Intro
Since 1998, maternity nurse Hanna Vermaesen has been supporting families through one of the most special phases of their lives: the birth of their child. From her independent practice, Atención Maternal Kraamzorg Costa Blanca, she brings trusted Dutch maternity care to Spain, so you too can count on expert support, peace of mind, and safety during your postpartum period.
Professional maternity care at home in Spain – according to Dutch quality, especially for (expectant) parents on the Costa Blanca.
What is maternity care?
Maternity care is the professional care you receive in the first few days after your baby's birth. In the Netherlands, maternity care is a standard part of maternity care: the maternity nurse comes to your home to monitor you and your baby medically, guide you through breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and provide practical and emotional support.
This type of care isn't yet readily available on the Costa Blanca. That's precisely why Atención Maternal Kraamzorg Costa Blanca is bringing Dutch maternity care to Spain – so that even far from home, you can count on the same personal, expert care as in the Netherlands.
This is what maternity care does for you
Daily monitoring of mother and baby (temperature, wound check, feeding, weight, etc.)
Support for breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Explanation about caring for your baby (bath, dressing, safe sleeping, crying behavior)
Guidance in building a daily routine
Practical help at home (making the bed, keeping the maternity room tidy, light housework)
Attention to your recovery, rest and emotional well-being
Why maternity care in Costa Blanca
Whether you live here, are wintering or are temporarily staying in Spain: a good start after giving birth is essential.
Many Dutch and international families on the Costa Blanca miss the familiar maternity care they receive in the Netherlands after giving birth. Hospitals in Spain provide excellent medical care, but support at home during the postpartum period is often limited.
Maternity Care Costa Blanca bridges that gap. You'll receive:
Dutch standards – Maternity care according to the guidelines and working methods of Dutch maternity care.
Language & Culture – Guidance in Dutch, with support in English and basic Spanish for healthcare providers.
Tailor-made – Packages tailored to your situation: permanent residence, holiday home or temporary birth planning in Spain.
Regional focus – Working areas include Alicante, Costa Blanca North and South, such as Jávea/Xàbia, Dénia, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa (other locations are possible upon consultation).
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Many Dutch and international families on the Costa Blanca miss the familiar maternity care they receive in the Netherlands after giving birth. Hospitals in Spain provide excellent medical care, but support at home during the postpartum period is often limited.
Atención Maternal Kraamzorg Costa Blanca bridges exactly that.
Hanna Vermaesen
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About Hanna Vermaesen
My name is Hanna Vermaesen. I've been working as a maternity nurse since 1988 and have supported hundreds of families in the first days after their child's birth. With my Dutch background in maternity care, I've chosen to bring my knowledge and experience to Spain so that families here too can enjoy the peace, structure, and security that good maternity care offers.
With my independent practice, Atención Maternal Kraamzorg Costa Blanca, I offer small-scale, personalized care. You'll always deal with one permanent, experienced maternity nurse – no changes, just one familiar face.
Short bullet list of core values
Warm, calm and clear in communication
Expert, with an eye for both medical and emotional aspects
Flexible in times and content, tailored to your family
Respect for your wishes, culture and family situation
HANNA
About Hanna Vermaesen
Dutch standards – Maternity care according to the guidelines and working methods of Dutch maternity care.
Language & Culture – Guidance in Dutch, with support in English and basic Spanish for healthcare providers.
Tailor-made – Packages tailored to your situation: permanent residence, holiday home or temporary birth planning in Spain.
Regional focus – Working areas include Alicante, Costa Blanca North and South, such as Jávea/Xàbia, Dénia, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea, Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa (other locations are possible upon consultation).
baby massage
loving touch for peace, connection and development
Intro
Baby massage is a gentle, rhythmic form of touch that helps your baby relax, sleep better, and feel safe. It's a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between parent and child and supports both emotional and physical development.
What does baby massage entail?
The massage consists of calm, flowing movements over the baby's body: arms, chest, stomach, legs, back and possibly the hands and feet.
The session takes place in a warm, calm environment with soft, natural oils.
Massage is not performed in case of fever, immediately after vaccinations, or in case of certain skin problems — safety always comes first.
Benefits for baby and parents
Strengthens attachment and sense of security.
May help with intestinal cramps or digestive discomfort.
Promotes relaxation and can contribute to better sleep.
Supports sensorimotor development.
For parents: gives more confidence in dealing with your baby and creates a valuable moment of calm.
When and how often?
Often suitable from around 6 weeks, depending on the health and development of your baby.
Ideal during quiet moments of the day, when baby is awake and content.
You will learn the techniques in one or more guided sessions, so that you can then apply them at home yourself.
How we offer this
During the postpartum period or in a supplementary session, I'll teach you step-by-step how to apply baby massage safely and lovingly. This gives you an effective and enjoyable way to help your baby relax and enjoy extra contact together.
Babytaal
Baby Language — Learn to Understand Your Baby's Cues and Sounds
Newborn babies communicate from day one, but not through words. They use reflex sounds, body language, and small signals to indicate their needs. By learning to recognize these patterns, you can respond more quickly to your baby's needs, creating more peace and clarity for both you as parents and the baby.
The most common sounds and what they can mean
Sound / SignalPossible meaning
Neh-like sound Hunger or sucking reflex; need for food
Ooh-like soundTiredness; baby wants to sleep or rest
Ear-like soundAbdominal discomfort, cramps, or gas
Eh-like soundNeed to burp; air after feeding
Heh-like soundDiscomfort such as a wet diaper, too hot/cold, or mild irritation
(These sounds are recognized by many parents worldwide as typical baby reflex sounds — it is not a medical diagnosis, but a tool to help you better understand your baby.)
Why This Helps Parents
You will learn to recognise more quickly why your baby is crying or restless.
Less uncertainty often means more peace and less crying.
You learn to distinguish between hunger, sleep, discomfort or cramps.
Parents feel more confident and better prepared.
You build clear communication with your baby from the start.
The method is based on recognizing reflex sounds and signals and is not scientifically proven. However, many parents find during the postpartum period that recognizing recurring sounds helps them respond more quickly and calmly to their child's needs.
How we offer this
During the postpartum period, I'll guide you in observing and recognizing these sounds and signals. You'll learn how to interpret your baby's needs and respond to them calmly and effectively. This gives parents more confidence and ensures a relaxed start.
Can we get maternity care if we are not insured in the Netherlands?
Yes, in that case, we'll agree on a private rate. During the intake, we'll discuss your specific situation.Do you collaborate with Spanish hospitals or midwives?
I'll connect as closely as possible with maternity care in Spain. You'll make your own arrangements with the hospital; I can provide support with explanations, translation (Dutch–ES/EN), and aftercare.What region do you work in?
I focus on the Costa Blanca region (Alicante province). Cities/towns like Jávea/Xàbia, Dénia, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, etc. We can discuss whether your place of residence falls within my service area.When should we register?
Preferably as soon as you learn of your pregnancy. But also if you register later or become pregnant during your stay in Spain, feel free to contact us—there's often still a solution.What language is the care in?
Primarily in Dutch or English. Basic Spanish can help with Spanish if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can we get maternity care if we are not insured in the Netherlands?
Yes, in that case, we'll agree on a private rate. During the intake, we'll discuss your specific situation.Do you collaborate with Spanish hospitals or midwives?
I'll connect as closely as possible with maternity care in Spain. You'll make your own arrangements with the hospital; I can provide support with explanations, translation (Dutch–ES/EN), and aftercare.Which region do you work in?
I focus on the Costa Blanca region (Alicante province). Cities/towns like Jávea/Xàbia, Dénia, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, etc. We can discuss whether your place of residence falls within my service area.When should we register?
Preferably as soon as you learn of your pregnancy. But also if you register later or become pregnant during your stay in Spain, feel free to contact us—there's often still a solution.What language is the care in?
Primarily in Dutch or English. Basic Spanish can help with Spanish if needed.
Can we get maternity care if we are not insured in the Netherlands?
Yes, in that case, we'll agree on a private rate. During the intake, we'll discuss your specific situation.Do you collaborate with Spanish hospitals or midwives?
I'll connect as closely as possible with maternity care in Spain. You'll make your own arrangements with the hospital; I can provide support with explanations, translation (Dutch–ES/EN), and aftercare.Which region do you work in?
I focus on the Costa Blanca region (Alicante province). Cities/towns like Jávea/Xàbia, Dénia, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, etc. We can discuss whether your place of residence falls within my service area.When should we register?
Preferably as soon as you learn of your pregnancy. But also if you register later or become pregnant during your stay in Spain, feel free to contact us—there's often still a solution.What language is the care in?
Primarily in Dutch or English. Basic Spanish can help with Spanish if needed.
Insurance & Costs
Maternity care on the Costa Blanca is covered (partially or fully) in almost all cases. You'll always receive a clear quote and an explanation of your coverage upfront.
✔ Reimbursement by all Dutch health insurers
The maternity care we provide falls under NZa-indicated maternity care, the same as you would receive in the Netherlands.
That is why our care is reimbursed by all Dutch health insurers, provided you have basic insurance that covers maternity care (as is customary in the Netherlands).
We work according to:
NZa policy rules
NZa hourly rates for maternity care
National Indication Protocol for Maternity Care (LIP)
The indication is determined in the same way as in the Netherlands (e.g. 49 to 80 hours, depending on medical and personal factors).
✔ Statutory personal contribution (NZa)
As in the Netherlands, the mandatory NZa personal contribution applies to maternity care at home.
As of 2025 this amounts to (example):
€5.10 per hour of maternity care (legally established by the NZa).
Some supplementary insurance policies cover this deductible in full or in part. We'll inform you about this in advance.
✔ International insurance & expats
Many international insurers (including US and other non-EU expat insurance companies) offer reimbursement for maternity care, birth care, or postpartum maternal care.
We supply:
Official invoices in English
Medical and healthcare reporting in accordance with international standards
All necessary documents for declaration at, among others:
American expat insurers
International health insurance providers
Global health/reimbursement policies
In practice, many international insurance companies reimburse postpartum care if the invoice and supporting documentation are prepared professionally and medically correct — which we provide.
✔ Additional care outside the indicated NZa hours (permitted)
In addition to the NZa-indicated hours, we also offer supplementary private care if you require more support than is covered by the indication, such as:
extra hours of support with breastfeeding
additional support during recovery (after caesarean section or complications)
support for multiple children
night-time supervision
intensive care in vulnerable situations
extra rest, structure and household support
This is completely permitted according to Dutch rules, as long as:
the indicated NZa hours are registered separately from the private hours
the extra hours are clearly agreed in advance as a private rate
the invoice distinguishes between the two types of care (which we always do)
You can therefore book the extra hours freely - useful for families who want maximum support during the maternity period.
✔ Rates
We use the official NZa maternity care rates for insured care, supplemented with a private rate for any additional hours or services.
During the intake you will receive:
a complete overview of costs and reimbursements,
an indication according to LIP during care
insight into how many hours are reimbursed by your insurer,
and what personal contribution or additional costs apply (if applicable).
So there are no surprises afterwards.
Would you like to register for maternity care on the Costa Blanca?
You can do this quickly and easily through our secure registration portal. After you register, we'll contact you personally to discuss everything, determine your needs, and answer your questions.
Please provide your Spanish address when registering.
