LIVING IN BRABANT
● Register with a doctor once you know where you will be living. Finding a doctor can be difficult because many doctors have a waiting list. You are entitled to an orientation consultation before deciding which practice you would like to join. ● Especially in smaller towns, once you have registered, it can be difficult or near impossible to change doctors. ● Outside regular hours call the Centrale Huisartsen Post (CHP) to consult a doctor or a pharmacist.
Emergencies For emergencies dial 1-1-2. You will be connected to a central operator who will inquire what services are needed and transfer you to someone who can assist you.
Pregnancy and childbirth Many Dutch women give birth at home, but more are opting to give birth in a hospital. The choice is yours! If you do want to give birth in a hospital, first check that your insurance will cover this.
First-line (primary) midwife Midwives work according to a strict protocol, and train for four years. You can choose to have your baby in a hospital, under the care of your own midwife. Only with a medical indication do you get referred to a second-line midwife in a hospital. Then you are under the care of a gynecologist, but will mostly be seen by and cared for by the second-line midwife. Prenatal care is usually provided by midwives (you may be referred by your family doctor), who will support you throughout your pregnancy and during delivery.
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