Introducing some of the newest members of our Ideal Birth family ...
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“Cheryl was an invaluable support in the birth of our second baby boy. I feel so lucky to say it was one of the best days of my life, in no small part due to Cheryl’s involvement. I felt safe and empowered, and I’ve carried a new confidence into the rest of my life from this experience.
Cheryl heard me when I told her about my previous birth experience, and the type of birth I wanted this time around. She helped me to prepare by providing relevant resources (books, links, recommendations, referrals), she was a sounding board when thoughts or questions arose, and she got me out of my own head and simplified things for me when I was feeling overwhelmed in the lead up to the big day.
I believe that so much of physiological birth is feeling safe and supported to let your body do what it already knows how to do, to trust and to let go. Cheryl helped create that safe space for me, and included my husband so he was better able to support me and play an important role in the birth. I came away feeling like my husband and I had delivered our baby together. Cheryl and our midwife worked together seamlessly, allowing my husband and I to focus on one another and our baby- creating a beautiful memory that we will cherish forever.”
"Cheryl was a great help to me in supporting my wife in the birth of our second son. Far from making me redundant as a support person, she helped me to find a role that felt right for me and my wife, that seemed to emerge naturally throughout the course of her labour.
This time around, I felt so much better equipped to support my wife both physically during labour, but also emotionally in the days and weeks before and after the birth. We trusted Cheryl to be our advocate so that I could focus on being with and supporting my wife, making it a really special experience for us to share together."
Andrew
After a traumatic first birth during Covid my partner and I were anxious about going through the public hospital system again to birth our second son. Once we reached out to Cheryl it was an absolute relief to have someone not only with such extensive knowledge and experience but who was deeply caring and genuine.
Cheryl truly listened to my aspirations for my birth and helped me feel strong and confident within myself.
Once the day arrived my partner and I were calm knowing we had Cheryl to guide us all the way from labouring at home, arriving at the hospital door, navigating through the hospital in active labour, checking in and of course supporting myself through the final stages of birth.
Cheryl made sure my birth environment was calm, I was respected by all hospital staff and explained each step to me calmly as I focused on my labour. With her support I successfully achieved a natural calm delivery and was also able to check out with a healthy baby boy within 6hrs.
Throughout the labour Cheryl was also a constant support for my partner and also helped guide her through the experience.
I cannot recommend Cheryl enough to anyone who is starting their journey. To have Cheryl support and advocate for you through such a life changing time is invaluable.
Choosing Cheryl as my doula was the best decision I made during my pregnancy. Initially, I thought a doula's role was just emotional support during birth, but they do so much more! Cheryl was there throughout my pregnancy and in those first precious, whirlwind weeks after birth. She listened when I felt overwhelmed and helped me access quality information so that I was able to make better choices. She also helped my partner, Nic, understand his role during birth and in the early weeks post-partum. This made us both feel more confident and relaxed.
I had a healthier pregnancy and a better birth because I understood what my options were and the consequences of each decision. No matter how fit, healthy and prepared you think you are, pregnancy, birth and newborns are chaotic!
Cheryl's presence was crucial during my birth as it was long and I was incredibly tired. At one point, I considered an epidural, but Cheryl's non-judgmental approach, providing pros and cons, helped me make an informed decision to continue with the physiological birth I wanted. I had the best birth possible because Cheryl was there.
I would absolutely recommend Cheryl to anyone considering having a doula. I had an excellent midwife and Nic and I wondered if we needed a doula too. We absolutely did! Having a doula felt like having an extra mum who is very experienced in birth and babies. My pregnancy, birth and post-partum period were the best possible experience and a large part of that was the support and knowledge we gained by having Cheryl on our team.
It was a pleasure supporting Sarah and her partner Nic as they grew, birthed and moved into their new life as parents of Elodene. As Sarah mentions birth support is just a part of the benefits of having a doula on your team. It is far more complex support depending on the challenges that may present themselves along the way.
This little country girl already has her first pair of cowgirl boots.
"We met Cheryl midway through our pregnancy with our first child. Her support and evidence based guidance has been invaluable throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, and the post-partum period. Cheryl genuinely cares about helping to create a positive birthing experience and we were so glad to have her with us on our journey, we are certain it would not have been as positive or stress free without her. My husband and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to work with a doula and create their own positive experience."
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
“ I had no idea what to expect or how I could support my partner during the birth. ”
Matthew
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.
