Giving birth in the Netherlands

Now that you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, what can you expect when you give birth in the Netherlands? What are your options regarding the delivery? This page looks at what you can expect. 

Options for giving birth in the Netherlands

You have three options when it comes to giving birth in the Netherlands. You can: 

• Have a home birth
• Go to a birth centre
• Give birth in a hospital

Each has its own pros and cons. Which is right for you will depend on your own personal preferences, your health, and the advice of your doctor or midwife.

If you experienced complications during your pregnancy, your midwife or obstetrician will most likely advise you to give birth at a hospital. 

Home births in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a reputation for being a country where home births are a particularly popular option. This was certainly true in the years that followed WWII, when 80 percent of all pregnant women delivered their baby at home.

While the number has declined since then, it still remains relatively high compared to other European countries. As of 2024, around 15 percent of births in the Netherlands were home births.

Midwives in the Netherlands are well-trained to safely assist with home births. Being at home can help the mother feel more comfortable and relaxed. However, pain relief, such as epidurals or nitrous oxide, is not available for home births. Additionally, medical assistance isn't as easily-accessible, should you have any complications. 

Home births are fully covered by basic health insurance in the Netherlands and will not be deducted from your deductible. 

Birth centres in the Netherlands

When it’s not medically necessary to give birth in a hospital, but you don’t want to give birth at home either, you can go to a birth centre instead. Your own midwife or obstetrician will oversee the birth.

Birth centres in the Netherlands:

• Have a homely feel and are similar to a hotel.
• Often offer forms of pain relief medication, such as nitrous oxide.
• Take your personal wishes into account.

Birth centres have the advantage of usually being close to or part of a hospital, meaning that if there are any medical complications, a doctor is usually close at hand. Your birth will be supervised by a midwife as well as a maternity nurse. 

Note, however, that not all Dutch health insurers in the Netherlands will cover all the costs you will incur when giving birth in a birth centre. Speak with your provider to be clear on what is and isn't covered. 

After giving birth at a birth centre, you can usually stay for up to eight days and receive advice and support from the staff on caring for your new baby. For instance, they can support you with breastfeeding. 

Hospital births in the Netherlands

There are two types of hospital births in the Netherlands; you can give birth as an outpatient or an inpatient.

Outpatient

With outpatient delivery, you'll give birth in a delivery room with your own midwife, who will be supported by a maternity nurse.

Inpatient

You are considered an inpatient when you have to give birth in a hospital for medical reasons, such as complications during labour. This is also the case if you opt for an epidural as pain relief. 

Giving birth in a hospital is very safe, since medical assistance is close at hand should you need it. You can also access pain relief like nitrous oxide. However, some women do not feel as relaxed in the hospital setting as they would elsewhere. 

After giving birth at a hospital, you can usually go home within a few hours of the birth, if you are an outpatient. Your midwife will let you know when you are able to leave. If you need additional care, your midwife will hand over your care to a hospital nurse and you will be admitted as a patient with your baby. 

For an outpatient birth, you'll be charged a copayment. The exact amount differs between hospitals. It may not be entirely covered by your health insurance provider, so check with them to be sure. 

Birth plan

In the Netherlands, it is common to come up with a birth plan with your partner and care provider. This plan will be part of your medical record and will describe your wishes concerning the birth. Of course, you will need to keep in mind that, in the case of an emergency, things may go a little differently than planned.

What to do when you go into labour

When you go into labour, your birth plan will tell you what to do.

If you think you are in labour, you should call ahead (if you have time) and describe your condition to the call handler. They will ask you about your contractions and let you know whether it’s time for you to come in (or for them to come to you, if you are giving birth at home).

If you are going to a hospital or birth centre, make sure you have packed a bag with some essentials like clothes for you and the baby, toiletries and important documents. 

Postnatal care in the Netherlands

Once your baby has been born, you can benefit from the Netherlands' unique postnatal care system called kraamzorg. 

Registering your child

After you give birth, you will need to register the birth at the local municipality within three days. You'll need to take a valid form of ID. You'll need a copy of the registration certificate to claim child benefits.