Interview of Humans of Mallorca with The Birth Coach, An Bleu.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I was born in Antwerp, a multicultural port city in Belgium. Dance was my first love — I studied ballet and jazz from a young age and became a professional dancer and choreographer. My mother took me to a ballet when I was four, and from then on, I never wanted to do anything else.

I grew up in a family that valued health, nature, and curiosity. My parents raised four children – including my older brother, who had a genetic condition called SMA2 and couldn’t walk – with immense love and determination. They taught us not to be limited by our circumstances, and I’m especially grateful for their openness to life, their encouragement to follow our dreams, and their example of conscious living.

How did you come to Mallorca?

After years of travelling with my husband, we rented a place in Palma for a few years and then we settled on a finca outside Llucmajor about 11 years ago. We renovated it step by step — I did all the planning and design — and now it’s our little piece of paradise, with olive trees, fruit trees, a pine wood, and views of Cabrera. Mallorca is special, and it’s not too far from our families in Belgium.

What drew you to become a birth coach?

When I was pregnant for the first time, I became obsessed with learning everything I could about birth. But I also saw how little real support there is for women during this transformational time.

After having my second baby here in Mallorca, I trained as a doula, or birth coach. A Doula is a birth professional supporting families emotionally, physically, and logistically during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

I believe the way babies are born can change the world and the way women experience birth can change a woman. It’s my passion to guide women and their partners with unbiased, balanced support.

To inspire women to truly trust their inner wisdom and help them to have the best possible start of parenthood.

Who are your clients, and what do they seek?

Most of my clients are expats who want a more natural, humane birth experience. Many feel something is missing in the standard medical care – they want not just physical safety, but emotional and even spiritual support.

Some women now come to me before conception, which shows how much more consciousness there is around the entire process. And yes, more families are choosing homebirth in Mallorca — that’s something I see firsthand.

What’s a typical day like for you?

My days start with a matcha outside in the sun, setting my intention for the day. Then I might lead a pregnancy circle in Palma — a relaxed space where women connect and learn over tea or coffee.

After that, I’ll usually visit a client at home or have a video call. Prenatal sessions can involve anything from discussing concerns to guided breathing or visualisations.

Afternoons are for picking up the kids and spending time together – we always share a homemade dinner and talk about our day.

Of course, if a client goes into labour, everything stops. I’m on call for as long as needed — a few hours if it’s quick, or several days if it’s not. That unpredictability, being on standby, is the hardest part of the job.

What was your first professional success?

After finishing dance school, I landed a role in Aida – performing for 8,000 people. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to do what I loved.

And your biggest challenge?

The hardest thing I’ve faced was losing my older brother when he was only 45. I was also with my sister during her stillbirth, while I was still training as a doula. Her baby’s heartbeat stopped at 38 weeks. I got on the first plane and was there for the birth. It was devastating – but I was grateful to be able to support her through it.