Pregnant In The Netherlands

Who’s Who in Your Birth Team?

WHO'S WHO IN YOUR DUTCH BIRTH TEAM? 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. DURING PREGNANCY & BIRTH 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. POSTPARTUM 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 [http://pregnantineindhoven.com] Get in Touch   Julianna Feron Website: juliannaferon.com [http://juliannaferon.com] Instagram: @julianna.feron  [https://www.instagram.com/julianna_feron/] Free call: Meeting with Julianna - Julianna Feron [https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna] Anna Latham  Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl [http://empoweredbirthservices.nl] Instagram @empowered.birth.services [http://empowered.birth.services]  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931 [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 [https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min]

#21 No one ever told me...

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 [http://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 [http://pregnantineindhoven.com] Julianna Feron Website: juliannaferon.com [http://juliannaferon.com] Instagram: @julianna.feron  [https://www.instagram.com/julianna_feron/] Free call: Meeting with Julianna - Julianna Feron [https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna] Anna Latham  Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl [http://empoweredbirthservices.nl] Instagram @empowered.birth.services [http://empowered.birth.services]  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555058594931 [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 [https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min]

#20 Perineum care after giving birth

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 [http://pregnantineindhoven.com] Julianna Feron Website: juliannaferon.com [http://juliannaferon.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianna_feron/ [https://www.instagram.com/julianna_feron/] Anna Latham  Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl [http://empoweredbirthservices.nl] Beyondbirth.nl [http://Beyondbirth.nl] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/empowered.birth.services/ [https://www.instagram.com/empowered.birth.services/]

#19 How to prevent perineal tearing?

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 [http://pregnantineindhoven.com] Expecting Together - Pregnancy Meetups | Bibliotheek Eindhoven [https://eindhoven.op-shop.nl/2091/expecting-together-pregnancy-meetups?disable_filter=1] Julianna Feron Website: juliannaferon.com [http://juliannaferon.com] Instagram: @julianna_feron [https://www.instagram.com/julianna_feron/] Anna Latham  Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl [http://empoweredbirthservices.nl] Beyondbirth.nl [http://Beyondbirth.nl] Instagram @empowered.birth.services [http://empowered.birth.services]

#18 Beyond the Kraamzorg, how to prepare for the postpartum period

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 [http://pregnantineindhoven.com] Julianna Feron Website: juliannaferon.com [http://juliannaferon.com] Instagram: @julianna.feron [https://www.instagram.com/julianna_feron/]  Schedule a free clarity call: https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna [https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna] Anna Latham  Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl [http://empoweredbirthservices.nl] Beyondbirth.nl Instagram @empowered.birth.services [http://empowered.birth.services]  Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min [https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min]