Maartje Bruning

As a 'down to earth doula,' I am actively recommended by various gynecologists and midwifery practices in and around Amsterdam. I have been working full-time as a passionate birth doula for 12 years. By now, I have assisted in nearly 400 births, both at home and in the hospital. I am the mother of two teenage daughters and live with my partner and dog in gorgeous Monnickendam, off of Amsterdam Noord.

As a person and as a doula, I am passionate, enthusiastic, curious, and driven. Quiet when necessary and positively energetic when needed. I am still honored to witness an expectant mother discover her own strength and grateful if I have been able to contribute to that.

In 2013, I completed the JJ doula training in Amsterdam, and in 2014, I became certified as a Birthlight pregnancy yoga instructor. In 2016, I pursued further training in the United States through Pro Doula to deepen my knowledge about childbirth in a clinical setting with pain relief (including epidurals). Every year, I attend additional training courses to continue expanding my expertise.

During the private workshop ‘Birthing Basics,’ which I developed personally, you and your partner will learn in one afternoon everything you need to know about childbirth in the Dutch setting (either at home or in hospital). You will receive practical tips and evidence-based information on how to harness the power of your baby’s birth. Your birth partner is JUST as important as you and will learn exactly what to do and when! You can also attend this workshop separately if you wish to go through your birth without a doula.

In 2019, I founded 'de Doula Academie' (www.doulaacademie.nl) to share my clinical, physiological and pathological doula knowledge across the Netherlands. I work in close collaboration with a professional team of doctors, midwives, and doula's to have more doula's become the best doula they can be. It's a dream come true!

Contact me to see if we are a good fit and if I still have a spot available in my schedule. I only have limited availability each month, especially during Doula Academie teaching season! You will always have a doula by your side if you choose to work with me. If (for whatever reason) it cannot be me at your bed- or birthpool side, you get the best possible back up doula (trained by me).

I have experience with VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), medical indications and induced labor, breech births, twin births, premature births, planned and emergency (gentle) cesareans, traumatic histories (for example, abuse victims), water births, and births with or without synthetic pain medication.

I am a member of the NBvD, the Dutch Association for Doula's.