How do I work as a Doula?

It all begins with connection. Birth is indeed the pinnacle event, but it is also the culmination of a beautiful, trusting connection between a woman, her care team and her baby.

As a doula, I nurture and support you throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum. In pregnancy, my role is to provide information and emotional support, so you feel well-informed and empowered with knowledge to make the right choices for your pregnancy and your birth. During labour and birth, I provide continuous, emotional and physical nurturing, as well as personalised care to you and your partner.

I believe that the more relaxed and supported a labouring person feels, the more at ease her body will be, and the more efficiently her body will function. When women are in charge of their environment and when they have privacy to birth undisturbed, outcomes are almost always more positive. Whether you wish to give birth at home, at a birth centre, or at a hospital, I will be there for you to help you relax into your environment and to create a safe, loving space where you can feel at ease, empowered and connected to your body and baby.

What physical support can look like:

  • Creating a calming birthing environment: dim lights, candles, music, incense

  • Setting-up the birthing pool and soothing with any water therapy (warm shower for example)

  • Calming touch and/or counterpressure

  • Providing nourishment with food and drinks

What emotional support can look like:

  • Working with you and your partner to discuss any fears and/or insecurities around pregnancy, birth and parenthood

  • Reviewing your birth wishes and dreams

  • Talking about what makes you feel relaxed, safe and comfortable

  • Holding space in a way you feel supported

  • Continuous, dedicated presence

  • Reassurance and encouragement

  • Postpartum debriefing

What information support can look like:

  • Sharing insight and information into the Dutch maternity system

  • Assisting you and your partner by providing evidence-based information around pregnancy and birth

  • Demonstrating and practising labouring positions

  • Discussing various relaxation techniques and movement options

  • Recommendations/referrals to tried and trusted care providers (such as acupuncturists, naturopaths, lactation consultants, etc)