What To Do About the Kraamzorg Shortage in Amsterdam

We don’t want to alarm you, but we do want to be real with you: there’s a serious shortage of kraamzorg in the Netherlands, and it’s hitting hard in Amsterdam. If you’re expecting a baby in the coming months, this is something to be aware of — and to plan around.

We know kraamzorg is one of the most unique and beautiful parts of postpartum care here. Someone in your home, showing you how to change a nappy, make it through your first cluster feed, and get some sleep — it’s a dream. But that dream is getting harder to come by.

Here’s what’s going on — and what you can do.

First: what’s happening?

Put simply: there aren’t enough kraamverzorgenden to go around. The system is under pressure. Some families are getting fewer hours than expected. Others are being told they’ll get the legal minimum (24 hours total). And some aren’t getting matched with a kraamzorg provider at all.

It’s not your fault. It’s not your baby’s fault. And it’s not the fault of the incredible people working in kraamzorg, either. The whole sector is stretched, and everyone is doing the best they can.

But it’s a hard pill to swallow. Especially when you’re in that raw, shaky, just-had-a-baby place. So, what now?

Pregnant in Amsterdam? Here's What You Can Do

Book your Kraamzorg early (sorry if this is too late!)

Sign up for a kraamzorg in your first trimester

We’re talking as early as 10–12 weeks pregnant. Don’t wait. Choose a provider and register with them as soon as you can. If you’re further along and haven’t done this yet — do it today.

What to Ask Your Kraamzorg Bureau When You Register

When registering, ask: What’s the average number of hours you're currently able to offer? What happens if no one is available when I give birth? Do you offer digital or telephone support if needed? Can I schedule my hours for specific days/times?

This turns passive waiting into informed planning.

Call your insurer’s zorgbemiddeling

If you’re getting the dreaded “we’re full” email, call your insurer and ask for zorgbemiddeling (care mediation). They might be able to find you a spot with a different bureau, even if your first choice is full. It doesn’t always work, but it’s absolutely worth trying.

Be realistic about the number of hours

Most people don’t get the full 49 hours these days. If you’re offered 24, it’s still valuable — and sometimes, even a few key hours can make a big difference. Some people worry that “only 24 hours” means barely anything. Even with 24 hours, you’ll still likely get: A check on you and the baby’s health Help with feeding (bottle or breast) Support for baby care basics Guidance on when to call a midwife or GP.  Think about when you most want someone around (e.g. day one at home, help with feeding, or the first bath), and let the bureau know that.

Make a postpartum support plan that doesn't rely on the kraamzorg

We can’t say this enough: kraamzorg isn’t the only kind of help that matters. Now’s the time to think about what else might support you in those early days:

• Can a friend or family member stay over for a few nights?

• Would a postpartum doula be possible?

• Can you prep meals ahead of time (or crowdsource some)?

• Who can be your “on-call” person for middle-of-the-night panic texts?

• Don't know what else to ask? Prepped to Parent includes a full template for planning this period

  
  

Find your Amsterdam people ahead of time

This might sound small, but it’s not. Having a WhatsApp group, an online parent course, or a birth prep group to turn to in the middle of the night can be everything.

Our Prepped to Parent groups are made exactly for this. They’re part practical prep, part emotional grounding, part community-builder — and they’re open to anyone expecting between now and February. If you want to feel more confident heading into birth and more connected heading into postpartum, we’d love to have you.

👉 Join a group here

Let go of the perfect version

This is the hardest part. You might not get the kraamzorg experience you imagined — and that’s unfair and frustrating. But support can still happen. You’re still allowed to rest. You’re still allowed to ask for help. And your baby is still going to be held, fed, and loved.

Mental Health Check

Because kraamzorg workers often do that first postpartum emotional scan, and with fewer hours, it’s easy to miss. If you’re not getting much kraamzorg, make sure someone — your midwife, partner, friend — checks in with you. Ask yourself: Am I feeling okay, emotionally? Am I sleeping or eating at all? Do I need help, even just to talk?

You’re not in this alone. Yes, the system is strained. Yes, it’s infuriating that new parents have to scramble to secure the most basic support. But we see you. We’re in this with you. And we’ll keep sharing what we know to help you feel just a little more held.

💛 You can learn more about Prepped to Parent right here.

And in the meantime: be gentle with yourself. It’s a lot. You’re doing great.