Has anyone given birth in the Netherlands?

[Gemzooks]

Just moved to Amsterdam, I'm 10 weeks pregnant..

Had my DS of 15 months in Belgium in a hospital with mobile epidural, very medicalised but birth went fine. It seems that natural childbirth is the only way in Holland, and even the most pro epidural hospital in Amsterdam will only give it in exceptional cases. Now I would like to try to go natural 2nd time around, but I would like to know that if I need an epidural, I can get it...

Has anyone given birth in the Netherlands and can advise?

thanks a lot!

[arfishy]

Hi Gem and congratulations on your pg!

I was pg in the Netherlands but in the end I delivered my baby in the UK.

I do believe that if you state from the outset that you want the option of an epidural then you can have one, although most women have a natural homebirth, so they might be surprised at your attitude. I certainly know that any time I tried to get pills from my GP he always advised the natural route first (just hand over the drugs fgs!)

Have you seen the doctor and midwife yet? What have they said about pain relief and the option for birth in a hospital?

You will get a maternity nurse free for around 7 hours a week though after the baby is born, which is lovely.