Do you have a job? In the Netherlands, as a pregnant person, you are entitled to at least 16 weeks of leave. As a partner, you are entitled to at least 5 weeks. Contact your supervisor to arrange your leave. You can do this right away if you are pregnant or your partner is pregnant.

In the Netherlands you are entitled to maternity care. Someone will come and help you take care of your baby. The maternity nurse will also teach you how to take good care of yourself and your baby.

Maternity care is reimbursed by the RMO. You are entitled to the legal minimum of maternity care: 24 hours, spread over 8 days. Sometimes you can get more hours of maternity care. You can sign up for maternity care after the term ultrasound. Preferably do this right after the ultrasound, but no later than the 20th week of your pregnancy. Then you have the best chance of getting the number of hours of maternity care you need.

You never know exactly when you will give birth. And maybe you will give birth in the hospital. It is useful during your pregnancy to already pack a bag with things you will need during and after the birth. Think of things like: clothes for you and the baby, toiletries, important documents and snacks.

You can take a pregnancy course to get practical information about pregnancy, delivery techniques, breastfeeding and contact with your baby. There are also courses for expectant fathers. You can ask your midwife for advice on which pregnancy course is right for you.

Please note that the RMO does not reimburse a pregnancy course.

Can you, and possibly your partner, not take care of your baby every day? For example, because you have to work? Then you can arrange child care. Some childcare centres have long waiting lists.

Therefore, register as soon as possible if you are pregnant. How much child care costs varies from child care center to child care centre. Sometimes you can also get a childcare allowance. This can only be arranged after your child is born.