IN THIS SECTION:
Thuiszorg/Consultatiebureau
Growth book
Vaccinations
Question time at Consultatiebureau
Food and formula
Thuiszorg roughly translated, means homecare. This is the name given to the organisation responsible for providing domicillary care outside a hospital environment. If you have children, it is important that you become a member of this organisation. It is from here that health visitors (wijkverpleegkundige) work. To register you will need to contact the Regional Thuiszorg office in Rotterdam (010 282 6000), they will give you the address and telephone number of the nearest clinic, called Consultatiebureau.
For people living in the "3B" area you need to phone Zoetermeer (079 371 9499), they will take down your details and you will then be contacted by the health visitor - wijkverpleegkundige from your town to make an appointment. The 3B's each have their own Consultatiebureau.
If you have a new born baby, you will receive a visit at home after which you will be expected to visit the Consultatiebureau. If you have arrived in the Netherlands with children under four years of age. They will be required to attend the clinic for vaccinations and general development checks. Children over four years of age are seen by the school doctor.
At your first visit to the Consultatiebureau, you will receive a Growth book (available in English) called Groeiboek, which charts the development, weight, height and dates of the vaccinations. It is a very handy book with lots of tips and ideas from what to do with a crying baby to how to deal with a jealous child. There is also a list of useful addresses in the back of the book.
At every visit the height and weight of your child will be checked by the nurse, you will be asked about feeding and eating habits and few general questions concerning the child's development. If you are concerned with anything you can ask questions, although it is only an advisory service. You will also see a doctor at each visit and can ask questions of this person also. If your child needs to be referred to a specialist, you will then need to speak to your family doctor.
You can also get information about the local playgroups (peuterspeelzaals). The clinic does have a wealth of information but it will not necessarily be offered freely or spontaneously. As with most things in the Netherlands, you need to ask what you want to know.
The vaccination schedule can be found at the back of the growth book and is as follows:
2 months - 1st DKTP Hib *
3 months - 2nd DKTP Hib
4 months - 3rd DKTP Hib
11 months - 4th DKTP Hib
14 months - 1st BMR **
4 years - 5th DTP
9 years - 6th DTP, 2nd BMR
* D = Diptheria, K = Whooping cough (kinkhoest), T = Tetanus, P = Polio, Hib = a strain of bacterial meningitis
** B = Mumps (bof), M = Measles (mazelen), R= Rubella (rode hond) Meningitis C vaccination is now included in the regular vaccination schedule.
Following immunisations, you are not advised to give paracetamol (calpol, sinsaspril, pamol) to prevent temperatures. This practice is frowned upon by Doctors. The Dutch believe that you should not suppress the temperature as it has a purpose. An alternative measure is to give your child prior to the vaccinations, some homeopathic remedy such as "Arnica" or "Rescue Remedy". Check at a specialist store for a dose suitable for the age of your child. Both are good for shock and bruising but don't interfere with the body's reactions.
As this schedule is subject to change, we recommend this website for the latest information: http://www.euvac.net/graphics/euvac/vaccination/netherlands.html
Most clinics have an inloop spreekuur, which means you can go along without an appointment, and have your baby weighed. You will also have the chance to see the health visitor and discuss any worries you have.
Brand names may be different from what you are used to. The following are the main brands found in Chemists (Drogisterij), Pharmacy (Apotheek) and general stores such as Etos, Kruidvat, Trekpleister and supermarkets. It is more expensive generally to buy at pharmacies.
Nutricia, Frisomel, Milumil - Range of powder milks or formulas for newborns (pasgeboren) to toddlers. Soya milk is also able to be purchased.
Olvarit - Pre-prepared foods such as vegetables, meats, fruits, fruit juices, biscuits
Danone - Yoghurts and other dairy products
Mona Cheaper local brand of dairy products and other fast foods
Liga - Rusks and baby biscuits
Bambix - Baby rice (pap)
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