Dutch Verloskundige Explained: Midwife Care in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the verloskundige (midwife) is the cornerstone of your pregnancy journey, but for those of us from abroad, the autonomy they hold can be a surprise. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with seasoned Dutch midwife Chandelle to get an honest, direct look at the midwifery model.We strip away the confusion to explain exactly what a midwife does, the intensive medical training they undergo, and how they balance clinical safety with compassionate, holistic care. Whether you are curious about the shift from obstetrics to midwife-led prenatal checkups or wondering how the Dutch foster such a respected birth culture, Chandelle offers the insights you need to feel empowered. From your first ultrasound to the moment of delivery, learn why trust is the most important tool in a Dutch midwife’s kit. For more resources, visit www.deverloskundige.nl.