Episode 12: The Importance of Parental Wellbeing
An interview with Karoll Ramamonjisoa
Pregnancy and early parenthood are challenging on their own—but being far from family and support networks can make it even more overwhelming. In this episode of Pregnant in the Netherlands, we talk with Karoll Ramamonjisoa, founder of Parentally, about building a platform that helps parents find trusted support, resources, and professionals across the Netherlands and beyond.
Her story highlights the struggles of navigating parenthood in a new country, making informed birth choices, and creating access to the support every parent deserves.
“Parentally Is About Making Support Accessible”
Karoll, a French-Malagasy entrepreneur and mother of two, built Parentally after experiencing the challenges of raising children in foreign countries.
👉 “Parentally is a well-being platform dedicated to supporting the well-being of new and future parents at every stage of their parenthood journey.”
Parentally connects parents with a wide range of professionals—from doulas to lactation consultants—and provides practical information to navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
Karoll’s Journey Across Countries
Karoll grew up in Madagascar and France, lived in Germany and the US, and now calls the Netherlands home. Her own experiences shaped her mission:
First birth in the US: Unprepared, away from family, faced a last-minute C-section, and struggled through recovery.
Second birth in the Netherlands: Empowered with knowledge, hypnobirthing, and clear preferences.
👉 “It’s beautiful but it’s difficult… and it’s okay to ask for help.”
Her story illustrates how knowledge, planning, and access to support change the parenthood experience.
Navigating Birth in the Netherlands vs. the US
Karoll describes the differences in her births:
US hospital birth: Long labor (37 hours), epidural, last-minute C-section, limited mobility, and breastfeeding challenges.
Netherlands birth: Empowered, vaginal birth after C-section, control over the environment, and strong support system.
👉 “Having more control and knowledge made all the difference. The medical team was supportive, gentle, and respectful of my choices.”
Finding the Right Support
Parentally makes it simple to find and book support:
Search by service type (pregnancy/birth doula, lactation consultant, etc.)
Filter by location, language, price, or approach
Connect directly or book a free introductory call
Karoll also emphasizes personalized support:
👉 “Every parent is unique. Cookie-cutter solutions don’t work. The goal is to normalize getting support and make it accessible to everyone.”
Common Questions Parents Ask
Whether Dutch or international, parents often wonder:
How do I find support?
What types of support are available?
How do I navigate the Dutch healthcare system?
Karoll highlights the “orientation phase” for new parents: not knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, or how to prepare. Parentally provides clarity and options.
Growth and Reach of Parentally
70 practitioners currently listed
~1,500 monthly visitors searching for support
Strong presence in Amsterdam, expanding across the Netherlands
Traffic comes from social media, Google ads, and direct searches
Key Takeaways for Expecting Parents
Knowledge is power: understanding your options is crucial
Support is essential: you don’t have to do it alone
Every parent is unique: find what works for you
Birth doesn’t have to match past experiences; trust and preparation make a difference
Postpartum planning matters as much as prenatal planning
Support Options Highlighted in This Episode
Questions to Reflect On
Every parent’s journey is different. After listening:
👉 How are you planning to find support for your birth and postpartum period?
👉 How will you prepare your partner to assist you effectively?
👉 Which tools or resources will help you feel more in control?
