Maria’s Doula Story

I became a mother for the first time in 1998. I am from The Netherlands, and it was only normal for me to look for a home birth midwife. Most everyone I grew up with had home births, and it is with fondness that I remember meeting the babies right after birth —the peaceful atmosphere, the smells, the love and warmth, the magic that something miraculous had happened there. 

The experience of the birth of my firstborn son was incredibly intense. Something hidden had been awakened in me: My inner strength to give birth; the power to share in Creation. I learned from this birth that our bodies are amazing and unpredictable. I learned that giving birth was simultaneously beautiful and very raw.

Between 1998 and 2006, I gave birth to five more children, two of whom are angel babies. Each experience made me into the woman, mother and doula I am today: Trusting our bodies and our innate knowledge, as well as accepting of the process wherever it may lead us. 

My Philosophy

My personal belief is that women are the experts in their own bodies and babies, and that, given full information, they will make the choices that are right for themselves and their babies, whether or not these choices are in alignment with the current medical or cultural beliefs.” Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering ~Sarah Buckley, MD

Giving birth is a wonder-filled transition into motherhood. It is different for every mother, and with every child. When giving for birth, we tap into the deepest parts of our being, and are challenged beyond what we think is possible.  As a doula, I support all women in their journey to having the birth they and their babies need, whether at home, a birth center, or at the hospital.

As a doula, I have mostly supported families who choose a hospital birth. The reasons to need and want a doula are numerous, but in the end, it is about the need for every birthing woman to feel safe, comforted and supported, as if she were in her own home. Though our experiences are different, I find that supporting women in birth crosses over those differences —without judgment, respecting choices, trusting decisions, knowing that we all have to do what is right for us. It is my hope to support families with all of my being in their transformative moment. 

I also believe in the mother’s right to exercise full autonomy in making decisions, and I respect her inner guidance in making those decisions. I can help her find the information needed, and help her deepen her knowledge about birth.

“We are made to do this work and it’s not easy…I would say that pain is part of the glory, or the tremendous mystery of life. And that if anything, it’s a kind of privilege to stand so close to such an incredible miracle.” ~Simone