Life changes
Being a parent changes your life a lot.
You may:
- feel a great responsibility for the baby, who is dependent on you for food, care and love;
- feel insecure and scared about the baby’s emotions and needs.
- become short of sleep because you have to get up at night;
- have difficulties breast-feeding (women);
- worry about the future;
- have to give up previous habits and hobbies;
- have to plan your activities carefully.
Social life
Your social contacts may change. For example, you may:
- want to spend a lot of the time with your baby;
- get to know new people who also have children;
- move and get new neighbours;
- have to plan more in advance: some contacts may become less intense.
Both the mother and father of the baby experience changes.
Changes are normal. It takes some time to get used to the new situation.
More information or help needed?
Postnatal care
The first days after delivery you receive support at home from the maternity assistant. She helps you care for your newborn child. Maternity assistance is reimbursed by the standard package of health insurance (basisverzekering).
Midwife
As soon as you know you are pregnant, you make an appointment with a midwife in your area. A midwife supports and advises you during your pregnancy, delivery and the period immediately after delivery.
Gynaecologist
If you are pregnant and have been given a referral, you go to a gynaecologist. The midwife or general practitioner gives you a referral.
General practitioner
You can talk to a general practitioner about every intimate topic. If necessary, a general practitioner can refer you to a specialised health professional. Refugees who have been granted (temporary) asylum choose a general practitioner in their municipality. Asylum seekers in an asylum seekers’ centre can consult a general practitioner at the centre.
