Introducing some of the newest members of our Ideal Birth family ...
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
We feel very fortunate that Cheryl was part of our support system during pregnancy and birth. She joined us in the 3rd trimester when some pregnancy complications arose. Cheryl offered a very experienced voice that we could discuss our concerns, wishes and wants with and develop a plan to continue on the path to our ideal birth while embracing the complications. During labor, Cheryl offered a calm presence and encouragement when I approached moments of self-doubt. She gave me verbal cues of how to listen to my body and allow my body and baby to do what they were meant to do. Thanks to Cheryl’s and my husband’s guidance and support, I was able to have an empowering birthing experience. It was obvious that many of the hospital staff knew Cheryl and respected her opinion on how to move forward and Cheryl did an amazing job at protecting our birthing space allowing us to focus on the birthing experience. If you are here reading this and you are recognizing that you could use some additional support in your pregnancy/birthing journey, rest assured that Cheryl will be an incredible addition to your support team and is well worth the investment.
Being our first baby, my husband and I were fairly unprepared for what was to come. We contacted Cheryl after hearing about Ideal Birth through a fitness group I was going to, and we never looked back.
From the onset, we both felt so comforted by Cheryl’s experience, manner and confidence. She included my husband in every step of the way, which was very important to us, and showered us both in the knowledge that helped prepare us for baby Josephine’s birth.
I ended up having a calm, controlled and pain-relief free birth, something I had hoped for throughout my whole pregnancy. Cheryl’s presence on the day was invaluable. She was calm and present all day, which allowed me to labour how I wanted to without stress or interruption.
We were, and are still so overwhelmingly grateful for Cheryl’s ongoing support and we would have her by our side again for the next addition to our family.
As first time parents, my husband and I were not sure of what to expect when it came to our experience of childbirth!
After a couple of visits to our obstetrician and after attending the birthing classes at the hospital, it became clear to us that while we were provided with great base-level care and information, there was so much more we wanted to know. For me, I also craved more emotional guidance and consistency in the experience - which I was feeling I needed due to being somewhat nervous about many aspects of birth in general.
We'd never heard of a doula until a friend (baby due at the same time as us) commented that he and his wife were using one. Upon looking up what doula services were, I had the feeling this was the calm in the storm that I had been looking for!
I particularly liked the look of Cheryl due to her medical background. Despite being raised in an alternative household, I found that what made me calm about my birth was Cheryl's down to earth but professional guidance based on her extensive previous experience as a midwife. One of the best things about having Cheryl as our doula were the sessions we had before the birth which covered a whole range of things and made me aware of all of the choices I had about how I'd like my birth experience to be. This definitely helped me to feel more in control, empowered and even excited!
On the morning of my birth Cheryl was able to answer the phone at 1am and was at the hospital once I was in the birthing suite through until we were transferred to the rooms after our baby was born. Cheryl was a welcome friendly and familiar face as soon as she stepped in to the birthing suite. During her time there Cheryl, myself and my husband were able to navigate the territory together when I deviated from my original birth plans but birthed our beautiful baby boy in a way I was (and still am) so happy about - without fear.
With all that being said, I can't recommend Cheryl's services highly enough for professionalism, consistency, empathy and her genuine desire for you to have your ideal birth.
Thank you very much Cheryl for being by our side for this fantastic time in our lives.
I'm so glad that you could be there for us and lead us both through various unpleasant moments. We both knew we could rely on your knowledge and care. A bit anxious by nature, you allowed me to sit back and let nature, and bub, show us the way with the best outcome possible.
We are also very happy that you could be there for the birth and gently guided us through it. I felt stronger knowing that J. could fully rely on you to show him how to be the best partner for me.
So, once again, a very big thank you from the three of us.
My husband & I have really valued Cheryl's support during our last 2 births! Having someone to help create the atmosphere of support and calm in a hospital environment during birth has been so valuable for us. Thank you Cheryl!
I would highly recommend the use of a doula and specifically Cheryl for supporting you through your late stage pregnancy, birth and post-birth needs.
I was under the care of the Birth Centre, RBWH who are a fantastic team, but as a share care model there was little continuity in the support I received in the lead up to my birth and particularly during a long labour. As a first time mother, it was of huge benefit to have the coaching and support of such an experienced doula - someone who has been through 100's of births and understands the twists and turns of pregnancy and particularly birth. This experience means that Cheryl provides a very calming and steady hand - she's able to explain your options, slows your racing mind and ensures that you stay true to the birth you intended.
Our birth didn't "go to plan", yet despite this I was really satisfied and content with my birth, and avoided any trauma by having Cheryl, together with my husband, working as a team for the 24 hour labour.
For husbands/birth partners - it's important to know that Cheryl doesn't replace or reduce their role. In fact, I believe my husband was more confident and active during our birth as he'd had plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get to understand the process before he was suddenly in a room with medico's rushing about.
A doula works with you prior to the birth (we had multiple meetings with Cheryl in our home where she got to know us well and understand what we were looking for), and for six-weeks after birth. Again, it was a huge advantage to have someone so experienced at the end of the phone/text
with the endless new-Mum questions and also available to drop over at short notice.
I cannot recommend Cheryl and her services more highly. You'll feel in control and well supported to have a birth of your choice.
“ I loved that Cheryl was experienced….I felt completely able to turn to her as a credible source of knowledge and support. ”
Fleur
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.
