Postnatal help in Oldenzaal

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.

A bekkenfysiotherapeut is a physiotherapist with a recognised specialisation in the pelvic floor: the muscles that support your bladder, bowel and uterus. After birth those muscles are stretched, sometimes damaged, and often out of balance with your abdomen and breathing. A pelvic physiotherapist works out what is actually happening and trains specifically for it — not with generic exercises, but with exercises matched to what your pelvic floor is doing now.

An IBCLC lactation consultant specialises in breastfeeding and has passed the international IBCLC examination. That is different from a breastfeeding counsellor or a volunteer from a breastfeeding organisation — both can be valuable, but IBCLC is the only internationally examined qualification, with recertification every five years. A lactation consultant looks at the whole picture: your baby’s anatomy, your breasts, feeding position, and anything medical that may be playing a part.