You’ve seen her around here as one of our models, now it’s time to get to know Eveline Besters. Let's talk pregnancy essentials, preparing for birth, and life with baby Boet.
On getting pregnant
"I always knew I wanted to be a mother. I come from a warm, loving family, and having my own little tribe has always been my dream. It felt like my life’s purpose. I’ve had boyfriends that didn’t want children, but those relationships didn’t last - it was a non-negotiable for me.
On one of my very first dates with Jelle - my husband - I asked him if he wanted kids. I was 31 at the time, and five years into our relationship, we decided the time was right, and I became pregnant.
It was a conscious decision to wait until that moment, and I’m so grateful everything happened naturally when we were ready. During my pregnancy, people kept telling us to enjoy our time as a couple before the baby arrived, but honestly, we were just so excited for this next chapter."
On being pregnant
"I hadn’t given much thought to what pregnancy would actually feel like. It’s so much more than just a growing belly - the kicks, the tiny hiccups, the surreal realization that a little life is forming inside you. I was fascinated by the whole process, both physically and mentally, and ended up reading a lot about what happens in the body during pregnancy.
I also had a consultation with a psychologist who specializes in the ‘pregnancy brain.’ I was experiencing certain mental shifts that I couldn’t quite explain, and she helped me understand that pregnancy literally changes the brain. That insight put so much into perspective.
Physically, I faced challenges, too. I’ve never really dealt with physical discomfort before, so when I suddenly started experiencing back pain, I was caught off guard. I kept running until week 23, which, in hindsight, was a mistake - it caused a lot of pelvic floor issues. Later on, when the Braxton Hicks contractions started, I realized it was time to slow down. Despite everything, I found the experience truly magical."
My pregnancy essentials
"After the Atelier Melon shoot, I basically lived in my Wide jeans. Seriously, I wish I had discovered them sooner! I’ve kept them safe in case we have a second baby.
For the best pregnancy massages, I highly recommend Hannah from 'Heerlijk Zwanger'. She comes to your home and uses warm water cushions - it’s such a luxury to be able to lie on your back. Plus, I really loved her energy.
I also did a pregnancy retreat with Mirjam Vos, and we took her birth seminar together. It was such a personal and intimate experience - exactly what we needed."
On giving birth
"In preparation for birth, I read a lot of birth stories from other women to get different perspectives. I wanted to understand the physical process and asked my midwife a lot of questions.
I made a birth plan that included a scenario for a home birth, one in case I needed medical intervention, and one for a C-section.
During my final month of pregnancy, I felt the need to turn inward. I suddenly became very spiritual - I meditated, took mindfulness classes, and spent a lot of time in the forest. I wanted to connect with myself and the baby so I could enter labor feeling centered and calm.
I wasn’t afraid of birth. Of course, I was excited and a little nervous, but when labor started, my mindset was: ‘Okay, let’s do this!’"
On postpartum
"The postpartum period felt like a dreamlike haze - in the best way possible. We set up an extra bed downstairs so I wouldn’t have to climb the stairs, and Jelle took care of most of Boet’s diapers so I could focus on healing. We kept our world small in those first few weeks, allowing only close family to visit.
I didn’t touch my phone for a week and a half. My mother sent a message to friends to announce Boet’s birth, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in those first precious days.
For someone who loves being outside, I stayed indoors for a really long time. The first time I stepped outside, I just sat on the front deck of our houseboat for 15 minutes with Boet. Now, I take him on two-hour walks in the carrier every day. I have an adventurous spirit, but I love keeping Boet’s world small for now."
Postpartum essentials
"I wear my Atelier Melon Seamless tops every single day - the quality is amazing. I love them so much that I’ve started gifting them to friends who are expecting.
If you're having a winter baby, invest in a good pair of warm slippers for those nighttime feeds. I got sheepskin ones from a store called ‘Van Buren’ in Bolsward, and they are a lifesaver.
At ‘Dalalou’, I found washable nursing pads made from merino wool and bamboo. They dry quickly and are incredibly soft.”
Motherhood so far
"When I commit to something, I give it my whole heart - and that’s exactly how I feel about motherhood. My biggest hope is that I can truly sense and understand Boet’s needs, and that he, in turn, feels safe and understood. I have a deep love for nature, and I want to pass that on to him. My dream is for him to grow up as an outdoor child, connected to the world around him. Right now, Boet spends lots of time outdoors, sleeps well, and is surrounded by love. Life is good, and I’m loving every moment with him."