Maternity care and examination
After welcoming your new baby, you’ll begin the ‘kraamweek’ (this is dutch for the first week) as new parents. This is the first week after delivery. A special period that encompasses joy, recovery and getting to know your son or daughter. We will be there for you during this stage.
Postnatal examinations
If labour and delivery went well, you will be at home during the first week with your new baby. You are entitled to maternity care (kraamzorg). Our midwives will stop by 2 or 3 times to check in on you and the baby. She will conduct medical examinations and can assist with (breast)feeding, if necessary. We will pay our final visit on day 8. This is also the last day of your maternity care. If something is not feeling quit right, we will keep in contact by phone or we will stop by. Just as during the pregnancy, we are available 24 hours per day for concerns or pressing questions.
Maternity care
At Femme Amsterdam we work with independent maternity nurses. We have a list of recommended maternity nurses at the practice. You can schedule an introductory meeting in advance to determine whether she is a good match for your family. The maternity nurse will also assist with light household tasks so that you can focus on recovering from the pregnancy and delivery. If it is your first baby, try to get minimal 6 hours a day (=48 hours) maternity care.
Follow-up examination, 6 weeks after birth
Six weeks after delivery, a meeting will take place at the practice with you, your partner and your new baby. Together with the midwife, you will look back on the pregnancy and the birth of your little one. We are also interested in hearing how you are experiencing parenthood so far and whether you have any questions or concerns. We will discuss things such as vaginal blood loss, your pelvic floor and contraception. We will also check your blood pressure and examine how your abdominal muscles are recovering. If any concerns arise, we can refer you to one of our specialised health providers.
Professional breastfeeding care
Are you experiencing difficulties nursing your baby? Feeling uncertain about whether things are going well? You can schedule an appointment with lactation consultant Heleen Hilgers. Our lactation consultant is a specialised expert within the field of breastfeeding. She can provide advice during pregnancy or offer support while (establishing) breastfeeding. This includes latching on, expressing milk and production. Together we will look at which options are best for you and your baby and what feels right for you.
Concerns about my baby
Nearly every mother has concerns about her new baby. Is he drinking enough? Why is she crying? Is she spitting up too much? You are welcome to call us at any time with all of your concerns. We will help you assess the situation and refer you to a healthcare practitioner. For example, we work together with an osteopath and a child physiotherapist. They can help your child if he of she spits excessively, cries a lot or has a preferred attitude.
Mixed feelings about motherhood
Throughout the pregnancy, you look forward to the arrival of your baby. The reality, however, is that you won’t always feel overjoyed after welcoming your little one. This is to be expected and is not always a cause for alarm. Parenthood is coupled with a good deal of responsibilities, worries and sleepless nights. Have you been struggling regularly with feelings of uncertainty or depression since the birth of your child? Please contact Marith Cohen de Lara of Zwanger&Psyche. She can help you.
Baby massage
Baby massage is not only relaxing for your little one, it’s also very good for circulation. It strengthens the muscles and keeps joints flexible. This is also an excellent way to make contact with your baby and strengthens your bond. You can massage your baby as early as 6 weeks and continue until around 9 months. For babymasssages and courses you can go to Jade Calitz of The Rub.
