Magazine
the village blog
Siobhán, founder of thevillage.be shares stories from her own life in Belgium, with her Irish-Belgian-Danish family - three sons of her own, one step-son, one step-daughter, a cat, a dog, and more tropical fish than she can keep track of!
Preserving memories: birth photography for a lifetime
Birthing your baby is a memory that stays with you for the rest of your life. But, have you ever thought of having a birth photographer present? We spoke to Daria Kuznetsova about her work as a birth photographer and what it means to her.
Leave of presence: are dads and co-parents taking birth leave?
Belgium's system of paid birth leave (for dads and co-parents) has evolved over the past 20 years. But are people actually taking the leave they're entitled to and what future developments might be in store?
Announcing your baby’s birth to the world
Time to think about how you'll announce your baby's birth to the world? We're sharing some great local options, whether you want to go fully bespoke, personalise a design from a designer's existing collection, or go full DIY.
Brussels birth culture is changing…
New midwife-led units, or birth centres, in Brussels hospitals as from September 2024 will offer expectant mothers greater choice about where and how they birth. But at just a few months from the start date, is the healthcare system ready?
Pyjama days rule! Taking care of yourself after birth
Cocooning in the weeks after birth brings a wide range of benefits for both mum and baby. In this article, hypnobirthing teacher Kate Ellwood looks at practices in other cultures and gives tips for prioritising well-being, rest, and recovery during this crucial period.