Doula Utrecht: support during your pregnancy and birth
Hello, I’m Iris. A down-to-earth and committed doula, with a soft 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 in which 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 Utrecht?
Utrecht is the city where I myself was born and happily lived until I was 18! First on Zonstraat in the Oudwijk neighbourhood, and later on Mauritsstraat near Wilhelminapark. Like any big city, Utrecht offers plenty of maternity 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 midwife, and me.
Healthcare in and around Utrecht
Utrecht has several major maternity care locations. Diakonessenhuis Utrecht handles around 3,000 births a year, both outpatient and clinical. I was actually born there myself! UMC Utrecht / Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) is the designated location for specialist care and complicated births; I gave birth to my own oldest son there too. St. Antonius Hospital, location Utrecht (Leidsche Rijn), is also a birth location in the city. I’ve already had the privilege of supporting births at all three of these locations.
St. Antonius Hospital, location Utrecht (Leidsche Rijn), has a fixed birthing bath built into its delivery rooms. Diakonessenhuis Utrecht is the hospital where the Mother Assisted Caesarean (MAC) was introduced in the Netherlands; I personally know gynaecologist Koen Deurloo, the pioneer of the MAC. Here they work with an inflatable bath system.
My tip: attend 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, 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 walk into the hospital with a bit more confidence and a familiar feeling.
Coverage area
Utrecht is about 45 kilometres from Haarlem. That’s well within my service area. I’ve also guided several births here, so there’s no need to hesitate about the distance. Feel free to book a free introductory chat directly 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 Utrecht for (expecting) parents
Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month there’s a free drop-in Mama Café at Café Jozef (Mariaplaats), and if you’d rather stay active you can join the weekly pregnancy yoga class run by Esther Hazendonk (Yoga Gelukscentrum Rivierenwijk). Want to prepare well in advance? You can take my pregnancy course at my cosy practice in Haarlem. But if you’d rather book a private course, I’ll simply come to you. With the free e-book you can take the first steps right away.
Frequently asked questions
Do you also attend births at Diakonessenhuis or UMC Utrecht/WKZ? Yes, as a doula I’m happy to support you at any birth location you choose, including these Utrecht hospitals that I’m already familiar with.
Do you work together with midwifery practices in Utrecht? I’m happy to work alongside your own midwife, wherever in Utrecht they practise.
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.