What is a Doula?
   A doula is a trained birth professional who provides emotional, informational, and physical support to women and their families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Unlike a medical provider, a doula focuses on helping you feel informed, empowered, and comforted throughout your journey, offering continuous, non-clinical support tailored to your unique needs.

What Services Do You Offer as a Doula?
   I offer a range of services to support you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. These include comprehensive birth preparation, childbirth education, natural pain relief techniques, and postpartum support. Additionally, I provide personalized herbal care, pregnancy rituals, and a special goodie bag with handcrafted natural products to nurture your well-being. My goal is to help you feel confident and connected throughout your entire journey.

What Sets You Apart as a Doula?
   My approach combines doula expertise with a focus on herbal gynecology and women’s health. I bring experience as an expat and mother who understands the Dutch healthcare system, allowing me to offer culturally sensitive guidance for those navigating pregnancy in a foreign language or culture. My extensive training includes additional courses on birth emergencies and herbalism, ensuring a truly holistic approach to care.

What’s the Difference Between a Doula and a Midwife?
   A midwife is a medical professional responsible for the clinical aspects of birth, such as monitoring the baby’s health, performing medical procedures, and managing the physical process of delivery. A doula, on the other hand, focuses on providing continuous emotional and physical support, helping you feel informed, empowered, and comforted throughout your experience. Many families find the combination of both a midwife and a doula creates a balanced, supportive environment.

Is It Really Necessary to Have a Doula?
   While a doula isn’t medically necessary, many women find that having a doula improves their birth experience. Studies show that continuous support from a doula can reduce the likelihood of medical interventions, shorten labor, and increase satisfaction with the birth process. My goal is to empower you, making sure you feel cared for and informed every step of the way, so you feel deeply connected to your experience.

When Should I Hire a Doula?
   Ideally, you can hire me from the beginning of your pregnancy to gain full support throughout each trimester. However, I also accept last-minute bookings if you need support later in pregnancy or close to your due date. My priority is to provide the care you need, no matter when you reach out.

Where Do You Offer Doula Services?
   I’m based in Rotterdam and offer doula support to families within a 60 km radius. For those outside this area, I provide my Childbirth Education course online, along with virtual support options for families in other locations where I cannot attend in person. I also guide you in choosing the best birth location for your needs, whether it’s at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital. No matter where you decide to give birth, I am here to support and assist you every step of the way.

Can My Partner Be Involved?
   Absolutely! I encourage and guide partners in ways to provide meaningful support. During our prenatal meetings, I’ll teach your partner helpful techniques and ways to actively participate in the birth, helping to create a strong support team for you.

What Does Doula Support Look Like During Labor and Delivery?
   During labor, I provide continuous support to help you stay comfortable, informed, and empowered. This includes natural pain relief techniques, breathing exercises, emotional encouragement, and helping you understand each stage of labor. My focus is to ensure you feel safe, respected, and connected throughout the process.

How Can I Benefit from Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy?
   As an herbalist, I offer natural remedies to address common pregnancy discomforts, such as morning sickness, heartburn, and hemorrhoids. I also prepare special blends for postpartum healing. Each remedy is carefully crafted with safe, natural ingredients to support your health and well-being throughout pregnancy and beyond.

What Can I Expect in Prenatal Meetings?
In our prenatal meetings, you’ll receive evidence-based information and support tailored to your unique journey. I’ll help you prepare and make informed decisions, create personalized birth plans, and guide you through techniques for pain relief and labor preparation. These sessions are designed to equip you with everything you need for a confident and empowering birth experience.

Can I Hire You for Only Childbirth Education?
Yes! My Childbirth Education course is available as a standalone option for those who may not be interested in full doula support, cannot afford it, or live outside my travel area. This course provides comprehensive guidance on preparing for birth. If you decide later that you’d like to hire me as your doula, I’ll only charge the difference, making it a flexible choice for your needs.

How Will You Work with My Medical Team?
I am a supportive team player who respects and collaborates well with medical professionals. My goal is to help you communicate openly with your medical team about your birth choices, ensuring that your preferences are heard. I’m also prepared to advocate for you whenever necessary, always prioritizing your comfort, safety, and empowerment.

What Types of Pregnancy Discomforts Can You Help With Using Herbal Remedies?
As a trained herbalist, I offer safe, natural remedies to alleviate a range of common pregnancy discomforts, such as morning sickness, heartburn, hemorrhoids, and yeast infections. Each remedy is tailored to your unique needs and carefully crafted to provide relief, allowing you to feel more comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy.

How Do Pregnancy Rituals Support My Journey?
Pregnancy rituals are designed to honor and celebrate this transformative time in your life. These rituals provide a sacred space for self-reflection, connection with your body and baby, and emotional preparation for birth. I offer ceremonies like Mama Blessing rituals, rebozo closing, and placenta burning ceremonies, all of which can foster a sense of empowerment and grounding.

Do You Offer Postpartum Support?
Yes, my services extend beyond birth into the postpartum period, ensuring you feel supported as you transition into motherhood. This includes guidance on recovery, herbal remedies for postpartum healing, and emotional support. I am here to help you navigate these early stages with confidence and care.

What Is Included in Your Childbirth Education Course?
My Childbirth Education course covers essential topics such as the physiology and phases of birth, pain relief techniques, birth interventions (and their pros and cons), and how your partner can support you during labor. You’ll also learn about the Dutch healthcare system, options for birth locations, and personalized strategies for a confident birth experience. The course is offered online and in-person, depending on your location and preference.

What Is the Best Time to Start Working with a Doula?
The earlier, the better! Starting in the first trimester allows us to build a strong foundation for your pregnancy journey, but I’m also happy to work with families who reach out later in pregnancy or close to the due date. My goal is to provide the support you need, no matter when you decide to begin.