In this episode, midwife Geertje Maria Swinkels shares her insights on the birthing process in the Netherlands, focusing on midwife-led care, hospital transfers, and the importance of mindset during childbirth. She discusses the differences between home and hospital births, particularly among expats, and emphasizes the need for women to trust their bodies during labor. The conversation also touches on memorable experiences as a midwife and offers advice for expecting parents.
Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode
https://centeringzorg.nl/centeringpregnancy/
Episode's Main Topics
Midwife-led care provides a supportive environment for childbirth.
Understanding the process of hospital transfers is crucial for expectant parents.
Home births are less common among expats due to cultural differences.
Mindset plays a significant role in how women experience childbirth.
Pain during labor can be reframed as a natural part of the process.
Trusting one's body is essential for a positive birth experience.
Sharing positive birth stories can empower other women.
Every birth experience is unique and special.
Expecting parents should seek information and support to feel confident.
Preparation for pregnancy can start even before conception.
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About our Guest
Geertje Swinkels has been a dedicated midwife since 2003, founding Kinderrijk Meerhoven in Eindhoven later that year. Based in Gezondheidscentrum Stroomz Meerhoven as well as Gezondheidscentrum Stroomz Eindhoven, she provides personalized care to expecting families and became a certified ultrasound technician in 2013. As a mother of four, she combines professional expertise with personal experience to support parents through pregnancy and birth with knowledge, empathy, and care.
Website: https://kinderrijkmeerhoven.nl/en/
Instagram: @midwiferypracticeeindhoven
Get in Touch
Expecting Together Pregnancy and Postpartum Meetup You can find us each month at our pregnancy and postpartum meetup where we help you build your community, make friends, and answer all of your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum questions! More info at pregnantineindhoven.com
Julianna Feron
Website: juliannaferon.com
Instagram: @julianna_feron
Schedule a free clarity call: https://www.juliannaferon.com/booking-calendar/meeting-with-julianna
Anna Latham
Website: empoweredbirthservices.nl
Instagram @empowered.birth.services
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Schedule a FREE call to see how I can best support you at https://calendly.com/empoweredbirthservices/30min