In the Netherlands, our excellent maternity care system features something unique: *kraamzorg* (specialized postpartum maternity care). The goal of this care is to help you, as new parents, get off to a good start in caring for your baby. The maternity care professional also provides support with feeding and practical matters. Additionally, they assist the midwife during home births or outpatient hospital births. Nowadays, having this care arranged is often a requirement for an outpatient hospital birth.

In the Amsterdam-Amstelland region, maternity care agencies have joined forces in the Amsterdam Maternity Care Partnership (KSVA). This collaboration ensures quality control for maternity care across the region.

Smaller agencies and self-employed maternity care professionals are often not affiliated with the KSVA and sometimes do not provide assistance during the actual birth. When registering, make sure to check the following:

Is maternity care available to assist during the birth, and can they reach you within 60 minutes?

Does the agency have a contract or backup arrangement (e.g., for cases of illness) to ensure you are always guaranteed a maternity care professional?

Is the service available throughout the full term period—specifically, from three weeks before to three weeks after your due date?

It is important to register for maternity care in good time; the recommendation is to do so between the 8th and 16th week of pregnancy. Always ensure that the agency you choose also offers assistance during the birth itself.

What are you entitled to?