Home birth in the Netherlands: why the Dutch cherish them
The Netherlands has one of the highest rates of home births in the world. Here’s why giving birth at home remains a valued part of Dutch maternity care.
One statistic often surprises newcomers to the Netherlands: a significant number of babies are still born at home. Unlike many Western countries where childbirth has become almost entirely hospital-based, the Dutch healthcare system continues to support home births as a normal and safe option for low-risk pregnancies.
Rather than viewing pregnancy as a medical condition, the Dutch generally see it as a natural life event — and the maternity system is built around that philosophy.
This article explores:
- Giving birth at home in the Netherlands
- Why Dutch women give birth at home
- Hospital care is always an option
Giving birth at home in the Netherlands
In many developed countries, home birth is seen as outdated or risky. In the Netherlands, however, it is a long-standing and well-regulated practice supported by trained midwives and a strong referral system.
For decades, the Netherlands has had the highest percentage of home births in the Western world. Around 30% of women give birth at home, while approximately 60% deliver in hospitals, mainly due to medical reasons. Another 10% give birth in outpatient birth clinics, which offer a middle ground between home and hospital settings.
According to national health data, this distribution has remained relatively stable since the 1990s, reflecting deep trust in the system.
In contrast, home births in countries such as Germany, France, the UK, Belgium, and Scandinavia typically account for less than 2% of all births.
Midwives play a central role in Dutch maternity care and are highly trained healthcare professionals, usually educated at university level. Many are members of the Royal Dutch Organization of Midwives, which helps ensure consistent standards and safety protocols nationwide.
Why Dutch women give birth at home
Cultural attitude plays a major role. Many Dutch women grow up hearing stories of mothers, grandmothers, and friends who gave birth at home without complications. This creates confidence and continuity across generations.
Another defining feature of Dutch home births is the absence of medical pain relief. Only doctors are authorized to administer epidurals or anesthetics, which means home births are medication-free. Even in hospitals, Dutch women are less likely to request pain relief compared to women in many other countries.
The underlying belief is simple: pregnancy is not an illness. As long as mother and baby are healthy, medical intervention is kept to a minimum.
Health insurance reflects this philosophy. Midwife-led care and home births are fully covered. Hospital births are also covered when there is a medical reason. However, women who choose a hospital birth without medical indication may be asked to make a personal contribution.
Many women appreciate the calm and familiarity of giving birth at home. Commonly cited benefits include:
- A relaxed environment
- Familiar surroundings
- No rush to travel during labor
- Immediate recovery at home
In the Netherlands, women are often discharged from hospital within hours if there are no complications — something that contrasts sharply with multi-day hospital stays in countries like France or the UK.
The Dutch Ministry of Health has long supported this approach, emphasizing that birth should be kept out of hospitals unless medical care is truly needed. The goal is to avoid unnecessary medicalization while maintaining safety.
Hospital care is always an option
Despite the strong home-birth culture, hospital care remains readily available and widely used.
More than half of all Dutch women still give birth in hospitals. This includes:
- Women with higher-risk pregnancies
- Expectant mothers carrying twins or multiples
- Breech births
- Women transferred from home during labor
Midwives are trained to transfer patients quickly and decisively at the first sign of complications. Many hospital births begin as planned home births that are later moved to hospital care for safety reasons.
Experiences vary. Some women find home births deeply personal and empowering, while others prefer the reassurance of hospital equipment and specialist availability. The Dutch system allows for both — and switching between them when needed.
Criticism does exist, particularly from expats unfamiliar with the system. Some feel the approach can be too hands-off, especially when it comes to pain management. However, surveys consistently show that most Dutch women are satisfied with their birth experience.
Importantly, the system is designed to balance choice, safety, and cost efficiency. Keeping low-risk births in primary care reduces strain on hospitals and helps maintain a financially sustainable healthcare system.
As with most Dutch healthcare services, general practitioners and midwives act as gatekeepers. Specialist care is always available, but only when it is medically necessary.
Final takeaway
Home birth in the Netherlands is not about rejecting modern medicine — it’s about using it thoughtfully. The Dutch maternity model prioritizes natural birth where possible, rapid escalation when needed, and informed choice for mothers.
For expats, understanding this philosophy early can make pregnancy and childbirth in the Netherlands far less intimidating — and often surprisingly empowering.