kraamvrouw

The kraamvrouw, also referred to as the "lying-in woman" or "postnatal nurse," is a nurse who provides care and support to new mothers during the postpartum period, typically in a hospital or at home. In the Netherlands, this service is a standard part of obstetric care.

The kraamvrouw's role is to assist the mother in all aspects of postnatal care, including feeding, bathing, and caring for the newborn. The nurse will typically stay with the mother and the baby for 2-4 days after delivery, often for the entire duration of approximately 24-48 hours after the birth and one or two more days.

In the past, the kraamvrouw would often stay with the mother in the home, helping with cooking and household chores alongside the postpartum care. However, modern hospital care practices have largely phased out this tradition. Two or four kraamvrouwen are provided on call by the obstetric ward, beginning from the eighth day of pregnancy and remain in service until a couple of days after childbirth.

The kraamvrouw will also provide educational resources and support to the mother and her partner, helping them to adjust to new parenting responsibilities. Additionally, the nurse will facilitate communication among family members and healthcare providers to ensure a smooth mother-baby transition.

In some cases, private obstetric practices may offer similar services to the kraamvrouw within the framework of their insurance coverage.