlands compared to some other countries, as the Dutch approach favors natural birth. The rate of C-sections is lower than the global average, with healthcare providers generally recommending them only when medically necessary. This aligns with the overall philosophy of minimal intervention in the Dutch healthcare system.

Pain Management During Delivery

Pain management options during delivery in The Netherlands vary depending on the birth plan and the healthcare provider. Epidurals are available but not as commonly used as in some other countries. The Dutch approach often emphasizes natural pain management techniques, such as breathing exercises, massage, and water births. However, if you prefer or require medical pain relief, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider in advance.

Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Several hospitals in The Netherlands have neonatal intensive care units (NICU) for newborns requiring specialized care. These hospitals are typically located in larger cities and academic medical centers. Notable cities with advanced NICU facilities include Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen. If you have concerns about the need for specialized care, it is advisable to research hospitals in your area and discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Expats Talk about Having a Baby in Netherlands

"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," commented an expat living in Dordrecht.

"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," said an expat in Nieuwegein.

"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.