I am a CD (CBI), and have also done the DONA training with Debra Pascali-Bonero, but as yet have not certified with DONA. I have also trained with an Accupuncturist, for using accupressure during labour and with midwife Verena Schmid- who is a wonderful teacher- I recommend her highly if you ever see her name on a conference offering!

My background is not in birth, but rather in theatre I did not set out to become a doula. It has been a journey that began with moving from Canada to the Netherlands when I was 20 weeks pregnant with my first son. Nathaniel (7) was born in hospital, and his brother Sam (5), was born at home in water. Since then I have created a support network and playgroup for international families living in Amsterdam. In 2007 I began devoting myself fulltime to supporting families as a birth and postpartum doula.

Holland is by many considered the “natural birth capital” of the world, but even here in the heart of of that- there is much work to be done to create a more Mother Friendly birth environment. Even our home birth rate is on the decline- although still 28%.

As a doula supporting international women (many American, Canadian, British women), they can initially be shocked and scared by the system here (I will only see a midwife? You aren’t going to do internal exams?, no epidural?, give birth at home, etc...). They fight for the epidural, for the hospital birth etc. and I have seen that if these women are supported, offered good prenatal education and have a chance to learn for themselves what they truly want- they let go of their fears and can embrace what a blessing it is to be supported and empowered to give birth with their own power in a country where pregnancy is not an illness, and birth is not a medical event unless it becomes one.

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Hi! Welcome to

Welcome amsterdam doula to
I look forward to your future postings

Welcome, welcome!

Hi and

I would love to hear more about your experiences with birth in the Netherlands!

Welcome

hello and welcome

Welcome to AllDoulas! Be sure to list yourself in our International Doulas section: http://www.alldoulas.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=106

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Hello,

I will be living in The Netherlands this summer. Can you recommend how to get in touch with any doulas there? I'll be living in Zandaam, which is very near Amsterdam. Thanks.

Amy