Postpartum care hours drop nationwide, leaving vulnerable families behind
Families in the Netherlands are receiving fewer hours of postpartum care, with vulnerable groups hit hardest. As hospital stays shorten, the gap in support grows, raising concerns about maternal and infant health, especially in cities and regions like South Limburg and Zeeland.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Average decline in care hours | Nationwide decrease, most pronounced in South Limburg and Zeeland (>7 hrs) |
| Vulnerable families affected | 21% receive <24 hrs (vs. 8% non-vulnerable families) |
| Urban disparities | Amsterdam/Rotterdam: consistently lower hours, higher unmet need |
| High-care users | Mothers with >50 hrs more likely to use mental health/specialist care |
| Policy shift | Health Insurance Act allows tailored care based on individual needs |
The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and the Dutch Healthcare Institute monitor postpartum care trends to ensure equitable access. The Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate (IGJ) oversees compliance and quality, addressing staff shortages and regional disparities to safeguard maternal and infant well-being.
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Average hours of postpartum care per family decline, vulnerable families consistently receive fewer hours
The average number of hours of postpartum care received by families has declined in recent years. At the same time, the need for postpartum care appears to be increasing, partly due to shorter hospital stays after childbirth. Particularly families in vulnerable situations consistently receive fewer hours of postpartum care. This is evident from research into developments in postpartum care conducted by the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and the Dutch Healthcare Institute. The Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate (IGJ) monitored postpartum care through visits to care providers and discussions with involved parties.
Among families in vulnerable situations, 21% received fewer than the minimum recommended 24 hours, compared to 8% among non-vulnerable families. Families in vulnerable situations face a combination of factors that can negatively impact their health, such as debt, low income, practical education, and/or a non-Dutch background. Sufficient postpartum care is crucial for a healthy start for the family after birth. It contributes, among other things, to the mother’s physical recovery. The maternity nurse also provides emotional support to the family and guidance with (breast)feeding.
Regional differences
While the number of postpartum care hours received has declined in all regions, the decline is most pronounced in the regions of South Limburg and Zeeland. In these areas, the average number of hours sometimes decreased by more than seven hours. In major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the number of hours remains relatively low, though the decline is less steep. In these urban areas, families have long received fewer hours of postpartum care, and the number of families receiving fewer than 24 hours or no postpartum care at all is higher than in other regions.
No clear link between postpartum care and later care usage
The RIVM’s research does not show a clear relationship between the number of postpartum care hours and the subsequent use of care or care expenditures by mothers and children in the first years after birth. However, it is notable that mothers who receive a high number of postpartum care hours (more than 50) more often use mental healthcare (GGZ) and medical specialist care in hospitals, both before and after childbirth. Whether postpartum care aligns well with the higher care needs during the postpartum week or whether this is primarily due to other causes (health or personal) cannot be determined from the data in this study.
The RIVM will conduct follow-up research in 2026, focusing on the reasons why certain areas and groups receive fewer hours of postpartum care.
Health Insurance Act allows for more tailored deployment of postpartum care
The Dutch Healthcare Institute advocates for a more tailored deployment of postpartum care. To achieve this, it is important to consider the actual care needs of a family rather than adhering to a standard package of hours, as is currently the case. The Dutch Healthcare Institute emphasizes that the allocation of postpartum care should be based on what a family can reasonably be expected to need. This provision from the Health Insurance Act allows for the allocation of fewer or more hours than the standard package, depending on the family’s needs. This approach ensures that scarce care staff can be deployed more effectively and in the right places, where they can add the most value.
Monitoring by the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate (IGJ)
Monitoring by the IGJ reveals that, despite the dedication and professional care provided by postpartum care providers, the consequences of staff shortages are becoming more noticeable for an increasing number of pregnant women and new mothers. In more and more regions, staff shortages are leading to reduced postpartum care. This poses risks, particularly for new mothers in vulnerable situations. A professional and collaborative approach is needed to deploy the available capacity as effectively as possible.