Postnatal Check-Ups

Once you’re home with your baby after the birth, a maternity nurse will visit daily during the first 8 to 10 days to help with baby care—such as diapering, bathing, performing baby health checks, and teaching you what to look out for in both your baby and yourself.

We will also visit you on day 4 and day 7 to check on you and your baby, and to answer any questions you may have.

During this period, we remain medically responsible for you and your baby. If you have any concerns, you can always reach us via the emergency number, and we will come as soon as possible.

Heel Prick Test (Newborn Screening)

The heel prick test is performed within the first week after birth. A few drops of blood are taken from your baby’s heel and sent to a lab to screen for several serious and rare congenital conditions.

This test is very important. While many of these diseases cannot be cured, early detection allows for timely treatment, such as medication or a special diet, which can help prevent serious physical and mental developmental problems.

• The test is done at home by a youth healthcare professional (JGZ).

• To ensure this happens on time, register your baby with the municipality within three days after birth.

• Results are available within five weeks.

  • If the results are normal, you will receive a letter from the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment).

  • If there’s a concern, your GP will contact you as soon as possible.

Note: An abnormal result does not automatically mean your baby is ill. Further testing at the hospital is required for a definitive diagnosis.

Hearing Test

The hearing test, also called newborn hearing screening, checks whether your baby can hear properly. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes. Most babies sleep through it and notice nothing.

• The test is typically done during the first week, often at the same time as the heel prick.

• A youth healthcare professional (JGZ) will visit you at home to perform the test.

• In some regions (e.g., parts of South Holland and Gelderland), the test is done at the consultation clinic when the baby is a few weeks old—you will receive an invitation if this applies to you.

Results are provided immediately after the test:

• About 95 out of 100 babies pass the test.

• About 5 out of 100 have an ‘insufficient’ result in one or both ears, and a second test is done.

• Further testing may be required if the second test is also insufficient.

Good hearing is crucial for language development, communication, and learning.

Contraception After Birth

A few weeks after giving birth, your fertility can return—even before your first period. We advise waiting a few monthsbefore planning another pregnancy to give your body time to recover.

Under the section “Contraception and IUDs” on our website, you can read more about the available contraceptive options after childbirth, including the IUD (intrauterine device).

We can insert IUDs at our practice.
For questions or to make an appointment, feel free to email us.