Trigger Warning: This episode discusses premature birth and the NICU experience. Please listen with care.

We all carry a vision of the "perfect birth," but what happens when the reality is a neonatal intensive care unit? In this moving installment of our Village Vibes series, well-known Amsterdam doula Toni steps out of her professional role to share her deeply personal story of her daughter’s premature arrival.

Toni takes a warm, honest, and direct look at the emotional rollercoaster of the NICU—the fear, the resilience, and the quiet strength required to support a "tiny fighter." We discuss how she and her partner navigated the Dutch medical system during a crisis and how they leaned on each other when the world felt upside down. Whether you are currently in the NICU, healing from a traumatic start, or supporting a friend, Toni’s story is a vital reminder that you are not alone. Plus, learn how you can support other families through the Ronald McDonald House.

Links:

If you would like to find out more about volunteering at theRonald McDonald house - click here!

The transition back to work is a massive milestone, but for breastfeeding mothers, it comes with its own set of logistical and emotional hurdles. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with breastfeeding expert and advocate ⁠Mama Ruth⁠⁠ to take a warm, honest, and direct look at balancing your 9-to-5 with your feeding journey.

We dive into the "how-to" of pumping at the office, from managing your milk supply to understanding your rights in the Dutch workplace. Ruth shares essential strategies for the first few weeks back, offering tips on everything from scheduling sessions to keeping your sanity intact during the juggle. Whether you’re feeling anxious about the transition or looking for ways to sustain your journey long-term, this conversation provides the expert guidance and solidarity you need to feel confident in your choices. You don't have to choose between your career and how you feed your baby—we’re here to help you do both.

The first day back at work after maternity leave is a life-changing milestone that rarely gets the emotional credit it deserves. In this empowering episode of Dam Parenting, we’re joined by Angela from Every Mother Knows to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the transition from full-time motherhood back to the professional world.

We dive into the practicalities of Dutch labor rights—including pumping breaks and flexible hours—but we also go deeper into the psychological shift of "becoming" a working mother. Angela shares expert strategies for reclaiming your confidence, battling imposter syndrome, and managing the emotional tug-of-war between your career and your baby. Whether you are counting down the days until your return or already back in the office feeling a bit lost, this conversation offers the solidarity and tools you need to thrive in both roles. Your career hasn't ended; it’s just evolving.

Between the school runs, work deadlines, and the constant hum of domestic life, when was the last time you truly checked in with yourself? In this episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with Katia to take a warm, honest, and direct look at "mental health hygiene." We explore why taking care of your mind shouldn’t be a luxury saved for a spa day, but a non-negotiable daily practice to prevent burnout.

Katia shares practical, bite-sized techniques to help you recalibrate your body and reset your nervous system—even on your busiest days. We discuss how to tune into your body’s signals before you hit a breaking point and why small, intentional moments of awareness are the key to long-term resilience. Stay tuned until the very end for a guided body scan designed to help you ground yourself and find a moment of peace. It’s time to step off the hamster wheel and start pouring back into your own cup.

"Sleep when the baby sleeps" is the world’s most frustrating piece of advice. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we take a warm, honest, and direct look at the grueling reality of sleep deprivation—a challenge that research shows can last until a child is six years old. We’re joined by ⁠Dr. Naomi⁠⁠ and Camille from⁠Little baby go to sleep⁠⁠ to discuss why the mainstream "one-size-fits-all" approach to sleep training doesn't work for everyone.

We explore the long-term impact of broken nights on parental mental health and offer a holistic perspective on infant sleep that respects your unique parenting style. If you’ve felt pressured to follow traditional sleep training methods but they don't sit right with your gut, this conversation is for you. Learn practical tips for managing the exhaustion while protecting the bedtime bond. You aren't "doing it wrong"—you’re just finding your own way to rest.

This conversation is to highlight, like in DAMChats episode 10 The Bedtime Bond how everyone has their own approach and not to feel like you should be doing something you may feel is mainstream if you are not comfortable with it.

It's European Baby Wearing week ! In this episode of Dam Parenting, we’re joined by baby carrier expert ⁠⁠Zyanya⁠ to take a warm, honest, and direct look at why keeping your baby close is about so much more than just freeing up your hands. For international parents navigating life in the Netherlands, a carrier isn't just a piece of gear—it’s a lifeline for mobility and emotional connection.

Zyanya breaks down the developmental benefits of babywearing, from soothing a fussy infant with your heartbeat to supporting healthy physical growth. We discuss the mental health perks for parents, the bonding benefits for caregivers, and practical tips on how to choose a carrier that actually fits your lifestyle and body. Whether you’re curious about wraps, buckles, or slings, this conversation offers the insights you need to wear your baby with confidence and comfort. Tune in and discover how to make your parenting journey a little lighter and a lot more connected.

Postpartum is one of the most transformative seasons of your life, yet it’s the one we often prepare for the least. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with Amsterdam-based postpartum specialist Heather Berry to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the "fourth trimester."

Forget the nursery decor—we’re talking about the human infrastructure you need to thrive. ⁠Heather Berry⁠⁠ explains why building a solid support network before the baby arrives is crucial, especially for international parents living away from family. We dive into the physical and emotional realities of recovery, how to identify your "people," and why asking for help is a skill you need to practice. From professional resources to local community ties, this episode provides a realistic roadmap for navigating the unpredictable days after birth with grace and confidence. You don’t have to do this alone, and this conversation shows you how to ensure you won’t.

In the Netherlands, home births are often celebrated as the gold standard, but what happens when that vision doesn't align with your personal sense of safety? In this episode of Dam Parenting, we welcome ADHD coach and advocate Emma to share her birth story—a powerful reflection on choosing a clinical, sterilized environment over the traditional Dutch home-birth model.

Maren and Emma take a warm, honest, and direct look at how cultural expectations, past experiences, and personal preferences shape our labor choices. We dive into the "Expectations vs. Reality" of delivery and discuss why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to bringing a baby into the world. This conversation is an invitation to strip away the "shoulds" and focus on what you truly need to feel supported and secure. Whether your birth went to plan or took an unexpected turn, this episode offers a compassionate space to reflect on the diverse ways we all become mothers.

Maternal mental health is just as critical as physical health, yet nearly 20% of women will face psychiatric challenges during or after pregnancy. In this essential episode of Dam Parenting, we are joined by Professor Birit Broekman from the POP-poli at OLVG in Amsterdam. We take a warm, honest, and direct look at the specialized care available for mothers dealing with depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

Professor Broekman explains the "POP" (Psychiatry, Obstetrics, and Pediatrics) approach—a holistic model where specialists work together to manage medication, therapy, and infant health under one roof. We discuss how to access these services in the Netherlands, the safety of medication during breastfeeding, and why seeking help is the strongest choice you can make for your family. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the transition to motherhood, tune in to learn about the multidisciplinary support system designed to catch you.

Links:

You can find a list of all POP Polis clinics in the Netherlands here

The six weeks following childbirth are some of the most intense and transformative days you will ever experience. In this kickoff to our Maternal Mental Health series, we welcome back Amsterdam-based midwife Chandelle to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the "Fourth Trimester." While midwives are experts in your physical recovery, they are also vital witnesses to your transition into matrescence—the deep identity shift of becoming a mother.

Chandelle shares practical insights on what to expect during those first forty days and how to build a partnership with your midwife that prioritizes your emotional well-being. We discuss how to speak up about your mental health, the importance of holistic self-care, and why your midwife is your strongest advocate during this vulnerable time. Whether you’re currently pregnant or in the thick of newborn haze, this episode offers the guidance you need to navigate early motherhood with confidence and support.