“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”
John H. Kennell, MD
The birth doula
A birth doula is a steadfast companion on your journey, offering physical comfort, emotional reassurance, and the knowledge you need to navigate pregnancy and birth with confidence. With a birth doula by your side, you are empowered to make informed choices that honor your unique path, ensuring a birth experience that is both meaningful and deeply satisfying.
The presence of a birth doula brings profound benefits. Research shows that their support can shorten labor, reduce the need for cesareans and interventions, and leave birthing people with a greater sense of fulfillment and joy. But their impact doesn’t end there. Families supported by a doula experience longer breastfeeding journeys, lower rates of postpartum depression, and a stronger sense of confidence in their ability to nurture and care for their baby.
Birth Doula Packages
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Virtual Birth Coach
Empower your birth journey from the comfort of your home.
What’s Included:
✦ Free introductory consultation.
✦ Three personalized video meetings to explore your birth wishes and create a birth plan.
✦ Continuous phone and text support during pregnancy.
✦ 24/7 on-call phone and text support starting two weeks before your due date and during labor and birth.
✦ A final video meeting to process your birth story together.
€540
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Standard Package
Comprehensive in-person support for your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum journey.
What’s included:
Before Birth:
✦ Free introductory consultation.
✦ Three prenatal meetings to discuss your birth plan, preferences, and expectations.
✦ Unlimited phone, text, and email support during business hours (9:00–17:00) until two weeks before your due date.
During Birth:
✦ 24/7 on-call support starting two weeks before your due date.
✦ Continuous hands-on care during active labor, birth, and up to two hours postpartum.
✦ Guidance on labor positions, pain management, and advocating for your preferences.
After Birth:
✦ Two postnatal visits (one within 24 hours, one within 4–6 weeks).
✦ Support with breastfeeding, bonding, newborn care, and processing your birth story.
€925
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Full Spectrum Package
Complete care for a confident start to parenting. Includes everything in the Standard Package, plus extra breastfeeding support.
What’s Included:
Before Birth:
✦ Free introductory consultation.
✦ Three prenatal meetings to discuss your birth plan, preferences, and expectations.
✦ One prenatal consultation focused on postpartum planning and breastfeeding preparation.
✦ Unlimited phone, text, and email support during business hours (9:00–17:00) until two weeks before your due date.
During Birth:
✦ 24/7 on-call support starting two weeks before your due date.
✦ Continuous hands-on care during active labor, birth, and up to two hours postpartum.
✦ Guidance on labor positions, pain management, and advocating for your preferences.
After Birth:
✦ Two 4-hour postpartum doula visits to support breastfeeding and postpartum recovery to be used within the first 21 days after birth.
✦ Additional follow-up via messaging and calls as needed.
€1225
Birth Doula FAQs
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A birth doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and birth. A doula does not replace your midwife or doctor but works alongside your care team to help you feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the birth process.
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Midwives and doctors are responsible for the medical care of you and your baby during pregnancy and birth. A birth doula focuses on continuous emotional support, comfort techniques, and helping you understand your options so you can make informed decisions during labor.
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Yes! Many couples find that having a doula actually helps partners feel more confident and involved. A doula can guide partners in comfort measures, suggest positions, and provide reassurance so partners can focus on supporting you rather than worrying about what to do next.
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Most families hire a birth doula sometime during the second trimester, but it’s never too early to start exploring your options. Hiring a doula earlier in pregnancy allows more time to build a relationship and prepare together for your birth.
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Yes. Birth doulas can support families in home births, birth centers, and hospital births. Doula support focuses on comfort measures, advocacy, and emotional support regardless of where you plan to give birth.
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A birth doula may use a variety of comfort techniques during labor, including:
breathing techniques
labor positions and movement
massage and counterpressure
relaxation techniques
emotional reassurance and encouragement
These techniques can help make labor more manageable and help you feel supported throughout the process.
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Yes. I work with many international families and provide English-language birth support for expats navigating pregnancy and birth in the Netherlands. I can help explain how the Dutch maternity system works and support you in preparing for your birth.
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Research has shown that continuous support during labor can improve birth experiences and may reduce interventions. Many families say that having a doula helped them feel more confident, supported, and calm during labor and birth.
