Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) affects over 3% of pregnancies in the Netherlands, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood complications of pregnancy. In this vital episode of Dam Parenting, Eva sits down with Jessica Sinay from Stichting ZEHG to take a warm, honest, and direct look at the reality of HG. Moving beyond the "morning sickness" myth, we discuss the relentless physical toll, the risk of dehydration, and the mental health challenges—including PTSD—that often follow.

Jessica shares her personal journey and provides essential information on Dutch treatment options, from common medications to the work of leading experts like Professor Rebecca Painter. We explore how international parents can access HG coaches, find private support communities for partners, and navigate the Dutch healthcare system with confidence. Whether you are currently battling HG or supporting someone who is, this episode is a roadmap for finding the compassionate care and medical recognition every family deserves.

Resources & Support:

• HG Coaches & Mental Health Support

• • Private Dutch HG Facebook communities for women, partners, and families

  A private Facebook community ⁠ (>4,400 members)

  ⁠Dutch HG group for partners of women with HG ⁠

  ⁠ Dutch HG group for family, friends etc⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

• A network of trained dietitian's in cooperation with ⁠Novita in Utrecht⁠

• • Partner stories and recovery support articles on the ⁠official website⁠
  • 
    

⁠You can make a donation to Stichting ZEHG here and support better care for women with HG.

Listen now and help raise awareness about this life-altering pregnancy condition.

#HyperemesisGravidarum #PregnancySupport #StichtingZEHG #HGAwareness #MaternalHealth #PregnancyPodcast #DutchHealthcare

What happens when the "new baby" check-ins stop, but you still feel like you’re finding your footing? In this season premiere of Dam Parenting, Eva reunites with early guest Harriet for an honest, 14-month postpartum check-in. We move past the newborn haze to take a warm and direct look at the long-term emotional recovery and identity shifts that happen well after the first year.

Together, they reflect on the gap between expectation and reality, the unexpected joys of toddlerhood, and the parts of maternal Matrescence that no one prepares you for. This isn't just a catch-up; it’s a raw window into the ongoing journey of becoming a mother in the Netherlands. Whether you are currently navigating the 12-month mark or looking back from further down the road, this episode is a reminder to pause, relate, and breathe. The transformation is still happening, and you’re doing better than you think.

You can find Harriet on Instagram here

It’s finally here. To kick off Season 2 of Dam Parenting, Eva returns for a warm, honest, and direct solo episode to mark Maternal Mental Health Month. This month is the very foundation of this podcast—born from the need to support mothers navigating the unique emotional hurdles of raising children in a foreign country. After a successful first season exploring the "shadow topics" of parenthood, we are stepping back into the conversation to ensure no parent in the Netherlands feels they have to struggle in silence.

In this season opener, Eva reflects on the journey so far and sets the stage for the raw, real topics coming your way. This is an invitation to our international community: your voice matters. We want to hear what you’re facing, from the joys to the invisible burdens. Join us as we continue to build a village of support, breaking down stigmas one honest conversation at a time.

I have some news: Dam Parenting isn't going anywhere! In this quick 2025 update, Eva takes a warm, honest, and direct moment to share why the podcast is continuing and what the future looks like for our international community in the Netherlands. While we are taking a brief, intentional pause to coordinate fresh guest voices and new episodes, the mission remains the same: creating a space for real conversations about the "beautiful chaos" of pregnancy, postpartum, and modern parenthood abroad.

This platform is built with you in mind, and your input is what keeps it relevant. Whether you have a specific topic you’re struggling with, a guest recommendation, or a personal story you feel needs to be heard, we want to hear from you. Check the links in our bio or DM us on Instagram to help shape our upcoming season. Thank you for being part of this village—we’re just getting started.

We made it! With over 100 episodes now in the books, Eva and Maren take a warm, honest, and direct look back at the highlights of 2024. From deep dives into relationship dynamics and neuroscience to the raw vulnerability of birth stories and matrescence, it has been a transformative year for the Dam Parenting community. In this special season finale, we revisit the moments that resonated most and reflect on the growth we’ve shared as international parents in the Netherlands.

But this isn't just a look back—we also have some major news and updates about what’s in store for 2025. Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or just joined the village, tune in for a heartfelt wrap-up and a sneak peek at our next chapter. Thank you for being part of our journey. Grab a warm drink, enjoy the festive season, and let’s celebrate closing out an incredible year together.

Conflict isn't the enemy in your relationship—it’s how you handle it that counts. In this timely episode of Dam Parenting, Eva and Maren sit down with relationship expert Dr. Naomi to take a warm, honest, and direct look at conflict resolution during stressful seasons. We move beyond the "blame game" to explore how our individual attachment styles and physiological responses drive our arguments.

Dr. Naomi provides a practical toolkit for healthier communication, including the power of "I" statements, the art of active listening, and techniques for managing emotional triggers before they spiral. We discuss how to set "rules for engagement" that protect your partnership and transform heated moments into opportunities for empathy and teamwork. Whether you're navigating small holiday stressors or deep-seated patterns, this conversation offers the actionable steps needed to regulate your nervous system and strengthen your bond. Because at the end of the day, you're on the same team.

Matrescence changes everything, including the way we see ourselves in the mirror. In this episode, we take a warm, honest, and direct look at the psychological link between what we wear and how we feel. Joined by style expert Bekah, we explore how clothing and color psychology can be used as practical tools to navigate the shifting body image and identity of new motherhood.

Bekah explains how specific colors can influence our mood, elevate our self-esteem, and help us feel more like "ourselves" even when life feels chaotic. We move beyond fashion trends to focus on empowerment, discussing how to choose pieces that resonate with your inner strength during this life-altering transition. Whether you’re stuck in a "leggings rut" or struggling with a wardrobe that no longer fits your life or body, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you use your closet as a resource for confidence and emotional well-being.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses addiction and recovery.

In this raw and deeply moving episode of Dam Parenting, we sit down with Maria (known as MamaMaria), a psychologist and Aware Parenting Coach, to discuss the intersection of sobriety and motherhood. Maria shares her candid journey of breaking generational cycles of addiction while raising her own family in the Netherlands. We take a warm, honest, and direct look at the emotional toll of recovery and how the tools of sobriety—patience, presence, and self-compassion—can transform the way we parent.

Whether you are navigating your own recovery, healing from a dysfunctional upbringing, or looking to support a loved one, Maria’s story is a powerful testament to resilience. We explore practical strategies for emotional regulation and the vital role of community in the healing process. Join Eva and Maren for an inspiring conversation about choosing a different path for the next generation, one day at a time.

If you are seeking any further assistance with this topic you can always reach out toAlcoholic Anonymous

The holidays are marketed as "magical," but for most parents, they can feel like a marathon of mental load and unrealistic expectations. In this festive edition of the DamGoode Bookclub, Maren and Eva are joined by Elizabeth Goode to discuss the hilariously relatable Why Mummy Drinks at Christmas by Gill Sims. We take a warm, honest, and direct look at the pressures of gift-giving, the "magic-making" fatigue, and the inevitable family dynamics that come to a head in December.

This episode is more than just a book review; it’s a permission slip to acknowledge the stress of modern parenting. Through the lens of Sims’ witty storytelling, we explore how to find humor in the madness and why shared laughter is the ultimate antidote to holiday burnout. Whether you’re listening in the heat of the season or looking for a relatable laugh during the "quieter" months, grab a drink and join us for a conversation that prioritizes your sanity over perfection.

The holiday season is here, and at Dam Parenting, we want to make it a little brighter for our international community. In this special episode, Eva and Maren kick off the "12 Dam Days of Giving"—our biggest giveaway yet, designed specifically for parents navigating life in the Netherlands. We’ve teamed up with local experts and businesses to offer gifts that actually matter: from 1-on-1 counseling and parenting consultations to books and playdates.

We take a warm, honest, and direct look at why community support is the best gift a parent can receive. This isn't just about winning prizes; it's about celebrating the connections that help us grow. Tune in to hear what’s in store, then head over to our Instagram starting December 1st to enter. Let’s shift the focus back to self-care and mutual support this December. Happy holidays—you’ve earned this!