Introducing some of the newest members of our Ideal Birth family ...
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On advice from some friends, we decided quite late in my pregnancy to engage a doula and after chatting to a few, we decided to proceed with Cheryl from Ideal Birth and I am forever grateful we did! Cheryl's approach is informed by research, supportive and she is so knowledgeable about all facets of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She took the time to get to know my partner and I and truly understand what we were hoping for as well as our concerns and as a result, my birth left me feeling empowered, safe, well cared for and was pretty close to the ideal birth (pun intended!) despite some early curve balls. Cheryl's advice during pregnancy and postpartum was invaluable and we are sure that if it wasn't for Cheryl, we would have had a very different birthing and postpartum experience.
I would definitely recommend doulas generally and Cheryl in particular to anyone expecting who understands the value of an empowering and positive birth experience.
"Cheryl was instrumental in helping us prepare for a well informed, positive birth experience within a hospital setting. As first time parents, we felt supported and safe having someone as experienced as Cheryl on our team. After meeting a couple of times, Cheryl quickly figured out both of our personality styles and adapted her approach to suit each of us, ensuring we worked together and supported each other's way of preparing for birth. Our birth did not go to plan, however thanks to Cheryl's support and guidance, we felt positive and empowered the whole way through and do not feel our overall experience was negative in any way. We highly recommend Cheryl as part of any couple's birth support team!"
Prior to getting pregnant I was not at all keen on giving birth naturally - I didn't want the pain and I thought it would 'ruin my body'. Once I fell pregnant and started researching, I became absolutely intent on achieving a positive birth experience - ideally a natural labour without drugs. We are really into health and fitness so it seemed a no brainer to have our own support person/coach to help us prepare for such a huge event in our life!
What I loved is that Cheryl talked us through both sides of different scenarios and options in an objective way, being caring and understanding while also being experienced, knowledgeable - knowing she was a midwife for so long and knew the ins and outs of the hospital system also really put me at ease. We did a lot of preparation with her in our home which was amazing - on topics such as a healthy pregnancy, labouring at home, the birth process, the hospital environment and different pain relief options, breastfeeding, the partner's role, the list goes on. She is a strong and confident woman - exactly who you want by your side particularly if a decision needs to be made and you aren't sure, or if someone is trying to push you toward a certain procedure/intervention.
Having Cheryl's support throughout and when I went into labour was absolutely invaluable! She helped my husband (through many text messages!) time our hospital arrival so perfectly - an absolute godsend as otherwise we would have gone to the hospital 4 hours earlier! We arrived, my waters broke, and our daughter arrived in 1 hour 27 minutes - we achieved an incredible natural labour without pain relief and a wonderful transformative start to our daughter's life. Cheryl's presence was so calming and reassuring - also after the birth she made sure we were looked after which was such a relief.
We really could not recommend Cheryl more, and greatly appreciate her encouragement and support through such an exciting time in our lives - it has made a world of difference for the three of us. If you are considering having a doula in your birth journey, I would say absolutely go for it! We would 100% have her with us for our second baby. Thankyou Cheryl, with love from Sarah, Ross, and Lucy x
I was overwhelmed by the news of having a baby with family not being able to visit us from India.
Our friend introduced us to Cheryl, an absolutely charming and warm personality who helped transform my pregnancy journey from a horror to a positive story. I have had so many people tell me negative things about pregnancy but Cheryl showed me that it is really about perspective.
I can’t emphasise enough the importance of having her during your pregnancy.
The moral support, the exercises, the emotional support, the knowledge, the texting and clearing my doubts- you think about the help you need and Cheryl provides it. There was a time in the labour where my husband left my hand to make a video but I couldn’t let go of Cheryl’s hand.
Would highly recommend to have Cheryl by your side for a positive and empowering birth experience
Cheryl is the most wonderful thing that happened to us during our pregnancy. My friend almost pushed me into getting Cheryl as I was reluctant to do it before. Once we met her it was a no brainer.
I cannot stress enough the importance of having Cheryl by your side. We kept talking amongst us that we could not have done this so well without Cheryl. She had such a positive attitude about everything and such a massive wealth of knowledge about every aspect of pregnancy. My partner felt so supported. Cheryl showed how much of an important role a partner has in pregnancy. I am so impressed. THANK YOU!
If you are thinking to have a Doula or not I would say one thing "Do It" and you will thank yourselves for the rest of your lives.
I really wish more people talked about positive Childbirth rather than negative as everyone is just so scared. Cheryl you really turned our experience into a positive and wonderful one.
Love
Gulshan & Sazel
We just had our second birth with Cheryl - and again, she was a great help in the lead up, during and after the birth. We hit a bit of turbulence with medical providers, and this birth was a bit different, but Cheryl was still there to help and support my wife and I, and the outcome was a safe and healthy baby boy.There is no way I would ever have a birth without Cheryl, and so thankful she was there for both of them.
“ Cheryl is one of those amazing people who is living and breathing her passion. She has been an integral part of my three labours and births. ”
Elizabeth
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.
