Press release
Perinatal Health and Nutrition: New Initiative at the H.U.B Maternity Unit
Brussels, 25 August 2026 – Because nutrition plays a central role throughout the entire perinatal journey, the H.U.B maternity unit (Erasmus Hospital site) is launching the Mama Corner, a concrete and innovative initiative aimed at pregnant women, new mothers during the postpartum period and breastfeeding women, as well as their loved ones.
Designed by the teams working on the ground, the Mama Corner is part of a comprehensive approach to improving support for families, by providing a food offering that is consistent with the specific needs of pregnancy, the postpartum period (including the fourth trimester) and lactation.
Meeting the real needs of the perinatal period
On a daily basis, the maternity teams consider nutrition to be an essential pillar of care: nutritional balance during pregnancy, prevention of gestational diabetes (which affects approximately one in six women in Belgium), support for recovery after childbirth and breastfeeding support.
The Mama Corner aims to complement the existing food offering, which is sometimes poorly adapted to the specific needs of patients who are hospitalised or attending consultations, by facilitating access to snacks, light meals and beverages selected according to strict nutritional criteria.
“We support our patients at every stage of their perinatal journey, and nutrition is an integral part of this support. The Mama Corner allows us to translate our recommendations into concrete actions within their everyday environment,” explain Laura Cuypers and Ludivine Urbain, midwives at the H.U.B maternity unit.
An initiative designed for patients, but not only for them
Although primarily designed for pregnant women, new mothers and breastfeeding women, the Mama Corner also benefits families, visitors and healthcare professionals present on site. It reflects a strong commitment to consistency between the prevention messages delivered in the hospital and the environment offered to patients.
“A hospital that supports childbirth must also set an example in the choices it makes possible on a daily basis. Promoting appropriate and balanced nutrition is fully part of our mission of care and prevention” emphasises Dr Clotilde Lamy, Director of the H.U.B Department of Obstetrics.
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An initiative born from the field and driven by the teams
The Mama Corner is the result of close collaboration between the maternity teams and their partners, illustrating healthcare professionals’ ability to turn observed needs into concrete solutions.
“Nutrition is a genuine lever for health throughout the perinatal period. With the Mama Corner, our aim is to combine enjoyment and nutritional quality in order to provide the best possible support during this essential period of life,” emphasises Amandine Szalai, Dietitian accredited by the Federal Public Service Health.
With the Mama Corner, the H.U.B maternity unit is strengthening its commitment to comprehensive perinatal healthcare, going far beyond medical care to include the well-being, comfort and everyday environment of families.
About the H.U.B maternity unit
In Brussels, one in ten babies is born at H.U.B Erasmus Hospital. The H.U.B Erasmus Hospital maternity unit supports several thousand women (2,121 births in 2025) and families every year through multidisciplinary care combining medical expertise, innovation and a human approach. From pregnancy through to the postpartum period, its teams do everything possible to provide personalised support focused on the well-being of the mother, the child and their loved ones.
Marine Lhomel
Frédérique Meeus