5 Best Childbirth Classes in Amsterdam That’ll Help You Prepare for the Real Thing
The first time I was pregnant, I felt like time sped up. Aside from the appointments I had to schedule, there were also things to research and decisions I didn’t even know existed.
I remember sitting at home one evening and realising I wasn’t scared of giving birth exactly; I was afraid of not knowing what to expect. I wanted to feel supported—like I could walk into that day with a little more trust in myself.
That’s when I started looking into childbirth classes in Amsterdam. Not to ‘get it perfect’, but to understand what was happening and practise what would actually help in the moment.
So if you’re in the same place right now, here are the experts worth having on your list.
How much does a childbirth class cost in Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, a 4-hour class may cost €200 per couple, while a set of 4 weekly classes starts at €400 per couple. You can also choose a private childbirth class with a doula in the comforts of your home, which may cost you around €375.
On the other hand, some Dutch insurers offer partial reimbursement for childbirth or antenatal courses, often up to around €100 per pregnancy under supplementary plans.
1. Childbirth Class Gale Amsterdam
Address: De Genestetstraat 3, Westerdok 806, 1054 AX
Contact Details: +31 65 497 7878
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
You might think childbirth classes are all the same, but Childbirth Class Gale proves otherwise. They have a way of making labour education feel approachable and even a little exciting.
Here, couples can pick between a four-week evening course and a one-weekend class. But don’t worry, the content stays the same either way.
The longer programme lets you meet and get to know other expectant parents a bit more, while the weekend option fits neatly into busy schedules without losing any of the essential lessons.
The class gets very hands-on with you and your partner practising breathing for different stages of labour, plus massage and relaxation techniques. You’ll also talk through pain relief options, then move into pushing and trying out birthing positions.
For couples who are new to the Netherlands, every stage of the Dutch maternity care system is explained clearly in English, so expats can focus on learning rather than figuring out local procedures.
Beyond the personalised guidance, clients say that the birthing video at the end is one of the most valuable parts of the course. It not only realistically shows the stages of pregnancy but also demonstrates techniques parents can practise together.
Meanwhile, those looking for private sessions should plan, as the high demand means bookings often need to be made several months early.
We really appreciated her direct and honest approach
“We had a great experience attending the birth class with Truus. It’s clear that she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her many years as a midwife, and she shared so many valuable insights with us over the two days. We really appreciated her direct and honest approach. She doesn’t sugarcoat things, which made us feel truly well-prepared and confident for what’s ahead. As expats living in Amsterdam, it was especially helpful to learn about how the maternity care system works here and to understand all the available options. We’d highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to prepare for birth together with their partner as thoroughly as possible.”
– Joelle B., Google Review
Very informative and at a good pace
“We took the 1 day childbirth course and it was great, very informative and at a good pace! It was facilitated by Marlene, who was an amazing trainer! She has lots of experience, and you can tell she’s very passionate about her work. She was also very patient and made sure all our questions were answered. I would definitely recommend it!”
– Andrea Lopez, Google Review
2. Isis Hypnobirthing
Address: Henrick de Keijserstraat 27, 1073 TG
Contact Details: +31 68 536 5403
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you are drawn to a gentle, holistic approach, Isis Hypnobirthing might be the right fit. Their class focuses on more than just the body—it encourages couples to prepare their mind and spirit through meditation and exercises.
The course also comes with very practical support, often seen in their core relaxation and stress-reduction program, plus a structured “Power RoadMap” that’s meant to build confidence and work through fear ahead of labour.
However, while the class provides deep insight into natural labour, there is still limited coverage of medical interventions or hospital procedures, so it’s best suited for those planning a low-intervention birth.
Nonetheless, many clients find that bringing a doula on board from week 37 fills that gap, as these professionals offer support throughout the delivery journey.
Active involvement continues after the birth, as many customers highlight how the doula helps with settling in with the baby and connects new parents to local postnatal therapy groups.
And for those who have faced difficulties conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to full term, Isis offers a programme that explores holistic ways to harmonise the body’s natural flow.
This course gave me so much ease to trust the natural process
“The course of Inbal was the best preparation we could do waiting for the birth of our first child. I always was terrified thinking about the delivery e thought I could not do it. In the pregnancy I shifted towards the belief that nature must be clever designed. This course gave me so much ease to trust the natural process. Inbal is incredibly gifted on a spiritual level meanwhile backing this up with a lot of scientific knowledge. For me personally this was the best bridge between the medical approach and the more hands of approach. We had a beautiful home delivery for our first child, followed by an also beautiful delivery in a medical setting. Good luck to you all 🤗”
– Berber Van der Veen, Google Review
She knows all the ins and outs of medical protocols
“Amazing experience. Inbal is spiritual and down to earth. She was the missing piece in preparation of giving birth. She invites you to (re)connect and have faith in having a natural birth, not only with visualizations and meditation but also with proper information about physical processes during labour. She knows all the ins and outs of medical protocols and the physical (and mental) consequences of medical interventions. Altogether a very complete course I would recommend to every pregnant, partner and yet to be born person!!!”
– N.A., Google Review
3. Akriti
Address: Luitgardeweg, 1211 NA Hilversum
Contact Details: +31 64 306 1731
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
There’s something comforting about learning from someone who blends tradition with modern insight, and that’s exactly what Akriti offers.
The founder, Chitra Natarajan, works as a birth educator and HypnoBirthing practitioner (she also describes herself as a hypnotherapist), teaching classes in English for many international families.
Her approach is more in line with the Netherlands’ long tradition of home birth, which can feel especially grounding for first-time parents who want a more familiar setting.
In her sessions, couples learn practical tools they can use during labour, like partner support, comfort measures, and ways to stay steady and focused through contractions.
Akriti also runs HypnoBirthing and childbirth preparation courses, with options that extend into fertility support through HypnoFertility.
But you should know that hospital procedures or interventions aren’t deeply covered. If you’re planning a highly medicalised birth, you may want to supplement with additional resources.
On a lighter note, her involvement doesn’t stop once labour ends. Chitra also offers infant massage courses and pregnancy communities, ideal if you need ongoing direction into the postpartum period.
Learning extends even further with her podcast, Baby Ahoy, where they share a variety of pregnancy and birth stories. It’s actually great to hear real-world experiences to help couples, especially mothers, to feel less alone.
Chitra was incredibly knowledgeable and very empathetic
“I recently completed a series of birth classes, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience! Chitra was incredibly knowledgeable and very empathetic. I am so happy to meet her on our way during pregnancy. I went in feeling nervous and uncertain about labor and delivery, but I came out feeling confident, and truly empowered.”
– Paulina Zabczyk, Google Review
Empower birthing parents and partners with confidence
“Chitra has an amazing, communicative energy. She shares her knowledge with passion and empower birthing parents and partners with confidence. After Chitra’s classes we felt confident enough to have the wonderful experience of a natural home birth.”
– Audrey Bergounhou, Google Review
4. Mirjam Vos Zwangerschaps
Address: Derde Helmersstraat 88-H, 1054 BM
Contact Details: +31 20 489 6882
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Mirjam Vos brings over 30 years of experience teaching pregnancy and baby classes at the Amsterdam Birth Centre. Her courses even draw inspiration from her own birthing experiences, blended with training in infant massage and haptonomy.
She teaches breathing techniques and shows couples what they can do together during contractions, encouraging them to incorporate these exercises into their daily routines.
Just keep in mind that Mirjam values personal contact with every parent, and that explains why she’s not a fan of online or large-group courses. But that close attention allows parents to naturally build relationships.
Mothers often gush that even after their babies arrive, the group chat remains a hub of encouragement and shared experiences that let everyone feel part of a lasting community.
For those looking for a more personalised approach, private sessions are also available. These one-on-one options complement her group courses, allowing for tailored support based on individual needs.
There are retreats during pregnancy, too! This is so you can reflect and prepare in a more nurturing environment.
The theoretical part of the class was very informative
“I did the Pregnant & Fit Compact birthing course and I absolutely loved it! Mirjam is an absolute professional with many years of experience and her positive and uplifting approach is everything I needed to feel fully geared up for labor ! 💪 The theoretical part of the class was very informative and Mirjam shared a lot of her own experience helping women throughout the years. The active part consisted of gentle aerobics, breathing exercises and a lot of valuable advice. Last but not least, the final class with partners was fun, engaging and hands-on. Mirjam is a lovely person and a great professional. Fully recommend her courses!”
– Zornitsa Mitkova, Google Review
Her approach really helps you slow down
“I had the pleasure of having Mirjam visit our home for three baby massage sessions. She has a warm and calming presence that made me feel at ease right away. Her approach really helps you slow down and focus on the connection with your baby. She’s very in tune with the babies’ needs and creates a relaxed, supportive environment. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, so I could continue practicing the techniques on my own. Mirjam explained the health benefits of baby massage and the added layer of bonding made it an even more rewarding experience. I definitely recommend!”
– Kitty Collette, Google Review
5. Drs Mama
Address: Eerste Laurierdwarsstraat 4, 1016 PX
Contact Details: +31 64 209 4709
Operating Hours: Not Available
For parents who like the idea of guidance straight from the experts, Drs Mama provides us with doctor-led courses designed to prepare couples thoroughly for the real thing.
Right from the start, Bregje and Mirte are clear about what they stand for. As the founders of Drs Mama, they use a mix of clinical knowledge and lived experience to push for more equal parenthood.
This means that every part of the programme is created in such a way that lets both mum and dad learn together, ensuring each leaves with the knowledge and confidence to handle what’s ahead.
In terms of classes, they run pregnancy and childbirth preparation courses in several formats (including multi-week options and private or refresher sessions), and a separate child first aid course.
They also offer online options like a dedicated caesarean course and prep for induction, which makes it easier to choose a track that matches your birth plan and schedule.
However, some parents mention that the teaching style can feel more rigid and information-dense than a meditation-forward class.
Yet this method supports one of Drs Mama’s priorities: readiness. First aid lessons complement the childbirth classes, and the pair can benefit from a small discount when they book both at the same time.
Customers also love their supplementary tools, such as the Wiser in Expectation podcast, as they feel more connected even when they are at home.
Last but not least, Bregje and Mirte provide postpartum support to help mums navigate caregiving routines and focus on their child’s early development.
My partner and I are heading into labour with confidence
“Thanks to the four-week pregnancy course, my partner and I are heading into labour with confidence. It was incredibly educational for both of us. Mirte’s clear explanations and realistic approach have helped me tremendously to understand what to expect, and as a result, I feel much more confident. I’m even looking forward to the birth! Besides the content (which is truly fantastic), the evening classes with five other couples expecting their first child were also simply wonderful. I highly recommend this course to everyone!”
– Lottie Backes, Google Review
It was a refreshing experience for us
“My partner and I had another wonderful and positive experience at Dr’s Mama. It was a refreshing experience for us, a chance to catch up on information, and to prepare ourselves for the birth and everything afterward. Thanks to Bregje’s enthusiasm and humorous delivery, we’re completely ready to go. Bregje and Mirte’s knowledge and commitment definitely give us the confidence and information we need to take our childbirth wishes to the next level. Highly recommended!”
– Jung Hye, Google Review