Doula Leiden: support during your pregnancy and birth
Hello, I’m Iris. A down-to-earth, engaged doula with a gentle 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 beside you, 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 can feel safe and at ease, and where you have the space to give birth in your own way.
What is a doula?
A doula is someone who offers emotional, physical and informative support during one of the most special and intense periods of your life. As a doula, I help you stay in control and feel safe, whatever the circumstances. My support is fully tailored to your unique wishes and needs. Curious exactly what a doula does and doesn’t do? Read here what a doula is.
Why choose doula Iris in Leiden?
Leiden offers plenty of care options, but as a doula I offer something unique: a trusted, continuous presence that radiates calm and confidence. My approach combines a down-to-earth attitude with a sensitive and gentle side, so you can focus fully on your birth.
I offer a tailored approach and adapt my support completely to your personal needs and expectations. My goal is to help you relax, reduce your anxieties, and support you in making choices that suit you. Whether you give birth at home or in the hospital, I’m by your side.
With my experience and expertise, I make sure that you and your partner have a positive birth experience together. Together we create a loving bubble in which you feel safe and heard.
I always prefer to do the free introductory meeting in person, and I’m happy to travel for it, wherever you live.
I also work closely together with midwives. In my experience, they really appreciate having a doula present during the birth. It’s a genuine win-win for you, your partner, the midwife and me.
Healthcare in and around Leiden
For the birth itself, most care in Leiden today is concentrated at two locations. Alrijne Hospital, location Leiderdorp, is the regular birth location for both outpatient and clinical births. (Please note: Alrijne Leiden itself has not handled births for some time.) For more complex or high-risk pregnancies there’s GeboorteHuis Leiden, a collaboration between LUMC and primary-care midwifery practices, based within LUMC itself. Leiden also has several active midwifery practices, including Verloskundigenpraktijk De Kern, Verloskundigenpraktijk Draagkracht and Verloskundigenpraktijk Merenwijk.
Both Alrijne Hospital, location Leiderdorp, and GeboorteHuis Leiden at LUMC have a dedicated birthing bath room available. A real touch of luxury! Do note that this room needs to be available and can’t be booked in advance.
My tip: attend the information evening about hospital birth at your local hospital. These are usually organised monthly. It gives you the chance to take a look at the delivery rooms, hear more about the different forms of medical pain relief the hospital offers, and get a sense of what to expect when you give birth there. That can help you feel more confident and at ease when the time comes to go to the hospital.
Coverage area
Leiden is about 27 kilometres from Haarlem, well within my service area. I’ve also guided several births here, so there’s no need to hesitate. Feel free to book a free introductory chat directly to discuss the possibilities. I’m also active as a doula in Amsterdam and from my home base in Haarlem. Take a look at my full coverage area for all the places where I’m active. Curious what a doula costs or how to choose the right one for you? Also read what a doula costs in the Netherlands and how to choose the right doula.
In Leiden for (expecting) parents
Once a month, on a Friday morning, there’s a Mama Café at CJG Leiden, and if you’d rather stay active there’s weekly swimming for pregnant women at Zwembad De Zijl (Tuesday evenings). Want to prepare well in advance? You can take my pregnancy course no matter where in Leiden you live, and my free e-book helps you take the first steps.
Frequently asked questions
Do you also attend births at Alrijne Hospital or GeboorteHuis Leiden? Absolutely, I’m happy to support you at either location, or at home if that’s what you choose.
How far do you travel for a birth in Leiden? Leiden is within my service area; when it’s time, I’ll be with you as quickly as possible.
Curious about other parents’ experiences? Take a look at the stories from happy clients.
How I work
Pregnancy
During your pregnancy we meet several times to get to know each other well, so you both become fully comfortable with my presence. In 2 to 4 extensive, personal preparatory conversations of about 2 hours each (depending on the package you choose), I make sure you’re well informed and 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 plan, and I guide you in expanding your body awareness through massage, various relaxation exercises and practising different birthing positions. You’ll experience how you relax best and ‘settle into’ your body, which builds trust in your own body and strengthens the bond with your baby.
Birth
From 38 weeks until your baby is born, I’m available by phone 24/7. I come as soon as labour begins and you feel ready to have me there. During your birth I offer loving, gentle support, helping you through contractions, listening, giving massage and reassurance. I support your partner too, so you can experience the birth together. You’re welcome to use my birthing ball and TENS machine free of charge. I stay for around 2 hours after the birth, usually until you’ve showered and are settled in a clean bed with 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’d love to receive the occasional photo and update on how you’re all doing, but there’s no obligation at all. Once you’re ready, we round things off with a postpartum visit to look back on the birth together.
Extra options
This package can be extended with additional support, such as more preparatory conversations or exercises, massages, or joining you for a visit to your midwife or obstetrician.
Together as a team
Your partner plays an important role, and I help them fulfil 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 where you both feel safe and heard, so you can experience this special event together in a way that suits you. Together we discuss:
- 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, so your partner can actively contribute.
- Handling unexpected situations, and how to stay flexible and calm together as a team.
By being well prepared together, you form a strong team that faces the birth with confidence.