A promising start

Conscious choices

Getting pregnant should ideally be a conscious choice. Is raising a child a realistic prospect at this stage in your life? Do you have a place to live and sufficient income to look after a child? In certain circumstances, it is important to have a proper discussion with a professional at an early stage. Do people know where to turn for help? And does the professional recognise in good time that this discussion is needed? For example, if there are mental health or other issues, or if there are financial worries. 

Building a network together

A network has been set up in Apeldoorn. The partners come from the hospital, antenatal, maternity, youth and mental health care sectors. The local council, MEE Veluwe, GPs and Doomijn childcare are also part of the network. The partners have a letter of intent drawn up and signed.

Within the network, we will be focusing on:

1. Early detection: better identification of social, mental health and societal issues alongside medical problems among (expectant) parents
2. Knowing where to find support in good time (for (expectant) mothers and healthcare professionals). Good provision of information > a central point of contact throughout pregnancy (before, during and after)

Partners in the network meet a few times a year.