Episode 22: Who’s who in your birth team?

2 Mar

Who's Who in Your Dutch Birth Team?

Pregnant in the Netherlands and confused by words like verloskundige, kraamverzorgster or GGD? In this episode, we explain who does what — from pregnancy to postpartum.

During Pregnancy & Birth

First-Line Midwife (Verloskundige)
Your main provider if you’re low-risk.
You contact them after a positive test. They guide your pregnancy and attend your birth at home, birth center, or hospital (without medical indication).

Clinical Midwife
Works in the hospital. You meet her if you request pain relief or develop a medical indication. She takes over when care transfers to the hospital.

Gynecologist
Medical doctor and surgeon. Involved if there are complications, interventions, or a cesarean birth.

Birth Doula
Hired by you. Non-medical support.
Provides emotional, physical and informational support, plus continuous presence during labor.

Hospital Nurse
Assists with monitoring, IV lines, and practical needs during hospital birth.

Maternity Nurse (Kraamverzorgster)
Assists during home birth and supports you up to 8 days postpartum — monitoring mother and baby, helping with feeding, and doing light household tasks.

Postpartum

Maternity Nurse (Kraamverzorgster)

Midwife
Checks your recovery and baby’s health.

Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Board-certified breastfeeding specialist.

Lactation Counselor
Educated in breastfeeding support.

GGD / Consultatiebureau
Performs heel prick test, hearing test, monitors development, and offers vaccinations. For illness, contact your GP.

Postpartum Doula
Optional extra support after the maternity nurse leaves — practical and emotional help.

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Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: @julianna_feron

Anna Latham

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Instagram @empowered.birth.services

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Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min