Episode 18: Beyond the Kraamzorg
How to Prepare for the Postpartum Period
Welcome to Pregnant in the Netherlands, your guide to pregnancy, birth, and beyond. In this episode, we explore what to expect during the postpartum period—physically, emotionally, and socially—and how parents can prepare to thrive after birth. I’m Anna, a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and lactation counselor, alongside Julianna, a birth doula and childbirth educator. We support parents in the Netherlands with evidence-based information, honest conversations, and practical guidance for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Defining the Postpartum Period
The postpartum period begins after birth and has no strict cutoff—physically, emotionally, and socially, you are always postpartum in some sense.
Terms we use:
Fourth trimester: Usually considered the first 12 weeks up to six months. Critical for bonding, recovery, and establishing routines.
Matrescence: The transition into motherhood, which can last years as you adapt physically, emotionally, and socially.
Kraamperiode (Dutch): The first four to six weeks postpartum, when support is most crucial.
Physical Changes After Birth
Bleeding and Uterus Recovery:
Expect heavier bleeding than a period as your body sheds pregnancy tissue and the placenta detaches.
The uterus, initially as large as a watermelon, contracts down to the size of a fist. These contractions (afterpains) may feel intense, especially after multiple births.
Sweating and Hormonal Changes:
Your body eliminates extra pregnancy fluids through sweating.
Hormones, IV fluids, and milk production contribute to excess sweating and changes in body odor.
Your baby recognizes your scent, which is comforting for them.
Breast Changes and Engorgement:
Breasts fill with colostrum and mature milk by day 3–5 postpartum.
Engorgement can be uncomfortable but typically lasts only a few days.
Removing milk regularly through feeding or pumping regulates supply.
Simple remedies: cool cabbage leaves, gentle support bras.
Abdominal Changes:
Your belly remains “semi-pregnant” for weeks.
Daily checks with a maternity nurse can help track uterine shrinkage.
Emotional and Identity Shifts
Emotional Surprises:
Hormonal fluctuations (estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, adrenaline) create emotional highs and lows.
Crying, elation, overwhelm, and joy can all happen simultaneously.
Identity Changes:
Becoming a parent involves integrating your “mother self” with your existing identity.
For some, this realization takes months or even years.
Balance is key: care for your baby while maintaining aspects of your pre-birth identity.
Practical Postpartum Preparation
Filling Your Cup:
Prioritize rest, nourishment, and emotional care.
Accept help from partners, family, and friends.
Meal Planning:
Arrange a meal train, freezer prep, or ask loved ones to cook.
Proper nutrition supports recovery and breastfeeding.
Rest Strategies:
Create quiet, dark spaces for stillness, even if not sleeping.
Minimize chores in the first days; accept help and delegate tasks.
Support Networks:
Social isolation is common; plan check-ins and visits with friends and local community.
Professional support is essential: midwives, lactation consultants, and doulas.
Beyond Birth Program
Anna, along with a midwife and two lactation consultants, created Beyond Birth, a five-month postpartum program:
Monthly small-group sessions (4–8 women) for guided support.
Themes: recovery, emotional adjustment, parent identity, breastfeeding, and community building.
Participants leave with a personalized postpartum plan.
Partners are welcome; webinars are interactive and safe spaces for discussion.
Upcoming free postpartum planning webinars:
26 November 2025 at 7:30 PM
18 December 2025
Learn more and sign up: beyondbirth.nl
Closing Thoughts
The postpartum period is full of surprises—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Preparing in advance, building support networks, and accepting help are key to a smoother transition.
Embrace rest, nourishment, and community; these are as important as caring for your baby.
Thanks for listening!
Join Our Community
Join our Expecting Together WhatsApp group in Eindhoven
Attend an Expecting Together Meetup
Learn more about our postpartum and birth support services:
