Willeke Klerks &
Lisa Meijer
childbirth educators
What's special about this prenatal class?
It has a personal approach
The class is recommended by midwives and gynaecologists
It is highly informative
The program
The most important aspects of giving birth will feature the class as well as what to expect from the health system in the Netherlands.
We take time to tell you about all the things that can be useful during labour and empower you to be in charge of the birth of your baby.
We'll put an extra focus on the way the brain works during the birthing process. You will learn ways to influence the working of the brain and reduce pain levels to a minimum. Partners are of great support in this process of pain management.
By the end of the class you receive a handout.
When additional questions come up after the class, you can still reach out to us and we will gladly answer your questions and explain some more.
Some topics of the class:
What happens to your body during dilation?
Ways to cope with labor pain
What can a partner do to support?
Positions to help dilation go faster
Various breathing techniques
Pain relief options in the Netherlands
Tips & tools for your birth plan
Possible interventions
Dutch habits in childbirth
Practical information
Group classes take place on a Sunday afternoon, every five to six weeks, so there's always a class that fits your due date.Childbirth educator of the group class is Lisa Meijer or Willeke Klerks.
Upcoming group classes 2024:
March 17 (fully booked)April 21 (fully booked)May 26 June 23August 11September 15October 13
November 17
December 15
November 17
December 15
Timing
The best time to take this class is between 32 and 38 weeks pregnancy.
We recommend you to register in time, because the number of participants is limited to six couples.
Costs
175 euro (incl. 21% VAT) per couple.
Health insurance companies often cover (a part of) this cost.
Location
Midwifery practice
Midwifery practice
Onder de Linde, Koninginneweg 113, Haarlem. (on the corner of the Wagenweg en Koninginneweg)
Parking facilities are free of charge on our private parking place.
Time
13.00 - 17.00
Time
13.00 - 17.00
Private class
In case you prefer a more personolised class, you can book a private class in the comfort of your own home.
The features of a private class of 2,5-3 hours are similar to te group class.
This class will definitely help you to make your own, personal informed choices. Childbirth educator of the private class is Willeke Klerks or Lisa Meijer.
Costs
275 euro (incl. 21% VAT and travel expenses)
Register
Please send an email with both your names, your address, phone number, due date and the class you prefer. In case of a group class, please add the date of the class you prefer.
Testimonials
My partner and I would like to thank you for all you taught us and for all you did. Our midwife recommended your class and it lived up to the expectations. Even more than that! Because the group was small – we were with six couples – there was a lot of focus on every one of our personal circumstances. You even knew all of our names!
You are special and we recommend you with all our heart to anyone expecting a baby.“
You are special and we recommend you with all our heart to anyone expecting a baby.“
Irina
"To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect when we walked in the classroom.
But when I came out by the end of the afternoon I felt so encouraged and informed by you, that I even hoped the birth would start that very evening. Such a lot of tools and tricks for partners about how to decrease your wife’s pain during labor. I didn’t know I could mean so much for my wife, so I’m glad you explained.”
David
"We want to thank you for all the precious information you gave us during the class! I had a natural delivery, and we were able to do everything as planned, with no use of pain killers :) and putting into practice all the things you thought us - positions, breathing technique, etc. It was the most strong and beautiful experience we ever lived!
Thanks to you we were able to live this moment in a very natural way and to remain in the 'green circle'. We did it the Dutch way!!”
Thanks to you we were able to live this moment in a very natural way and to remain in the 'green circle'. We did it the Dutch way!!”
Nicoleta
“Willeke has a great personality and is an enthusiasm teacher. She gave us all the necessary answers to be prepared for birth in the Netherlands.
The group of the prenatal class was small and compact, so everyone got the chance to ask their own questions and get covered with the personal needs. After finishing the class, we felt good prepared and had gained a network with other parents. I highly recommend the class to couples who are looking for good and professional advise and tips for giving birth in the Netherlands. It was great to meet other international couples in a similar situation; we already met with the new born babies to continue our journey!
The group of the prenatal class was small and compact, so everyone got the chance to ask their own questions and get covered with the personal needs. After finishing the class, we felt good prepared and had gained a network with other parents. I highly recommend the class to couples who are looking for good and professional advise and tips for giving birth in the Netherlands. It was great to meet other international couples in a similar situation; we already met with the new born babies to continue our journey!
Torsten
ABOUT US
The passionate women behind the scenes are Willeke Klerks (on the left) and Lisa Meijer (on the right). Apart from being experienced and well-trained childbirth educators they're skilled in more lines of work.
Willeke is a doula (birth coach) and teacher at the Dutch Doula Training. She's attended over a hundred and fifty births over the years, so all the knowledge you’ll get from her comes from ‘real life’ experience as well. She's trained in several additional fields, such as waterbirth, acupressure and homeopathy during labour, Spinning Babies and Rebozo massage.
If you're looking for the best pregnancy massage ever, please reach out to Lisa, she's the greatest. Lisa is also pregnacy Pilates trainer and she teaches Babymassage. This could be a lovely 'follow-up' of the class when your baby is 8 to 12 weeks old.