More and more families appeal to maternity care
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More and more families appeal to maternity care through the family care services. More than 28 percent of all newborns received support at home last year. That is an increase of more than 4 percent compared to 2023. Most applications come from West Flanders.
On average, families received 30.5 hours of care and support in the first three months after birth. Zorgieind, the umbrella organization of the recognized family care services in Flanders and Brussels, reports this in response to the Week of maternity care.
The rising demand does not fall from the sky. The average duration of the hospital has been falling for years, which means that recovery and aftercare happen more often at home. « The figures show that young families find their way to family care. That confirms how great the need is for accessible, affordable and near care in the maternity period, » says Zorggezind.
West Flanders
Regionally there are striking differences. In West Flanders, 40 percent of families engage in maternity care after birth, a record. A solid catch -up movement has been started in Antwerp: the number of families receiving maternity care is growing faster than in other provinces. For example, 23 percent of newborns in Antwerp received maternity care through family care last year, compared to 20.5 percent a year earlier.
Maternity providers offer practical help and give tips about the care of the baby. They participate in the well -being of mother and child. Their proximity prevents overloading, offers peace in an intense period and thus contributes to the well -being of the whole family. The Week of maternity care runs from 5 to 11 May.
