Our services with a touch of Dutch
A Dutch kraamverzorgster (or "maternity caregiver") is a highly trained professional who provides postpartum care and support to families after the birth of a baby in the Netherlands. This role is a unique aspect of the Dutch healthcare system, offering comprehensive care for both the mother and the newborn in the comfort of the home. The caregiver typically works for a period of 8 to 10 days following childbirth, depending on the family's needs.
Here is a detailed explanation of what we do:
For the Mother:
Physical Care: After childbirth, the caregiver helps the mother with her physical recovery. She monitors the mother's healing after childbirth (whether vaginal delivery or C-section), including checking for signs of infection or complications like excessive bleeding.
Breastfeeding Support: A caregiver plays a key role in helping the mother initiate and maintain breastfeeding. She offers advice on proper latching techniques, positions for nursing, and helps resolve any issues like engorgement, cracked nipples, or difficulties with milk production.
Emotional Support: The caregiver provides emotional support for the mother, offering encouragement and reassurance, especially during the early, sometimes overwhelming, days of motherhood. She also keeps an eye out for signs of postpartum depression and provides referrals if necessary.
Health Monitoring: She checks the mother's vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, pulse), monitors her physical recovery, and ensures that the mother has the right resources and rest needed to regain her strength.
For the newborn:
Basic Baby Care: The caregiver teaches new parents how to care for their newborn. This includes diapering, bathing, and dressing the baby. She also provides guidance on establishing a feeding routine, whether the baby is breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
Monitoring Baby's Health: She keeps an eye on the baby’s health, monitoring the weight and temperature, checking for signs of jaundice, infection, or any other concerns.
Sleep Guidance: The caregiver educates parents about safe sleep practices for the newborn, including the correct sleeping position, using a safe crib, and preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Household Support:
​Light Household Chores: A caregiver helps with light household tasks to ease the burden on new parents. This may include preparing meals, cleaning, laundry, and organizing the home to ensure the mother can rest and focus on her baby
Postpartum Nutrition: She provides nutritional support by helping the mother with meal preparation, ensuring she eats nourishing foods that promote healing and milk production.
Guidance and Education:
Parenting Advice: A caregiver provides guidance on parenting basics. This includes tips on baby care, feeding, sleep routines, and general advice on early childhood development.
Training on Baby Care Devices: If parents need help learning how to use baby care devices like breast pumps, baby carriers, or car seats, the caregiver offers demonstrations and instructions.
Monitoring and Reporting:
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The caregiver is trained to notice any health concerns in either the mother or the baby. She keeps detailed records of the mother’s and baby’s well-being during her time in the home and communicates any concerns with the family.
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If there are any complications or if further medical care is needed, the caregiver will advise the family to reach out for medical support.
Duration and Timing:
The duration of the caregiver's visits is typically determined by the family’s needs but generally spans about 8–10 days. In some cases, especially with complications or twins, the service may be extended.
These visits usually start the day after the mother is discharged from the hospital and continue for the first few days or weeks of life.
Night Nursing​​​​​​
Sleep is essential, and we help new parents get the rest they need. We care for your baby at night, bringing them only for feedings if breastfeeding, while helping you build a routine.
A consistent routine in the first months helps both you and your baby adjust, creating a peaceful environment to understand your child’s needs. You can choose your level of involvement, but a rhythm benefits your family.
