Besides the appointments and checks with us at the practice you can choose to attend a childbirth education course. Such a course is meant to support you during the pregnancy and prepare you for the delivery and the imminent parenthood. The method, approach and contents of the course can differ. There are courses that focus on your posture during the pregnancy, to prevent back pain for example. Yoga is directed more at relaxation and breathing. Other courses aim more to provide you with information on pregnancy, childbirth and the first days with a baby. Some courses are to be taken as a couple, others are only for mothers to be. With the latter, usually there will be offered a session with partner(s) to talk about the upcoming birth and ways for the partner to support at birth. The advantage of following a childbirth education course is that you consciously spend time on being pregnant, the imminent childbirth and parenthood. A lot of pregnant women also find it pleasant to exchange experiences with other pregnant women. You will meet a number of women who expect a baby in the same period as you. Sometimes networks and friendships that you can enjoy for many years will develop because if this.
You do not need a childbirth education cours to give birth. However, it is good to know what happens with – and inside – your body at the time of childbirth. If you do not wish to follow a course, do inform yourself by alternative methods. E.g. by reading books or by going to the short information session on childbirth at the Bevalcentrum (Child Birth Centre).
There is a large variety of good childbirth education courses on offer in Amsterdam (West).
Below a list of courses that we would recommend. Most of these are offered in English.
Mensendieck:
Mensendieck Prinsengracht
Hannah Onatli
Yoga:
Kamini Stam
Pilates:
Amsterdam Fysio
The movement practice
Pregnancy gym:
Mirjam Vos: Zwanger en Fit
Hypnobirthing:
Mom & co
Mindfulness:
Aileen Kennedy Mindful birthing and Parenting
Mirjam Vos Mindfulness voor zwangeren
Pregnancy haptonomy:
Gemma Leenders
General courses:
Drs Mama (most courses are with partner)
Truus Gale (for expats, in English)
Samen bevallen (this is a course specifically for partners and pregnant women together)
Bevalcentrum west (2 hour course in the birthing centre at OLVG West)
Courses especially for fathers:
David Borman
Private class:
Mirjam Vos
Breastfeeding:
Myrte van Lonkhuijsen: Informative 2 hour meeting about breastfeeding and first days with your baby. We recommend to attend with your partner. Dutch evening is at our practice, English in Amsterdam South
Marieke van Luin: Mamma-minds
After the birth:
Meike Wouda Fysio specialised in diastase recti and pelvic muscle floor.
Guillette Bink
Sandra Hanssen-Langeveld (via http://www.mensendieckprinsengracht.nl): Mensendieck after birth classes. Focus on pelvic muscle floor and recovery of your body. 8 times 1 hour. Registration through 06 2654 4851.
Aileen Kennedy: coaching, mindfulness, and massage
Aileen Kennedy: Facebook events
Romana Serno: Sterkher
Baby massage:
Anita de Roode
Guillette Bink
(Other suggestions are welcome!)