This topic is close to my heart: The Motherhood Business supports both women and organisations with exactly this transition. Here are the basics for expats working in the Netherlands.
Your leave in the Netherlands
- Pregnancy and maternity leave: at least 16 weeks, starting four to six weeks before your due date. You receive a benefit from UWV, usually paid through your employer.
- Partner leave: one week of paid birth leave, followed by up to five weeks of additional birth leave at partial pay, to be taken in the first six months.
- Parental leave: each parent has a right to parental leave per child. Part of it is partially paid if you take it in your baby's first year.
- Check your contract and any collective agreement (cao). Some employers offer more. Rules change, so check the current details with UWV or your HR department.
Your rights when you return
- Breastfeeding and pumping: during the first nine months after birth, you may use up to a quarter of your working hours for this, paid, and your employer must provide a suitable private space.
- Working hours: you can request a change to your hours or working pattern. Your employer has to consider the request seriously.
What makes it harder as an expat
- No grandparents to step in when your baby is ill or daycare is closed.
- Daycare (kinderopvang) can have waiting lists. Register before week 13 of your pregnancy, so you have the best chance of a place when you need it.
- A different work culture. Many Dutch colleagues work part-time and talk openly about it. That can be an advantage, if you dare to ask.
- Feeling isolated during your leave, which makes the switch back to work bigger.
How to prepare
- Talk to your manager before your leave about how and when you'll return.
- Consider a gradual start. Read more in zachte herstart na verlof (in Dutch).
- Visit several daycare centres to find one that suits your family. Look at the atmosphere, the group sizes and how the staff interact with the children, and ask how they help babies settle in.
- Arrange a backup plan for sick days.
- Discuss the division of tasks at home before you go back, not after. Read more in mentale load bij werkende moeders (in Dutch).
Support in the weeks after kraamzorg
Kraamzorg stops after about a week. That's often exactly when it gets hard: your partner goes back to work, the visitors are gone, and without family nearby there's nobody to hand the baby to. Read more in kraamzorg explained.
That's why you can also book me as a postpartum doula. This isn't a standard package, it's tailored to what you need. In the weeks after kraamzorg ends, I can come to your home to:
- prepare meals, so you're eating well without having to think about it;
- help with small household tasks;
- look after your baby, so you can catch up on sleep or take a shower in peace.
A rested start makes a real difference, also for the moment you go back to work.
How I can help
I guide women through pregnancy, birth and the return to work. And for employers, I help shape policy that makes returning mothers feel welcome. Have a look at my doula services or what I offer organisations.
Frequently asked questions
When should I register for daycare?
Before week 13 of your pregnancy. Waiting lists differ per neighbourhood and per organisation, so registering early gives you the most choice.
Can I extend my leave?
Often you can, by adding holiday days, parental leave or unpaid leave, in agreement with your employer.
Curious whether a doula would work for you? Have a look at my doula services or book a free introductory call.