In today’s video, I’m diving into a unique and amazing postpartum support system offered in the Netherlands: Kraamzorg. Whether you’re new to the term or have experienced it firsthand, this video breaks down:

• What is kraamzorg and what does a kraamverzorgster do?

• The proven benefits of kraamzorg for both birthing parents and babies, including better breastfeeding outcomes, improved maternal mental health, and reduced rehospitalization rates.

• How families outside the Netherlands can achieve similar support with practical tips and resources.

As a childbirth educator, registered nurse, lactation counselor, and birth doula, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable postpartum care is for families. Kraamzorg is a shining example of how we can care for new parents and babies during the early days after birth.

Even if kraamzorg isn’t available where you live, you can still prepare for postpartum recovery with the right information, support, and resources. Let’s talk about how we can optimize postpartum care for every family!

Have questions about postpartum support or preparing for birth? Drop them in the comments!

#kraamzorg#postpartum#netherlands#doulasupport#postpartumsupport#postnatal#postnatalcare#newparents

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