Would you and your partner like some extra emotional support during the birth, are you facing the birth on your own or are you dreading the birth?Why not consider a doula?!

Doula is originally an Ancient Greek word and means ‘woman of service’.A doula is a specially trained woman, who supports the pregnant woman mentally and physically during the birth; a birth coach!

How do I work as a doula?

Every pregnant woman is unique.During your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period I will make every effort to support you in a way that is tailored to your individual wishes and possibilities.At the same time it is my aim to ensure good cooperation between myself and your midwife or gynaecologist.You may contact me at any time during your pregnancy to make an appointment for an introductory talk.During this first talk, which is without any obligation, you can see if we get on well together.After this more visits will follow during which we will jointly prepare for the birth as much as possible.

I will also help you to set up a birth plan.

When the birth starts, you can phone me as soon as you need me.I will stay with you until after the birth of your baby.I will also stay with you if the midwife needs to transfer the birth to a gynaecologist.During the birth I can help you with breathing, back massage and giving advice on the various birthing positions.

What is the place of the father-to-be during the birth?Many fathers-to-be are pleased that they can share a bit of this intense overwhelming work with a doula.During the sometimes difficult moments a partner can feel supported by the doula.The doula supplements your partner where this is necessary.

After the birth I will also be available for questions or just for a chat and if you like the idea I will write a birth report.

To sum it up:The midwife remains medically responsible.The main thing is continuous support during the birth.

The benefit of continuous support during the birth is scientifically proven.Having someone by your side as a coach during the entire birth increases your confidence.If the mother is relaxed, she will have a relaxed birthing process, which stimulates dilation.Furthermore, research has proven that continuous support during birth results in a statistically significant reduction in the risk of medical intervention.

Together with you, the midwife and/or gynaecologist I will ensure that the birth will progress according to your wishes as much as possible and will become an experience that you will cherish as a precious memory.

Would you like to be introduced to this special kind of birth support?

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to ask for more information.

Let me introduce myself

I have worked as practice assistant at ‘De Bakermat’ Midwifery Practice in Wageningen since 2004.I carry out all general duties of a midwifery practice.You could call me the information hub.Any pregnant woman can contact me for questions and advice relating to the pregnancy.This is why I have built up an extensive up-to-date knowledge of everything that is relevant to pregnancy, giving birth and the postnatal period.I started training as a doula because in our practice we are always looking for different ways to give our clients the best support possible.I have gained a lot of experience by regularly attending births.My personal qualities include compassion, calmness, transparency and involvement.

In short a doula with passion!

For more information and reviews see:

Ingrid Slebus

De Bakermat Midwifery Practice

0317-411971

Telephone Surgery

Monday to Friday

09.00-11.30 hours

Private number: 06-42810472

Email: