As moms, we wear so many hats—caretaker, problem solver, cook, planner, chauffeur, emotional support, and more. It’s a role that comes with immense joy but also with immense pressure. A pressure often exacerbated when you live in a country that is not your own. Somewhere in the whirlwind of caring for others, we often forget the one person who needs just as much attention: ourselves.

Writing a birth plan is a process that starts by understanding the available choices and ends with you communicating your preferences for labour, birth, and postnatal care to your caregivers. It can seem daunting especially when you are outside of your home country.

So, to get you started here are five key things to consider when formulating your birth plan

Krammzorg: a Dutch term that highlights the importance of human connection and the role of affectionate, non-medical care in promoting well-being and recovery.

Read on to find out how kraamzorg care (postnatal care) can support you on your postnatal journey.

Brussels-based mum of teenage boys, Jane Piot is an experienced birth doula, certified breastfeeding specialist, La Leche League Leader and infant massage instructor.  Here she explains the importance of preparing for your breastfeeding journey before the arrival of your baby.

www.thevillage.be closed on the 1st October 2024 - a huge loss to the expat community in Belgium.  So, to fill the vacuum and ensure expat expectant and new parents in Belgium can access the information they need to navigate the Belgian maternity services with confidence I have created ‘Pregnant In Belgium’.

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