Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about doula support during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. Don’t see your question? Feel free to get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
My practice is based in Haarlem, but I work throughout the whole province: North Holland, South Holland, Utrecht and Flevoland. See my full service area for all the places where I’m active.
Sometimes partially. Some supplementary insurance policies cover (part of) doula support. I’d recommend checking your policy or contacting your insurer. You can read more about the cost of a doula and what you get for it on this page.
You can bring in a doula at any point during your pregnancy. Some people reach out as early as 12 weeks, others around 30 weeks, and some contact me only at 39 weeks. There’s always a way to make it work, but ideally I start between 26 and 30 weeks so we have enough time to get to know each other and prepare properly. Reaching out earlier to check my availability is always a good idea. Just found out you’re pregnant? Take a look at your first steps after a positive test.
Yes, absolutely. Even in the final weeks I can do a lot for you: practical preparation, relaxation, bringing calm, clarifying your options, and of course continuous support during the birth.
A doula provides continuous emotional and physical support during pregnancy and birth. I combine scientifically grounded insights with practical, body-based techniques and warm, personal guidance. Read more about what a doula does.
Absolutely! A doula is welcome in every hospital, both for a spontaneous birth and when there’s a medical indication. I’m not medically responsible, but I work alongside your medical care providers. Through respectful communication, I’m glad to collaborate with other birth professionals, so that together, as a birth team, we work towards a positive birth experience.
No. A midwife is medically responsible for mother and baby. A doula is there for your wellbeing, calm, strength and experience. Together with your midwife or medical team, I form a team working towards the birth experience you envision. Curious about all the differences between a doula, birth coach and postpartum care? Read it here.
I listen without judgment, with attention and calm, so you feel supported in making the choices that are right for you, and can walk your own path through pregnancy and birth with confidence. Continuous support also leads to:
- More calm in your mind and relaxation in your body
- A sense of safety, even in tense moments
- A positive, well-supported birth experience
- More connection with your (birth) partner
- A lower chance of medical interventions or assisted deliveries
Definitely. Your partner plays a beautiful and loving role during the birth, so I involve them closely throughout the whole process. I don’t replace your partner — I support you both. I help your partner feel confident, give them clear tools, and help them stay actively involved. Read more about your partner’s role during labour.
Every woman is unique, so I support you in whatever’s right for you. That can be fully natural, with medical pain relief, or a planned induction or c-section. My role is to help you make informed choices and to give you and your birth partner calm, support and loving guidance through every option. You can read more about me and my background on my page.
From 38 weeks until the birth I’m always reachable, and when you need me I’m generally with you within 1.5–2 hours. If you go into labour earlier, we’ll look together at what’s possible. In most cases, I can simply be there.
A doula doesn’t have to be “woo” at all. My support is practical and loving, so you feel seen, informed and held.
I listen without judgment, with attention and calm, so you feel supported in making the choices that are right for you, and can walk your own path through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood with confidence.
My rates depend on the package you choose. Every package includes extensive pregnancy support, 24/7 availability between 38 weeks and your baby’s birth, and continuous support throughout your entire labour. If you’d like a custom package, just get in touch — I’m happy to think it through with you.
Yes. Even with a (planned) induction or c-section, a doula can be a big help. I’ll help you feel well prepared, stay calm, get clarity on your choices, and make the experience as positive and calm as possible. Even during a c-section, I can often — in consultation with the hospital — be present or support you closely before and right after the birth. Want to know more about an induction or about recovering from a c-section?
The introductory meeting is non-committal and meant to see if there’s a click. It can take place at your home, online, or at my practice, and usually lasts about 40 minutes. During the intake we’ll discuss:
- Your wishes, questions and any concerns.
- Previous birth experiences.
- What you can expect from a doula.
- My way of working and availability.
You can read about my full way of working here.
I work together with a number of great colleagues who can step in in case of illness, emergencies, or an exceptionally long labour.
I support solo mums, couples and families in every shape and form. I work in both Dutch and English, and warmly welcome people of every background, culture, origin and tradition. Your wishes are central: you choose how and where you want to give birth, and I support you in that with love and respect.
We build up contact gradually, and it includes:
- 2–4 prenatal sessions (around 120 minutes each)
- WhatsApp or phone contact for questions in between.
- Extra contact when there are changes (for example, a medical indication).
- As your due date gets closer, I check in with you regularly to see how you’re doing.
- From 38 weeks, I’m reachable by phone 24/7 and on standby whenever you need me.
- Up to 6 weeks after the birth, I remain available for all your questions.
- One follow-up visit: I’ll come by to meet your baby and talk through your birth story.
This whole journey is described in my way of working.
I don’t provide “kraamzorg” (Dutch maternity home care), but I am available for up to 6 weeks after your baby’s birth for all your questions, and I’ll also come by once for a follow-up conversation. Read more about what a postpartum doula does and how this differs from kraamzorg.
I provide continuous support, including during long labours. There are no extra costs for extra hours during the birth. If labour takes an extremely long time, we’ll build in rest and meal breaks together as needed.
Yes, definitely! I specialise in fear of childbirth, previous traumatic birth experiences, and general tension around loss of control or pain. We work with conversation and mindfulness techniques, breathing, massage and sharing knowledge to build trust and to ’be with what is.’ You learn self-regulation, and I offer co-regulation as a calm, skilled and loving presence beside you. You can find more information about birth trauma and fear of childbirth here.
On request, I also offer a “birth only” package, which can be booked at any stage of pregnancy — even at 40 or 41 weeks. It includes:
- One short preparatory session.
- Standby from an agreed-upon week.
- Support during the birth.
- A follow-up conversation.
Take a look at all the packages for a full overview.
If, after our introductory meeting, you’d like me as your doula for your birth, I’ll send over my agreement with terms and conditions. After digital signing, I’ll send the first invoice for 50% of the total amount. I send a second invoice for the remaining 50% around 34 weeks. You’ll find an overview of all packages and rates on the services & pricing page.
Yes, during the standby period from 38 weeks until the birth, I’m reachable day and night. Outside that period, I’m reachable from 9:00 to 18:00.
I stay on standby until your baby is born. I’ll stay in regular touch to support you through the final stretch, think along about options like membrane sweeps or induction, or you can book an extra birth massage with acupressure to give things a little extra nudge.
A doula is welcome in every hospital, both for a spontaneous birth and when there’s a medical indication. I’m not medically responsible, but I work alongside your medical care providers. Through respectful communication, I’m glad to collaborate with other birth professionals, so that together, as a birth team, we work towards a positive birth experience.
A doula provides continuous emotional and physical support, a birth coach often guides more remotely or in separate sessions, and kraamzorg (Dutch maternity home care) only starts after the birth, for practical care. You can read the full breakdown of the differences on this page.
A birth plan helps you think ahead about your wishes around the birth and share them with your care providers. As part of my support, we put one together together. You’ll find an example and a step-by-step guide on this page.
Congratulate yourself first, then take your time to choose a midwife and plan your first appointments. You’ll find a handy overview of all the first steps on this page.
Different practical things come up each trimester, from your first appointments to preparing for the birth. You’ll find a complete checklist per trimester on this page.
There are both medical and natural ways to deal with pain during labour, and I’ll help you discover what’s right for you. You’ll find a full overview of all the options on this page.
Yes, a water birth can also happen at home, as long as there are no medical contraindications. Read the pros and cons on this page, and find out how to hire a birth pool for home.
Folic acid and vitamin D are generally recommended, but depending on your situation, more may be needed. You’ll find a full overview on this page.
From documents to newborn clothes — you’ll find a complete checklist for mother, partner and baby on this page.
Contractions feel like recurring, increasingly strong cramping in your belly. You’ll find exactly when to call on this page.
Click matters just as much as experience. You’ll find practical tips for choosing the right doula for your birth on this page.
You can read other (expecting) parents’ experiences on the happy clients page.