Dam Parenting

In the Netherlands, the first week after birth is defined by one word: Kraamzorg . But what does this unique Dutch postpartum care actually entail? In this episode of Dam Parenting , we sit down with Laura, the director of an Amsterdam-based kraamzorg agency, to get an honest, direct look at how this profession has evolved from traditional "wise women" to the highly regulated medical experts of to...

In the Netherlands, the verloskundige (midwife) is the cornerstone of your pregnancy journey, but for those of us from abroad, the autonomy they hold can be a surprise. In this episode of Dam Parenting , we sit down with seasoned Dutch midwife Chandelle to get an honest, direct look at the midwifery model. We strip away the confusion to explain exactly what a midwife does, the intensive medical tr...

We’ve all heard that "it takes a village," but for international parents in the Netherlands, that village doesn't just appear—it has to be built. In this episode of Dam Parenting , we’re joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson for a warm, honest, and direct conversation about the essential need for postpartum support. Hosts Eva and Maren share their own contrasting experiences of what "th...

How do you find your "people" when you’re a new parent in the Netherlands? In this special kickoff episode, recorded following our Dam Parenting launch at Kanteen25, we sit down with Gemma, the founder of MamaSocial . Gemma has turned a simple idea—connecting moms over brunch and shared experiences—into one of the city’s most vibrant and essential postnatal communities. We take a warm, h...

Your phone is likely the first place you go when you have a question about your pregnancy. In this tech-savvy episode of Dam Parenting , we take a warm, honest, and direct look at the top nine pregnancy apps available in 2025. From the detailed fetal development imagery of Pregnancy+ to the mindfulness-focused approach of Expectful and the community-driven insights of The Bump , we break down whic...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses birth trauma, miscarriage, and the emotional complexities of pregnancy after loss. Please listen with care. In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Dam Parenting , we are joined by trauma-informed practitioner Ilena Standring to explore the often-silent journey of pregnancy after a traumatic birth or loss. We take a warm, honest, and direct look at how the...

Announcing your pregnancy at work shouldn’t feel like a risk to your career. In this episode of Dam Parenting , we’re joined by Iram, an experienced HR manager, to provide a warm, honest, and direct roadmap for navigating the workplace while expecting. We dive into the "how-to" of breaking the news to your manager with confidence and clarity. Iram breaks down the essential Dutch maternity and pate...

The "pregnancy shelf" at the bookstore is massive, but which titles actually deserve your time? In this episode of Dam Parenting , we take a warm, honest, and direct look at the essential pregnancy books curated by our international community. We move past the generic advice to explore a diverse list that covers everything from Emily Oster’s data-driven Expecting Better to the empowering...

How much movement is "too much" when you’re exhausted and newly pregnant? In this episode of Dam Parenting , we’re joined by prenatal experts Kasia (Seventh Series & Mamamoon) and Rianne (SheCoaching) for a warm, honest, and direct look at first-trimester wellness. We move past the generic advice to discuss the reality of exercising while navigating the hormonal shifts of early pregnancy in th...

What should you actually be eating during those critical first twelve weeks? In this episode of Dam Parenting , we’re joined by prenatal nutritionist Amélie (founder of Goodnesst ) to take a warm, honest, and direct look at pregnancy nutrition. We move beyond the basic "don’ts" to explore how your diet directly impacts fetal development and your own wellbeing as an international parent in the Neth...

What happens when a positive pregnancy test brings more anxiety than joy? In this episode of Dam Parenting , we get real about the "mixed emotions" of the first trimester. We’re joined by Amsterdam-based clinical psychologist Dr. Naomi Gibson for a warm, honest, and direct conversation about the mental health landscape of early pregnancy. Being an international parent adds a unique layer of isolat...

Finding out you’re pregnant is a whirlwind—even more so when you’re navigating a foreign healthcare system. In this inaugural episode of Dam Parenting , hosts Eva and Maren break down exactly what happens next. We offer a warm, honest, and direct roadmap for international parents in the Netherlands, from your first appointment to the moment you bring your baby home. We dive into the essentials: th...