Having a Baby in Leuven

This information session aims to give an insight into the services available and to help you understand the Belgian system around pregnancy
About this Event

Expecting a baby in Leuven?

As an international, navigating the Belgian maternity system can be daunting. This friendly and informative, 2 hour, in-person information session aims to give an insight into the services available and to help you understand the Belgian system around pregnancy and birth so that you can navigate it with clarity and confidence.

About the event

In this session, you’ll learn about:

• Your choices for pregnancy care and where to give birth
• The prenatal and postnatal support and resources available in Leuven
• The administrative steps every expectant parent should know.
• It’s also a great way to connect with other international parents-to-be in Leuven, ask questions, and gain practical insights from experts familiar with the Belgian healthcare system.
• All questions on the topic are welcome and our speakers will do their best to answer them or get you in the right direction.

Practicalities and Registration

October 19 from 19:00-21:00 at the International House Leuven

Registration required via Eventbrite, please get 1 ticket per person.

About the speakers

Katherine (Kate) Ellwood is a childbirth educator, hypnobirthing teacher and first aid instructor based in Belgium.

Kate created the Pregnant in Belgium website as a resource for expats offering clear guidance on navigating the Belgian maternity system, from healthcare choices to administrative processes.

Through her work with Simply Hypnobirth, Kate supports expectant parents in preparing for calm, confident births by combining evidence-based education with relaxation and mindset techniques that empower them to respond calmly however labour and birth unfold. Kate also offers practical first aid classes tailored to new and expectant parents both online and in-person.

Her work is driven by an understanding of the difficulties of raising a family in a country that is not your own and a passion for helping families feel informed, confident, and supported throughout pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Jane Piot is an experienced birth doula supporting couples and single mothers by choice through late-stage pregnancy, labour and birth. Jane’s approach blends evidence-based knowledge with a deep respect for each person/couple’s unique needs and preferences. During labour, Jane provides a continuous presence; helping the birthing mother (and birth partner) to stay calm, safe and confident. She has accompanied more than 60 births, mostly for expats who are living far from their family, and has formed lasting friendships with many of them!

Jane is also a certified breastfeeding specialist and offers prenatal breastfeeding preparation sessions both privately and via the Brussels Childbirth Trust and postnatal breastfeeding consultations for new mothers in their own home. She has supported countless new mothers in the early days and weeks to breastfeed with confidence.