Doula Zaanstad: support during your pregnancy and birth
Hello, I’m Iris, a down-to-earth, involved doula with a sensitive, gentle side. It matters to me that you feel seen, heard and supported throughout 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 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 what a doula does and doesn’t do? Read here what a doula is
Why choose doula Iris in Zaanstad?
Zaanstad 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, 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 are right for 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 prefer to do the obligation-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 at the birth. That makes it a genuine win-win situation for you, your partner, the midwife and me.
Healthcare in and around Zaanstad
In Zaanstad, births take place at Zaans Medisch Centrum (ZMC) in Zaandam, both outpatient and clinical. I’ve previously supported a birth there myself, so I’m already familiar with the location and how things work. Geboortecentrum Zaanstad carries the name “birth centre” but is in fact a midwifery practice. Other practices in the region include Lavita Verloskundigenpraktijk, based within ZMC itself, and Verloskundigen Madame, with several locations in Zaandam and Wormerveer.
For up-to-date information about the delivery rooms and the use of a birthing pool at Zaans Medisch Centrum, I’d recommend checking the hospital’s own website.
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, learn 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 feel more confident and at ease about going to the hospital.
Service area
Zaanstad is about 13 kilometres from Haarlem, well within my service area. Feel free to book a free introductory meeting directly. 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 Zaanstad for (expecting) parents
Pregnancy swimming is offered at Zaangolf (Sportbedrijf Zaanstad, with a break during the summer holidays), and pregnancy yoga at Yoga Studio De Weer in Zaandam. Want to prepare well in advance? You can take my pregnancy course at my welcoming practice in Haarlem. For a private course, I’m happy to come to you. And with the free e-book you can take the first steps right away.
Frequently asked questions
Do you also attend births at Zaans Medisch Centrum? Yes, I’m happy to support you at ZMC, or at a home birth.
Do you work together with midwifery practices in Zaanstad? I’m happy to work alongside your own midwife, whichever practice in Zaanstad that may be.
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 when labour starts and you feel comfortable having 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 birth ball and Elle Tens 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.