Of the group in a vulnerable situation, 21 percent received less than the minimum recommended 24 hours, as compared with 8 percent among the non-vulnerable. Families in a vulnerable situation are faced with a combination of factors which can have a negative impact on their health. Examples are debt, low income, practical education and/or non-Dutch origin. Sufficient maternity care is important for a healthy start for the family following the birth. Among other things, it contributes to the physical recovery of the mother. Maternity care givers offer emotional support to the family and advice on nutrition and breastfeeding.

Discrepancies between regions

The number of hours of maternity care received declined in all regions, but the decline is most visible in the regions Zuid-Limburg and Zeeland. In those regions, the average number of hours sometimes declined by more than seven hours. In large cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the number of hours remains relatively low, but the decline is less pronounced. In these urban areas, families have been receiving fewer hours of maternity care for some time, and the number of families receiving less than 24 hours or no maternity care is higher than in other areas.

No clear link between maternity care and subsequent healthcare use

Research by RIVM shows no clear relationship between the number of maternity care hours received and healthcare use or health expenditure by mothers and children in the early years following birth. It is, however, noticeable that mothers who receive relatively more maternity care (more than 50 hours) more often take up mental healthcare (GGZ care) and medical specialist care in hospital, both before and after giving birth. Based on the data from this study, it is not possible to determine whether the maternity care ties in well with this increased demand for healthcare during the maternity week or whether it is mainly due to other causes (health related or personal issues).

In 2026, RIVM will conduct a follow-up study that will focus on the reasons why less maternity care is received by certain groups in certain areas.

Healthcare Insurance Act offers capacity for more appropriate deployment of maternity care

The National Health Care Institute has called for more appropriate allocation of maternity care. This requires a closer assessment of a family’s actual healthcare needs, rather than the current standard package of hours. The National Health Care Institute indicates that when allocating maternity care, the operating principle must be ‘what a family can reasonably be expected to need’. This provision from the Healthcare Insurance Act offers the capacity to allocate fewer or indeed more hours than the standard package, on the basis of the family’s needs. This makes it possible for scarce healthcare workers to be better deployed, in the right place, where they can add most value.

IGJ supervision

The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) supervised maternity care in the form of visits to maternity care providers and interviews with stakeholders. This revealed that in spite of the dedication and professional care provided by maternity care givers, the consequences of staff shortages have become more noticeable for more pregnant women and new mothers. Staff shortages are more often leading to less maternity care in a growing number of regions. This fact represents a risk, in particular for new mothers in a vulnerable situation. A combined, professional approach is required in order to ensure that the available capacity is deployed as effectively as possible.