Delft MaMa promotes the well-being and integration of international mothers-to-be and mothers of young children (0 to 4 year-olds) in and around Delft, The Netherlands.
We use education and events to improve participation and intercultural communication between individuals and between individuals and maternity care organizations. " We take care of Delft international mothers-to-be and new mothers so that they can take better care of their children and themselves." Check the calendar with upcoming events in Delft and our organization's meetings.

Klik hier voor informatie over Delft MaMa in het Nederlands

Why was Delft MaMa Created?

Delft MaMa was created at the end of 2005 by Lucie Cunningham. She realized that she had had a better experience living her pregnancy and kraamperiode (first few days after birth) than most of her foreign friends in Delft. She also listened to the stories of international women who had a very positive experience and analyzed the reasons why. She then decided to help other Delft international mothers-to-be and new mothers obtain the same level of support she received as early in their pregnancies as possible.

 How Does the Dutch Maternity System Differ From Other Countries?

Dutch maternity philosophy relies on the concept that mothers are psychologically strong and know their bodies well * (see article referenced below). They are confident they can deliver babies with the support of midwives, ideally at home, where concentration and calm are at their highest. They believe that this environment helps shorten an uncomplicated labor. Giving birth is perceived as a natural and "gezellig" (cozy) experience where mother and baby can bond. A page on Dutch practices related to pregnancy and birth was written by a Dutch mother, Jacorien, who lives in the Delft area.
     
Mothers who give birth in the hospital and need no special medical care can be released the same afternoon if their baby was born in the morning or otherwise leave the following morning. Mother and newborn care continues at home for a week through a kraam nurse (or several nurses in turm) who monitors their health, teaches both parents best practices and also performs light housework tasks and potential care of older siblings according to how many hours per day she has been contracted for. Midwives come to them later for home checkups and can be reached by phone for questions when the kraam nurse is off duty. Lactation consultants are available by phone if kraam nurses do not know all answers to breastfeeding questions.
    
Birth announcements usually state at what time mother and child(ren) are resting at home so that visits can be scheduled at a convenient time for the family. Family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues all come and visit individually or at a kraamfeestje (baby party) where it is conventional to offer beschuits met muisjes (crunchy buttered bread rolls with white and pink or white and blue anis flavored candied beads), tea and coffee.
 
Many countries have maternity care handled mostly by obstetricians only (male or female) or in partnership with midwives in hospitals. Women expect high levels of medical support through easy access to pain medication. They feel reassured to be where emergency procedures can be performed right away. Mothers stay at a maternity ward for a few days to recuperate and learn how to take care of their child as a complement to potential antenatal parenting courses. Family members and close friends come to their hospital room to offer their good wishes and bring gifts.

* Here is a Canadian report for Multidisciplinary Collaborative Primary Maternity Care Project (MCP2 ). It compares standard medical approaches of handling maternity care in The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, France and Australia. Study on the Netherlands starts on page 14.  http://www.mcp2.ca/english/documents/IntlReptFinal9Jul05.pdf