In practice
- We follow the “10 key steps for successful breastfeeding”.
- There are “mother-friendly initiatives” that focus on providing care and attention to pregnant women.
- We respect the “International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes”.
During labour
During labour, a companion you trust is welcome to support you. You may eat and drink. You will receive information and guidance on natural ways to cope with pain, suitable positions, and the course of labour and birth.
In addition to epidural anaesthesia, there are other, more natural ways to relieve pain:
- Warmth and water, a bath or shower
- Massage
- Changing positions regularly; walking around, sitting on a birth ball
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides the best start for both baby and mother.
Skin-to-skin contact with the parents is just as important to your baby as eating and drinking. It is a wonderful way to strengthen the parent-child bond and has a calming effect on the baby’s heart rate and breathing. It also improves the initiation of breastfeeding. Moreover, the baby stays nice and warm.
Rooming in
Mother and baby remain together in the same room day and night. Fathers are welcome too. It’s an opportunity to get to know each other, learn to care for the baby, and feed the baby when he or she asks for it.
Practical help at home
A new baby always brings some disruption to family life. A baby requires a great deal of work and energy. Enjoy parenthood and let yourself be helped with practical assistance at home.
Follow-up and support are provided by:
- An independent midwife. Up to seven home visits are covered by your health insurance (more if prescribed). You pay only travel expenses.
- Kind en Gezin (Child and Family) makes a first bedside visit in the maternity ward.
- Your GP
This also means:
- No sponsorship, advertising, or free samples from formula companies
- No distribution of gift boxes (such as the “pink box”) in the hospital