The postnatal period is a time when you take your first steps into parenthood

24/7:

06-54626698

The postnatal period begins immediately after the birth and officially lasts 6 weeks

24/7:

06-54626698

The postnatal period begins immediately after the birth and officially lasts 6 weeks

after you've given birth. You'll now start to get to know your baby; and yourself and each other in your roles as new parents! You and your baby are also recovering from the birth; physically as well as mentally. Allow yourself the time to do this. We recommend that during the first few days you stay in bed as much as possible. Make sure you are well looked after and consider limiting the number of visitors.

If both you and the baby are healthy, you'll spend this time at home. A maternity nurse (kraamverzorgster) will come to your home several hours a day during the first week to help with the baby, check and monitor you both, and provide advice. We will also visit you at home; between two and four times depending on how well you and your baby are doing. During the postnatal period, just as during your pregnancy, you can contact us at any time of the day or night on 06-54626698

Not always a bed of roses

You may be feeling very proud after the birth, but also very unsure. Your body needs to recover after childbirth both physically and mentally, and this will take time. The nights may be broken as the baby needs to be fed, while the most important part of your recovery is rest and sleep!

Many women find it hard to get used to the new rhythm of life and the enormous responsibility of looking after a baby. You may at times feel frustrated and sad as you adapt to your 'new life'; that is completely normal.

If you notice that you feel angry or down every day; then you may need additional support. Talk about it with us, your partner, with people you trust. You'll discover that you're not the only one who thinks that motherhood is not a bed of roses! If you suffer from the symptoms of depression, we or your GP may refer you to a psychologist. It has been shown that postnatal depression can be treated successfully; it would therefore be a shame if you suffered unnecessarily long.

To do's after birth

Let someone who was present at the birth, register the birth at the local register office. This has to be done within 3 days of the birth and is done on an appointment basis. The appointment can be made online or you can call 14 020. Don't forget to bring proof of identity and if necessary the marriage certificate or a declaration of acknowledgement of parentage. You don't have to bring proof of the child's birth
Does your baby have dual nationality? Or do you not have the Dutch nationality? Register your baby at the local register office but also check with your embassy or consulate what their rules for registering and naming children are.
Be sure to register your baby within 1 month of its birth - but within 4 months at the latest - for health insurance. You can choose whether to add the baby to the father's or the mother's insurance policy. Children under 18 are insured for free in the Netherlands.