Kraamzorg, what it is and how can you arrange it?
It’s easy to get caught up in your pregnancy, hard to see past labour and your baby’s birthday and not think about how you are going to manage in the postnatal period. But, caring for your newborn is more than a full time job and being an expat parent adds a extra level of isolation and difficulty.
Read on to find out how kraamzorg care (postnatal care) can support you in Belgium
Krammzorg
a Dutch term that highlights the importance of human connection and the role of affectionate, non-medical care in promoting well-being and recovery.
What is maternity care/kraamzorg?
Basically, it is help at home from a maternity assistant after your baby is born.
The maternity assistant can take the pressure off and create space for you to have more time to enjoy your baby and also more time for yourself and your partner. They can help you with caring for your baby and light housework. They don’t provide medical care, a midwife offers this. For more information about midwifery care check out below…
Help with caring for your baby:
Bathing your baby
Dressing and undressing
Changing diapers
Support with bottle and breastfeeding
Use of medication or navel care
Supporting your care (shower, bath or toilet)
Family support:
Do the washing
Taking your other children to school
Guidance with games and homework
Organization of maternity visits and household tasks:
Cooking
Washing up
Groceries
Washing and ironing
Heating up meals
Making and changing beds
When can you use kraamzorg services?
You can access kraamzorg services in Belgium from 1 month before the expected birth date until 3 months after your birth. There is pressure on services so it is a good idea to apply for maternity care well in advance preferably from the sixth month of pregnancy.
What does it cost?
You pay an hourly rate based on your net family income and your family composition. These rates are set by the Flemish government. The hourly rate varies between €2.50 and €11, depending on the net joint family income.
Be sure to contact your health insurance fund to check whether you are entitled to compensation.
Maternity care can be offered blocks of 2 hours or 4 hours. In certain circumstances, maternity care can also be provided during the weekend.
Links to some maternity care providers:
Postnatal Midwife Care
What services does a midwife provide?
A midwife is medically trained to provide support both during and after your pregnancy, in consultation with your gynaecologist.
What exactly does a midwife do?
A midwife performs postnatal medical checks on both you and your baby. She checks your baby’s weight and examines their eating and sleeping pattern and provides support with breast or bottle feeding. This goes for you too - checking on your physical recovery. She also supports your mental health and offers psychological guidance. Plus she offers support for your partner or other children if they have any questions or concerns.
It is a good idea to set up postnatal care with a midwife before your baby is born. As with all aspects of maternity care in Belgium you can choose your midwife. Their fees are fully reimbursed by your mutuelle. Some midwifery groups in Brussels also offer kraamzorg services.
Choosing to have maternity care gives you
More time to enjoy your baby - those first weeks fly by
More time for self-care - a moment for yourself is vital to support your mental health
Peace of mind - an experienced maternity assistant can boost your confidence
and is affordable as your health insurance fund contributes
