Parents cuddling their newborn daughter after the birth, black and white, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support

Lily’s story: an induction, an open mind and a lot of love

She came to every visit with a list of questions. She left the hospital with Lily in her arms.

Father waiting by the hospital bed during an induced labour, black and white, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Newborn feet held in her mother's hand right after birth, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Newborn baby Lily sleeping in a striped hospital hat, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Mother resting with her newborn on her chest after an induction, black and white, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Newborn baby lying on the hospital blanket in soft light, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Close-up of newborn feet in the delivery room, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Newborn baby in a striped hat held by her mother, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Father with a plate of beschuit met muisjes to celebrate the birth, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Mother holding her newborn daughter in the hospital bed, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Newborn baby Lily with her eyes wide open, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Hospital delivery room during an induction, black and white, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Parents cuddling their newborn daughter after the birth, black and white, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Newborn baby close to her mother after the birth, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support
Mother breastfeeding her newborn for the first time in the hospital, birth at the AMC Amsterdam with doula support

Lily’s birth at the AMC in Amsterdam: an induction, an open mind and a lot of love

I met Paula and Santi at our birth preparation workshop in Spanish. They came to prepare, and they did. Some time later, Pau called me. She felt she needed something more: presence, her own language, and someone by her side all the way.

So we started our journey together. At every visit, Pau was waiting for me with a list of questions. I loved it, because you could see she was thinking of everything. Santi was more relaxed, but always there, following every need Pau had.

Then that Monday came, and with it an induction, because of preeclampsia. Birth often takes turns we don’t expect, and this is when an open mind helps you make the best decisions. Pau’s body answered fast and well. After a few intense hours, Lily arrived in her arms. Small, with her eyes wide open, ready to explore.

Not everything was easy. There was uncertainty when the hospital did not allow Santi, or me, to stay in the room while they gave her the medication. And after so much movement, Pau’s blood pressure did not come down as fast as everyone hoped, until a doctor came and gave her medicine. I usually stay about two hours after the birth and then let the family enjoy their baby. With Pau, I stayed longer, until I felt she was okay.

Then breastfeeding became a real challenge. But Pau and Santi were always ready to do what was needed. They faced fears, problems and doubts, and they kept going.

And the journey goes on. Soon we will have our class on starting solids, because little Lily is ready to start eating. New challenges will come, and I know they will find their way, like they always have.

What Pau taught me

To be organised, to look for answers, and to keep going a little more until you find what feels right inside.

Thank you, Pau and Santi, for letting me walk this road with you, and for the friendship that grew around it.

Spanish birth workshop · Doula support · Induction at Amsterdam UMC (AMC), Amsterdam Zuidoost · 12 May 2026 · Breastfeeding support

See doula support
Birth preparation courses