The Dutch have a different way to celebrate a baby’s birth than in the US. To start with, the new arrival is proudly announced to the neighborhood with a flag and optional stork. Most people hang the Dutch flag outside the door to announce the birth. Many these days also rent giant storks, and hang “hurra a baby” in the window. We rented a cute 3-D stork.
Rob, My boss from work, with a giant teddy bear from the department
After the baby’s birth, people come for Kraam Visite (after-birth visits). People make an appointment to come individually to visit the baby after the birth. We serve them tea and snacks. They bring a little gift and coo at the cute little creature (or howling as the case may be). I like the Dutch way, since people are sure to see the baby, they come in small groups and spread out to entertain Mom during her 3 months of pregnancy leave.
Biscuit and Muisjes
The last tradition I will describe here is the food…Kraam visites are served “biscuit met muisjes” – literally translated to biscuits with little mice. Everyone gets a round biscuit with blue or pink sprinkles (yes, the color/gender match same as in the US). If you like black licorice, you’d like the flavor muisjes.
Rob’s co-workers celebrate the birth
Next is the Dutch version of a baby-shower. They do not do baby showers before the baby’s birth. If I had a dollar for every time someone said “you do it BEFORE the birth???!!!” then Leah could have some of Suri’s wardrobe (the baby of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes ).
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