According to everything I read, most expectant mothers do not see an obstetrician. Unless, they are high-risk, expectant mothers in The Netherlands are referred to a mid-wife by the family doctor. All expectant mothers in Holland are required to pick up a kraampakket. This packet includes all the necessary supplies for a homebirth. Most deliveries take place in the home. If you do choose to deliver your baby at the hospitial, the mid-wife takes care of all the arrangements.
Naturally delivery without any medication is what the majority of woman in The Netherlands have. If there are no complications with the delivery and/or the baby, they can go home within a few hours of delivery. Quickly after the mother and baby arrive home the Dutch system of Kraamhulp (Maternity home care) is set in place. For seven days after the delivery, a home nurse comes and cares for the mother and baby. She also cooks, and cleans the house. Insurance covers this expense.
The home nurse also monitors the visitors and provides them with the traditional snack to celebrate the birth: beschuit met muisjes (biscuite with mice). The mice are miniature licorice bits with blue/white or pink/white coating.
This sounds like a dream come true for expectant mothers and their babies. What a warm and welcoming way to bring a baby into the world. I wonder if I can convince my husband that our next baby will be born in The Netherlands (whooooops, there will be NO more babies, our hands are full!).
reference: http://www.mothers&babies.com/. Birthing Customs Around the World (June 2010).
Donna,
ReplyDeleteWow! I sure would have enjoyed a nurse to visit, check baby and I out medically, cook and clean for seven days; what a luxury. Within a couple of days after being home with my infant I acquired a breast infection. Living out in rural Montana and the closest doctor 45 minutes away I was scared because I did not know what was wrong with me. I had a high fever, trying to nurse and take care of my beautiful little gift. Having a nurse sure would have eased my stress and perhaps a long trip to the doctor, new baby in tow. The traditional, baby welcoming snack sounds delightful!
Respectfully,
Patty Eningowuk
Wow! That is a dream come true! It would be fabulous just to have someone come to your home to check on you and your baby...but to clean your house and cook your meals??
ReplyDeleteThat certainly helps to alleviate much of the anxiety and fear that goes along with everything that is so new for parents. You know someone's coming to check up on you so you don't have to wonder whether or not to call the doctor's office because of what you're experiencing. Amazing!
Thanks for sharing.
~Shawn