Giving birth is an incredible experience, no matter how it happens. Most people remember the births of their children vividly, well into old age. It’s a moment where you’re at your most vulnerable and yet tap into an immense inner strength. It gives you a renewed appreciation for your body. Yet for some, it can be downright traumatic. We now know that what makes the biggest difference is the level of agency you had during your birth. With the right care, your birth can be a healing experience that gives you newfound confidence and allows you to adapt more easily to life as a parent.
Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth well as aardvarks, lions, rhinoceri, elephants, moose, and water buffalo. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body.
Ina May Gaskin, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
What is a Doula?
A Doula is a birth professional who is trained to give continuous emotional and physical support during pregnancy and labor.
Doulas are typically not employed by a hospital and do not perform medical procedures. They have created a personal bond with the parents prior to labor and know their preferences. At the same time, their experience with birth allows them to provide reassurance during uncertain times. Doulas can also help the partner find the best way of offering support during labor.
Continuous Care During Labor
Shortens labor by 41 minutes on average
Decreases requests for medications for pain relief by 10%
Decreases the risk of low Apgar scores for the baby by 38%
In 2017, a new Cochrane review came out and we got more insight into the benefits of having one person stay with the parents throughout the labor instead of leaving them between medical exams. Continuous support can be provided by a member of the medical team, or a trusted friend or family member. Doulas are unique within this category as they stay until the baby is born, have gotten to know the parents before the birth, and also have a professional background. This results in even better outcomes in some cases. Doula care specifically:
Decreases the risk of a C-section by 39%
and increases the chances of unassisted vaginal birth by 15%
Meanwhile, Doulas Do NOT
Give medical advice; we can help you find good resources and explore your preferences together, but we cannot tell you what you should or shouldn’t do
Perform medical procedures
Speak for you; but we will support you all the way through labor and help you feel empowered to decide what’s best for you
Support Throughout Pregnancy
I support births at home as well as at the hospital. We will meet 3 times during your pregnancy to explore your preferences and get comfortable with each other. During this time, we will discuss a wide array of topics.
We’ll go over the physiology of birth, what to expect during the stages of labor, maybe help you set up a communication plan (often called your birth plan). We will talk about your past experiences, try out some comfort measures, and explore how your partner or family can best support you. I can also come along on a visit to your medical team so we have a chance to meet beforehand.
During Birth
Once labor starts, I will come over when you need me and stay by your side until your baby is born. This continuity of care is essential to the improved outcomes associated with doulas. It’s also part of the reason we’ll meet multiple times before your birth. This way, you’ll feel comfortable to do whatever comes naturally to you and I will have a good idea of how you’re doing, which I can communicate to the rest of the birth team.
Afterward, we will meet 2 more times to help you process the experience and settle into your life with your newborn.
Work With Me
I’m currently a student doula with BiA Doula Training. This is a program accredited by the NBvD (Nederlandse Beroepsvereniging voor Doula’s) which trains both Dutch and international doulas.
Having lived in Japan for most of my twenties, I know the joys and the struggles of living in a foreign country. My understanding of the Dutch healthcare system, as well as my experiences of living abroad help me support expectant parents who’ve moved to The Netherlands from abroad.
Doula Package
Introduction Meeting (free of charge)
Online or in-person, to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
1. Sharing Experiences & Resources
We get to know each other on a deeper level. You can share your hopes regarding birth, your previous experiences, and how your pregnancy is going so far. I will share sources to learn about evidence-based options for birth if you’d like to look into this. If you have a partner, we’ll also talk about the support role during labor.
2. Preparing & Practice
We reconnect and I’ll check in with you about how the pregnancy is going, we’ll talk about the stages of labor and discuss comfort measures. We’ll go over the practical aspects of how to reach me and when to call me for your birth. We will try out some massage techniques (with your partner if present). This is also a good time to set up a communication plan and visit your medical team together.
3. Getting Ready
Birth is getting closer! We’ll repeat some techniques from the last session and go over your evolving feelings about this birth. I’ll also share tips to prepare for the postpartum period. I will be available via messages and email throughout your pregnancy and be ready to attend your birth starting from week 37 of pregnancy. You can call me at any time once labor starts and I will be with you throughout labor.
4. Checking in After Birth
I’ll pay you a visit around 10 days after your birth to see how you are doing. We can reflect on the experience and start processing the labor.
5. Reflecting On Your Experience
This is usually around 5-6 weeks after birth. With some more time to look back on your birth, we’ll exchange key moments and timelines.
Contact
I provide my doula services at a total cost of €600,- for the duration of 2025. Feel free to let me know if there are specific topics you’d like to discuss or if you feel you need an extra meeting. We’ll make a plan that suits you best.
Let’s meet up and explore how I can help you give birth your way.
Certification
Doulas in The Netherlands can get certified through institutions recognized by the NBvD (Nederlandse Beroepsvereniging voor Doula’s). They can then register as members of the NBvD and show they’ve met their quality standards. My training institution also has their own directory where you can find both student and certified Doulas.
