Midwife, Kraamzorg, and Doula: Who Does What in the Netherlands?

Hey mama,

When you find out you are pregnant in the Netherlands as an expat, you are suddenly introduced to a whole new vocabulary: verloskundige, kraamzorg, bevalplan. It is completely normal to feel a bit confused about who does what. Do you need a doula if you already have a midwife? And what exactly is kraamzorg? In this post, I will break down the Dutch maternity care team so you know exactly who is supporting you.

The Midwife (Verloskundige)

In the Netherlands, the midwife is your primary medical care provider during a low-risk pregnancy. She monitors your health, checks the baby's growth, and medically guides the delivery. However, midwives in the Netherlands often oversee multiple clients. During your labour, she will check on your dilation but may leave to attend to other duties until you are close to pushing. Her primary focus is the clinical safety of the birth.

The Maternity Nurse (Kraamzorg)

Kraamzorg is a unique and wonderful aspect of the Dutch system. It is a specialised maternity nurse who comes to your home for the first 8 to 10 days after birth. She checks your medical recovery, monitors the baby's weight and temperature, helps with feeding, and even does light household chores. Sometimes, the kraamzorg also assists the midwife during a home birth or a hospital birth, but her main role truly begins after the baby is born.

The Doula (Birth Coach)

So, where do I fit in as a doula? While the midwife focuses on medical safety and the kraamzorg focuses on postpartum recovery, I focus entirely on you during the pregnancy and the birth itself. I provide continuous, non-medical support. I help you prepare your birth preferences, practice breathing techniques, and provide physical comfort measures (like massage and counter-pressure) during labour. I do not leave your side. For expats, I also act as a familiar, English-speaking anchor in a foreign medical environment.

The Perfect Team

You do not have to choose between these professionals; they form a golden team! The midwife ensures safety, the doula ensures emotional and physical comfort during birth, and the kraamzorg ensures a smooth transition into motherhood at home.

If you are an expat in Haarlem, Amsterdam, or surrounding areas looking to complete your birth team with a dedicated doula, I would love to meet you. Check out www.baarbamama.nl to learn more about my services.