Introducing some of the newest members of our Ideal Birth family ...
Olivia, Ben and baby Esmae February 2020
My husband and I are new to QLD with no local family support. Cheryl brought with her not only great knowledge but a genuine invested interest into our lives and approach to birth. We had very clear objectives in mind of how we wanted the birth and postnatal path to go, which was to be as natural as possible.
Cheryl not only held the same values but gave us such great tools, that our birth plan came to the fore. We’ve come to see her not just as a doula but as a very important part of our family! She was instrumental in bringing our beautiful daughter to us and for that we’re forever grateful.
Thank you Cheryl,
Olivia, Ben and Esmae February 2020
Kristi, Luke and baby Xavier February 2020
When pregnant with my second child, my husband and I decided we wanted a VBAC after a traumatic birth with my first child. VBAC means vaginal birth after caesarean.
To give ourselves the best chance of success, we decided to hire a doula. Cheryl was an easy choice with her qualifications and decades of experience, as well as her familiarity with the Brisbane hospitals and her genuine caring manner.
I experienced a great deal of anxiety about birth in third trimester. My baby was tracking as quite large and there was a lot of pressure from the obstetrician to either induce early or, preferably, have an elective Caesarean. I would have caved to the pressure if I didn't have Cheryl. She stayed in daily contact as I approached my due date, and dealt with many panicked texts and phone calls. She was the voice of calm and reason when I needed it most.
When I went into labour, Cheryl beat us to the hospital and provided invaluable practical support. She worked seamlessly in the background to provide my husband and I the privacy "bubble" we desired. My second child was born vaginally with no epidural and no interventions, weighing 4.77kg, with a head circumference of 37.4cm. I have no doubt that it would have been a different outcome without Cheryl. She really did help us to achieve our ideal birth.
Luke - new father February 2020
Someone asked me if having Cheryl was worth it. My response was, "you would have a hard time convincing me to go through childbirth again without her." Her knowledge and contacts were invaluable in the months leading up to the big day but when we got to the hospital she gave me the confidence to be able to focus on my wife and know that if I had forgotten some small detail, she would take care of it. I have no doubt that had we not secured Cheryl's services we would not have had the birth experience my wife so badly wanted. Thanks to her it could not have gone me better. In my opinion, everyone needs an Ideal Birth.
Kelly, Matt and baby Archie January 2020
As first time parents, Matt and I found Cheryl's advice invaluable. From our very first meeting we felt at ease with her warm and professional approach. Not only is Cheryl extremely knowledgeable in her field, she also has a nurturing and comforting nature which helped us feel at ease to ask the many questions we had.
It was fantastic to have Matt totally involved in all our meetings and to have him feel confident to support me during labour and beyond.
Cheryl ensured our birth experience was reflective of our birth plan and she kept the birth suite a calm environment for us to be completely immersed in our experience.
We couldn't recommend Cheryl highly enough and we thank her for her support.
Dajana, Sam and baby Mira January 2020
I cannot recommend Cheryl more highly. She was instrumental in helping us to prepare for the birth of our first child, both mentally and physically. She empowered us with knowledge to make our own educated decisions and supported us every step of the way. When all didn't go as planned, we had the confidence to adapt on the go, which resulted in a very positive birth experience and a healthy mum and baby. Cheryl has impeccable communication skills and her calmness is infectious. She was reassuring before, during and after the birth. To top it all off, her lasagne was super tasty! Thanks Cheryl.
Megan, Ian and baby Veronica December 2019
Cheryl is such a positive, knowledgeable and beautiful person - it was such a pleasure to have her support the birth of our daughter in December 2019. 💕
I could not imagine having being able to navigate the hospital system or care providers without her support. Cheryl also has a great network of birth carers/supporters and a wealth of experience and information. Cheryl provides true continuity of support and care.
After a less than ideal (pun!) first birth, for my second birth I wanted genuine support from a great team. From the first time I spoke to Cheryl on the phone I knew she was the person to support my family.
Whilst I did not get the birth I was hoping for, Cheryl was able to support us to make the best of the situation and made the overall journey wonderful for my partner and I.
I can never thank Cheryl enough x
