Dutch Midwives: The Difference between Image and Reality

Abstract

This chapter highlights the unique characteristics that differentiate the Dutch maternity services from nearly all other developed countries. These characteristics centre on the specific organization of maternity services in the Netherlands and the position of the medical practitioners therein. Much emphasis is placed on continuity of care not only during the pregnancy but also throughout the postnatal period. In addition, the discrepancy between some of the common views of the Dutch organization of maternity care between foreign observers and the Dutch (midwives) are analyzed. (65 references) (Author)