General Maternity Period


The maternity period is intended to recover from the birth and adjust to your baby and the new family situation. You will receive care from us as well as kraamzorg. The maternity period is time to bond and be with your loved ones but can also be hectic. It is recommended to be prepared.

Breast feeding and bottle feeding


Do you intend to breastfeed? The best way to prepare yourself is to obtain plenty of information during your pregnancy and/or attend a class.
Providing clear and detailed guidance about breastfeeding is a priority to us.

Do you intend to bottle feed?
In that case, make sure that before the birth you have available: bottles, teats and formula suitable for newborns (0 to 6 months). During the maternity period we will provide guidance during breast- and bottle feeding.

Emotions during the Maternity Period


Of course the maternity period is a happy time: a beautiful baby has just been born.  Everyone is full of joy, lots of visitors and congratulations and you are being well cared for.  But consider this can also be a hectic time: everything is new (again) and you are getting to know your baby. You are busy getting used to all the new things around you. As a result you will usually sleep less than normal and are still recovering from the birth. During this time most women experience at least once something called ‘baby blues’.  You may feel like bursting into tears over minor things and feel generally depressed about life. 

This is not uncommon; almost every new mother experiences this.  It usually involves a short period and will resolve itself. If you still feel down despite a good nights sleep, talk to your partner about it or us or even your doctor. 

Pelvic muscle recovery during the Maternity Period

In order for your pelvic muscles to heal properly is it important to take it easy during your maternity period.  Together with physiotherapists from Bunnik Council a care plan has been devised containing advice for optimal pelvic muscle recovery.  We recommend reading and implementing this advice during the maternity period.

adviezen kraamperiode

Heel Prick


A small amount of blood is taken from the heel of your newborn child in the first week after birth. This blood is tested in a laboratory for a number of rare diseases. Early detection and treatment of these diseases can prevent or limit serious impairment of the physical and mental development of your child. Most of these diseases cannot be cured but they can be treated, for example with suitable medication or a diet.

A home carer will perform the blood test at your home. He/she will be notified by the Council that the birth of your baby has been registered.  You don’t need to arrange anything for this, at the same time as the heel prick; the carer will also perform the first hearing test. The result of the hearing test is given immediately but the heel prick results take a little while longer and will also be shared with a.o. the Health Clinic. During your pregnancy we will supply you with information about the heel prick and hearing test. You can also find this information by clicking on the information brochure below.

screening