It was safe to say I was freaking out a little, maybe a lot, when I realised I was going to have a baby within a few months. Being an organised, needing everything in place kind of person didn't help and moreover I didn't have any close family to help me through my pregnancy journey.
I had researched doulas, what they do and I had an idea but was really unsure of going ahead and I also had my partner to convince. After having a few conversations with Cheryl and having a trial meeting with her, I knew it was definitely what I needed. It was comforting to me that not only was Cheryl a doula but also a midwife, knowing the hospital system, having current experience with different families and births and having a good relationship with the midwives at hospitals. She understood my need to have all knowledge available to me prior to the big day and she gave me invaluable support along the way, whether by message, email or phone call, knowing that I really needed another woman who standing by me that would advocate for me. As basic as that may sound sometimes that is all I needed.
I also felt having Cheryl there kept it real, I got a different view other than what I heard during antenatal appointments. She knew I was hell bent on having a natural birth with as little as intervention as possible and that is exactly what happened. She was such a calming, reassuring presence for me and my partner, it empowered us. I was honestly so pleased with how everything fell into place!
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.
