How we started
Raising the Village began with two doulas and mothers - Joanna and Valentina - who simply wanted to see what would happen if they invited local mothers to come for a walk. No agenda, no structure, just space to connect.
Those first few walks through Hilversum were quiet and unplanned, guided by prams, naps, and the rhythm of family life. But what happened during those walks was powerful: real conversations, shared laughter, and a feeling of relief that others understood.
When the colder months arrived, we traded the forest paths for coffee tables. Our (still quite irregular) coffee mornings became a little haven: a place to pause, to talk about motherhood in all its forms, and to feel a sense of belonging.
That’s how Raising the Village took root... not through grand plans, but through simple acts of showing up for one another.
Our mission
To cultivate spaces where mothers and families can connect, share, and feel supported - without judgment, expectations, or pressure.
We are building bridges between families, birth professionals, and local networks, helping the “village” around each mother grow stronger.
Our vision
We envision a village where every mother feels seen, supported, and connected - a network that grows through shared wisdom, local collaboration, and genuine human connection.
Through initiatives like Your Village in a Box, we aim to strengthen these ties and make community support accessible to every family.
Meet the Founders
Joanna Krolak- Birth and Postpartum Doula
I’m Joanna, a mother of two, certified birth and postpartum doula, and devoted supporter of families through the full journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Support shouldn’t be a luxury. My work is rooted in the belief that birth is not just about getting a baby earthside — it’s about holding space for the whole family as they transform.
I’m here for you through the intensity of pregnancy, the rawness of birth, and the tender, often-overlooked postpartum days. I believe every family deserves personalized, nurturing support that honors their unique rhythm and story. Whether it's building confidence during pregnancy, offering a calm presence in birth, or providing emotional and practical support in the postpartum time. I also support partners and siblings, because birth transforms everyone. I hold space for the whole family to feel seen, heard, and supported in these life-changing moments.
Beyond one-on-one care, I’m deeply committed to community building and creating a strong, supportive village for mothers. Through local meetups, events, and meaningful connections, I help parents build the network they need to truly thrive as a family.
Originally from Poland and having lived in different parts of the world, I understand what it means to navigate parenthood far from home. Fluent in English, Polish, and Portuguese, I support families in Hilversum and the surrounding areas, creating a safe, compassionate space for you to connect with your inner strength and embrace your path.
Valentina Zago - Full Spectrum Doula, Kraamzorg i/o HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator
My name is Valentina, and I’m a full-spectrum doula and childbirth educator based in Hilversum, the Netherlands. I’m an Italian mother of three, and each of my births has been both a blessing and a lesson. After facing infertility and difficult pregnancies, I felt called to become a doula. My mission is to offer a safe space where mothers feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate one of the most transformative times of their lives.
I believe mothers already carry deep wisdom within; sometimes, they just need a gentle reminder to trust it. Supporting women in reconnecting with their intuition and confidence during birth and postpartum is at the heart of my work.
Over time, my love for mothers and birth work has grown into a deep commitment to postpartum care. This tender period is often overlooked, even though it’s when mothers need the most rest, nourishment, and support. With the right care and preparation, postpartum recovery can become a beautiful and empowering transition.
In addition to supporting families individually, I also believe deeply in the power of community. I love organizing events, meetups, and creative gatherings that help mothers connect, share their experiences, and find meaningful support — because building the village starts with coming together.
