Pregnant in the Netherlands and confused by words like verloskundige, kraamverzorgster or GGD? In this episode, we explain who does what — from pregnancy to postpartum.

First-Line Midwife (Verloskundige)
Your main provider if you’re low-risk.
You contact them after a positive test. They guide your pregnancy and attend your birth at home, birth center, or hospital (without medical indication).

Clinical Midwife
Works in the hospital. You meet her if you request pain relief or develop a medical indication. She takes over when care transfers to the hospital.

Gynecologist
Medical doctor and surgeon. Involved if there are complications, interventions, or a cesarean birth.

Birth Doula
Hired by you. Non-medical support.
Provides emotional, physical and informational support, plus continuous presence during labor.

Hospital Nurse
Assists with monitoring, IV lines, and practical needs during hospital birth.

Maternity Nurse (Kraamverzorgster)
Assists during home birth and supports you up to 8 days postpartum — monitoring mother and baby, helping with feeding, and doing light household tasks.

Maternity Nurse (Kraamverzorgster)

Midwife
Checks your recovery and baby’s health.

Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Board-certified breastfeeding specialist.

Lactation Counselor
Educated in breastfeeding support.

GGD / Consultatiebureau
Performs heel prick test, hearing test, monitors development, and offers vaccinations. For illness, contact your GP.

Postpartum Doula
Optional extra support after the maternity nurse leaves — practical and emotional help.

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at

pregnantineindhoven.com

Get in Touch

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: @julianna.feron 

Free call: Meeting with Julianna - Julianna Feron

Anna Latham 

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Instagram @empowered.birth.services 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931

Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min

In this episode of 'Pregnant in the Netherlands', Julianna and Anna discuss the often unspoken realities of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. They share insights from their community, previous clients and themselves about the challenges and surprises that come with bringing a new life into the world, including the pain of childbirth, the reality of postpartum recovery, and the emotional shifts that accompany motherhood. The conversation emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and support for expecting parents, highlighting the need for realistic expectations and understanding of the journey ahead.

Takeaways

• Giving birth can be more painful than expected.
• Postpartum contractions can continue after birth.
• Co-sleeping can be safe if done correctly.
• Expecting parents should prepare for unexpected exhaustion.
• Postpartum hormonal changes can lead to body odor.
• Breastfeeding can be a challenging learning curve.
• Newborns may not follow predictable patterns.
• Labor experiences can differ from expectations.
• Vocalization during labor can be empowering.
• Recovery after birth involves both physical and mental adjustments.

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at

pregnantineindhoven.com

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: @julianna.feron 

Free call: Meeting with Julianna - Julianna Feron

Anna Latham 

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Instagram @empowered.birth.services 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931

Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min

postpartum care, perineal healing, emotional healing, recovery tips, nutrition, intimacy, childbirth education

Summary

In this episode, Julianna and Anna discuss essential postpartum care, focusing on perineal healing, emotional aspects of recovery, practical tips for new mothers, the importance of nutrition, and navigating intimacy after childbirth. They emphasize the need for patience and self-care during the healing process, encouraging mothers to listen to their bodies and seek support when needed.

Brabant Birth Buddies

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup.

You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions!

More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianna_feron/

Anna Latham 

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Beyondbirth.nl

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/empowered.birth.services/

Keywords

perineum, tearing, childbirth, episiotomy, pelvic floor, birth positions, relaxation techniques, midwifery, maternal health, postpartum recovery in the Netherlands

Summary

In this conversation, Julianna and Anna discuss the complexities of childbirth, focusing on the perineum and the topic of tearing. They share personal experiences, cultural differences in episiotomy rates, and the importance of understanding the different degrees of tearing. The discussion emphasizes the significance of relaxation techniques, birth positions, and the role of midwives in reducing tearing during childbirth. They also explore the psychological aspects of birth and the importance of feeling safe and supported during the process.

Takeaways

Tearing during childbirth can vary significantly based on cultural practices.

Understanding the anatomy of the perineum is crucial for expecting mothers.

Natural tears often heal better than episiotomies.

The position during birth can greatly influence the risk of tearing.

Relaxation techniques can help reduce tension in the pelvic floor during labor.

Perineal massage may help prepare the body for childbirth.

Choosing a supportive birth team can enhance the birthing experience.

Water labor can be beneficial in reducing tearing risk.

Education about childbirth can empower mothers to make informed decisions.

Trusting one's body and instincts is vital during the birthing process.

Titles

Navigating Childbirth: Understanding Tearing and the Perineum

The Importance of Relaxation in Childbirth

Sound bites

"Tearing is not a failure."

"Viva la Nuni!"

"Don't rush the process."

Brabant Birth Buddies

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions!

More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Expecting Together - Pregnancy Meetups | Bibliotheek Eindhoven

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: @julianna_feron

Anna Latham 

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Beyondbirth.nl

Instagram @empowered.birth.services 

keywords

postpartum, motherhood, emotional changes, physical recovery, identity transformation, support systems, postpartum planning, community resources, doula support, childbirth education

summary

In this episode of 'Pregnant in the Netherlands', hosts Julianna Feron and Anna Latham discuss the postpartum period, exploring the physical and emotional changes that new mothers experience. They emphasize the importance of support systems, community resources, and the identity transformation that comes with motherhood. The conversation also introduces the 'Beyond Birth' program, designed to help mothers navigate the postpartum journey with guidance and community support.

About the Brabant Birth Buddies

Julianna Feron is an expat birth doula, pregnancy coach, and childbirth educator based in the Netherlands with over five years of experience. Through her private childbirth preparation classes, pregnancy massages, online courses and of course with her doula services she supports expectant moms in taking charge of their birth.

As a mother of two and an international herself, Julianna understands the challenges of giving birth in a foreign country. She’s passionate about empowering women with knowledge, trust in their bodies, and practical tools for labor. 

In her free time, Julianna loves swimming, running, and cycling - or getting lost in her latest hyper-fixation (currently public speaking!). At home, she’s usually chasing her kids around the kitchen island in the middle of an imaginary adventure.

Anna Latham is a registered nurse, childbirth educator, lactation counselor, and birth doula from the U.S. With over a decade of experience, she has supported pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum families across the U.S., Vietnam, and the Netherlands. Now based in Heeze, near Eindhoven, Anna founded Empowered Birth Services in 2024 to provide evidence-based education and compassionate support to growing families. 

She is passionate about birth and empowering people to have positive and confident birth and breastfeeding experiences, helping them enter parenthood with knowledge and trust in their own abilities. As a mother of two, she enjoys biking, crafting, and sharing music with her daughters.

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: @julianna.feron 

Schedule a free clarity call: https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna

Anna Latham 

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Beyondbirth.nl

Instagram @empowered.birth.services 

Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min

Anne van der Pasch:

https://zapy.nl/

https://www.instagram.com/zapy.nl/

Anna Latham 

empoweredbirthservices.nl

@empowered.birth.services 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931

Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min

Julianna Feron

juliannaferon.com

@julianna_feron 

Schedule a free clarity call: https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna

Instagram: @julianna.feron

pregnancy, childbirth, home birth, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, maternity care, entrepreneurship, Netherlands, UK, motherhood

summary:

In this conversation, Julianna and Anne reflect on their experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood, comparing the maternity systems in the UK and the Netherlands. They discuss the challenges of home births, the importance of preparation and support during labor, and the complexities of postpartum recovery. Anne shares her journey of entrepreneurship while balancing motherhood, emphasizing the significance of community and resources available for new mothers.

takeaways

• The support from the community is crucial during the podcast journey.
• Pregnancy experiences can vary significantly between countries.
• Home births can provide a more personal and welcoming experience.
• Preparation for birth includes understanding the stages and options available.
• Complications during birth can arise, and having a trusted midwife is essential.
• Postpartum recovery can be challenging, especially after complications.
• Breastfeeding can be difficult, and seeking help is important.
• Entrepreneurship can coexist with motherhood, but it requires balance.
• The maternity care system in the Netherlands offers more support than in the UK.
• Sharing experiences can empower other women in their motherhood journey.

titles

• Navigating Pregnancy and Birth: A Personal Journey
• Home Births: The Dutch Experience

Sound Bites

• "Both home births, yes."
• "I had lost a lot of blood by the end."
• "I have three babies really."

Chapters

00:00

Transitioning to the Netherlands: A New Maternity Experience

06:43

Home Births: A Personal Journey

15:20

Postpartum Challenges and Hospitalization

16:07

Emergency Birth and Hospital Transition

20:16

Recovery and Postpartum Challenges

27:43

Breastfeeding Insights and Support

28:36

Entrepreneurship and Balancing Motherhood

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Pregnancy, miscarriage, maternity care, Netherlands, UK, motherhood, entrepreneurship, breastfeeding, emotional impact, natural skincareSummaryIn this conversation, Anne van der Pasch shares her experiences of pregnancy, miscarriage, and motherhood, contrasting her time in the UK with her journey in the Netherlands. She discusses the emotional challenges of her miscarriages during COVID, the differences in maternity care between the two countries, and how her experiences shaped her approach to motherhood and entrepreneurship.TakeawaysAnne had two miscarriages before her first successful pregnancy.Her experience during COVID made pregnancy particularly challenging.She felt unsupported by the healthcare system in the UK during her miscarriages.Anne found the process of miscarriage to be extremely painful and traumatic.She moved to the Netherlands while seven months pregnant for better maternity care.In the Netherlands, she felt more cared for and supported by healthcare providers.The same midwife assisted in the births of both of her children.Anne's experiences influenced her decision to create a skincare business for mothers and babies.She emphasizes the importance of emotional support during pregnancy and loss.Anne reflects on the differences in maternity care between the UK and the Netherlands.Chapters00:00Navigating Pregnancy and Miscarriage in the UK09:47Transitioning to the Netherlands: A New Maternity Experience

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: @julianna.feron 

Schedule a free clarity call: https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna

Instagram: @julianna.feron

Anna Latham 

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Instagram @empowered.birth.services 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931

Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min

Anne van der Pasch:
Website: https://zapy.nl/

https://www.instagram.com/zapy.nl?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode Naghieli, Julianna and Anna discuss the critical role of partner support during pregnancy and postpartum, Naghieli's personal birth story, and the importance of communication and preparation for new parents. Naghieli shares her experiences and insights on home birth, the unexpected challenges she faced, and the significance of having a supportive team during the birthing process. The conversation emphasizes the need for partners to actively participate in the postpartum period to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.takeaways

• Partner support is crucial during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Expectations for birth can differ from reality.
• Creating a supportive environment is essential for a positive birth experience.
• Communication between partners is key to navigating postpartum challenges.
• Preparation for postpartum care can alleviate stress for new parents.
• Mothers often prioritize the baby’s needs over their own health.
• Choosing the right support team is vital for a successful home birth.
• Affirmations and positive reinforcement can aid in the birthing process.
• Setting boundaries is important for new mothers to care for themselves.
• The connection between mother and baby is profound and requires mutual support.

Listen, rate, and subscribe to help more expecting expat families find our show! 

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: @julianna.feron 

Schedule a free clarity call: https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna

Instagram: @julianna.feron

Anna Latham 

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Instagram @empowered.birth.services 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931

Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min

In this episode, Naghieli shares her empowering journey through pregnancy and childbirth as an expat in the Netherlands. She discusses the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the importance of doulas, and her eventual decision to have a home birth. Naghieli emphasizes the significance of being informed and communicating needs during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the role of partners in the process. The conversation highlights the need for a new parenting model that supports shared responsibilities and emotional communication.

Listen, rate, and subscribe to help more expecting expat families find our show! 

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Julianna Feron

Website: juliannaferon.com

Instagram: @julianna.feron 

Schedule a free clarity call: https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna

Anna Latham 

Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl

Instagram @empowered.birth.services 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931

Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min

In today’s episode, Julianna and Anna talk with Brooklyn Brownstone, a Canadian mama and entrepreneur  living in Amsterdam and the founder of The Labour Dept. We discuss how the Labour Dept’s Prepped to Parent program prepares parents for life beyond birth. We touch on the importance of preparing for the postpartum period and the cultural and societal shifts that need to occur to support families.

Keywords 

parents, postpartum, fourth trimester, new parent, expat parents, preparation

Episode’s main topics

• Brooklyn discusses the Prepped to Parent program and building community for new parents.
• She shares her own experience of becoming a parent, which lead her to developing the Prepped to Parent program.
• We discuss challenges families face in the postpartum period and how cultural perspectives affect postpartum care.
• We talk about the importance of education and support when navigating birth choices in a new country.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

The Labour Dept

thelabourdept.com 

Listen, rate, and subscribe to help more expecting expat families find our show! 

About Our Guest

Brooklyn Brownstone is the founder of The Labour Dept., a community for parents and parents-to-be. The journey through parenthood is changing — and The Labour Dept. believes the support we receive should change too.

https://www.instagram.com/thelabourdept/

thelabourdept.com 

Get in Touch

Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com

Julianna Feron

Website: ⁠juliannaferon.com⁠

Schedule a free clarity call: ⁠https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna⁠

Instagram: ⁠@julianna_feron⁠

Anna Latham 

Website: ⁠empoweredbirthservices.nl⁠

Instagram ⁠@empowered.birth.services⁠ 

Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931⁠

Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at ⁠https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min⁠