Emma, Ace and baby Francesca September 2021

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Initially I was sceptical of a doula, being that it is unregulated and I didn’t quite understand what value it would add. After the first time I met Cheryl my concerns were immediately removed and I knew that she was going to be instrumental in my wife and I achieving the birth we wanted. Cheryl was a constant source of information and support in the lead up to the birth, providing us with the tools we needed to get ready for labour and birth. These tools meant that my wife was able to labour at home for far longer than I think would have otherwise been possible, at which point Cheryl came over and we discussed our options. Once we got to hospital I was able to focus 100% on my wife and the experience that was the birth of our daughter, knowing that Cheryl was there to provide the support and knowledge required to ensure the path we followed would result in a good experience, based on what was in our control. I could focus on the moment, not worrying about what in the birth plan I may have forgotten or what each scenario could lead to and what the potential outcomes were. We had a private OB to ensure that if something went wrong we were in the best medical hands, and Cheryl was there to ensure the birth went as close to the plan we had set out in and that is exactly what she did. Thanks to the support and guidance of Cheryl, my wife achieved a completely intervention free natural birth. I have no doubt that this would not have been as easily achieved had it not been for Cheryl’s assistance both in the lead up and on the day. Our plan is for a second child, and we will absolutely be calling on Cheryl to provide her services once again the second time around.