Tag: pregnancy
One Pregnancy, Four Countries – The Story of Melody
From monthly toxoplasmosis tests in France to runny eggs in Wales, a wonderfully warm ultrasound in Argentina and eventually giving birth in the Netherlands, Melody discovered that pregnancy may be universal—but the way we approach it certainly isn’t. I’m Melody. I’m from France and I live in Alkmaar in the Netherlands. I am the mother…
Pregnant in the Netherlands: A Short Guide in 5 steps
You’re having a baby, congratulations! Now what’s next? Here are 5 important steps in your journey if you are pregnant in the Netherlands and planning to give birth here. 01. Choose your Midwife It is not standard to be followed by an OB-GYN in the Netherlands, unless there is a medical condition requiring it. For…
Navigating Pregnancy and Work in the Netherlands
Returning to work after pregnancy can feel tough as a very special period with your newborn has come to an end and the endless juggling between work and family will commence. On the other hand you might be ready to re-enter working life and look forward to connecting again with colleauges and picking up your…
When Pregnancy Feels Heavy: My Journey Through Prenatal Depression
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy, glowing anticipation, and maternal bliss. But for me, it was a season of darkness, confusion, and deep emotional turmoil. As a doula and placenta specialist, I’ve walked alongside many women through their pregnancies. Yet, when it was my turn—during my second pregnancy—I found myself grappling with…
Safety From Within: A Hidden Need In Pregnancy And Postpartum
During pregnancy or after giving birth, everything can feel more intense. Life seems louder. Emotions swell. Small things hit harder. You might worry about things that never used to bother you or feel oddly disconnected from yourself. Especially if you’ve recently moved abroad, the swirl of early motherhood can feel even more intense. We often…
Differences between France and the Netherlands
Pregnancy care varies from one country to another, reflecting cultural, medical, and healthcare system differences. France and the Netherlands offer intriguing examples of contrasting approaches to prenatal and postnatal care. One of the key differentiators is the level of medicalization during pregnancy and childbirth, with France tending towards a more medicalized approach, while the Netherlands…
Demystifying hypnobirthing
When you hear the term ‘hypno’ or ‘hypnosis’, your first thought might be about losing or surrendering control… yet the hypnobirthing method is the complete opposite! Hypnobirthing combines deep relaxation techniques and self-hypnosis, also sometimes called ‘focussed relaxation’. These techniques enable you as a mother in labour to remain in control of the birth process. The skills…
Pregnancy fatigue: why am I so tired?
We all have days of feeling a bit sleepy or lethargic. But you might notice during pregnancy that tiredness is taken to the extreme. Perhaps you just can’t keep your eyes open at work, nod off watching telly, or struggle more than usual to get up when the morning alarm goes off. Well, don’t worry.…
Acupuncture: how can it help during and after pregnancy?
You might already have used acupuncture before, but did you know that this traditional Chinese practice can also be of precious help during pregnancy and after birth? Read more about the benefits of perinatal acupuncture in our first blog post below.