THE MAGAZINE

Welcome to the village's magazine! From time to time, we share Belgian birth stories, interviews with 'parent-preneurs' who support other parents, and articles about all aspects of pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Want to share your own story here? We'd love to hear it. Get in touch via hello@thevillage.be

Preserving memories: birth photography for a lifetime

All articles
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.
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Leave of presence: are dads and co-parents taking birth leave?

the village blog
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?
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Alice’s birth in Le Cocon

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Announcing your baby’s birth to the world

the village blog
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.
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Brussels birth culture is changing…

All articles
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?
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Pyjama days rule! Taking care of yourself after birth

All articles
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.
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Making music for parents and children

Meet the parents
Margarita Malkina, founder of Tap & Clap, a Brussels based music program for children aged 0 – 4 talks about her roundabout journey to Brussels and teaching music, and what her classes are like.
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Madelief’s birth

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Can I have some more please?  – Extending your maternity leave

the village blog
At 15 weeks – just one week above the EU minimum – Belgium's maternity leave is among the shortest in Europe. But what if you want to spend longer with your newborn? Here, we look at some of the options you have.
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Intimacy after giving birth – three things to know

Guest articles
Brussels-based sexologist Adina Inescu reminds us of the role of intimacy in sexual health, shares three important things to know about intimacy after birth, and introduces her upcoming in-person and online workshops for new mums.
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Supporting postnatal recovery through naturopathic nutrition

Meet the parents
Brussels-based nutritional therapist Harsh Agarwal tells us how a career change brought him back to his roots, and shares the value of a naturopathic approach to nutrition in postnatal recovery.
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Pssst, kids in Brussels, this one’s for you!

Guest articles
Every child in Belgium is entitled to a monthly child allowance payment. But did you know that you can choose the child allowance fund that best aligns with your family's values? – Guest post in collaboration with Infino
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Do you have a first aid kit at home? Life First blog

Guest articles
First aid instructor Kate Ellwood gives some advice on the 'must-haves', 'nice-to-haves', and 'why nots' to keep in your family first aid kit.
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Self-employed in Belgium with a baby on the way? Here’s what you need to know

the village blog
As a freelancer in Belgium, it pays to be fully aware of your rights, options and obligations. And that's even more the case when you're expecting a baby. Start piecing the puzzle together with the help of our guide.
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5 baby-friendly sunscreens parents in Belgium are trusting this summer

the village blog
Want to make sure your baby is as safely protected from the sun as possible? Then check out our list of 5 great sunscreens that are good for your baby and for the planet!
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Child benefit in Belgium: how does it work?

All articles
Expecting your first baby? Or moving your family to Belgium? Let Infino get your family off to a great start with the family allowances your entitled to! GUEST ARTICLE IN COLLABORATION WITH INFINO.
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Self-care and rituals for pregnancy and the postnatal period

All articles
Discover our tips for looking after yourself during pregnancy and the postnatal period, and learn about rituals to celebrate your transition to motherhood.
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Boy 3 – Callum’s birth

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Birth or adoption allowance and child benefit: just one click away!

Guest articles
Belgium is often known for its bureaucracy, but actually, some things are really simple: like ensuring that you receive the family allowance payments you are entitled to – Written in collaboration with Infino
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A woman of many hats: meet yoga therapist and doula Emily Gold

All articles
New York native Emily Gold has been a familiar face on the Brussels birth scene since the mid-2000s. In part I of our interview, we shine a light on Emily's work supporting parents(-to-be) in the pre- and postnatal period.
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Blessing Way, a rite of passage towards motherhood

All articles
A Blessing Way is a celebration of the approaching birth of a child. Nadège De Bonte, doula and organiser of Blessing Ways, explains how it can be a wonderful ritual for mothers-to-be who are looking for meaning and connection.
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Food, glorious food! The Belgian mum helping us raise healthy eaters

Meet the parents
After a successful career as a journalist, Sofie De Niet retrained as a dietician while she was pregnant with her son. Now, her mission is to help (future) parents and children build a solid basis for lifelong nutritional well-being that contributes to their physical and emotional health.
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New to Belgium? Start receiving child benefits fast

Guest articles
Whatever the reason you've chosen Belgium as your new home, family allowance agency Infino is there to help you get your monthly child benefit payments started as soon as possible if you're entitled to them.
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Giving back: How your donations can help families in need in Brussels

the village blog
Our babies don’t stay tiny for long, which means that once our families are complete, there’s no point holding on to all that ‘stuff’ … especially when there are so many others in need. Find out where your donations can make a real difference.
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Birth Trauma Recovery – Finding relief from perinatal trauma

the village blog
A familiar face on the Brussels perinatal scene, Sophie Girard-Sequeira also helps parents heal from traumatic perinatal experiences through a highly effective 3-step Birth Trauma Recovery process.
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A gentle welcome via cesarean – one mum’s Brussels birth story

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Child benefits in Brussels – your questions answered!

Guest articles
New to Belgium, and your family will be living in Brussels? Or maybe you're moving from elsewhere in Belgium? Then here are the basics of what you need to know about child benefits in Brussels. – Guest post in collaboration with Infino
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Keeping fit during pregnancy – tips from the ultimate SuperMum

Guest articles
The superwoman behind SuperMums Belgium, Beatriz Romo, shares some 'DOs and DON'Ts' about fitness during pregnancy, and introduces the SuperBellies programme – perfect for staying in shape and feeling good in your changing body.
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Want to receive over €1,300 before your child arrives? Yes please!

Guest articles
When you're preparing for your baby's arrival, receiving a no-strings-attached €1,300 is a very welcome bonus! Find out how to apply for your birth allowance. Guest post in collaboration with Infino.
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To buy or not to buy? Deciding what ‘baby essentials’ you really need

the village blog
Shopping for baby items is probably high on your to-do list when preparing for your baby's arrival. But it's easy to get overwhelmed! How can you figure out what you actually need, and how to source it in a wallet-friendly way? Read on!
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Meet Kate from Simply Hypnobirth

Meet the parents
Through Simply Hypnobirth, 'Brit-now-Belgian' Kate Ellwood empowers women to birth their baby with calm confidence. She shares her story of moving to Belgium with a 3-month old baby in 2006, and of finding her passion supporting expectant parents.
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Meet Mic Mac Madam Anne!

Meet the parents
Through her work at Mic Mac Minuscule, mum Anne Moermans helps parents-to-be prepare for the arrival of their baby in a conscious, sustainable, and affordable way. Discover Anne's story and her tips for new parents.
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Big changes in your life? Or chances?

All articles
The only constant in life? Change, right! And big changes tend to bring some admin with them. But in which situations should you give your child benefits fund a heads up, in order to spare yourself some annoying red tape? Read on to find out! - IN COLLABORATION WITH INFINO
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At Infino, one birth allowance paid = one tree planted

Guest articles
Family allowance fund Infino partners with the Wallonian forestry co-management project Nassonia to plant a tree for every 'Infino' baby born – that's a total of 17,000 trees since the initiative started in 2021.
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Why we should think of family photos as heirlooms – with Ana Ionita

Guest articles
In this beautiful and heartfelt article photographer Ana Ionita – formerly based in Brussels –explains the value printed photos, and why we should consider baby and family photos as heirlooms.
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Man on a mission: Meet photographer David Sdika

Meet the parents
Brussels-based family photographer David Sdika tells us how a chance encounter sparked his interest in photography, how he's still figuring out the best way to share his daughters' photographic legacy with them, and how he carves out some 'me' time between work and family life.
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What happens to child benefits if you and your partner separate or divorce?

Guest articles
Despite wanting to keep everything as steady as possible for your children, sometimes big changes occur, whether you like it or not. And separation is one of the common changes that many family go through. In this blog we explain how new family setups after separation can affect your child benefits.
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A Different Start

the village blog
Abbi Vyncke, volunteer organiser of the BCT's NICU Parents support group, shares the story of her own daughter's miraculous journey from NICU baby to fun-loving toddler in the BCT's quarterly Small Talk magazine.
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Planning your first family trip

Guest articles
Travel advisor and owner of Life's Travel Moments, Marina Kiriazis shares top tips for planning a successful family trip in the summer edition of the BCT's Small Talk magazine.
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The doula difference – A mum’s story

Guest articles
Ever wondered what difference a doula could really make to your pregnancy and birth experience? US mum of 5 (!!) Meredith tells us how doulas have been her "welcomed anchor" in times of immense change.
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The Brussels Cakery’s Queen B(aker)

Meet the parents
Baltimore-born, Brussels-based Jen Delgado tells us about the origins of The Brussels Cakery and about what life can be like running your own business.
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The first village baby – Eamon’s birth

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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The scientist with a paintbrush – meet Jaroslav

Meet the parents
Slovak dad Jaroslav Albert tells us how he's swapping his lab coat for a set of paintbrushes to bring works of art to children's walls and ceilings.
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Clickin’ mom – Nicole from Bear & Dragon Photography

Meet the parents
Nicole Gustafsson of Bear & Dragon Photography tells us a little about what it's like to be a 'parent-preneur'!
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Breastfeeding – tongue tie and exclusive pumping

Birth and breastfeeding stories
"I had plans to breastfeed our daughter for as long as possible, as I did for her brother. After a great pregnancy, little Fey...
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Little Humane Books subscription – our review

the village blog
To give our family reading efforts a boost, we tried out Little Humane Books, a monthly book subscription run by Belgium-based Canadian mum Christina Laloire-Reinards that aims to foster a love of reading and sow seeds of compassion. Here's what we thought.
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Home for the holidays – Marcus’ December homebirth

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Finding balance with Jessica from Toolbox for Mars

Meet the parents
Mexican-born Jessica Verdi tells us about Toolbox for Mars, the company she established with her two sisters, which helps people live healthier, happier and more sustainable lives.
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“The most beautiful thing I ever did” – a homebirth story

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Reading for a more humane world – meet Christina

Meet the parents
Christina Laloire-Reinards, founder of Little Humane Books tells us how her book subscription service went from dream to reality, and what it's like to run a business you're so personally engaged with.
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A doula’s dream birth – Thainy & Kaël’s big day

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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!!
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London calling

Life after Belgium
Antwerp-born mum-of-two, Freya Van Onckelen tells us about raising her French-Belgian girls in London.
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My three preemies – Violaine’s story

Birth and breastfeeding stories
Violaine Carnoy tells about the births of her three children - now aged 16, 14 and 12 - who were all born premature.
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Abe’s birth, a new journey to motherhood!

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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From third culture kid to Culture Kids mum – meet Pascale!

Meet the parents
Welcome, Pascale! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your children? I’m originally from Belgium but grew up abroad in several different countries, so...
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Mind full? How mindfulness can make parenting easier

All articles
Mindfulness teacher Jessica Evsen of Two Wings explains how mindfulness can have a positive impact on our family’s health, happiness, and well-being.
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London baby!

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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!
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Facing the lion: Understanding and managing stress response while parenting

Guest articles
Yoga therapist Emily Gold gives some practical advice on dealing with 'fight or flight' stress responses when dealing with everyday stresses.
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The midwife calls the midwife – Hanne’s birth story

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Grandma’s got mail! – Review of family journal Neveo

the village blog
Despite living in an age when we can easily and cheaply video call with loved ones on the other side of the world, most...
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What does the research say about doula care?

All articles
Discover some of the impacts that doula support has on birth outcomes and satisfaction with the overall birth experience, as well as what it is that makes it so effective.
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Doula guide: Part 3 – When and how can a doula help me on my journey?

All articles
We hope you're enjoying our series of articles about having a doula in Belgium. So far, we have published:- Part 1: What is a...
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Doula guide: Part 2 – What kind of qualifications do doulas typically have?

All articles
Take a look at other articles in this series:- Part 1: What is a doula?- Part 2: What kind of qualifications do doulas typically...
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Doula guide: Part 1 – What is a doula?

All articles
Take a look at other articles in this series:- Part 1: What is a doula?- Part 2: What kind of qualifications do doulas typically...
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Interdependence not isolation! – Life First blog

Guest articles
With COVID-19 now impacting our everyday lives in a very real way, first aid instructor Kate Ellwood from Life First shares some tips for minimising panic, promoting interdependence and beating the isolation.
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Who you gonna call? – Emergency numbers in Belgium

Guest articles
Are you confident you'd know what to do in the event of an emergency? And would your kids? Here, first aid instructor Kate Ellwood from Life First walks us through all we need to know!
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Capturing the magic of pregnancy – with Ana Ionita

Guest articles
Photographer Ana Ionita, who used to work in Brussels, explains how a maternity session can give mother and baby (and partner too, if wished) the chance to create lasting memories.
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Crowd Cooks? Yes please! – Review

the village blog
At village HQ we sometimes joke that the first thing we'd do if we won the lottery, would be to hire a chef. It's...
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Boys in the kitchen: The only brownie recipe you’ll ever need

Family food
Based on a mix of all the best brownie recipes we've ever tried, this version comes out great every time: a hint of crispness...
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Wings to discover the world – Culture Kids in Overijse

Guest articles
Pascale Croonenberghs, educator, entrepreneur and mother of two wonderful girls gives us an insight into the heart of Culture Kids, which opened its doors in 2018.
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Chou&Chou – the mom behind the brand

All articles
US-born Taiwanese mum Pam Chou tells us how her popular 8-in-1 maternity and nursing cardigan came about.
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Conall’s birth

Birth and breastfeeding stories
This is the story of the birth of Conall, born to American mum Becca. Becca had both her children while living in Brussels. You can also read the story of the birth of Becca's first child, Una, in 2012, right here.
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Accidents happen – strangulation: Life First blog

All articles
In this cross-post from the Life First blog, first aid instructor Kate Ellwood highlights some of the possible risks, and gives advice on how to keep your babies and young children out of danger.
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Overcoming ‘Mom Guilt’ on Retreat – with Emily Gold

Guest articles
Yoga therapist Emily Gold takes a look at 'mom guilt', and at how we can make sure that it isn’t stopping us - or our partners - from looking after our own well-being.
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Meet the midwives! – Zwanger in Brussel

Guest articles
Elke Van Den Bergh, one of the founding midwives of Zwanger in Brussel, tells us a little about the origins of Zwanger in Brussel and invites you to get in touch!
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Fertility support course: connecting mind & body – with Emily Gold

Guest articles
New York-native, Brussels-based yoga therapist Emily Gold tells us more about the fertility support course she runs.
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Jennifer’s birth stories – Part 2: William’s birth

Birth and breastfeeding stories
Swedish-born Jennifer shares the story of her second son, William, born in Onze Lieve Vrouw Ziekenhuis in Mechelen.
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Jennifer’s birth stories – Part 1: August’s birth

Birth and breastfeeding stories
Swedish-born Jennifer shares the story of her first son, August, born via emergency c-section in Onze Lieve Vrouw Ziekenhuis in Mechelen.
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Product review – Polisport Bilby Junior infant bike seat and helmet

Product review
SPONSORED POST - Brussels-based mum of two Kerrana McAvoy won a Polisport Bilby Junior infant bike seat and Polisport XXS Baby bike helmet back...
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Inked at 40

the village blog
Village elder, Siobhán McGonigle shares her story of getting inked for the first time at 40.
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The mom-preneur giving parents the gift of time!

Meet the parents
Local mum Tali Chafai tells us how her family concierge service Family Time Saver came to life!
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Back across the pond

All articles
American mum Becca, whose two children were born here in Brussels, shares some reflections about life in and after Belgium.
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Una’s birth

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Family food – veggie chili

All articles
Here at the village headquarters, this is one meal that always goes down a treat! Even more importantly, it's easy and fast to make...
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the village meets The Library

Meet the parents
Danish import Anne-Sofie van den Born Rehfeld tells us what it was like to bring stylish and home-like co-working environments to the Belgian market - in the shape of The Library Group - and how she keeps balance between family and work life.
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From Brussels to Dubai

Life after Belgium
Violaine Carnoy tells us about her family's move from grey Belgium to the sunny Middle-East.
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Littlest Sprout’s birth story

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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...
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My Birth Story

Birth and breastfeeding stories
Portuguese-American mum Sandra Amorim tells the story of the birth of her first Brussels Sprout in 2009.
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Dad’s eye view – the births of F and C

All articles
Irish-born Stephen tells us about the births of his two children, born in 2015 and 2017 in Brussels.
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Just Jack – Siobhán’s birth story

Birth and breastfeeding stories
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.
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Pam’s birth stories – Lucas and Oliver

All articles
Taiwanese-born Pam tells us about the births of her two sons in Brussels.
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