Episode 17: How Her Midwife Saved Anne’s Life
Anne Opens Up, Pt. 2
If you’re pregnant in the Netherlands and considering your birth options, you might be wondering:
What is it really like to give birth here?
Is a home birth safe—and what does it feel like?
What happens if something doesn’t go according to plan?
In this episode of Pregnant in the Netherlands, we hear a powerful, honest birth story from an expat mother who experienced both the strengths of the Dutch midwifery system—and what happens when birth takes an unexpected turn.
Experiencing the Dutch Maternity System as an Expat
Moving to the Netherlands during pregnancy can feel like a big shift—but for many families, the experience is surprisingly positive.
In this episode, our guest shares how Dutch maternity care felt:
More personal and relationship-focused
Care providers who know you by name
A system that prioritizes you as a person—not just your baby’s health
💡 This is a key difference in the Dutch system: care is often more holistic and individualized, especially under midwife-led care.
Preparing for a Home Birth in the Netherlands
Home birth is a common and supported option in the Netherlands for low-risk pregnancies.
For this family, preparation included:
Childbirth education classes (in English as expats)
Understanding the stages of labor and partner support
Practicing breathing and relaxation techniques
Using tools like:
Birth pool
TENS machine
Yoga ball
Creating a flexible birth plan (Plan A, B, and C)
💡 Preparation doesn’t mean controlling birth—it means understanding your options so you can make informed decisions in the moment.
A First Home Birth Experience
The first birth was:
A planned home birth
Approximately 18 hours long (normal for first-time births)
Supported with natural pain management techniques
With the right mindset and support, the experience felt:
✔ Manageable
✔ Empowering
✔ Positive
👉 A key takeaway: birth length doesn’t always equal difficulty—support and preparation matter more.
A Second Birth: Faster, More Intense, and Unexpected
The second pregnancy took place fully in the Netherlands and highlighted more benefits of the system:
Continuity of care with a small team of midwives
Opportunity to meet all providers before birth
Strong sense of trust and familiarity
The second birth was:
Much faster (4.5 hours)
More intense
Still planned as a home birth
💡 Second births are often quicker—but can feel more intense and unpredictable.
When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: Emergency Transfer
Although the birth itself went well, complications arose after delivery:
The placenta did not deliver naturally
Significant blood loss (postpartum hemorrhage)
Emergency transfer to the hospital
This is where the Dutch system truly stands out.
The Role of the Midwife in Emergencies
Recognized the complication quickly
Called an ambulance promptly
Stayed responsible for care and handed over to hospital staff
👉 This quick action can be life-saving—and shows the strength of integrated care between home and hospital systems.
Hospital Care: The Medical Model in Action
Once in the hospital, care shifted to a more medical approach:
Emergency procedure (removal of placenta)
Full anesthesia
Blood transfusion
Multiple medical providers involved
💡 In contrast to home birth, hospital care can feel:
Fast-paced
Protocol-driven
Less personalized
But in emergencies, this level of care is essential.
Postpartum Recovery After a Difficult Birth
Recovery included:
Blood transfusion for severe blood loss
One night in hospital
Physical exhaustion and healing
Emotional processing
Despite the complications, strong postpartum support made a huge difference:
Kraamzorg (maternity nurse) at home
Family support (parents visiting)
Time and space to recover
👉 This highlights how important postpartum care is—not just birth itself.
Breastfeeding: The Part No One Prepares You For
One of the most honest reflections in this episode:
👉 Breastfeeding can be harder than expected
Challenges discussed:
Pain in early breastfeeding
Lack of preparation beforehand
The importance of early support
In the Netherlands, families benefit from:
Access to lactation consultants
Insurance-covered support
Ability to call midwives—even at night
💡 Early breastfeeding support can prevent long-term challenges and improve confidence.
Why the Dutch System Stands Out
Compared to other countries (like the UK), this episode highlights key advantages:
✔ Home-based postpartum care (kraamzorg)
✔ Accessible lactation support
✔ Midwife-led continuity of care
✔ Strong integration between home and hospital systems
👉 Many expat families find the Dutch system more supportive and less stressful overall.
Balancing Motherhood, Recovery & Real Life
This episode also touches on something rarely discussed:
👉 The reality of balancing motherhood with personal identity and career
From physical recovery to caring for multiple children, the postpartum period can feel like survival—even with support.
💡 Having help (family, professionals, community) is not a luxury—it’s essential.
Key Takeaways
The Dutch maternity system is highly supportive and midwife-led
Home birth can be safe and empowering for low-risk pregnancies
Birth can change quickly—flexibility is key
Emergency care is well integrated when needed
Postpartum recovery and breastfeeding deserve more attention
Support systems make all the difference
Support for Your Pregnancy & Postpartum Journey
Looking for personalized support in the Netherlands?
Explore:
Have Questions?
We’d love to hear from you.
Are you considering a home birth in the Netherlands?
What part of this story resonated with you most?
Leave a comment or reach out—we’re here to support you.
