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Home vs. Hospital vs. Birth Center: Where Will You Have Your Baby?

In the Netherlands, you have a lot of freedom when it comes to where you want to give birth. Whether it’s the comfort of home, the medical support of a hospital, or the cozy vibe of a birth center, the Dutch system offers options designed to support the experience you’re hoping for.


Each choice has its own unique feel, benefits, and things to consider. Home vs. Hospital vs. Birth Center: Where Will You Have Your Baby? Let’s break it down.


Home Birth: The Dutch Classic

Row of colorful Dutch canal houses reflecting in water, under a cloudy sky. Bright facades, large windows, and serene atmosphere. In the Netherlands, home births are a pretty big deal, with around 13% of babies born at home. Giving birth at home
In the Netherlands around 13% of babies born at home

In the Netherlands, home births are a pretty big deal, with around 13% of babies born at home. It's a well-loved and trusted option, especially for low-risk pregnancies. The whole system here is built to support it.


Why people love it:

  • Comfort: You’re in your own space, which means you can move around, rest, snack, and labor however you feel most at ease. Plus, you’re already home when the baby arrives.

  • Personalized Care: Your midwife is with you the whole time, providing one-on-one care and helping you create the birth environment that feels right (music, lighting, essential oils—whatever calms you).

  • No Travel Stress: No rush to the hospital! You’re already at home, so you don’t have to think about getting anywhere when things kick off.

  • Post-birth Support: After baby arrives, kraamzorg (postnatal care) comes to you, helping with breastfeeding, baby care, and getting into your new groove during those first precious days.


What to think about:

  • Limited Medical Options: No epidural or immediate medical interventions. If things don’t go as planned, you’ll need to transfer to the hospital, which can be stressful if complications arise. And of course, there are occasional stories of pregnant people being cranned out of their windows to get to the hospital.


Hospital Birth: Medical Comfort

A woman in a hospital gown leans over a bed in a room with a clock and framed art. Blue drapes cover an object. Mood is somber. Giving birth in the netherlands in a hospital
It is quite common for first-time birthers to transfer to the second line of care. In fact, around 65% of first time births will be at the hospital

Around 80% of births in the Netherlands happen in hospitals. It’s a great option if you’re looking for more medical support or if you have a higher-risk pregnancy. Hospitals here are very used to working closely with midwives and will do their best to honor your birth preferences.


Why people love it:

  • Immediate Medical Care: If you’re thinking about an epidural or there’s any need for extra help, the hospital’s got you covered. It’s fully equipped for whatever comes your way.

  • Specialized Support: For high-risk pregnancies, hospitals offer top-notch second-line care, so you and baby are monitored closely by doctors and specialists.

  • Peace of Mind: Many parents appreciate the reassurance of being in a medical setting, just in case something unexpected happens.


What to think about:

  • Less Personal Attention: Depending on the hospital, you might not get the same one-on-one care you would with a midwife. Hospital births can feel a bit more clinical.

  • Limited Movement: Some hospitals have stricter protocols, which can sometimes make it harder to move around or change positions during labor (though this varies by location).


Birth Center: The Best of Both Worlds

Man holding newborn in hospital room, wearing patterned hospital gown. Window blinds in the background. Scene conveys tenderness.
A birth center gives you the freedom and comfort of a home birth, with the added peace of mind that full medical support is just moments away if you need it.

Birth centers are a great in-between option for parents who want the cozy vibe of home but with medical support close by. These centers are designed to feel comfortable and homelike, with medical help just around the corner if needed.


Why people love it:

  • Cozy Environment: Birth centers are designed to feel like home, with comfy beds, birthing pools, and plenty of space for you to move around and labor however you feel best.

  • Midwife-Led Care: Just like a home birth, your midwife leads the way, providing personalized care and less medical intervention than in a hospital setting.

  • Nearby Medical Help: Many birth centers are located near or connected to hospitals, so if things take a turn, you can be transferred quickly.


What to think about:

  • No Epidurals: Like home births, birth centers don’t offer epidurals. If you change your mind or complications arise, you’ll need to move to a hospital.

  • Availability: Birth centers are not as common as hospitals, so depending on where you live, availability might be limited.


Home vs. Hospital vs. Birth Center: Where Will You Have Your Baby? It's a very personal choice! It depends on your pregnancy, your preferences, and what kind of environment feels right for you and your baby. The Dutch system is set up to support you in any setting—whether that’s the comfort of home, the reassurance of a hospital, or something in between. The choice is yours.

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