Navigate pregnancy, birth and early parenting with confidence

Whether you're expecting your first or growing your family in Belgium, we've got you! Find everything you need to make informed choices, understand your rights, and give your family the best start. All in one place. All in English.

Belgium is a great place to raise a family ...

... but it can be difficult to figure out how things work, especially if you don't speak much French or Dutch. That's where the village comes in!

Our goal is to help you find your own path through pregnancy, birth and early parenting in Belgium so you can have the best possible experience – whether you're planning to make Belgium your long-term home or are here for a shorter period.

Where are you on your journey?

PLANNING A FAMILY

EXPECTING A BABY

PREPARING FOR BIRTH

EARLY PARENTING

ADMIN

Check out our magazine

Leave of presence: are dads and co-parents taking birth leave?

Belgium's system of paid birth leave (for dads and co-parents) has evolved over the past 20 years. But are people actually taking the leave they're entitled to and what future developments might be in store?

Alice’s birth in Le Cocon

Having given birth to her first child in Canada, Christina Reinards chose the Le Cocon midwife-led unit in Erasme hospital for the birth of her daughter, Alice. Here, she recounts the birth, outlines some of the advantages of natural birth, and shares her experience of those advantages.

Announcing your baby’s birth to the world

Time to think about how you'll announce your baby's birth to the world? We're sharing some great local options, whether you want to go fully bespoke, personalise a design from a designer's existing collection, or go full DIY.