Doula

Photo: Sanne Ravensbergen, Stories of New Life

Are you pregnant? Congratulations! Whether it is your first pregnancy or you have been pregnant before, it remains an incredibly special phase in your life: the start of a new chapter. Would you like to start this new chapter relaxed and full of confidence? As a doula, I may be able to help you with this.

A doula? What is that?

A doula (pronounced doela) is also called a birth coach or childbirth coach. A doula supports you (in a non-medical way) during pregnancy and the entire delivery. She explores all your needs, wishes and possibilities together with you and is a familiar face during the delivery. It is your delivery, but you are not alone!

moeder met pasgeboren baby: afbeelding bij doula/doela pagina

Photo: Sanne Ravensbergen, Stories of New Life

My support

During pregnancy

My full attention
During pregnancy we will see each other at least three times. The preparatory sessions are extensive: I think it is important to take the time for you. This gives the space to talk about your background, personal situation, wishes and any fears. This way I get to know you (and your birth partner, if you have one) well so that I can tailor the support I provide entirely to your needs. And do you feel the need to talk to someone? You can always call me. All your questions, concerns and ideas are welcome: I am available for you throughout the entire process. And from week 37 I am available 24/7 for when labour starts.
Practical support
I am happy to explain to you how the birth process works and how you can make it easier. We will work with breathing, relaxation and positions and I am happy to help you clarify and communicate your birth wishes/birth plan. I will give your potential (birth) partner practical tools so that he/she can support you fantastically later on.
Relaxation
I will give you a wonderful massage (if you like) and can pamper you with a foot bath.

During the delivery

Continuous support
I will come to you when you need me and will stay with you throughout your entire labor and birth. My shift will not end and I will not hand you over. I am there for you completely. I can support you with massages, counter pressure, suggestions for positions, help with calm breathing, etc. Whatever you will need. When necessary, I will encourage you and help you stay calm.

Research has shown that this continuous support has many benefits:

The doula-effect

Women who receive continuous support during their delivery:

have a faster delivery on average
have a higher chance to have a spontaneous delivery
have a lower chance of interventions such as an assisted delivery (vacuum or forceps)
have a lower chance of a caesarean section
have less need for medical pain medication
look back on their delivery experience with greater satisfaction

Cochrane Collaboration, overview of the results of 16 randomised trials, involving 13.391 women in various settings, in eleven different countries, including England and Belgium, data collected and analysed in October 2016.

In the first weeks of parenthood

A listening ear
After the birth, I will visit you twice more to hear how you are doing, whether you need any support and how you experienced the birth.

My qualities as a doula

There are so many good doulas, how do you know that I am the ideal doula for you? Very simple: by planning a free and non-binding interview. Then you will quickly notice whether there is a 'click' or not. In the mean time I can tell you what other young and expectant parents liked about me:

My calm appearance: even in intensive situations I remain calm
My involvement: I will do everything within my power to contribute to the best possible birth experience for you (and of course your partner and your baby)
Being able to sense what might help you

Let's meet!
More about me
Prices and packages