Pregnant in USA vs The Netherlands

[@arvitt]

welcome to the island of Dordrecht . you guys are a welcome addition to Dordrecht's quite diverse community... Greetings from a fellow schapekop..👊

[@annbykerk-kauffman4077]

I was born at home in the Netherlands in 1958. My younger sister was born there too, when I was 3 years old. I was in another room with my grandmother. I was not traumatized! It was amazing. The only vaguely traumatic part was when the nurse brought my sister out to meet me before she had had her first bath. I vividly remember how yucky I thought she was.

[@BrendonChase_2015]

Congrats of course! My father was a family physician in a small(ish) village in the Flevopolder. When he started out in the '70s, there were years that he did 120+ home births (many young families back then). No biggie. Giving birth is not considered a medical condition in the Netherlands and - exceptions excluded - it most certainly doesn't need the attention of an overly expensive specialist like a gynaecologist. Americans are being ripped off.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thanks Brendon!

[@mariodriessen9740]

I have two kids. The first was home born and the second was born in the hospital. Two completely different experiences. At home, everything feels safe, being together with you loved one(s - it was just me and my girl and our dog). The midwife did everything she needed to do and this includes making tea or coffee, clean up potential messy stuff and after all of it is done she leaves. That's it. After that you get daily care at home (for free off course). One of the reasons why many Dutch people choose for a home birth, besides the fact that it's much more intimate and less clinical, is the fact that in most places it's not more than a 15 to 20 minutes drive to the nearest hospital. That's just in case something happens. And when something happens, it's usually not urgent enough to immediately go to the hospital anyway. I have so many great memories of my first baby's birth. With the second one (who was born in the hospital) it was much more like going to the hospital for something bad. It didn't feel right. It's not like they didn't do everything to make it a nice and happy experience, but again, it was clinical and it was so different. I missed the intimacy, the warmth, the coziness, the feeling of being in control, everything, even the dog. By the way, whatever you choose to do, you will hold the baby and it doesn't cost you anything (I'm still amazed by the idea that this is not a normality in the USA).

[@cristakampert8740]

Congratulations!!! The decision of home vs hospital is really personal. I have no kids, but also if people had, everyone is comfortable a bit different and it is okay to not know yet!

[@henryhuijbers3158]

You are getting a dutch baby. Congratulations.

[@harrybruijs2614]

Gefeliciteerd,look at Jovie's home about the postnatal care. You have a right to kraamhulp Take it up with your midwive.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Dank je wel, Harry! Yes; my Midwife already informed me about the Kraamzorg😊

[@hunchbackaudio]

Congratulations and I hope you’re pregnancy runs pretty smoothly from now on. We have three and my wife was so sick every time, you woman are amazing.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you so much!!

[@nuuwnhuus]

Congratulations! Good to hear you've been having a good experience with the system we have here.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you!

[@nfboogaard]

I'm happy for you guys! Best of luck, looks like you have all the support you need. Your son is such a smart thoughtful person, I'm sure he won't be traumatised by a home birth.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Nielsi!

[@qazatqazah]

Congratulations! I'm glad to hear that you now seem to get the care that you need.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Yes! Thank you!

[@nicovantol7363]

Congrats hope everything goes well and you will feel better soon !!!!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thanks, Nico!

[@Nitzpitz]

Girst of all, congratulations! My mum had the same problem with morning sickness. She actually got admitted to hospital because she lost so much weight. Hope it will be bearable for you.

[@jaloemimoe2319]

I am a pediatric nurse, and live in the netherlands (born here). I would not recommend giving birth at home. The hospital is the place where mother and Child are saver. If something happens, at home the cannot do alot. If your baby needs to get out, in hospital they can run you to theater for a sectio. That is not possible at home, with risk of a stillborn. Please have that in mind. I birtht my children in the hospital. Of course, for myself i would love to birth at home. But the savety for my baby goes before my own preverance

[@maartjewaterman1193]

I was sick all day long too during my pregnancies. When being pregnant for the second time I tried to slow down myself in any giving meaning, getting up, preparing food, doing house chores, speaking calmly, etc and that worked out far better than the medication I got.

[@lordsleepyhead]

Congratulations! Wish you the best!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you so much!!

[@souldecides8931]

Gefeliciteerd! Make sure to exploit all benefits off the way it works here And good luck and live life

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Dank je wel!!

[@resi3794]

Congrats that is nice 🙂, hope you nosia is controled by the medicin and you can enjoy your pregnantcy.

[@erikmulder2574]

Congratulations 🎈

[@00wheelie00]

Congratulations! The medication is paid for from insurance premiums and taxes. It's not free you just don't pay for use. And we're getting the good deal here, per capita medical spending here is about half of the US with better results.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you!

[@renevaanhold]

The story of the Middle Ages is familiar to many Dordrecht citizens: as a prominent trading city, the staple law ensured that all goods going in and out of the city were subject to tax, including meat and livestock. Two inhabitants of Dordrecht who bought a sheep in the Alblasserwaard tried to avoid this tax by dressing the animal in scarecrow clothing. The plan failed at the last minute, because the sheep started bleating. The inhabitants of Dordrecht have been given the nickname 'Schapenkoppen' (sheep heads). "Anyone born in Dordrecht is given a cuddly sheep as a gift when registering in the municipality.

[@Dutch-Power-Cow]

😎😎😎

[@sannehofstede8762]

I’m so happy for you! And hyperemesis is such a pain. I’m glad you’ve gotten a bit better with medication at least. Pretty much everything will be paid for by your insurance except for ‘eigen risico’. Depending on your choice earlier this year that’s between €385 and €885. You can call your insurance (they will either send you monthly, quarterly or yearly invoices and you can choose which you prefer). Mid wives and GPs are ‘eigen risico’-free, but medication and hospital stays aren’t. Again, happy for you!

[@emmajones8590]

You'll probably have to pay 385 euros in total this year for all your medical costs. Though a few extras may pop up here and there.

[@josphineogugua]

OMG huge congratulations Fiona. I’m super happy for you and your family🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@MrGurbel]

Van harte gefeliciteerd.🥳🎈

[@autistandcat6804]

CONGRATULATIONS! The only invoice you (may) get is the one for your eigen risico (the own risk part of your insurance but wont be more then several hundred euro.).

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you!

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Congratulations!!🎉🥳

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you so much♥😀

[@marcovaneersel4532]

Gefeliciteerd!!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Dank je wel, Marco!!

[@danielle1806]

Gefeliciteerd! I delivered my first child in the hospital, but my second and third at home, which felt more safe because the midwife stayed with me after a certain point. When I delivered at home next to the midwife there was a kraamverzorgster (special care for mother and baby) who also came to care for me and my baby for the first 8 days. She also did some housework and cared for the other children if my husband wasn't home. The kraamverzorgster also comes after hospitalbirths when you're home. Your midwife probably already told you to sign up for that service, if not then you'll want to look into that as that is also covered by insurence. Maybe this service changed a little since I gave birth 14 years ago. You get a couple of hours per day. The midwife also comes to you in the week after the delivery for checkups. After I had my first in the hospital, the gynaecoloog gave the midwife ( who sent me to the gynaecoloog for medical reasons) my records and she did checkups at my home.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Dank je wel Daniëlle! I love hearing about others experiences because it's so helpful! Thanks for sharing!!

[@degroot50]

Congrats with being pregnant. Hope it goes well. You're a very inspiring spirit, keep up the good work:-)

[@tijlvandesanden]

Congrats...so happy for you and your family

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you so much, Tijl!

[@sjaakvantilborg9275]

congrats of course take care an have a nice time

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you,Sjaak!

[@hzaagman8005]

Congratulations!! I hope you'll have a beautiful, healthy baby.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thanks!

[@mandje2002]

Gefeliciteerd !!!!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Dank je wel, Danny!!!

[@sophierodriguez4625]

Congratulations!! Funny, when I read the title I was like wait did I miss something? Went back to check your previous videos ☺️ sorry about the morning sickness, that's rough

[@filevikingtube]

Congratulations to you all!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thanks, Gertje!

[@liesbethboesjes3307]

Gefeliciteerd❣

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Dank je wel, Liesbeth❤

[@carmenjones925]

Congratulations.

[@alicevanhuijzen-vandenbran6646]

Congratulations 🎊🎉💐👶

[@robertwemmers8562]

Welcome to the Netherlands girl , what you going through now was in mine time normal that 's fifty five years ago, we had on problems with the birth of our son, two days before the birth mine wife was on the bike to do some shopping, healthcare in the Netherlands is very good . I hope the baby is going to be very healthy.

[@miekeligtenberg6858]

Cograts with your new baby to come! I had all my 6 kids at home with a midwife and when I tolk about this to my USA friends they always say that it is taking a big risk. So I am happy to hear that our system has been a good experience for your so far! I had always a lovely time after the baby was born with the kraamverzorgster ( special nurse) who comes for a couple of days to look after mother and baby. Babyshowers are not a thing here, but after the baby is born the family and friends will come over and there is a special treat called beschuit met muisjes, and then the mom and baby gets gifts. The kraamverzorgster makes sure it is not to busy for you , baby and rest of the family.

[@darklady6987]

gefeliciteerd!!geniet ervan❤😊

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Dank je wel!!❤

[@BadassBananaBroodje]

WOW!!! Congrats girl!!!!!!!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you!!!!!

[@eddys.3524]

Congratulations with your pregnacy !! Sorry to hear about the morningsickness... It litterally ruins your day. I hope you will enjoy how much better the experience will be compared to the USA. Don't forget to take "Foliumzuur" ....

[@timoonstwedder793]

Congratulations!!!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you!!

[@j.l.boekestein3201]

Congrats!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thanks!

[@ari197]

One of the reason my wife choose for a house Birth is because you can actually rest longer and more comfortable on your own bed

[@nonexistingvoid]

Congratulations! Please don't worry about the short hospital stay. This is because you'll have a nurse (kraamhulp) visit you at home, who'll help you in the first few days after birth. This nurse is only their for you and your baby, but maybe you'll get lucky and they'll have enough time to also help with some small chores, to allow you some rest. And don't forget to buy beschuit and muisjes! The aniseed in muisjes is said to be beneficial for lactation, so it's tradition to eat when a child is born. Not just for the birth giver, but also for guests that come to visit the newborn. I wish you all the best for the rest of this pregnancy, the delivery, and every day after.

[@karlijnguijt-kusters8549]

Congratulations! Enjoy your pregnancy and the birth experience in the Netherlands.

[@19hen70]

Gefeliciteerd.....

[@Dutchbelg3]

You will find out there are a lot of things covered by your insurance in the Netherlands :-) And the pharmacy will reclaim the costs ; nothing to do for you just enjoy! Living in Belgium some things are different. In Belgium the major part of pregnant ladies give birth in hospital and it is a very positive experience! And most get the epidural sedation which is so much more comfortable.. It is frowned upon in The Netherlands (they usually tell you won't be consciously experience the birthgiving... Absolutely not true at all.. The Belgian caregivers are so enormously experienced that they only take the sharp edge off. ) In Belgium they don't give "Beschuit met muisjes" after birth but "Suikerbonen" - chocolates of course :-) It is Belgium !! ;-) In Belgium you still be in the hospital for a few days. The big advantage in The Netherlands is definately "Kraamzorg" ; When you are at home there will be a "Kraamzorgster" a lady that takes care for you and the baby and who even will do some house chores.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

I just recently found out about Kraamzorg and I'm still in shock about it! It's absolutely AMAZING!

[@only1dutchgirl]

congrats! Healthcare in the Netherlands covers a lot, if not all!! Inform yourself about the nationality thing. If a child is born it will get dutch nationality. and check out Zeeman, Hema and Wibra for baby clothes like onesies and cute little outfits... and sometimes Kruidvat has cute stuff too...

[@femkeklijn4802]

Gefeliciteerd.

[@lncomer]

Congratulations! That's amazing that the midwives will come to your house there and that they are open with home births. I'm from the states and wanted a home birth and it was very difficult to find a midwife who would do it. I ended up finding one but I had to go to her house. There are some states where it's illegal to have home births. I hope the remainder of your pregnancy goes smoothly! I can't wait to hear more about your experience there.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you so much! That's really interesting, I didn't realize home births are illegal in some states. I'm looking forward to sharing more of my experience!

[@bertkassing8541]

First: Congratulations! What joy this will bring! Second: My daughter who continues to live at home is now almost 7 months pregnant. She will have to give birth around August 26. I don't think you will be billed anymore for medicines that you have used. I assume you have already used your deductible. Then you don't have to pay anything more.

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you, Bert! Congratulations to your daughter and soon to be Opa as well!!

[@emmajones8590]

Bear in mind that you will get no form of pain relief with a home birth in the Netherlands. Nothing, nada, zilch.

[@angelavm84]

Oh my goodness! Congrats! I hope it will be a wonderful experience! Make certain you know exactly what you want concerning the birth (bed, bath etc.). Also, when it seems you have a risk (like previous c-section) they will tell you to go to the hospital. This can also happen during labor, so make certain you cover all bases when the time comes;-) (have a bag ready in case you need it). I wanted to deliver at home, but after 6 hours of contractions they made me go to the hospital. I ended having a c-section, which sucked, so I hope you will do well and it will be a pleasant and wonderful home birth. How wonderful that you can tell your little one: "you were born in this house." Plus it is a lot less stressful if you're in your own digs.😉

[@jNoor780]

My mother had all her seven children delivered at home. Everybody had didt that in that time. Only with complications you were brought to a hospital. My wife wanted her children also delivered at home. Our first daugther was more than a week over time and the midwife advised to go to the hospital to help it delivered. The day after she was born she came home. Our second daugther was delivered at home with a midwife. That was really a fantastic experience for both my wife and me. And.......ask for a "kraamhulp".

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lolalilolily]

Congrats, sorry you're not feeling well. I've had a home birth, it is such an intimate experience at home. Best of luck with everything coming up 🍀

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you so much!

[@bas_6265]

Oh oh congratulations :) Have to buy a football now :grin

[@marijkevandeneijnden8971]

congrats!! Just 1 more suggestion a prof gynaecologist told me: coca cola and seasalt potato chips. Yes, for real! And ginger, but you aready tried that. Wishing you all the best!!

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you, Marijke! Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely be trying this!!

[@antiqueinsider]

Congratulations. I hope you are going to show the world how different it is in NL! Cam looks so happy and I hope that you therefore feel full of confidence about the future! I think this gives you a great opportunity to show the differences as a practical, significant, and fundamental part of 'socialised' medicine. Please try to share the REAL differences for REAL people! If there's anything herbal you wanna try please let me know! I am a herb farmer and have a huge collection to share! I hope that everything goes well, but I absolutely believe you will have a great experience in NL whatever you decide. You're going to be drowned with 'beschuit met muisjes' when you make the announcement! :)

[@jannetteberends8730]

Proficiat. Hope your nausea can be kept in a bearable area.

[@nimwey7701]

Congratz on your pregnancy, i hope everything will run smooth🥳🥳🎉btw are you going for a Dutch home birth, i did with both of my kids and that is so nice being in your own enviroment

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Thank you🤗! I'm still not sure about the home birth😅

[@roanhielkema5714]

For anything other than acute, life threatening conditions, call 112 in that case, if there's anything wrong with you either physical or in fact mentally, the first you should contact is your GP. Even if he or she can't help you, they will refer you to whatever specialist help you need. You will find however the Dutch healthcare system is far less "jumpy" about mild medical conditions such as a common cold and you will not get antibiotics for that (which are useless against viruses anyway) and that may come across as harsh for many foreigners. It's just as we are as a people, we're taught from a young age not to whine or complain about any little pain or discomfort. The same goes with many over-the-counter medication that is freely available in the USA but simply banned here. The same goes for many prescription medications, especially strong painkillers, we are a good deal more careful with those here and unless you really need those for a valid medical reason, you simply won't get them. But when any condition IS serious, you may rest assured that the quality of Dutch healthcare is as good or better than you're going to find anywhere on this planet.

[@Markwjansen]

In the US they probably just keep you in the hospital for 3 days just to pad the (excessive) bill.

[@maartjewaterman1193]

Maybe coz in case of any complications. Overthere hospitals are not fust around the corner for everybody.

[@FacelessJanus]

Every city and village has their own nickname for peoplle who are born there. The origin of the nicknames differ. However anyone born in The Netherlands is a "kaaskop" or in English a Cheesehead. Any guesses as to why ?? 😁😁😁

[@picobello99]

Congrats! I hope you'll have a good pregnancy and a wonderful healthy baby! One thing you also have to pay out of pocket is giving birth in the hospital when it's not medically necessary. Just a heads up for that.

[@johnvanhal2450]

Congratulations! I hope everything will go smoothly. I don't have children (that I know of😁), but all women I know had their babies at home. Nothing special in this country. My mom had the first one at home, too, but because she had complications, the other 5 were born in the hospital. starting with me. I wish you an easy pregnancy, what's left of it of course. congrats again!

[@jeroenruhl7495]

First of all. Van harte gefeliciteerd. I recommend a home birth. I am born at home almost 50 years ago. And also my two sons who are now 11 and 14. I think it's more relaxing for the mother in her own home. I think cam will enjoy it some what 😉 And if there complications. And you have togo to a hospital make sure cam has place to stay in case of an emergency. But i think you do fine. Cant whait to see the little muskin crawling around. a wise decision you to make👽 🙏. Enjoy your day

[@livinglife.digital3399]

Dank je wel, Jeroen! Thanks so much for your insight, it's ever so helpful. Looking forward to sharing the journey🤗❤

[@jacobmannessen1191]

Your given birth is also in your Insurance. Everything is insured. Giving birth is normal and important for the society.

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

You don’ t traumatize your kid, giving birth at home. He doesn’t have to be in the room. He can be in the living room or his own room. When my sister was born I waited on the staircase… 😁

[@toaojjc]

First off congratulations! Hope you have a good pregnancy. The midwifes here are super. Home birth vs hospital: do what feels best for you. Where you are more relaxed, that's the best place to give birth (unless you have a medical conditiopn, then go to the hospital). Have you looked into kraamzorg yet? That's one of the best thing of giving birth in the Netherlands... Jovie from the channel Jovies home made a video in English about that from an expat point of view.... you might want to check that out.

[@jackvandersluis1723]

💥🥳💥🥳

[@livinglife.digital3399]

❤🤗❤

[@moncherry4372]

Health care is one of the in the Netherlands…..!!! And after your baby has been born you will get help in your house for the first week…….kraamhulp..it is called….

[@jpdj2715]

Australian health care has this page about managing your morning sickness: www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/151979/antenatal-mrnsick.pdf I'm a Dutch man, btw, and think "we" do a great job with natural births, but if you can do it without medication then it is much better. I hope you have a lot of fun, though. Some US stand-up comedian might tell you that, you being a mother, and now being pregnant, you must have been in contact with a mother-f[....]r - just don't tell your husband.

[@ruudvisser712]

Many congrats! And if you enjoy the idea of a midwife, I am pretty sure you will lóóóóóóve 'kraamzorg' and the 'kraamverzorg(st)er' when the time is there...

[@themadsamplist]

Gefeliciteerd!

[@jacobmannessen1191]

Gefeliciteerd!!!!