Episode 13: Life Beyond Birth: Preparing for Parenthood
An interview with Brooklyn Brownstone
Birth education in the Netherlands goes beyond just labor—it’s about preparing for the whole journey, including postpartum.
In this episode of Pregnant in the Netherlands, we speak with Brooklyn Brownstone, founder of the Labour Department in Amsterdam. She shares how her community-based approach is helping parents feel prepared for pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
From navigating cultural norms to building real support networks, this episode is full of insights for anyone expecting a baby in the Netherlands.
👉 You don’t have to navigate pregnancy and postpartum alone.
“I Needed a Space That Reflected My Experience”
Brooklyn, a Canadian living in Amsterdam, started the Labour Department to support parents in ways she found missing during her own pregnancy:
Community events for parents-to-be
Parenting preparation courses
Ongoing support and education
👉 “We really look for gaps in education and try to support parents through both learning and community.”
Her program, Prepped to Parent, now supports almost 300 couples, giving them knowledge and confidence from pregnancy through early parenthood.
Understanding Postpartum Before It Happens
During one class, Brooklyn noticed a powerful moment:
👉 A future dad asked, “What are the signs of postpartum depression so I can watch out for my partner?”
She realized:
➡️ If every partner knew this, postpartum support would look completely different.
How Prepped to Parent Works
The program includes five core courses taught by experienced instructors:
Birth Preparation – Understanding physiology, pain relief, and birth options in the Netherlands.
Postpartum Basics – What to expect after birth, managing recovery, and emotional health.
Breastfeeding Support – Taught by a lactation consultant for practical guidance.
Baby Medical Basics – Vital skills like taking temperature, understanding newborn cues, and knowing when to seek help.
Mental Health – Recognizing changes, seeking help, and supporting your own wellbeing.
👉 “It’s about becoming a family together, not just educating the birthing person.”
Creating Real Community
Beyond the courses, the Labour Department offers ongoing community:
Weekly mama hangs in Amsterdam
Entrepreneur meetups
On-demand classes like “Pause and Pacifiers” for introducing pets to babies
This network ensures parents feel seen, validated, and supported:
👉 “Even just two or three supportive friends can make a huge difference postpartum.”
Bridging Knowledge Gaps for Expat Families
Many expat parents struggle with navigating Dutch birth norms:
Hospitals vs. midwives
Trusting the birth process
Understanding low-risk pregnancy care
Brooklyn emphasizes:
👉 “Trust your body. Listen to your intuition. Know your options.”
The Importance of Postpartum Support
Many parents focus entirely on birth preparation, overlooking the postpartum period:
Recovery is intensive and often overwhelming
Partners need guidance to help mothers care for themselves and the baby
Communication and clear expectations are essential
Brooklyn explains:
👉 “Mom comes first. If she’s supported, she can support the baby.”
Cultural Norms & Choices
Expecting parents often carry cultural expectations with them:
Choosing hospital birth because “it’s safe”
Being unaware of alternative options in the Netherlands
Brooklyn encourages:
👉 “Make informed choices, not decisions out of fear.”
Key Takeaways
Birth prep in the Netherlands includes understanding physiology, options, and the system.
Postpartum support is essential, not optional.
Partners play a crucial role in maternal recovery.
Community and connection transform the parenting experience.
Cultural assumptions can shape birth choices—education allows informed decisions.
Support Your Pregnancy Journey
If you’re preparing for birth or early parenthood in the Netherlands:
Join Prepped to Parent for structured education
Explore community meetups for real-life support
Learn postpartum strategies for yourself and your partner
What’s Your Biggest Takeaway?
Every parent’s experience is unique:
👉 Did this episode shift how you think about birth and postpartum?
👉 How will you involve your partner differently after listening?
Share this episode with your partner or fellow parents—education is best experienced together.
