A Mother-Assisted Cesarean Birth Story | Choosing MAC in the Netherlands

On Wednesday , I rereleased the episode with Dr. Koen Deurloo — the OB-GYN who pioneered the mother-assisted cesarean at Diakonessenhuis Utrecht. You saved it, shared it, and sent it to friends who needed it.

Today, we hear from the other side of that operating table.

Geri had her youngest child with Dr. Deurloo as her gynaecologist, and in this episode she walks us through everything — the moment she first heard about the MAC, the decision-making process, her pregnancy, her preparation, and the extraordinary experience of lifting her own baby into the world with her own hands.

This is an honest, emotional, and deeply human birth story. And it is for every mother who has ever wondered whether she is allowed to want something different.

In this episode:— Why Geri chose a mother-assisted cesarean and how she made that decision— What the preparation and pregnancy journey looked like— A step-by-step account of the day itself — walking into the hospital, the operating room, the moment of birth— Recovery, the emotional aftermath, and what she knows now that she wishes she had known before— What she would say to a mother sitting somewhere right now, wondering if this could be right for her

Whether you are planning a cesarean, hoping to avoid one, or simply want to feel prepared for every possibility — this episode will stay with you.

Follow Geri on Instagram here moedergeassisteerdekeizersnede

Listen to our Dr. Koen Deurloo episode for the full clinical picture — linked in show notes. @kldloo on Instagram

DAM Parenting is a weekly podcast for international families navigating pregnancy, birth and parenthood in the Netherlands. Every Wednesday (plus an extra here or there!)