Meraki Madi

06/07/2025

Just a quick note - as you may have noticed, I am not very active (if at all) on Facebook.
Follow my Instagram for all my latest posts and updates.
Xx

21/11/2024

It’s okay to feel unsure. It’s okay to question yourself. Pregnancy is a time of immense change, and self-doubt is a normal part of the journey. We’re so used to seeing everyone’s successes online, but remember—behind every triumph is a story of fear, doubt, and mistakes. No one has it all figured out, and that’s perfectly fine.

Give yourself permission to take it one step at a time, to not have all the answers, and to ask for support when you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support so you can feel more confident and connected on your journey. 💕

18/11/2024

Do You Remember the Lullabies You Grew Up With?
In South Africa, one of the most famous Afrikaans lullabies is Siembamba. The tune is beautiful, but the lyrics? A little weird and dark—probably why it’s stuck around for generations! No one’s quite sure where it comes from, but it’s a lullaby that instantly transports me back home.

What about you? Are there any lullabies from your home country that you’ll sing to your baby? It’s such a special way to keep traditions alive, even while living far from home. 🌍🎶

19/07/2024

Do you know about my Birth Portfolio-Building Packages?

These birth packages offer a unique opportunity for you to have your photos taken at a budget-friendly rate while granting me permission to showcase the beauty of your experience in my portfolio and online.

07/07/2024

Create a positive birth experience with personalised support from your doula. As your birth doula, I'm here to empower and guide you every step of the way. 🌟

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03/07/2024

So, you want a doula, but you're not sure if you should get the full package? Perhaps you have limited time, or there is no doula professional in your area?

I created my virtual doula birth support packages just for this reason. This is the package for those who feel like they need a bit of extra support, but don't necessarily want to the full doula service. It's also ideal if you are on a budget or lack the time to meet your doula in person.

If you'd like to find out more about the virtual birth support packages, shoot me a message. I'm just a DM or quick email away.

25/06/2024

I'm in dire need of your favourite podcast recommendations 🍉

I love a good podcast, especially the ones with a tinge of humour AND specifically the ones where I can learn something new. So, let me know your podcast recommendations in the comments 🍇

Bonus points if it is related to birth support (or similar fields), hormones or holistic health.

23/06/2024

The word doula comes from a Greek word meaning “a woman who serves."

As a doula, we are here to support you where you need us the most - not only for the mother-to-be but also for your partner. Whether you need information on your birth options or need someone to lean on during labour, we are here for you.

Your motherhood journey, your parenthood journey, it is all yours. We are just the supporting characters making sure that you remember to take in the beautiful moments, offering a hand when it all gets too overwhelming, and making sure you understand what your options are and what it entails.

Do get in touch with me if you have any questions. I'm always up for a chat and would love to share more information on doulas and the value we can add to your pregnancy and labour.

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14/06/2024

Caring for your newborn (and child) should naturally be your main priority, but it shouldn't be at the cost of your own health. You not only grew life inside of you for nine months, but you also just birthed that child into this world. Your body needs some TLC, and it needs time to heal, so that you can be the best mother for your child.

One of the ways in which you can care for your own health and well-being, is by making sure you get all the yummy nutrients and food your body needs to survive and thrive. Luckily, this does not have to be something daunting and overwhelming. Especially if you make the time during your pregnancy for postpartum meal prep.

When you have a newborn in the house, the last thing you want to worry about is cooking. Perhaps you think your partner will cook? Hopefully, they do, but the reality is that your partner will also be tired and just as preoccupied with the little one as you. You do not want to be worried about cooking, and you do not want to be eating a bunch of junk (trust me, your body needs nutrients when you are postpartum). So, postpartum meal prepping is key if you want to make sure that you also get the good stuff while looking after a newborn.

Click the link for some postpartum meal prepping tips.
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Preparing postpartum meals for the first few weeks postpartum is crucial in making sure you get the nutrition needed to heal after birth.

09/06/2024

I still have three spots available for my Maternity Portfolio Shoots 🌾

Details as Follow:
• A Golden Hour, Outdoors Photoshoot in Rotterdam, Delft or The Hague.
• Golden Hour: 5:30 am/21:00 pm
• You need to be 30+ weeks pregnant at time of the photoshoot.
• Dates of Photo Sessions: June or July

Rates and more details on my website.

Portfolio shoots are limited and set up with the idea that I can build up my photography portfolio with new and relevant photos. To find out more, shoot me a DM.

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05/06/2024

Home doesn't always travel with you🌾

I'm counting down the days till my family visits me again in the Netherlands. Being an "expat" (technically not one anymore) holds a lot of adventure, but it can also get lonely. Your people, your language, your favourite snacks (oh sweet, sweet biltong and koeksisters) and good wine for a relatively good price are all far away. Home doesn't always travel with you.

And while I have set up a loving new home with my partner and the smallest Maine C**n ever, here in Rotterdam. It remains hard to adjust to a new country with its own culture and way of doing things. I miss my mum's hugs and her laughing at her own jokes, dad's coffee with sarcasm, and my brother's spontaneity (and surprising us with new board games). I miss "lekker", "aweh", and the friendly smiles of petrol joggies. I miss the generosity and kindness of Tannies and Oumas giving me more love than I can fit in my luggage back to Rotterdam. I miss the sun and the Stronger Together feeling that you get once you step onto South African soil. So, while I have my new home that I adore and has also become part of who I am, I still long for my other home - my first home.

That's one of the reasons I decided to become a doula. To be pregnant in a new country, with little knowledge of the medical systems, and no mum, dad or sister around to comfort and support you, can be quite scary. A journey that is supposed to be beautiful and special, can easily be taken over by overwhelming feelings of fear and loneliness.

As a doula, who has experienced the ups and downs of moving to a new country, I want to be the person you can lean on when you feel lost or scared during your pregnancy. I want to empower you in moments of helplessness and make you understand that you are not alone in this magical time of your life 🍃

29/05/2024

Kind words from one of my beautiful Birth Photography clients 🌿

“Everything about the delivery of our son went different than expected and hoped, and through it all, Madi was the calm and reassuring presence I needed. I usually hate being photographed and never really believe the ‘fly on the wall’ thing, but Madi managed to both be there for us and be almost invisible at the same time.

Eventually, I needed an emergency c-section, and Madi wasn’t allowed in the OR. But the pictures we have of everything leading up to that are amazing. Looking at the pictures has also helped me process some of the difficult emotions I had about the experience.

Madi’s experience as a doula is definitely a plus, and she speaks both English and Dutch, so I didn’t have to worry about switching to Dutch either.”

🍃 Thank you so much for the beautiful review, and inviting me into this special moment with you and your partner.