Kraamzorguren

Kraamzorguren are the hours of postnatal care provided to a mother and her newborn in the Netherlands. This care is delivered by a kraamverzorgende, a trained professional who visits the home after birth to support the transition from hospital or home birth to daily life. The care focuses on practical help, guidance on newborn care, and support for the mother’s recovery, including assistance with breastfeeding, hygiene, baby handling, and safe sleep routines, while also offering light household support.

In most cases, families receive a fixed number of kraamzorguren as part of the basic health insurance package. The standard amount is commonly up to 49 kraamzorguren spread over a maximum of about 10 days, though the exact number can vary by insurer and personal care plan. The hours are arranged in agreement with the kraamzorgorganisatie and are typically distributed across several visits, depending on the needs of the mother and baby.

Funding and access: Kraamzorg is funded through the Dutch health insurance system (Zorgverzekeringswet). The basic package generally covers the stated hours, with additional hours potentially available at extra cost depending on the insurer and plan. The kraamverzorgende coordinates with the family and, if needed, with midwives or obstetricians to ensure appropriate support after discharge from hospital or following a home birth.

Limitations and scope: The kraamverzorgende provides non-medical support and guidance. Medical concerns or complications require contact with a midwife, huisarts (general practitioner), or hospital care. Kraamzorg hours aim to facilitate recovery, breastfeeding, newborn care, and the adjustment to daily routines in the first days after birth.