Meet Merel Stokman: The Driving Force Behind Bevallen&Door
At My Own Filo, we believe in sharing inspiring stories. Today, we introduce you to a woman dedicated to helping mothers regain their strength: Merel Stokman. As a registered pelvic physiotherapist and founder of Bevallen&Door, she is committed to promoting a responsible and effective recovery after childbirth. Her mission? Breaking taboos, sharing honest information, and helping mothers feel free and strong again.
Who is Merel Stokman?
Merel lives in the Achterhoek with her partner Roy and balances her work as a pelvic physiotherapist with her online platform Bevallen&Door.
“I work two days a week in the clinic, and the rest of my time goes into Bevallen&Door,” Merel shares. “Here, I provide blogs, videos, and complete recovery programs, so mothers no longer have to guess what is or isn’t safe during their recovery. They can work on it from home, at their own pace.”
Why Bevallen&Door?
“In my practice, I saw so many women struggling with issues that could have been prevented if they had received the right help earlier,” Merel explains. “Things like urinary incontinence, a heavy feeling in the pelvic floor, or a weak core. These problems affect daily life, but they are still considered ‘normal’ far too often.”
Merel knew things had to change. “Many mothers turn to the internet for answers but find contradictory and superficial information. I wanted to create a platform with scientifically backed, honest, and practical knowledge. Bevallen&Door helps women understand what is happening in their bodies and provides them with the right tools to recover properly.”
The Challenges After Childbirth
Merel sees it every day: women realizing that childbirth has impacted them more than they expected.
“The most common complaints are urinary leakage, a heavy feeling in the pelvic floor, or painful scars from an episiotomy or tear,” she explains. “Other challenges include abdominal muscle separation (diastasis) and recovery after a C-section.”
What surprises her most? “Many women don’t know what is normal and what isn’t. They think certain symptoms are ‘just part of it,’ when in reality, there’s a lot they can do to promote healing.”
A Sustainable and Achievable Approach
What makes Bevallen&Door unique is its practical and achievable approach.
“Recovery starts with knowledge and properly performed exercises,” Merel says. “You need to understand what has happened to your body and how to strengthen it step by step.”
Her online programs offer mothers the flexibility to recover at home in a way that fits their busy lives.
“My focus is not on ‘getting back in shape quickly’ but on sustainable and functional recovery—so that mothers feel strong again and, most importantly, can move freely without pain or discomfort.”
Merel’s Message to Mothers
Merel has a clear message for women struggling with postpartum issues:
“Take your recovery seriously. Your body has performed an incredible feat and deserves proper healing. Symptoms are not ‘just part of it,’ and the sooner you take action, the better your body will recover.”
At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of self-compassion.
“Be patient and listen to your body. Recovery is not just about ‘doing’—it’s also about timing and allowing yourself space to heal. Sometimes, there’s no room for extra effort, and that’s okay. You haven’t missed your chance; your recovery isn’t going anywhere.”
Want to Learn More?
Curious about Merel’s story, expert tips, and recovery programs?
Visit Bevallen&Door for blogs, videos, and free programs.
Follow Merel on Instagram for more inspiration and insights!
