Every birth is different. We stand next to you, calmly, patiently and with all our experience. At home or in the Westeinde hospital: you decide, we guide.
From approximately 30 weeks onwards we will discuss the birth with you in detail. What your wishes are, what you can expect and what we do if things don't go as planned. Nothing is fixed, everything is tailored to you.
A birth plan is not a contract, it is a guideline for what you find important. Who do you want there, what poses do you want to try, how do you want us to communicate? Together we make it personal.
Both are possible, and with both you are in safe hands.
Familiar environment, own pace, own people around you. We bring all the necessities and ensure that it is safe at home.
Outpatient in the Westeinde hospital (or another hospital of your preference). We guide you just like at home, we are there.
Are you still in doubt? No problem. Many women only know about it closer to giving birth. We will discuss it calmly with you.
We are there during your birth, from the moment it really starts. We monitor your health and that of your baby, explain what is happening, and ensure that the atmosphere remains calm. Nothing is rushed.
And that's okay. Sometimes medical care in the hospital is required, for example in case of prolonged contractions, a different course or a choice for pain relief. At such times we transfer care to the gynecologist. We remain involved, provide explanations and ensure that you do not feel alone.
The most important: with every outcome, whether at home, outpatient or cesarean section, the same thing is paramount. That you feel heard, safe and well guided.
In The Hague you have different choices. You can give birth at home, on an outpatient basis in the HMC Westeinde (within walking distance of our practice), or in another hospital in The Hague. Femme guides you with every choice, our midwives work together with the gynecologists and maternity wards in all hospitals in The Hague.
Many women in The Hague choose a home birth. You are in your own house, your own bed, with your own people around you. We bring all the necessary equipment and ensure that everything is safe and hygienic at home. In case of special circumstances or if you wish, we can still go to the hospital during the birth, and we will arrange that transition calmly with you.
Our practice is within walking distance of the HMC Westeinde on the Lijnbaan. We like the most here, familiar with the staff, short lines with the department, quick transfer if medical care is needed. Westeinde is a large, modern hospital with a specialized delivery room department.
Around week 30 we make time for an extensive preparatory meeting. We discuss your birth plan, your wishes regarding pain relief, who you want present, how we can support you during contractions and the expulsion phase. Your birth plan is not a contract, it is a guideline that allows us to know what is important to you.
Femme has too birth stool and TENS device available to borrow for clients who want to use it during childbirth. We will discuss the options during your preparation meeting. Do you want to take a pregnancy course? We work together with various teachers in The Hague, we can give you a recommendation.
Call us if you have regular contractions every 5 minutes for an hour (for a first baby) or sooner for subsequent babies. Also call immediately if you have blood loss, broken membranes, feel less alive or if you have any doubts. We are available 24/7 via our emergency lineBetter to call one time too many than too few.
Not every birth goes according to plan, and that's okay. Sometimes medical care in the hospital is required, for example in case of prolonged contractions, a different course or a choice for pain relief. At such times we transfer care to the gynecologist. We remain involved, provide explanations and ensure that you do not feel alone. Whatever the outcome, at home, outpatient or via caesarean section, the same thing is our priority: that you feel heard, safe and well guided.
The sooner you register, the more time we have to get to know each other before the birth.
