Birthing in the Netherlands

In an article in American Baby the author speaks of different birthing experiences her and her friends have had around the world.  She speaks of her experience in the Netherlands.  Women there rarely see a doctor.  They see a midwife for prenatal care and by law a midwife must be at every birth even when a doctor is present.  Women decide if they will have the birth at home or a hospital.  All women must pick up a kit with all the medical supplies needed for a home birth regardless if they have decide to have the baby at a hospital.  The kit is called a Kraampakket.  If they have a baby at the hospital and everything went well they usually and go home within two hours.  After birth a nurse comes the the home for seven days and provides medical care as well as cooking, cleaning, and helping with parenting instructions.  She is also responsible for making the traditional snack for when visitors come to see the baby.  This is all covered by there insurance.

In many ways this is different from the traditional American experience.  We mostly see doctors and deliver in hospitals.  I like how they support the mother and family after the birth.  One thing that was common in many of the birthing stories that I read is the support from family and friends.  It seems to be universal to rally and celebrate the birth of a child.  And it should be they are such miracles!
Below is the link to the article that I was referring to above.


http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/?page=2