Mothers for Mothers (Moeders voor Moeders):
You can help others now that you are pregnant. When pregnant your urine contains the hCG hormone. This hormone is very important and is used for medication during infertility treatments. You can supply your urine 6-16 weeks into your pregnancy. You can sign up until week 11. If this is something you would like to contribute to please let us know through our registration form or click on the corresponding link elsewhere on our website.

Arranging (for) ”kraamzorg”:
You want to make sure you have a maternity nurse present and available around your due date.
Don't wait too long making all the necessary arrangements when finding out you are expecting.
Same can be said for eventual childcare – most have waiting lists. The sooner the better.

Partner acknowledgement:
When you and your partner are not married, the father is required by law to 'acknowledge' his child.
We strongly advice doing this before the birth as the father will be taking care of other important things when the baby is born. When the acknowledgement of the child has not been taken care of prior the birth, this process will require the mother to be present when deciding on the birth (last) name. For actual rules and regulations of child acknowledgement please contact your town's civil service website.

Birth Courses:
There are several courses you can take to help prepare and inform you of everything birth related.
You can find brochures and pamphlets at our practice. It is advisable to start preparing yourself early on so that when the time comes to participate you are informed.
English courses in the area of Den Haag are : http://www.access-nl.org/ and www.doulasophie.nl

Breastfeeding:
To breastfeed is to invest in your child's health. This investment will take a lot of effort from the mother, but it will reward you when you will see your child prosper and thrive in life. We recommend breastfeeding for at least the first six months. When deciding whether or not to breastfeed it is important to educate yourself on the subject, especially when you are not sure what method of feeding your child is best for you. There is a course available and plenty of reading material about the positive effects of breastfeeding for mother and child.
(www.borstvoeding.nl).

It does happen, however, that breastfeeding is either (physically) not possible or not an option for you. This means that you will bottle feed your child. Please know that we respect your decision and are here to advice and guide you through it.

(Your) Health:
There is no need to limit yourself excessively when it comes to your job, nutrition, exercise or sexuality. It is, however, advisable to be aware of the following:

  • When you have a cat – either have your partner (somebody else) change the kitty litter or wear gloves while changing it. Cat feces can transfer a parasite that will risk your chances of getting a toxoplasmosis infection. This can lead to birth defects.
  • Wear gloves while gardening – there is the possibility of cat feces present
  • Be careful when handling chemicals or paint. The inhalation of paint fumes can be harmful unless they are water based or whenever there is enough ventilation.
  • Stop/quit smoking. The toxic fumes cause the blood flow to the placenta to diminish therefore cutting off the baby's oxygen flow. A diminished flow of oxygen can lead to a low birth weight or premature labour. We advise partners to quit smoking as well. The solidarity will make it easier on you both and your child will grow up in a smoke free environment. You can visit this website to help you quit smoking: www.stivoro.nl
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages. The intake of alcohol during pregnancy can have undesired effects on your baby's growth and health. www.alcoholandzwangerschap.nl
  • Don't do drugs.
  • Only use prescribed medication by your GP during pregnancy when they are absolutely unavoidable. Always read the leaflet with over the counter medication when you use them during pregnancy.


Nutrition:
When your diet is healthy and varied during pregnancy you will not need nutritional supplements.
If you feel the need for supplements please be sure to choose supplements fit to take during pregnancy because of the vitamin A intake. A large dose of vitamin A can harm your baby.
We do advise you to increase your intake of vitamin D by 10 micrograms. This means healthy bones for you and your baby.

Watch your sugar intake and try to minimize snacking

  • Minimize eating organ meats as this contains a high percentage of vitamin A.
  • Avoid raw milk cheeses and pre-packaged fish during pregnancy. These products can contain the listeria bacteria which is harmful for the baby.
  • Avoid raw meats such as roast beef, steak and filet American. These can contain the toxoplasmosis bacteria.
  • Be aware of your intake of caffeinated drinks. Too much is not good for the baby.


When in doubt visit the www.voedingscentrum.nl website and click on the 'ik ben zwanger' tab.