Especially during your first pregnancy, a lot comes your way. You may be wondering what to expect. That's why we give you a bird's-eye view of what you can expect during your pregnancy at our practice — starting with some practical points that are useful for you to know.

Practical

These are useful things to know if you continue your journey with us:

We have a practice space in Maastricht and consultation locations in Cadier en Keer and at the Medical Centre in Amby (Severenplein 26, Maastricht).
We support a maximum of 14 expectant mothers per due month, so there is always time and attention for you
In addition to morning consultations, we also offer afternoon and evening consultation hours
Giving birth in a bath, on a birthing stool or in other positions is no problem for us
We rent out a birthing pool from our practice. Ask about the options if you are interested.

Your pregnancy, birth and maternity period

During your pregnancy you will have around 12 check-ups on average. In the first period every 4 weeks, from 24 weeks every 3 weeks, from 30 weeks every 2 weeks, and after 36 weeks you come in weekly. The first appointment takes place between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. Depending on various factors, you can be scheduled more often — if desired or needed.

During these appointments we go through all kinds of things. We make ultrasounds of your baby and discuss questions about health, medical tests and the choices you need to make. We keep track of how you are doing and how your baby is doing.

We aim to alternate your appointments between our midwives so you get to know both of us. We find this important for building a bond of trust with all of us, and because we take turns being on call.

To prepare you optimally for the birth, we schedule an appointment in the weeks before your due date to discuss the upcoming birth together. That way we can answer any questions you have and think (together with your partner) about your wishes and expectations for the birth. You can also prepare a birth plan.

The birth

And then the moment arrives! Your baby announces itself — labour begins!

We see pregnancy and birth as completely natural processes. When you and your baby are healthy and you feel strong, we believe every woman can give birth well, healthily and safely. Relaxation and trust in your own body, your own strength, your baby and the people around you are the keys to a beautiful birth.

Normally, babies are born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. If you and your baby are healthy and there are no known risks of complications beforehand, you can give birth with one of our midwives throughout that period. You may also then decide where you want to give birth. Choose the place where you feel safe and where you can relax best. Studies show that giving birth at home is just as safe as giving birth on an outpatient basis. If you choose hospital, bear in mind that your health insurer will require you to pay a co-payment. If there is a medical reason to give birth on an outpatient basis, the costs will be reimbursed.

You often have an idea about the position you want to give birth in. With us, anything is possible. Think, for instance, about giving birth on the bar stool or a water birth. You can usually rent a birthing pool 3 weeks in advance. Sometimes you can also give birth in your own tub. Our practice also has its own birthing pool. Ask us for more information if you would like to rent one. The midwife always takes a birthing stool with her. It is nice, for instance, to use the birthing stool in the shower to handle your contractions, but you can also use it during the birth phase. On the bed, it is also possible to give birth on your side or on your hands and knees. In practice, you will often find out for yourself what is the best way for you.

Most births start at home. When you call us, we will ask a few questions over the phone to assess whether labour has really started and roughly how far along you are. Together with you, we then agree when the on-duty midwife will come over to see how you and your baby are doing and how the birth is progressing.

If you want to give birth at home, we always bring our delivery bag and emergency bag. These contain everything needed to guide the birth well and safely, including in the unlikely event of complications (we carry oxygen, IV drips and medication, for example). We always have these bags, together with the birthing stool, in the car.

If you would prefer an outpatient birth — in hospital — that is of course also possible. The start is the same: after you call us, we first come to your home to see how things are going and how the birth is progressing. Once you are about 5–6 cm dilated (or earlier if we expect a very fast birth), we go to the hospital together. There, the on-duty midwife from our practice will guide your birth. If all has gone well, you go back home with your little one about two hours after the birth.

You can decide where you want to give birth right up to the last moment. If you chose an outpatient birth earlier but would rather stay at home after all, that is no problem — and the same applies the other way around.

In both situations, a maternity nurse from the agency you registered with will assist us during the birth. At a home birth she will also take care of changing your bed and tidying and washing up afterwards. After an outpatient birth, the maternity nurse goes home with you and starts caring for you and your baby there.

The maternity week

In the week after the birth, the maternity nurse comes for several hours a day to care for you and your baby. She performs daily checks on you both, helps you care for your baby and assists with feeding. She also keeps your household running and welcomes your visitors — happily serving them the traditional Dutch 'beschuit met muisjes' and pouring the coffee! She can often answer many of your questions, and if she doesn't know something or is concerned, she will contact the on-duty midwife.

You need to register for maternity care yourself with one of the agencies in the region. You will receive more information about this during the intake.

The choice between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding is entirely yours. We will inform you about the pros and cons of both. During pregnancy you can already attend an information evening about breastfeeding or make an appointment with a lactation consultant to discuss all your questions.

Let's continue together

We look forward to meeting you! Please inform quickly to see if we still have a spot for you.