At 37 weeks pregnant, I am often asked how I feel about giving birth abroad.
Am I nervous? Do I wish I was back home for my delivery? Am I ready for a Dutch birth? What occurred to me is that many of
us have a misconception that anything other than what we are accustomed to must be bad or inferior. This goes beyond birthing a baby abroad to many aspects of life.
Living abroad the past year has allowed me to dispel many of these misconceptions and biases, though in some cases it has reaffirmed stereotypes. Ever heard the phrase "Going Dutch?" Well it really makes sense to me in light of the Dutch, umm, frugality that Ben and I regularly experience. While I've embraced it as a "cultural difference", I still can't quite understand the lack of ceiling fans, garbage disposals or why M&Ms don't taste the same (lack of delicious chemicals, I suppose).
I can only hope that I am not a walking American stereotype in my daily interactions. We're not all gun toting, Big Mac eating, culturally insensitive folk. But do I have a penchant for shopping, sales, and snap your fingers convenience? Absolutely! Oh Amazon Prime and Target, how I miss thee!
There are a few Dutch and American differences that stuck out recently. During a heat
wave that topped 99 degrees, we found ourselves struggling to cope without air
conditioning. It's an uncommon amenity in a country that typically sees 70 - 75
degree summers. I
played the hot, angry pregnant woman card so we ended up staying in a hotel for
a few days to escape the insufferable heat. At least the heatwave gave us the excuse to overindulge in lots of ijsje (ice cream).
As soon as I found out Baby #2 was on the way, I was anxious to learn about the Dutch labor and delivery process. My
belief that all Dutch women birth at home with no pain support or
epidurals has since been debunked. Although this is the most common route, it is thankfully not the only one available. During the maternity tour at the local
hospital, I learned that epidurals are available 24/7 (Phew!) in a labor and delivery room that resembles that of any hospital in the States. While I don't have a dedicated OB, my experience with a midwife has been mostly the same with the exception that I am not stuck in the
waiting room for 20-30 minutes for each appointment.
However, the Dutch pregnancy protocol is far different than that of the States in that many of the tests that are required in the US are optional in the Netherlands. I had to inquire about the dreaded glucose (orange drink) and Group B Strep tests only to find that it is only given to "at risk" patients. Being a Type A "educated patient", I at least had little push back in getting these tests as long as I was willing to cover the additional costs.
However, the Dutch pregnancy protocol is far different than that of the States in that many of the tests that are required in the US are optional in the Netherlands. I had to inquire about the dreaded glucose (orange drink) and Group B Strep tests only to find that it is only given to "at risk" patients. Being a Type A "educated patient", I at least had little push back in getting these tests as long as I was willing to cover the additional costs.
So once baby arrives, most moms stay in the hospital for 2-4 hours after the birth. Yes, you read that right.
If mom and baby are healthy then it's back home in a matter of a few hours. Here is why: You go home directly to
your Kraamzorg, an at home baby nurse dedicated to assist you from the minute you get home and for the following 8-10 days post delivery. All
of this is covered by insurance. Makes sense, right? Might as well be sleeping
in your own bed and using your own baby items with professional help to take
care of you, baby and the rest of your family. I must admit I'm the most curious about this aspect of Dutch maternity care. Given the Kraamzorg's responsibilities include preparing meals, caring for baby, and giving mom time for herself, I couldn't be more excited! To sum up my pregnancy experience thus far, the Dutch maternity/pregnancy approach is incredibly practical while cost effective. USA take note! Now don't even get me started on Dutch vs. U.S. maternity leave...
If there is one thing I've learned over the past year it is that the Dutch directness is a necessity for getting (and at times demanding) what you want. Sitting back expecting someone else to take initiative isn't going to get you far in the Netherlands. I've embraced the Dutch directness and will continue to be transparent as we embark on our next adventure as a soon to be family of five (Brie, new baby, Maddie, Ben, and I). As the Dutch say, Success! (Good Luck!)
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