Who is BirthMatters?
Jana and Dorle met while working together here in Namibia. We found that we have similar ideas with regards to what the process of becoming a family should be and we have the same wishes for how we would want parents-to-be to experience this process. For us, birth and the time surrounding it is a physiological event in a woman’s life and should be treated like this – normal but also very special. We share the feeling that parents are often not receiving enough information to make informed choices.
Our goal is to share with you the knowledge and skills to make an informed choice about a process which will forever remain a special memory to you and your family.
We provide you with evidence-based information. That means it has been well researched and from trust-worthy and reputable sources. We base all our recommendations on current best practice guidelines. We further wish to prepare you with skills and strategies to take on the challenges you might encounter on your journey into parenthood. We would like you to feel confident to embrace the life adventure which lies ahead of you.
Who is BirthMatters?
Jana and Dorle met while working together here in Namibia. We found that we have similar ideas with regards to what the process of becoming a family should be and we have the same wishes for how we would want parents-to-be to experience this process. For us, birth and the time surrounding it is a physiological event in a woman’s life and should be treated like this – normal but also very special. We share the feeling that parents are often not receiving enough information to make informed choices.
Our goal is to share with you the knowledge and skills to make an informed choice about a process which will forever remain a special memory to you and your family.
We provide you with evidence-based information. That means it has been well researched and from trust-worthy and reputable sources. We base all our recommendations on current best practice guidelines. We further wish to prepare you with skills and strategies to take on the challenges you might encounter on your journey into parenthood. We would like you to feel confident to embrace the life adventure which lies ahead of you.
Jana Ellmies
I believe that bringing a child into the world is one of life’s greatest achievements. It is more than just a birth; it marks the emergence of a mother and the beginning of a new family. To me, childbirth is an active, empowering process rather than something that simply “happens” to a woman. It is a natural milestone where protection, guidance, and support are essential to help a mother navigate her unique journey. I feel deeply privileged to be part of such an intimate transformation.
With over 15 years of experience as a midwife in Germany—spanning both hospital and private practice—I provided comprehensive care including prenatal support, childbirth, postnatal recovery, and breastfeeding guidance.
After moving to Namibia in 2005, I qualified as a Registered Nurse at UNAM and served in a private maternity ward from 2011 to 2022. Beyond clinical practice, I am passionate about systemic change; I contribute to drafting Namibian national guidelines for antenatal and intrapartum care and serve on committees dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes. As a founding member of the Independent Midwives Association of Namibia, I also take pride in mentoring the next generation of midwives. Today, I split my practice between Germany and Namibia, bringing a wider perspective to my local care.
Dorle Verrinder
I am a Registered Dietitian with a special interest in Breastfeeding Support – I graduated at King’s College London with an MSc in Dietetics in 2009 and worked as a registered dietitian in Cambridge, UK, for 4 years. When I had my first baby, I realized how important it is to be supported with breastfeeding and I decided that I wanted to help other mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals. I completed training as a breastfeeding counsellor with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers in England, and achieved accreditation as International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2016. I started my own practice in Windhoek in June 2014.
Get in touch
We advise to contact us around your 20th week of pregnancy.
