Together for you
Welcome to bevalkracht! We’re so glad you’re here.
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We are Eva and Swinda, the proud founders of bevalkracht. Two women with different areas of expertise, united by a shared mission: to make a difference for expectant mothers.
What makes bevalkracht unique is that we intentionally work as a team. Two doulas – one team. Our combined backgrounds – lawyer, maternity care assistant, and biologist – allow us to look beyond the physical aspects of pregnancy and birth. We understand the medical processes behind what’s happening in your body, and we are familiar with the legal frameworks, rights, and responsibilities within maternity care. We use this knowledge to support, inform, and empower you, so you can make well-informed choices that suit your needs.
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Beyond our academic backgrounds, we bring a strong practical foundation. Because we don’t just support pregnancy and birth, but also provide postpartum care, we are resilient and hands-on throughout the entire journey of birth and early parenthood. This means we not only coach and guide, but also stay alert to important signals. We maintain calm in intense situations and know what’s needed to ensure safety, trust, and continuity of care.
Eva Mertens
Welcome to my site. I'm so glad you're here!
My name is Eva. I live in Nijmegen with my husband and our three children. With my studies in Dutch Language and Culture and Dutch Law, it wasn't exactly a given that I would end up as a doula and maternity nurse. After working as a lawyer and senior policy advisor, I changed course in 2025. Of course, many people raised their eyebrows. Yet, for me, it's a very logical choice and a dream come true. A dream that arose during my third childbirth.
After two relatively easy childbirths, my third was complicated. During labor, my son was at risk of not receiving enough oxygen. The sudden rush and stress in the delivery room caused me to lose control of my labor. Although, thanks to appropriate medical intervention, a healthy baby was ultimately born, I did not have a healthy birthing experience. I would have loved to have had a doula by my side in that crowded hospital room, and more support afterward to help me regain my strength.
Since then, I've wanted to make a difference for expectant mothers by providing continuous care during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and beyond. How do I plan to do that and what do I stand for? Read more about our mission.
Education
2025-2026 Training clinical birth doula - Doula Academie
2025-2026 Training maternity care nurse - Geboortezorg Academie
2025 Training Medical birth
2025 Training Better Birth
2025 First aid for Baby and Child
2005- 2011 Bachelor & Master Dutch Law
2004-2008 Bachelor & Master Dutch Language & Culture
Swinda Pfau
My name is Swinda. I live with my partner and our two young sons in Nijmegen, where we enjoy the green surroundings and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this lovely city.
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As a doula, it is my mission to support women with knowledge and attentive care during one of the most extraordinary moments of their lives.
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As a biologist, I have always been fascinated by how new life begins. During my own pregnancies and births, I realized how much needs to come together at exactly the right moment. A positive birth experience is far from a given. That is why every birth feels unique to me and why it is such a privilege to be part of it.
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I find it remarkable that women have been giving birth and supporting each other across all times and cultures. At the same time, I see that the conditions in our modern world are not always optimal for a positive, empowering birth. That’s why I support you from my background as a biologist in understanding the choices around childbirth. I take a critical look at interventions and alternatives, focusing on scientific evidence and what your body needs at that moment.
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In my day-to-day work, I contribute to a more sustainable world, but this work largely takes place behind a computer and demands a great deal of mental energy. Working as a doula, in addition, gives me the opportunity to help people in a more direct and tangible way. I find it incredibly meaningful to support women and their (birth) partners at a moment that truly matters. As your doula, I stand by your side so that you have the space, calm, and support to give birth in your own way.
Education
​2026 Doula in Bloei training birth doula
2019 First aid for Baby and Child
2012-2019 PhD Environmental Sciences
2007-2012 Bachelor & Master Biology and Environmental Sciences