Netherlands Birthing Experience

The birthing experience in the Netherlands can be considered quite different than in the U.S. According to Passionate Parenting (2009), many, 60%, of births take place within the home rather than in the hospitals or medical setting. The U.S. has only 1% of births taking place in the home (Berger, 2009). Contrary to what I saw in my sister’s birthing experience, the Netherlands have less preventative screening and medical intervention. The birthing experience is viewed as very natural and pain relief is not frequently used (Passionate Parenting, 2009). Perhaps without having some tests done my sister would have been saved from the worry and anxiety, which can affect the baby’s health even from inside the womb.  Women often use a nurse, paid by their insurance, after the delivery in help for caring for the newborn and giving the mother more opportunity to heal (Passionate Parenting, 2009). Women may also use 4 months of maternity leave and the newborn receives free health care for well visits and immunizations until they turn 4 years old(Passionate Parenting, 2009).

Women in America are not often given nearly as much maternity leave and health care for children is a concern to many parents who cannot afford the insurance. These factors can be critical for a child’s development. Giving a mother and child that opportunity to bond for the 4 month period given in the Netherlands can certainly help give the necessary foundation for future social and emotional development as well as brain growth. Health care is also crucial to a child’s development and a lack of health care can certainly effect the child’s growth and wellbeing. It seems to me that the Netherlands recognize the importance of giving a mother and her baby the opportunity to let nature do its thing and how the first months to years of a child’s life are the most crucial for health and development.

References

Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

Passionate Parenting (2009). Having a Baby in the Netherlands. Retrieved May 4, 2012 from http://www.passionateparenting.nl/pregnancy-and-birth/having-a-baby-in-the-netherlands.php