Giving birth in The Netherlands

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A bit of a niche topic but there might be someone out there! We just moved to The Netherlands in December and then I fell pregnant straight away and am now 18 weeks. Does anyone have any experience of giving birth in The Netherlands and can help me out with their experiences.
I have seen midwives so far. This is my second baby but I had a traumatic forceps delivery and bad prolapse following my first birth and haven't really recovered. I was hoping to have an elective C section this time around but they don't even do gas and air in hospitals here, most people give birth at home and you have to book and epidural in advance.
I am beginning to panic slightly even though birth is so far away. With Covid I don't even think I could come back to the UK to give birth which has crossed my mind.
Any experiences out there?
Thank you

Not hugely helpful but as far as I know what you've said is correct (I have Dutch in laws). If you have specific questions I can ask my sisters in law for you :)

I suggest you join the Amsterdam Mamas Facebook Group where you will find people who can give you a ton of info (even if you aren't in Ams). Not sure where you got the idea that most people give birth at home - this is definitely not true in any of the major cities.

It's ok, it's not that bad. You've fallen for the usual expat birthing horror stories where people bond by moaning about health care (variations exist in every country!). You should hear what is said about birthing on the NHS. It's generally considered barbaric G&A is definitely available, my friend used it last year. Most people give birth in hospital. I think forceps are still legal here (not sure, they've been outlawed in a lot of places). Chill, talk to your midwife and stop listening to whiny expats trying to scare you! Easier said than done

Where are you based OP? Maybe home births are more common outside the big cities, my family is quite rural. It is a first world country after all so I'm sure it can't be bad, just different.

Its funny OP, I'm Dutch and currently pregnant in the UK and (the scared) part of me wishes I could give birth in the Netherlands. Its a unfamiliar system and like previous poster mentioned you are more likely to hear all the negative stories then the positive ones. I have heard soo many horror stories about NHS births, and i know to take them with a grain of salt but it does effect your view.

This is my first so I cant give you my experiences of the dutch system i'm afraid. But so far as I know:

Its not true that most people give birth at home. Only around 15% I think, and even less in the city. But its high compared to the UK with only around 2%.

It is true that the Dutch don't like giving pain relief. Just keep mentioning it too your midwife and let your hospital know you want it. Remind them again of your wishes when you check in. They will give it too you. Midwives might try and persuade you to not use it but just be persistent. Remember that the Dutch tend to have strong opinions but they expect you to have them too. Don't feel like you cant disagree with your care provider.

The good things about the Dutch system (from what I have heard) is that the midwife care is considered very good and very involved. Plus you get kraamzorg, a type of postnatal maternity care which just doesn't exist in the NHS.

Just try and have good conversations with your midwifes so you are fully prepared. Try to understand their reasoning behind things and give your opinions. Remember that second births tend to be a bit easier and some pain relieves do reduce your muscles strength and increase risks for complications so there is some valid thinking behind it. But if you really want it they will give it to you.

Thank you everyone. I think I have fallen into the trap of hearing horror stories and not the real truth. I'm in The Hague so not rural, but most people I have spoken to have advocated for giving birth at home which I know is a fantastic thing, it's just not for me. It's good to hear that if I push for pain relief I can get it. I think I'm just not used to advocate so strongly for what I want but it should as it is my body and my birth. I will join the FB group thank you as Amsterdam is not too far away from The Hague! Thanks all!

I loved reading that GreenMeeple! I lived in Rotterdam for four years. Totally agree. I didn't have my kids there so can't help with the specific question, but I wonder if you can ask questions of any locals? My neighbours were wonderful when I needed help to understand the CJG (akin to health visitor) system. While we lived there, three babies were born on our street, all in the hospital. Just look forward to the kraamzorg! You might find it useful to ask around the expat community for a recommendation for that, by the way - there's a certain amount of choice, as I understand it.