The New Parent Starter Bundle

The Zacht Begin Collection — 3 English Language Digital Books

Three practical guides. One more confident start to parenthood, wherever you are.

Having a baby is one of life's most beautiful and life changing experiences. And when you're welcoming your little one in another country, it's natural to have extra questions and uncertainties. Whether you're discovering the Dutch maternity care system (kraamzorg) for the first time or preparing to care for your newborn without kraamzorg support, you don't have to figure everything out on your own. These first weeks are a time of learning, adjusting and finding your way together, and having the right information can help you feel more prepared, supported and confident.

Are you an expat in the Netherlands experiencing Dutch maternity care (kraamzorg) for the first time? Or are you a Dutch parent living abroad, preparing to welcome your baby without the familiar support of kraamzorg at home?

The New Parent Starter Bundle brings together three practical, English language digital books by Morena de Ruijt, an experienced maternity care professional working as a kraamzorg nurse for over 15 years. Together, they help you understand what to expect after birth, prepare for breastfeeding and learn the essentials of caring for your newborn.

Whether you're discovering the Dutch maternity care system or preparing for those early days largely on your own, this collection gives you helpful information to return to whenever questions arise.

What's included?

1. The First Week — The Dutch Maternity Care Edition

New to kraamzorg? Understand what to expect during your baby's first week.

For international parents living in the Netherlands, Dutch maternity care can be very different from what you're familiar with in your home country. This book walks you through the first week after birth and introduces the role of kraamzorg, helping you prepare for the days ahead.

It's also useful for Dutch parents living abroad who want to understand the Dutch approach to postpartum and newborn care, even if they won't have access to kraamzorg themselves.

Inside, you'll explore:

• What to expect from maternity care at home

• The first 24 hours and the days that follow

• Newborn warmth, skin-to-skin contact and safe sleep

• Feeding, breastfeeding and common early challenges

• Postpartum recovery and the fourth trimester

• Visitors and how partners can support the family

• What to consider when you don't have maternity care

• When to call for professional help

2. Breastfeeding Essentials — Preparing for the First Days and Beyond

Prepare for breastfeeding with practical information for the early days and beyond.

Breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. Understanding what is normal, what challenges can arise and when to seek support can help you feel more prepared for your own feeding journey.

Inside, you'll explore:

• The golden hour and skin-to-skin contact

• Colostrum and the early days of breastfeeding

• Latching, feeding positions and milk supply

• Hunger cues and cluster feeding

• Engorgement, pumping and breast milk storage

• Mastitis and when to ask for support

• Supplementing and alternative feeding options

3. Newborn Care Essentials — From Sleep Safety to Soothing, Bathing and Beyond

Learn the basics of caring for your newborn, wherever you're welcoming your baby.

When you bring your baby home, everyday tasks can suddenly feel unfamiliar. This book introduces the essentials of newborn care, helping you better understand your baby's behaviour, needs and transition into the world.

Inside, you'll explore:

• What you really need for your newborn

• The fourth trimester and your baby's adjustment

• Safe sleep basics

• Newborn behaviour, reflexes and hunger cues

• Crying, soothing and the importance of closeness

• Infant feeding basics

• Bathing and everyday newborn care

• Partner support and caring for your baby without maternity care at home

Who is this bundle for?

For expats in the Netherlands

If you're expecting a baby in the Netherlands and experiencing kraamzorg for the first time, these books help you understand the system and prepare for the first days with your newborn.

For Dutch parents living abroad

If you're having your baby outside the Netherlands and won't have access to kraamzorg, the collection offers practical information about postpartum recovery, breastfeeding and newborn care that you can revisit at your own pace.

For first time parents everywhere

Even if you already know what maternity care looks like in your country, you may still have questions about feeding, newborn behaviour, safe sleep and the transition into parenthood.

Why choose all three books?

• A complete introduction: explore maternity care, breastfeeding and newborn care in one collection.

• English-language guidance: accessible to international families and English-speaking parents.

• Written by an experienced maternity care professional: practical information informed by experience supporting families.

• Read at your own pace: prepare before birth and return to relevant sections during the first weeks.

• Digital convenience: keep the PDF books on a compatible device for easy reference.

A little more preparation for a big new chapter

You don't need to know everything before your baby arrives. But understanding what to expect can help you feel better prepared for the changes, questions and small moments that make up those first weeks.

The Zacht Begin Collection brings together three practical books to help you approach the beginning of parenthood with more knowledge and confidence — whether you're navigating kraamzorg in the Netherlands for the first time or welcoming your baby abroad without it.

Three books. One bundle. A more prepared start with your newborn.

Please note: These books provide educational information and do not replace personalised medical advice, professional lactation support or medical care.

Bundle includes: 3 digital books (PDF)
Language: English
Author: Morena de Ruijt