Doula The Hague: support during your pregnancy and birth
Hello, I’m Iris. A down-to-earth and engaged doula, with a gentle and sensitive side. I think it’s important that you feel seen, heard and supported during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. My role is to stand beside you, with attention to what you need, practical where that helps, and with room for your feelings, questions and intuition. Together with your partner, we create an environment in which you can feel safe and at ease, and where you get 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 The Hague?
The Hague 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 in the country you are.
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, your midwife, and me.
Healthcare in and around The Hague
I’ve guided births at both HMC and HagaZiekenhuis. Haaglanden Medisch Centrum (HMC), location Westeinde, has a brand-new Mother and Child Centre, named after The Hague icon Sara de Bronovo, with its own outpatient midwifery clinic and HMC Verloskundigen. It has 6 birthing rooms with built-in birthing pools. Lovely! HagaZiekenhuis, location Leyweg, has the Haga Juliana Geboortecentrum (HJGC): a combined birth centre where both primary-care, midwife-led births and medically indicated births take place. A number of rooms at HagaZiekenhuis also have built-in birthing pools.
There are also several independent midwifery practices active in the area, including ‘t Haagsch Geboortehuys (with locations including Goudenregenstraat, Stevinstraat and at HagaZiekenhuis itself), Carmenta Verloskundig Centrum and Anno Verloskundigen.
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 see the delivery rooms, hear more about the different types of medical pain relief the hospital offers, and get a sense of what to expect when you give birth there. That can help you go into the hospital with a bit more confidence and a feeling of familiarity.
Coverage area
The Hague is about 42 kilometres from Haarlem. That’s still well within my service area. I’ve also guided several births here, so a longer drive is no problem. Feel free to book a free introductory chat to discuss the possibilities. 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 The Hague for (expecting) parents
For pregnancy yoga and classes in The Hague, you can go to, among others, Studio Vansi, and the Centrum Jeugd en Gezin (CJG) The Hague runs its own pregnancy course. Want to prepare well in advance? You can take my pregnancy course in Haarlem, and my free e-book helps you take the first steps.
Frequently asked questions
Do you also attend births at HMC Westeinde or HagaZiekenhuis? Absolutely, I’m happy to support you at either hospital, or at home if that’s what you choose.
How far do you travel for a birth in The Hague? The Hague is within my service area; when it’s time, I’ll be with you as quickly as possible, but you should definitely allow for around an hour’s drive.
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.