What does it actually mean to have a doula by your side in the Netherlands? In this episode of Dam Parenting, we explore "the art of presence" with Joyce, a seasoned doula and trainer. We take an honest, direct look at the role of a doula—from the emotional power of holding space during labor to the practical support provided during the postpartum transition.

Joyce pulls back the curtain on the rigorous training process for aspiring doulas and explains the importance of the Dutch national registry (NBvD). Whether you are an international parent considering hiring a doula or even thinking about becoming one yourself, this conversation provides the essential roadmap. We discuss the crucial questions you should ask during an intake to ensure a perfect match for your unique journey. Arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate birth and beyond with true confidence.

For the official registry, visit www.nbvd.nl.

In the Netherlands, the first week after birth is defined by one word: Kraamzorg. But what does this unique Dutch postpartum care actually entail? In this episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with Laura, the director of an Amsterdam-based kraamzorg agency, to get an honest, direct look at how this profession has evolved from traditional "wise women" to the highly regulated medical experts of today.

We explore the rigorous training these "chameleons of birth work" undergo and clarify exactly what they do—and don't—do in your home. From medical checks on mom and baby to the emotional support that empowers new parents, we demystify the levels of care available to you. Whether you’re skeptical about having a stranger in your house or eager for the help, this episode arms you with the confidence to navigate those intimate first eight days. For the official Dutch registry, visit www.kckz.nl.

In the Netherlands, the verloskundige (midwife) is the cornerstone of your pregnancy journey, but for those of us from abroad, the autonomy they hold can be a surprise. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with seasoned Dutch midwife Chandelle to get an honest, direct look at the midwifery model.

We strip away the confusion to explain exactly what a midwife does, the intensive medical training they undergo, and how they balance clinical safety with compassionate, holistic care. Whether you are curious about the shift from obstetrics to midwife-led prenatal checkups or wondering how the Dutch foster such a respected birth culture, Chandelle offers the insights you need to feel empowered. From your first ultrasound to the moment of delivery, learn why trust is the most important tool in a Dutch midwife’s kit. For more resources, visit www.deverloskundige.nl.

We’ve all heard that "it takes a village," but for international parents in the Netherlands, that village doesn't just appear—it has to be built. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we’re joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson for a warm, honest, and direct conversation about the essential need for postpartum support.

Hosts Eva and Maren share their own contrasting experiences of what "the village" looks like when your biological family is far away. We explore how to identify and recruit your modern support network, from doulas and neighbors to the "mom friends" you meet at the consultatiebureau. Dr. Naomi breaks down why community is a non-negotiable for maternal mental health and how to overcome the guilt of asking for help. If you’ve been feeling the heavy weight of "doing it all," this episode is your permission slip to stop white-knuckling parenthood and start opening the door to others.

How do you find your "people" when you’re a new parent in the Netherlands? In this special kickoff episode, recorded following our Dam Parenting launch at Kanteen25, we sit down with Gemma, the founder of MamaSocial. Gemma has turned a simple idea—connecting moms over brunch and shared experiences—into one of the city’s most vibrant and essential postnatal communities.

We take a warm, honest, and direct look at why postnatal connection is a non-negotiable for our mental health. Gemma shares her mission to create meaningful support networks that bridge the gap between local and international parents. From cozy morning coffees to buzzing nights out, discover how MamaSocial is helping mothers reclaim their social identities. If you’ve been craving real conversation and a village that actually "gets it," this episode is your invitation to get involved.

📩 Don’t miss out! Join the MamaSocial newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming events (they do sell out fast!), and follow along on Instagram @mamasocialamsterdam.

Your phone is likely the first place you go when you have a question about your pregnancy. In this tech-savvy episode of Dam Parenting, we take a warm, honest, and direct look at the top nine pregnancy apps available in 2025. From the detailed fetal development imagery of Pregnancy+ to the mindfulness-focused approach of Expectful and the community-driven insights of The Bump, we break down which tools actually support your journey and which ones are just noise.

We explore features like mood tracking, guided meditations, and wearable tech like the Ava Bracelet, while discussing the difference between lifestyle tools and medically-informed apps. We also offer a vital reminder for our international community in the Netherlands: while these apps provide great connection and data, they are companions—not replacements—for the expert care of your verloskundige (midwife). Join us to find the digital support system that best fits your personality and your pregnancy.

Our curated list includes:

• Baby Center

• Expectful

• Glow (Nurture Pregnancy)

• Ovia Pregnancy Tracker

• Pregnancy+

• Pregnancy App by Amila

• Pregnancy and Baby Tracker: What to Expect

• Sprout

• The Bump

We also mention the Ava Bracelet (available at avawomen.com)—a popular wearable for fertility and pregnancy tracking.

⚠️ Note: These apps should never replace medical advice. Always consult your verloskundige (midwife) or healthcare provider, especially if you are based in the Netherlands.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Which pregnancy tracker apps offer the best features

• How to use apps for baby development tracking

• Ways to stay connected with pregnancy support communities

• The difference between medically-informed apps and lifestyle tools

• Tips for choosing the right app for your unique needs

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses birth trauma, miscarriage, and the emotional complexities of pregnancy after loss. Please listen with care.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Dam Parenting, we are joined by trauma-informed practitioner Ilena Standring to explore the often-silent journey of pregnancy after a traumatic birth or loss. We take a warm, honest, and direct look at how the nervous system carries the memory of past experiences and how that impacts your mental health today. Ilena explains the mechanics of "Pregnancy PTSD" and offers practical tools for emotional regulation and building resilience while expecting. For international parents in the Netherlands, navigating these triggers in a foreign medical system can be daunting; this conversation is here to remind you that your feelings are valid and that healing is possible. Discover how to reclaim your agency and feel empowered as you carry your next chapter forward.

You can follow Ilena on Instagram

Announcing your pregnancy at work shouldn’t feel like a risk to your career. In this episode of Dam Parenting, we’re joined by Iram, an experienced HR manager, to provide a warm, honest, and direct roadmap for navigating the workplace while expecting.

We dive into the "how-to" of breaking the news to your manager with confidence and clarity. Iram breaks down the essential Dutch maternity and paternity leave policies (Wazo and Geboorteverlof), ensuring you know your legal rights from day one. We also discuss the often-overlooked role of HR in supporting your transition and how to plan for a smooth return to work. Whether you are worried about "pregnancy brain" in meetings or curious about how to negotiate flexible hours post-leave, this conversation offers the professional insights you need to advocate for yourself and your growing family.

The "pregnancy shelf" at the bookstore is massive, but which titles actually deserve your time? In this episode of Dam Parenting, we take a warm, honest, and direct look at the essential pregnancy books curated by our international community. We move past the generic advice to explore a diverse list that covers everything from Emily Oster’s data-driven Expecting Better to the empowering advocacy of Giving Birth Like a Feminist.

Whether you’re interested in the calming techniques of Hypnobirthing, the biological deep-dives of Like a Mother, or practical guides for partners like We’re Pregnant, we break down which reads offer real comfort and education. This episode is about helping you find the right "paperback village" to support your unique journey through pregnancy, birth, and the fourth trimester. Tune in to build your library and navigate your path to parenthood with confidence and a little less overwhelm.

Here’s the list of recommended books:

• A Mindful Pregnancy by Andy Puddicombe

• And Now We Have Everything: On Motherhood Before I Was Ready by Meaghan O'Connell

• Breastfeeding and the Fourth Trimester by Lucy Webber

• Expecting Better by Emily Oster

• Giving Birth Like a Feminist by Milli Hill

• Hypnobirthing

• Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

• Happy Birthing Days by Jutta Wohlrab

• Ina May’s Guide to Pregnancy by Ina May Gaskin

• Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by Angela Garbes

• Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond by Marie Louise

• The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy: Or Everything Your Doctor Won't Tell You by Vicki Iovine

• The Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill

• What to Expect by Heidi Murkoff

• We’re Pregnant by Adrian Kulp

No matter where you are in your pregnancy journey, these books offer the support, knowledge, and encouragement you need to feel informed and empowered. Dive in and explore the wide range of perspectives and advice that will help you navigate your pregnancy with confidence.

How much movement is "too much" when you’re exhausted and newly pregnant? In this episode of Dam Parenting, we’re joined by prenatal experts Kasia (Seventh Series & Mamamoon) and Rianne (SheCoaching) for a warm, honest, and direct look at first-trimester wellness.

We move past the generic advice to discuss the reality of exercising while navigating the hormonal shifts of early pregnancy in the Netherlands. From adjusting your favorite HIIT class to finding the right prenatal yoga flow in Amsterdam, Kasia and Rianne share actionable tips on how to listen to your body’s new signals. We cover safe workout routines, the importance of pelvic floor awareness, and how to nurture your mental health during these first twelve weeks. Whether you're a marathon runner or just trying to stay mobile, this conversation provides the expert guidance needed for a strong, healthy start.

To connect with our experts: Kasia is on Instagram @kasia_pokrop and you can visit her websites for more on retreats and wellness at seventhseries.com and Mamamoon . Rianne is on Instagram @riannevalentine and offers personalized coaching at shecoaching.nl.