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A mother holding her sleeping newborn

International families

Far from home, not alone

For women giving birth in the Netherlands without a family network nearby.

A bowl of nourishing broth

We recognise it

Giving birth far from family

You may have built a life here, with work, friends and a home. And yet, when your baby arrives, the people who would ordinarily surround you are far away.

That distance is felt most in the first weeks.

What is a given elsewhere

The support you would have had

In many cultures, a mother would be looked after by her mother, her sisters, her family. Meals would appear. Someone would hold the baby while she slept.

Here, that support is often missing, and you are expected to manage on your own.

Warmth

Surroundings that hold you, with care that is present day and night.

Nourishment

Food prepared for your recovery, as family might once have done.

Rest

Time to sleep and recover, with expert care close by.

The waiting list

In place of family, care

The Sanctuary offers, in its own way, the support that a family would give. Join the waiting list and we will be in touch personally.