As foreign people in Italy, pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Where do I start? Do I need to arrange anything myself? What tests do I need to take? What are my options? Can I give birth at home here? Do they offer postpartum care? Will my own gynecologist be present at the birth? These were all questions I had, as things are organized differently in the Netherlands. The uncertainty caused me so much stress during my pregnancy—precisely what you should avoid at this time. As an English speaking doula, I can help guide you, show you where to find information, and assist with culture and language barriers. During my pregnancy, I also found myself reflecting deeply on my roots—where I came from, how I was raised, and how my mother experienced her pregnancies. Having a foreign doula in Florence can provide that small but meaningful connection to home during this beautiful life-changing period of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Preparing for Baby’s Arrival

During pregnancy or the adoption process, a flood of emotions comes over you. There is so much joy, of course, but also doubt, fears, and—yes!—the feeling of guilt that will never leave us again (hooray!). This is a time of immense physical and emotional change. I’d be honored to support you, to give you the space to process these changes, to help you relax—and if your belly gets too big to tie your shoes or do the laundry, I’ll happily do it for you! This is also a major moment for your partner and other children. I’m here for your whole family to prepare for this little one’s arrival. More than anything, I want to share my confidence in your body’s ability to give birth. Because if there’s one thing I believe, it’s this: we are all “Mother Nature,” and we instinctively know how to create, birth, and care for our babies.Now it’s your turn to fully embrace this belief in your new life.

Birthdoula

I will be there for you during childbirth, always alongside medical professionals—whether at home or in the hospital (if allowed). Apart from me being a warm, supportive, and friendly person……….. research shows that having a doula leads to shorter labors with fewer medical interventions. There is immense power in a mother supporting another mother during this beautiful bubble of childbirth. Sometimes, hospitals do not allow anyone besides the partner to be present. In that case, I can be there online to offer extra reassurance.

Birth support (with medical staff present), including 2 weeks on-call service – €500
Online birth support, including 2 weeks on-call service – €200
At-home labor support before going to the hospital; Hourly rate (8:00 – 20:00) – €20; Nighttime rate – €25

Postpartum doula, and the First Year

The first six weeks—a time of total transformation. You come home with a tiny stranger in your arms, who wants to be with you constantly, eat, sleep, eat, cry, eat and sleep again. And there you are, with your hormones slowly subsiding (over months!), coming down from the peak of childbirth. This period of change is called matrescence and has the same transformative powers as adolescence when we are younger, and not coincidentally totally lost. It’s so helpful to have someone by your side to give you the time and space to bond with your baby. Someone who knows you can do this, who understands that nature has made you perfectly equipped to care for your newborn. It’s society and modern life, that blows us away from this natural ability. I will support you practically and emotionally. I offer a shoulder to cry on—and I will never say, “Don’t cry,” because I know that sometimes, those big crocodile tears are exactly what you need. Many mothers (myself included) later look back and think, “I should have stressed less and enjoyed more.” But that’s easier said than done when you don’t have much support. Know that I am here.

Packages
1 meeting (max. 3 hours) – €75
5 meetings – €345
10 meetings – €600
15 meetings – €810

Walk and Lunch with Your Doula

So let’s walk and lunch! Every Tuesday from 11:00 to 14:00 Packages
• 3 walks + lunch – €45
• 5 walks + lunch – €70
• 8 walks + lunch – €110
• 15 walks + lunch – €200