19) Giving Birth in Amsterdam: A Guide to the Dutch Maternity System with Ilena Standring

Giving birth in a new country is a monumental milestone, but the Dutch "Birthscape" can often feel confusing for international parents. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we welcome back doula and coach Ilena Standring, who brings over a decade of experience supporting families in Amsterdam.

Ilena provides a warm, honest, and direct breakdown of the unique three-tiered approach to Dutch maternity care. We dive into the vital roles of primary, secondary, and tertiary care, helping you understand exactly who is in the room and why. From the autonomy of Dutch midwives to the practicalities of choosing between a home birth, a birthing centre (bevalcentrum), or a hospital setting, this conversation demystifies the process. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, Ilena’s insights will help you navigate the system with confidence and peace of mind. Check the show notes below for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode!Birth Pool Hire

BevallliingsBaden

BevalBad

Birthpool (& breast pump) for hospitals

TENS Machine:

To buy - llena has this one in her doula bag. You can pass it on to a friend afterwards and they can just buy new pads!)

Rent TENS Machine

Information about pharmaceutical pain relief / birthing positions & possibilities in English, French, Turkish, Polish & Arabic

Birth positions (in Dutch but very visual!)

Hospitals in Amsterdam:

Boven ‘Ij

Ziekenhuis Amstelland (Amstelveen)OLVG Oost / West

AMC

Birth Centres

Beval Centrum West ( OLVG West)Beval Centrum Zuid (Buitenveldert)Verloskundigen Hygiea