Which care providers do you need, and when?

Midwife

Your fixed companion throughout the whole journey: prenatal consultations, birth support, postnatal care at home, breastfeeding and babywearing advice. The midwife is the care provider par excellence for a normal pregnancy and birth, and works closely with the other providers.

Gynaecologist

The medical specialist who handles the medical follow-up of your pregnancy, performs the scans and attends the birth in the hospital. With a high-risk pregnancy or complications, the gynaecologist takes on a bigger role.

GP

Your first point of contact for general health questions, including during pregnancy. Some couples choose to have (part of) the pregnancy follow-up with the GP.

Maternity ward and paediatrician

At a hospital birth, the maternity ward team cares for mum and baby in the first days. The paediatrician checks your newborn’s health and follows up when extra care is needed.

Physiotherapist

A (pelvic floor) physiotherapist supports your body during and after pregnancy: prenatal exercises for back or pelvic complaints, and after the birth the recovery of your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Usually on a doctor’s prescription; your midwife refers you in a targeted way when useful.

Kind en Gezin

After the birth you can turn to Kind en Gezin (Opgroeien) for free follow-up of your child’s growth and development, vaccinations and parenting support, at a consultation office or at home.

Maternity care

A maternity carer helps at home in the first weeks with practical tasks and the care of your baby. Maternity care complements the medical follow-up by the midwife.

And more

Depending on your situation, a lactation consultant (breastfeeding) or a psychologist (mental wellbeing) can also play a role. Your midwife helps refer you in a targeted way when useful.