Hi, I’m Iris. A down-to-earth, engaged doula with a soft and sensitive side. I believe it’s important that you feel seen, heard and supported throughout your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.

My role is to stand by your side, paying attention to what you need – practical where that helps, with room for your feelings, questions and intuition. Together with your partner, we create an environment where you feel safe and secure, with the space to give birth in your own way.

Alkmaar offers plenty of maternity care options, but as a doula I bring something unique: a trusted, continuous presence that radiates calm and confidence. My approach combines a down-to-earth attitude with a sensitive, gentle side, so you can focus fully on your birth.

I offer a tailor-made approach, shaping my support entirely around your personal needs and expectations. My goal is to help you relax, ease your worries and support you in making the choices that are right for you. Whether you give birth at home or in hospital, I’m right there by your side.

With my experience and expertise, I help you and your partner have a positive birth experience together. Together we create a loving bubble in which you feel safe and heard.

I prefer to do the no-obligation introductory meeting in person, and I’m happy to travel for it, wherever you live.

I also work closely with midwives. In my experience, they’re genuinely glad to have a doula present at the birth. That makes it a real win-win for you, your partner, the midwife and me.

If you’d like to give birth in hospital, births in Alkmaar take place at Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar location, both as an outpatient and as an inpatient. Alkmaar does not have an independent birth centre. For primary midwife-led care there are several practices, including Verloskundigen Praktijk Alkmaar (VPA, with locations De Mare, Vroonen/Sint Pancras and De Entree) and Partners in Verloskunde. Please note: the previously well-known practice Duin en Dijk no longer exists as of 1 January 2026.

At Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar location, it’s possible to have a water birth using an inflatable birth pool.

My tip: join the information evening about giving birth at the hospital near you. These are usually held monthly. They give you the chance to take a look at the delivery rooms, learn more about the different forms of medical pain relief the hospital offers, and get a feel for what to expect when you give birth there. That can help you walk into the hospital with a bit more confidence and a sense of familiarity.

Service area

Alkmaar is about 28 kilometres from Haarlem, well within my service area. Feel free to book a free introductory meeting right away to discuss the possibilities. Curious what a doula costs or how to choose the right doula for you? Also read what a doula costs in the Netherlands and how to choose the right doula.

In Alkmaar for (expecting) parents

Every Wednesday morning there’s a parent-and-child drop-in (“Samenspel”) at Wijkcentrum Mare Nostrum, and you can exercise outdoors at the weekly Zwangerfit/Mamafit outdoor classes in Park De Oude Kwekerij. Want to prepare well in advance? My pregnancy course can be taken in Haarlem, but if you’d like a private course I’ll come to you at home. And with the free e-book you can already take the first steps.

Frequently asked questions

Do you also support hospital births in Alkmaar? Yes, I’m happy to support you at Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar location, or at a home birth.

Do you work with midwife practices in Alkmaar? I’m happy to work alongside your own midwife, whichever practice in Alkmaar that may be.

Curious about other parents’ experiences? Take a look at the stories from happy clients.

Pregnancy
During your pregnancy we meet several times to get to know each other well, so you become fully comfortable with my presence. In 2 to 4 extensive, personal preparation sessions of around 2 hours each (depending on the package you choose), I make sure you’re well informed and well prepared for the birth. You’ll know what options are available in different situations, so you can make your own choices. Together we also draw up your birth preferences, and I help you expand your body awareness through massage, various relaxation exercises and practising different birthing positions. You’ll discover how you relax best and how to really “drop into” your body, which grows both your trust in your own body and your bond with your baby.

Birth
From 38 weeks until your birth, I’m available by phone 24/7. I come as soon as labour starts and whenever you feel ready to have me there. During your birth, I support you in a loving, gentle way: helping you ride out the contractions, listening, massaging and reassuring you. I support your partner too, so you can experience the birth together. You can use my birth ball and Elle TENS machine free of charge. I stay until roughly 2 hours after the birth – usually once you’ve showered, are settled in a fresh bed, and holding your baby in your arms.

Postpartum period
After the birth we stay in touch, and I’m available for questions and advice for around 6 weeks. I always love getting the occasional photo or update on how you’re all doing, but nothing is ever required. When you’re ready, we round things off with a postpartum visit to look back on the birth together.

Extra wishes
This package can be extended with extra support, such as additional preparation sessions or exercises, massages, or joining you for a visit to your midwife or obstetrician.

Your partner plays an important role, and I help him or her step into that role with confidence. Birth is a shared experience, and it’s essential that you both feel supported and involved. Your partner’s role can range from emotional support to practical help during contractions. Together we create an environment in which you experience the birth in a way that suits you both. So what do we actually talk about?

• Your fears, expectations and wishes, to create clarity and confidence.
• How your partner can best support you during the birth, so they know what to do and when.
• Practical techniques such as breathing exercises and massage that your partner can actively use to help.
• Dealing with unexpected situations and how to stay flexible and calm as a team.

By preparing well together, you form a strong, loving team that can face the birth with confidence.