Frequently Asked Questions

‘Isn’t my partners support enough during labour?’

A doula does not replace the love and care of a partner. Instead, a doula offers the calm and skills to support both of you throughout pregnancy and labour. We share massage, counter pressure, and pain management techniques to help ease each sensation during pregnancy and labour. We share an understanding of the phases of birth and specific tools for each. We support you in developing your birth plan, taking photos if you’d like them, and sharing our version of the birth with you to help piece the story together and move into parenthood, whole.

‘Won’t my partner feel left out if I hire a doula?’

Our fundamental role is to be inclusive, not exclusive. If the partner needs a moment, or has left the room briefly, you are not alone. In a medical society, a lot of pressure has been placed on partners to be the number one support system during birth. For some, this is a lot of pressure and can lead to feeling out of our depth. For others, this feels like a natural role they embrace and excel at. satisfied with their birth story.

How many times will we see our doula?

We will arrange a minimum of three prenatal sessions before your labour. Each session will last approximately two hours and one of these sessions will be with your midwife or doctor to discuss the birth plan. After filling out an intake form remotely, our first meeting (with your partner too, if applicable) will be spent getting to know one another and discussing your birth stories, hopes, wishes, concerns and the ways I can support you. I will then be present for the whole of your labour, up until 3 hours after the birth. We will then have 1-2 postpartum sessions to talk about your birth and gently close the circle of our time together by offering any final support as needed.

Will my doula be available if I need her?

As your doula, I will be on call from 3 weeks before your due date, until 2 weeks after you give birth. This means I am available to you by phone or text as much as you need. As soon as you inform me that you are in labour, I am available to attend the birth as you require. At any point during our time together, you can email or whatsapp me and I will get back to you within 48 hours. Outside of the on call period, I will notify you if I am outside of Amsterdam for a period longer than 48hrs.

I think I am in labour, when should I call my doula?

You can call me at any time, I am here to support you as you need. We will discuss your needs in detail and arrange when best to call me. In labour, we are observing for signs of progress and pattern. So if you are experiencing contractions that become stronger, longer and closer together, birth is progressing. Your midwife or doctor will confirm this and I will support you during each phase of labour.

Does a doula deliver the baby?

No. A doula is not a medical professional. We are not trained as midwives or doctors. We are the bridge between medical care and emotional support. Providing a continuous presence that nurtures and empowers women during one of the most profound experiences of their lives.

How long does a healing session last?

Your first session will last approximately 1-2 hours. After a chat and an energetic check up, we will decide on the healing path from there.

Your first intake session will be a little longer, because it is important to start on the same page of the story, together. This will include a bit of personal, family and medical history, and what it is that you would like help with. Future sessions will last one hour.

What should I wear to a session?

Wear comfortable clothes. A healing session at Zephyr is non-invasive and involves minimal physical contact. During an energetic check up or Illumination you will be lying down. Phytobiophysics muscle testing is usually carried out sitting upright, but can also be done lying down, whichever you prefer.

Preparation before and after healing

Schedule your appointment to allow yourself a little time either side of your healing session. This will help you to set a clear intention before you arrive, and some relaxing time to process and nurture yourself afterwards. It is important to avoid alcohol or recreational drugs before and after your healing. This strengthens the effects of healing and allows better integration long term.

How many sessions will I need?

This work acts on a deep energetic level. Number of sessions depends on how deep rooted your issues are, and how you respond to the healing. Some notice changes quickly, others progress slowly over time. Your energy body will guide the way. We will discuss your needs and tailor a plan that suits you. There are no obligations, the only goal is to find balance and help you move forward.

Taking a course of Phytobiophysics remedies depends on the nature of your imbalance (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). This ranges from 1-4 months. A follow up session is recommended during/ after the course of remedies to identify any further needs. Nutrition and meal planning can involve follow up sessions if you would like to a goal-oriented meal plan. It is easy to lose balance in life, but with awareness, we can find our way back to wholeness.

After care

At Zephyr, your healing journey doesn’t end when you leave a session. This work can unfold gradually or with strength, and we are always at the end of a phone or email to talk you through any difficulties or challenging feelings that arise. Our old behaviour patterns and energy build ups have been happily living withing our energy bodies for some time (perhaps even since birth), so it is natural that there may be some anxiety, or uncertainty when it is removed and unblocked. Remember, we are making way for new possibilities, and to do that we need to clear out the old and unnecessary. Healing is a process, and we will work together to make sure you feel supported and prepared to face anything you are confronted with. We’re in it together.