First new birth announcement stamp in two decades

PostNL announced a new birth announcement stamp on the first day of the Negenmaandenbeurs (Nine Months Fair) in Amsterdam on Wednesday. The Dutch post office occasionally issues new event stamps, including the Love stamp and the Birth stamp in order for stamps to "reflect the spirit of the times," the PostNL website states. The current Birth stamp will be available beginning March 2. It features a pink rattle among other images, and will replace the famous stork Birth stamp which has been used for 18 years. The new image was designed by Marenthe Otten. "This design called for the stamp to match the special occasion, even more so than other stamps did. The baby could be a boy or a girl, or it could turn out to be twins or triplets. The designe therefore had to be neutral, but with power and a great look and feel," said Otten. The stamp was unveiled at the fair by singer and musician Jim Bakkum, who is currently expecting his second child.