Postnatal help in Goeree-Overflakkee

A diëtist is an allied health professional trained to use nutrition in recovery and illness. After birth the focus is mostly on replenishing: iron after blood loss, vitamin B12 and D, iodine and calcium while breastfeeding, and enough protein to repair tissue. "Diëtist" is a protected educational title in the Netherlands — a voedingscoach (nutrition coach) or orthomolecular therapist is something else entirely, and does not fall under the same training requirements, registration or reimbursement.

Kraamzorg is postnatal care in your own home during the first days after birth, and it is close to unique to the Netherlands. A trained maternity nurse (kraamverzorgende) checks you and your baby, helps with feeding, watches for complications and takes on part of the household. It is not a luxury service: in that first week the kraamverzorgende is very often the first person to notice that something is wrong — with you or with your baby — and the one who calls in the midwife. If you have moved here from a country without this system, it is worth knowing it is standard, insured, and yours by right.