Introducing some of the newest members of our Ideal Birth family ...
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Cheryl is amazing. She has helped me birth all three of my beautiful babies. Thanks to Cheryl, I have had three epidural-free vaginal deliveries in a hospital setting. Cheryl was there for me throughout each of my pregnancies with invaluable emotional support and guidance. As the big day approached, Cheryl was in touch and was always available for me with helpful and calming advice. My last birth really was an ideal birth, in large part thanks to Cheryl. She took care of all the administrative issues (leaving me free to labour uninterrupted), ensured that the birth suite at the hospital was dark and calm, and that I was undisturbed and unhurried throughout the labour. Cheryl and my husband took turns physically supporting me while I laboured in the shower. And when my beautiful baby decided to enter the world, Cheryl and my obstetrician caught my baby in the shower! The love bomb after this birth was incredible. I bonded with my baby instantly and had an unmanaged third stage. I cannot recommend Cheryl highly enough and would not want to give birth without her there! xxx
"My first experience of childbirth was disappointing, and left me with feelings of failure and grief. During my second pregnancy, I debriefed this experience and identified that there were gaps in my support system - I needed someone who could provide continuity of care, who aligned with my birth preferences, and who had the capacity to advocate for me and those preferences within the hospital system.
Cheryl was the ideal person for this role, and brought knowledge, sensitivity, and nurturance to her support of both me and my husband throughout. Her extensive experience within the hospital system also provided us with great insight into the processes of that system, so that we could confidently navigate them with her support to achieve our desired birth experience.
I feel incredibly proud to say that I did achieve that outcome, and furthermore, that my positive birth experience then flowed on to a joyful and easeful postpartum. I will forever be grateful to Cheryl for being part of that journey. Thank you." Felicity F.
I used Cheryl’s services recently to guide me through my first pregnancy.
Being an (almost) 42yr old, first time mum, I knew that I would need help navigating the ‘system’ to have the pregnancy and birthing experience I wanted.
Cheryl is a wealth of knowledge, provided wonderful, evidence based resources and support, and has been excellent in her follow up post birth (she even baked me some delicious lactation cookies!).
Cheryl focuses on empowering women to feel comfortable in their decision making strategies and clearly cares about the well-being of her clients.
Highly recommend!
" I can't thank Cheryl enough for her support and guidance during our first pregnancy! As someone who experiences anxiety I always know I wanted the support of a doula and credit a close friend for recommending Cheryl. We engaged with Cheryl in my second trimester and it was like a weight lifted off my chest after our first meeting knowing we would have her support. I felt so much more mentally and physically prepared than I could have ever imaged, and the same is said by my partner for his support role. We had the most positive birth experience while also being open to however it was going to play out. And we credit this to Cheryl and our support team. Cheryl, thank you so much for everything. I don't feel like words do justice to just how grateful we are."
"Cheryl and I go way back! She's one of the most experienced birth professionals in Australia having attended over 1000 births in 30 years as both a midwife and a doula. If you live in Queensland and you are pregnant I would strongly suggest that you consider hiring her as your birth doula."
Julia - Newborn Mothers
5 Ways Your Doula is Like a Wedding Planner
Wedding planning is a big deal...right? We expect people to take their time, and have big plans, even for small occasions. This might include a meal, a ceremony, coordinated outfits, decorations, a bridal shower, cakes, and more. As a society we don’t say anything to a woman who chooses to use a wedding planner. She’s smart and has help. Who wouldn’t want that? So I’d like to propose that a doula is much like a wedding planner, except that it’s for the birth of your baby.
1 A doula knows the major players in town.
Just like you would count on the wedding planner to have an idea of where to look for catering and flowers, a doula will be able to help you navigate your way around the many practitioners and services in your area. She can help you find the best people to help you have the birth you want from your doctor or midwife, to the baby’s paediatrician, a lactation consultant and more. This can help reduce the amount of work you have to do finding out which practitioners do what and when. She has a very long and valued contact list.
2 A doula knows the options.
A doula has training that most pregnant women do not have when it comes to giving birth. Sure, you took a childbirth class and learned a lot but her training is typically longer and specifically focused on how to help pregnant women in labour. She has extensive knowledge, not only of ways to help alleviate pain, positions for labour and other coping techniques, but she knows about medications and procedures that are common to the birthing environment.
3 A doula helps orchestrate.
Once she has your birth plan and knows what you want, your doula will help make sure that the birth follows your plans as much as possible. She will work the behind the scenes to ensure you can focus on your job – having a baby. She will remind your partner of ways to support you, bring you ice or drinks, and help you know when to use what tools on your list.
4 A doula wants you to have the best birth for you.
A doula, like a wedding planner, isn’t reliving her birth or wedding; she’s helping you and your family have the ideal birth for your baby. During the prenatal period, your doula will sit down with you and extensively go over what your desires are for your birth. She will ask you questions and listen as you tell her what you’re looking for in the experience, both in terms of physical things as well as emotionally. Most doulas will ask you to write a birth plan to help outline what it is you’re looking for so that everyone who is assisting you at the birth will be on the same page – your page.
5 A doula can help when unexpected things happen.
A doula can help you when your plans start changing. She can quickly help you evaluate what your other options are, based on your birth plan and preferences at the time. She can help you get more information and be more informed. This can be by helping you ask the right questions or helping you get the space you need to make decisions. She will also help you remember the other parts of your birth plan that may be still viable. She can also help you change directions and cope better with the changes. She will help you have a positive birth.
“ Staff at the hospital were very impressed by Cheryl's support, and some of them were amazed that I had successfully had a vaginal birth after two Caesars. My husband and I both felt that we couldn't have done this without Cheryl's support — and we would gladly recommend her to any other expecting couples. ”
Elise
Give yourself the best chance of a positive birth in a hospital setting. A new book by one of Australias leading doulas, Cheryl Sheriff.
Sharing wisdom from her 30 years experience as a midwife and doula, and her presence at over 1000 hospital births.
After reading this book you will have more direction, and feel confident, excited and less daunted by the experiences to come.
