Marjolein Faber is a dedicated midwifery student at the Midwifery Academy of Amsterdam, passionately advancing childbirth rights. As a transformative leader in Dutch midwifery, she injects fresh ideas and energy. Her background as a medical student enhances her midwifery studies and advocacy. Marjolein’s key achievements include founding REDTENT Events and playing a crucial role in the Human Rights in Childbirth Conference.
Her critique of Dutch midwifery targets a critical issue: media-influenced public perceptions. Common claims like “50% of homebirths end up in the hospital” distort the true nature of childbirth, suggesting unnecessary emergencies. Marjolein counters this by referencing Marianne Amelink-Verburg’s thesis, which shows that while referral rates have increased, the reasons now include manageable conditions like medical history or the need for pain relief.
As a student leader, Marjolein identified a significant gap in Dutch midwifery education—the lack of focus on intimate, compassionate care. She argues that moments needing pain relief should also offer warmth and support, aspects missing from current training.
This belief spurred her collaboration with Robbie Hayes-Klein, co-authoring a pivotal article. They conducted talks across midwifery departments in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Maastricht. Their lectures, titled “Daughter of Time: The Postmodern Midwife,” argued for viewing Dutch midwifery not as an outdated system but as a forward-thinking model that inspires worldwide birth activism. They passionately called for preserving this approach, encouraging midwives and faculty to see their roles as progressive leaders.
Marjolein’s journey from student to midwifery thought leader is about more than challenging old practices. It’s about shaping a future where midwifery balances scientific precision with deep human connections. Her efforts aim to keep Dutch midwifery leading globally, inspiring both national and international communities.