Cradle Care is the literal translation of the Dutch word ‘Kraamzorg’.

In 1899 the Red Cross in the Netherlands started to help women after they had given birth. The main reason was to decrease the neonatal mortality rates due to lack of hygiene. The mothers who were helping, were learning about signs to look out for when an infection was starting and they learned when to get the help of a medical professional. 

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From the late 1940’s the Dutch Government got involved and started funding the care that was given to women after birth. The government started to train women in 'after birth care' and thought them personal development’ and ‘housekeeping’ as well as medical support. They wanted the Cradle Carers (kraamverzorgsters) to know how to support the mothers mentally as well as physically. This service still exists today and is still government funded. 

source: https://www.fni.nl/kraamzorg-thuis)  

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When I arrived in Australia in 2010 I knew there was barely any government support for me as a mother of two toddlers. When I gave birth in The Mater in 2011 I could stay for two or three nights and that was it. Experiencing not being supported when I got home made me feel incredibly lonely and insecure. From that moment I knew I didn't want to go through this again and I wanted to help other mothers as well.