Magazine
Birth stories
‘Every birth is different, but every birth is BIRTH’
There is surely nothing more wondrous, profound and awe-inspiring than the birth of a baby! Every birth is different and sharing and reading birth stories – whether from the point of view of mum or dad / partner – can be hugely beneficial for all kinds of reasons:
- They help us reflect on and process our own feelings, experiences, beliefs, judgements, wishes.
- They help us understand better how births can unfold, and how each is unique.
- They help reassure us that sometimes things don’t go as planned, but that we nevertheless find our way through.
Here, mums and dads share their stories of births in Belgium. Enjoy!
Alice’s birth in Le Cocon
Having given birth to her first child in Canada, Christina Reinards chose the Le Cocon midwife-led unit in Erasme hospital for the birth of her daughter, Alice. Here, she recounts the birth, outlines some of the advantages of natural birth, and shares her experience of those advantages.
Madelief’s birth
When you've already given birth once, you should know exactly what to do, and when, the second time, right? Not so simple actually! As mum-of-two Elizabeth Boorman tells us in this story of the birth of her second baby, Madelief.
Boy 3 – Callum’s birth
Siobhan's first two births were induced 10 days after the expected due date. So waking up to contractions just 7 days after Callum's due date was a much-welcome surprise. Within 3 hours, Callum was born.
A gentle welcome via cesarean – one mum’s Brussels birth story
Kasia Ortiz knew that her third child would need to be born via cesarean. In this article, she shares how finding the right medical team meant she could make her medically-needed cesarean as natural as possible.
The first village baby – Eamon’s birth
Siobhán McGonigle, founder of the village, has three boys, all born in Belgium. This is the story of Eamon, her first son, born in September 2007.
Breastfeeding – tongue tie and exclusive pumping
"I had plans to breastfeed our daughter for as long as possible, as I did for her brother. After a great pregnancy, little Fey...
Home for the holidays – Marcus’ December homebirth
As soon as Brussels-based American mum Emily Gold found out she was pregnant for the first time, she knew she wanted to give birth at home. Emily shares the story of Marcus' birth.
“The most beautiful thing I ever did” – a homebirth story
With the hope of inspiring other expectant parents, mum Emma shares the story of the homebirth of her second child, where she was supported by midwife team Zwanger in Brussel.
A doula’s dream birth – Thainy & Kaël’s big day
Brazilian doula and mum-of-two, Thainy Macêdo, always knew she wanted to have her second child at home, and had a dream team of her husband, mum, doula and Zwanger in Brussel midwives, ready to support her. Here she shares the story of her son Kaël's beautiful birth, in words and pictures. Enjoy!!
My three preemies – Violaine’s story
Violaine Carnoy tells about the births of her three children - now aged 16, 14 and 12 - who were all born premature.
Abe’s birth, a new journey to motherhood!
So Cocoon doula and mum of 4, Julie Denil, shares the story of the birth of her son, Abe — baby no. 4 and her first boy! Find out how the right support helped protect Julie's birth bubble.
London baby!
While this is not a 'Belgian' birth, we're delighted that Brussels-based Irish mum Jessica has shared the movie-worthy storyline of her daughter Noa's birth with us!
The midwife calls the midwife – Hanne’s birth story
Zwanger in Brussel midwife shares the story of the birth of her first child, her daughter Cécile. With an induction almost on the cards, Hanne knew that her baby would find her own way. A beautiful homebirth, surrounded by her partner and colleagues.
Jennifer’s birth stories – Part 2: William’s birth
Swedish-born Jennifer shares the story of her second son, William, born in Onze Lieve Vrouw Ziekenhuis in Mechelen.
Jennifer’s birth stories – Part 1: August’s birth
Swedish-born Jennifer shares the story of her first son, August, born via emergency c-section in Onze Lieve Vrouw Ziekenhuis in Mechelen.
Una’s birth
American mum Becca had both of her children in Brussels. This is the story of the birth of her first child, her daughter Una, born in 2012.
Littlest Sprout’s birth story
Sandra Amorim is mum to two beautiful, active boys born in 2009 and 2012 in Brussels. Sandra is Portuguese-American and lived in Brussels from...
My Birth Story
Portuguese-American mum Sandra Amorim tells the story of the birth of her first Brussels Sprout in 2009.
Dad’s eye view – the births of F and C
Irish-born Stephen tells us about the births of his two children, born in 2015 and 2017 in Brussels.
Just Jack – Siobhán’s birth story
Siobhán McGonigle, founder of the village, has three boys, all born in Belgium. This is the story of Jack, her second son, born in December 2009.
Pam’s birth stories – Lucas and Oliver
Taiwanese-born Pam tells us about the births of her two sons in Brussels.