Vivian
Hello, I am Vivian Bruins, raised in a small village in Drenthe and currently living in Zuidwolde with my boyfriend and our son Willem.
In 2017, I graduated from the Obstetrics Academy in Groningen. Since then, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in several places in midwifery practices, but also as a clinical obstetrician in the hospital. These different workplaces have taught me a lot. After my training, I followed specialisations in ultrasound and contraception, a very nice and useful addition to our work as midwives.
I have now found my niche at Laif and it feels really good. Because of the small-scale way of working, we know each other and our clients well, which makes our work extra special and fun.
In 2024, I experienced myself what it is like to be pregnant, give birth and have a baby, what a fantastic experience this was for me!
In my spare time, I love being outdoors. At home, we have a large vegetable garden and greenhouse, in which we grow all kinds of vegetables and fruits. Sowing, maintaining and harvesting is wonderfully relaxing. Around the house we have two cats and about 15 chickens, not only cosy, but it also produces delicious eggs. Hiking and camping is my favourite during the holidays!
Elvira
I am Elvira van Vugt, born and raised in Zutphen.For my midwifery training, I did a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogical Sciences. However, obstetrics kept attracting me and that is why I started studying in Antwerp. Meanwhile, I have been back in the far north for a while. I have been working at Laif since 2021.
Working as a midwife is a dream come true. Quite early on, I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare. When medicine seemed too distant and medical to me, I very quickly ended up in obstetrics. From the moment of the first study day, first internship day and first working day, it feels like coming home every time. Being allowed to be present at such a special moment in someone's life does something to me every time. Where others might be called awake for lots of other reasons, with me you can always do that for a birth.
What I love about our work at Laif is that we have the time and space to get to know each other. It's a nice feeling that we are working towards something together, with the ultimate point being childbirth.
I look forward to meeting you!
A few little facts about Elvira;
- I like cooking, playing tennis, gardening, hiking, reading books and playing games
- On an ideal day off, I sleep in, go to the market to get fresh produce, cook elaborately and maybe go for a bit of cycling, hiking or sailing
- Favourite cookbook: Nopi by Yotam Ottolenghi
- Ideally, I always have beautiful flowers in the house. My favourite flowers are lilies and peonies
Vera
I am Vera Wabeke, born and raised in Groningen. I live with my boyfriend and two cats in Meerstad.
After getting my VWO diploma, I wanted to study obstetrics, but this turned out not to be possible because I had not had chemistry at school. After volunteering in an orphanage in Sri Lanka, my interest shifted to parenting and its impact on human development and I started studying Pedagogy. After completing this course, I wanted to study further so that I could work to help children and families get off to a good start. The interest and passion for pregnancy and birth brought me back to obstetrics and, after a chemistry course and a selection, I was admitted to the Obstetrics Academy in Groningen.
During classes and internships both in the Netherlands and Java, my passion for obstetrics grew. I noticed that, besides the medical aspect, the contact with the pregnant woman and her partner is very important to me and I like to take the time for that. It continues to fascinate me that I get to witness not only the birth of a beautiful baby, but also the birth of parents.
In my third year of study, I was allowed to do an internship at Laif. It clicked immediately and the personal way of working really appealed to me. Soon into the internship, I was asked if I was interested in working for them. Without hesitation I agreed and after graduating I was finally allowed to start working at Laif.
In my spare time, I like to travel to faraway countries with my boyfriend and love sports and cooking. I love going for coffee or drinks with friends or family. Besides, I just moved to Meerstad where I still get to do odd jobs now and then to make our new house even more beautiful.
