"Every expectant parent should take a first aid course!"

That a first aid course can not only be very useful but also quite enjoyable is something Christa Meuleman—26 weeks pregnant with her first child—knows better than anyone. Last week, she organized a first aid course for babies and children at a special location in Amsterdam herself.

Why did you choose to take a first aid course?
"When you're pregnant, so much comes your way. I want to prepare as best as I can for the arrival of our baby. Through Femme Amsterdam, I heard about the first aid courses from EHBO Bureau and I immediately thought: I have to do this."

You decided to organize an at-home course yourself, why?
"This course is not only interesting for me but also for my partner, my sister who will often babysit, and of course for other friends who are currently pregnant. Everyone I spoke to was enthusiastic. The big advantage of EHBO Bureau is that I didn't have to arrange anything: I received a link via WhatsApp that I could forward. With one click, everyone could register themselves and pay directly. On the day of the course, the instructor comes to you. Ideal."

An at-home course, but at a special location!
"That's right. Since we're all together, we might as well make it a pleasant evening at Strandzuid in Amsterdam: plenty of space and delicious snacks and drinks within reach."

How did you find the course?
"Very useful. Instructor Caroline taught us so much and provided good tips and advice. An example? Save the emergency number and the GP's number in your phone so you don't have to Google in an emergency. Everyone found the course educational. It's not all that obvious. For example, I found out that I've been applying band-aids incorrectly my whole life: wrapping them around. This can cut off circulation to the finger. It sounds so simple, but I didn't know."

Would you recommend the at-home course from EHBO Bureau to others?
"In fact, I already have. I believe that every prospective parent/caregiver should have completed a first aid course for babies and children. It makes you so much calmer and more confident. You want to do everything you can to prepare well for this new phase during your pregnancy. A first aid course certainly belongs to that."