For acute or rapidly worsening symptoms, call your own midwife, GP or out-of-hours GP service immediately, following their instructions.
Work with your kraamzorg carer and midwife
The kraamzorg carer observes parent and baby, supports feeding and care, and reports findings to the midwife. The midwife remains responsible for midwifery follow-up during the kraamzorg period. At the start, ask whom to call for each type of question.
Be honest about how you are doing physically and mentally. Pain, lack of sleep, tension and uncertainty are part of the conversation. Care can be adjusted within the national framework if there is a reason, although regional capacity may affect planning.
Let recovery set the pace
Rest, food, drink and help with daily tasks support recovery. Build up activity gradually and do not compare your pace with anyone else’s. Ask for information about wound care, stitches, urination, bowel movements, bleeding and pain relief suitable for your situation.
Bleeding after birth is common and changes over time. Contact your midwife if the bleeding suddenly increases, abdominal pain gets worse, or you have a fever, chills, severe dizziness or are concerned. For acute symptoms, follow the call instructions from your care team.
Monitor your baby’s feeding, temperature and behaviour
During kraamzorg, the carer monitors matters including feeding, weight, temperature, colour, urination and bowel movements. You learn which signs are normal for your baby and which observations you should report. A feeding choice can be adjusted if the parent or baby needs extra help.
Call immediately according to the instructions you received if a young baby is drowsy or floppy, feeds poorly, has difficulty breathing, has an abnormal temperature or develops jaundice in the first 24 hours. If something does not feel right, do not wait for the next scheduled visit.
Protect rest and mental health
Brief crying spells or emotional changes can occur during the first days. Discuss low mood, anxiety, panic, distressing thoughts or feeling unable to care for your baby with your kraamzorg carer, midwife or GP. Asking for help is part of good follow-up care.
Put recovery and feeding before visits. Ask one contact person to coordinate messages and practical help. Confusion, severe anxiety, feeling that you are losing control or thoughts of harming yourself or the baby require immediate professional help.
Sources for this guide
This guide provides general information. Your healthcare professional or the competent authority can explain what applies in your situation.
- Thuisarts.nl: important advice after giving birthAccessed on 2026-09-07
- Thuisarts.nl: bleeding after giving birthAccessed on 2026-09-07
- De Verloskundige: kraamzorg checks for the babyAccessed on 2026-09-07