The maternity period
The first period of 6 weeks after your birth is called the postpartum period. It is an intense time and known as a “transition period”. It is a period of physical changes, altering from being pregnant to your regular pre-birth self as well as the transition of your child from being a fetus into a baby. These changes will influence your emotional wellbeing (due to the changing hormone levels). These changes, along with lack of sleep, contribute to make this period so intense.
However, it is also a magical time of new beginnings and getting to learn to know each other. Feelings of happiness and being uncertain will alternate and can give new mothers an emotional rollercoaster ride. It is hugely advantageous to have a doula/maternity nurse who can guide you, pamper you and teach you throughout this unsettled period.
Maternity care
In the Netherlands we have maternity care for after the birth. Maternity care is aimed at providing care & support and providing instructions & information. The maternity nurse is there to create peace, to promote the recovery of the maternity woman and the integration of the baby into the family. The maternity nurse also assists the midwife during the birth.
How do you arrange maternity care?
Please contact me as soon as possible when you know you are pregnant. We can arrange an appointment to get acquainted. Once you have signed the application form you have made a reservation for maternity care. Please check your insurance company maternity policy prior to our meeting.
I will contact you for an intake around the 30th week of your pregnancy. This meeting will last around an hour. In this meeting, we will create your care file in which we describe the care you need and wishes. We will also conduct a work conditions check and discuss procedures.
Holistic and natural maternity care
In the event of a home birth, I or my colleague will assist the midwife. If you give birth in the hospital, I will not be present during your delivery. I'll come and take care of you when you get back home. I work in a holistic & natural way and provide customized care. Customized care means that we look at what you and your baby need every day. I adapt my working method to your family, because I think it is important that the maternity period is a pleasant period for you.
During maternity care days I take care of:
1) medical checkups of mother and baby,
2) assistance with (breast) feeding,
3) education, instructions of (mother and) baby care and assist the integration of your baby into your family,
4) observations, and I do the signaling & reporting to the midwife;
5) Hygiene advice & care.
In 2026, due to the workload, a collaboration with Lucyna from Storybellies will take place. An intern will also join us this year.
Post Partum Doula Services, Ceremonies and Rituals
Sitting Moon – Zuo Yue Zi
Doula Joyce offers maternity doula services to support this reset and self-care. This includes foot massages, breastfeeding stimulating massages, relaxing and pain-relieving massages, moxa reset support, (belly) wraps, belly binding, perineum recovery baths & pads, relaxing cupping massage, acupressure, warming and restorative food & tea, bonding-stimulating baby massages and beautiful ceremonies & rituals such as the welcome baby ceremony and rituals, the rebozo closing ceremony or the reset ceremony after a miscarriage. These services are available in addition to maternity care and are charged separately.