Episode 22: Who’s who in your birth team?
If you’re pregnant in the Netherlands, you’ve probably come across terms like midwife, kraamzorg, doula, or consultatiebureau—and wondered:
Who are all these people, and what do they actually do?
In this episode of Pregnant in the Netherlands, we break down who’s who in your Dutch birth team, so you can feel confident, informed, and supported throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
Understanding the Dutch Maternity Care System
The Netherlands has a unique, midwife-led maternity system. Depending on your situation, you may interact with a variety of care providers—from pregnancy through postpartum.
We’ll walk you through each role so you know what to expect and when.
Pregnancy & Birth: Your Core Birth Team
1. First-Line Midwife (Verloskundige)
Your first-line midwife is your main care provider during pregnancy if you are considered low-risk.
They:
Monitor your pregnancy
Provide check-ups and guidance
Support home births, birth center births, or hospital births without medical indication
💡 Think of your midwife as your “project manager” for pregnancy and birth.
2. Clinical Midwife (Hospital Midwife)
If you need medical care (for example, pain relief or complications), you’ll be transferred to a clinical midwife in the hospital.
They:
Support medically indicated births
Work alongside gynecologists
Take over care if your situation becomes high-risk
3. Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
A gynecologist is a medical doctor trained in:
High-risk pregnancies
Medical interventions
Cesarean births and surgery
👉 In the Netherlands, you typically only see a gynecologist if complications arise.
4. Birth Doula
A birth doula is a non-medical professional who provides:
Emotional support
Physical comfort techniques
Evidence-based information
Continuous presence during labor
Unlike medical staff, your doula is there just for you.
💡 Many families describe their doula as a “support specialist” during birth.
5. Hospital Nurse
If you give birth in the hospital, you may also work with a nurse who:
Assists with medical tasks
Helps with comfort (shower, positioning, etc.)
Supports the clinical team
After Birth: Immediate Postpartum Support
6. Kraamzorg (Maternity Nurse / Kraamverzorgester)
One of the most unique aspects of the Dutch system is kraamzorg.
Your maternity nurse will:
Visit you at home for the first 8 days
Support feeding (breast or bottle)
Monitor mother and baby
Help with light household tasks
Assist during home birth if applicable
💡 This is essential postpartum support, especially for recovery.
7. Midwife (Postpartum Visits)
Your midwife continues care after birth by:
Checking your recovery
Monitoring your baby’s health
Providing guidance in the first days
8. Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Lactation Counselor
If breastfeeding challenges arise, you may be referred to a lactation specialist.
Lactation counselor: trained in breastfeeding support and education
IBCLC (lactation consultant): highly trained with clinical hours and certification
👉 Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both parent and baby, and support can make a big difference.
Ongoing Postpartum & Baby Care in the Netherlands
9. Consultatiebureau (Youth Health Care / GGD)
The consultatiebureau provides:
Baby health checks
Development monitoring
Vaccinations
Parent guidance
They also perform:
Heel prick test (screening for conditions)
Hearing test in the first week
👉 There isn’t a perfect English equivalent, but think of it as a preventative child health service.
10. GP (Huisarts)
Your general practitioner (GP) is your go-to for:
Illness
Medical concerns
Anything outside routine baby check-ups
11. Postpartum Doula
After kraamzorg ends, many families choose a postpartum doula for continued support.
A postpartum doula can help with:
Recovery after birth
Breastfeeding guidance
Newborn care education
Emotional support
Light household help and meal preparation
💡 This is especially valuable for expat families without nearby support systems.
Why Understanding Your Birth Team Matters
Knowing who does what helps you:
✔ Feel more confident navigating the system
✔ Know when to ask for help
✔ Advocate for your preferences
✔ Reduce uncertainty and stress
Key Takeaways
The Dutch system is midwife-led and highly supportive
You’ll meet different professionals depending on your needs
Support continues well into the postpartum period
You don’t have to do this alone—build your support team
Support for Your Pregnancy & Postpartum Journey
Looking for personalized support in the Netherlands?
Explore:
