Postnatal care: daily check-ups and peace of mind maternity nurse support

The first week after birth is truly special. You’re getting to know your baby, recovering from childbirth, and learning something new every day. Fortunately, you’re not doing it alone. During this first week, a maternity nurse (kraamverzorgende) will visit your home every day to support you. But what exactly does she do? How many hours of care will you receive? And how does the cost work? In this article, we explain it all.

What is postnatal (kraam) care — and why is it so important?

In many countries, new mothers stay in the hospital for several days after birth. In the Netherlands, you can usually go home soon after delivery — and receive professional postnatal care at home. We’re lucky to have this system! The maternity nurse is there for you, your baby, and your family. She visits for several hours a day to help with baby care, medical check-ups, your physical recovery, and any questions you may have. She assists with feedings, offers practical tips, and sometimes even helps a little around the house.

Postnatal care isn’t just about practical help — it’s about building confidence. Confidence in yourself as a parent, in your recovery, and in getting to know your baby. The maternity nurse guides you step by step through this new phase.

The maternity nurse provides check-ups — and peace of mind

Each morning starts with a short chat: How was your night? Did the baby feed, sleep, and settle well? How are you feeling — physically and emotionally? The maternity nurse is also there as a listening ear.

Then she performs medical checks. For you, she monitors your temperature, pulse, the height of your uterus, the amount of blood loss, and how your stitches are healing (if applicable). For your baby, she checks breathing, skin color, temperature, bowel movements, urination, feeding behavior (breast or bottle), and the healing of the umbilical cord. All findings are carefully recorded in your and your baby’s medical record.

She’ll also assist with feeding and show you how to care for your baby — from changing diapers and bathing to dressing. And yes, she might even help with a bit of laundry or preparing breakfast. How much time she can spend on these extra tasks depends on the number of hours of care you receive.

How many hours of postnatal care do you get?

Every new mother in the Netherlands is entitled to postnatal care, but the number of hours depends on your situation. The standard amount is 49 hours spread over 8 days. Around week 36 of your pregnancy, the maternity care organization will contact you (by phone or visit) to assess your situation — your health, whether you have other children, and how much help you have at home. Based on this, the number of care hours is determined — usually between 3 and 8 hours per day.

Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of maternity nurses in Amsterdam. This means that sometimes it’s not possible to offer the ideal number of hours. The maternity care organization aims to distribute care fairly among all families, but please keep in mind that your care may occasionally be shorter than initially planned.

What does postnatal care cost?

Postnatal care is covered by the basic Dutch health insurance and is therefore largely reimbursed. However, there is a mandatory personal contribution. In 2025, this is €4.80 per hour. If you have additional insurance, these costs are often partially or fully reimbursed — check with your insurer to avoid surprises. You never have to pay for the maternity nurse’s parking costs.