I moved to Portugal with my family in 2023, after working as a researcher in biochemistry in Germany. Supporting and encouraging women has been my aim for a long time. When my first child was born, I realized how much of a turning point pregnancy, birth and parenthood is in a person’s life. The framework conditions for birth and motherhood are still strongly influenced by patriarchal structures. Often enough only the medical aspects are addressed. To support expectant parents emotionally, to encourage women in their feelings and needs and to enable women to have a pleasant and self-determined birth, I see it as crucial to accompany them appropriately. Supporting them in articulating their wishes in this very exciting and often uncertain time made me become a Doula in 2023. I believe that a good, self-determined birth can be important for the rest of the life and self-image and is a way to prevent many (medical) conditions that occur even years postpartum (as building up trust, family planning, depression, PTBS, organ prolapse or incontinence…).
Lieve Tobback | Fotografia