When people prepare to have a baby, they often focus only on the birth. They want the perfect birth plan, a packed hospital bag, or all the best baby gear. But the postpartum period is when mothers and new parents need the most support.

Global health experts consider the first six weeks after birth as one of the most critical periods in maternal health, yet it is often overlooked in preparation. In this article, I’ll walk you through the benefits of postpartum support inspired by the Netherlands’ kraamzorg system and practical strategies you can start practicing now to make your postpartum journey smoother and healthier.

I’m Anna, a registered nurse, birth and postpartum doula, lactation counselor, and childbirth educator supporting expat families in the Eindhoven region of the Netherlands.

1. What is Kraamzorg?

Kraamzorg is a postnatal care system offered in the Netherlands that provides comprehensive support for both the birthing parent and the newborn. A specially trained maternity nurse, called a kraamverzorgster, either attends the birth or visits your home shortly afterward.

Typical support includes:

• Basic newborn care (diapering, bathing, umbilical cord care)

• Breastfeeding guidance, including help with latching and troubleshooting

• Daily health checks for the birthing parent (temperature, uterine recovery, lochia monitoring)

• Light household tasks like laundry, meals, or entertaining older siblings

Kraamzorg support usually lasts about 8 days, depending on your insurance coverage. Due to current shortages, some families may receive care in a kraamhotel, where one maternity nurse assists several families at once.

2. Why Postpartum Support Matters

Research shows that consistent postpartum support, like that offered by kraamzorg, has significant benefits for both the parent and the baby:

• Improved breastfeeding outcomes – Early, hands-on support increases the likelihood of continued breastfeeding.

• Better maternal mental health – Professional monitoring and emotional support reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.

• Lower rehospitalization rates – Both parents and babies experience fewer complications thanks to hands-on monitoring and daily checkups.

Even if you don’t live in the Netherlands, the kraamzorg model demonstrates the importance of structured support during the early weeks after birth.

3. How to Build Your Postpartum Support Network

If your country doesn’t offer government-backed postpartum care, you can still create your own “kraamzorg-inspired” support system:

Start during pregnancy:

• Gather evidence-based information about postpartum recovery and newborn care

• Map out your personal support network (family, friends, and neighbors)

• Join local parent groups to connect with other new parents

Consider professional support:

• Hire a postpartum doula or connect with a lactation counselor

• Schedule check-ins to monitor your physical recovery and emotional wellbeing

Practical tips:

• Ask friends or family to help with meals, laundry, or household tasks

• Build intentional support systems so you can focus on bonding with your baby

Remember, “it takes a village.” Sometimes you need to intentionally build that village to ensure you have the care you need.

4. Advocating for Better Postpartum Care

If you live in a country where postpartum support is not standard, consider advocating for change:

• Contact local government representatives

• Share research showing that structured postpartum support improves maternal and infant health outcomes

• Encourage policy changes that provide comprehensive postpartum care

Final Thoughts

The kraamzorg model highlights the value of compassionate, consistent care during the early postpartum period. Whether through family, friends, doula services, or peer support groups, these principles can be adapted to any healthcare system.

Start practicing now:

• Build your support network before birth

• Consider professional postpartum support

• Focus on rest, recovery, and bonding after delivery

• Advocate for better postpartum policies where possible

Your postpartum self—and your baby—will thank you.

Learn More About Postpartum Support
Looking for personalized support after birth? Check out our services:

• Postpartum Doula Care

• Breastfeeding Support

• Birth Doula Packages

• Childbirth Preparation Classes

References:

1. Brown, A., Raynor, P., & Lee, M. (2016). Maternal control of child feeding during the weaning period: Differences between mothers following a baby-led or standard weaning approach. Maternal & Child Health Journal, 20(10), 2348-2356. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-016-2057-0

2. International Journal of Women's Health. (2014). Postnatal care: Are services for mothers and babies in high-income countries supporting good health outcomes? International Journal of Women's Health, 6, 349–361. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S41739

3. McLeish, J., & Redshaw, M. (2017). Maternity experiences of mothers with multiple disadvantages in England: A qualitative study. Women and Birth, 30(2), 127-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2016.10.001

4. Postnatal Support Network. (2024). Recommitting to care and support during the fourth trimester. [Position paper]. https://revolution.postnatalsupportnetwork.com/position-paper-fourth-trimester/

5. Thomson, G., Ebisch-Burton, K., & Flacking, R. (2015). Shame if you do – shame if you don’t: Women’s experiences of infant feeding. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 11(1), 33-47. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12148

6. Wray, J., & Garside, J. (2019). Exploring the impact of postnatal support on maternal outcomes: A qualitative systematic review. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 37(4), 380-400. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2019.1573178