Introducing some of the newest members of our Ideal Birth family ...
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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.
My wife and I feel absolutely blessed to have found and experienced Cheryl's support for the birth of our first son. We found her approach pragmatic yet empathetic along every step of the journey- before, during and after. With so much mixed information available online, Cheryl offers a research/evidence- based approach which is devoid from personal bias. She provided my wife with information and recommendations for different aspects of pregnancy, birth and the 4th trimester which we didn't get through the hospital. Cheryl came to our house for one on one sessions, made herself available on phone and emails for months, and has frequently contacted my wife after our son's birth to check in about recovery, feeding and life as new parents. My wife never considered a birth unaided by pain relief and ended up having an unmedicated birth with Cheryl's support. My wife used the breathing, positive self- talk and movement techniques learnt from Cheryl throughout labour. She was always by our side, held the shower head on my wife's back for hours, reassured us and guided my wife through the crisis points. Cheryl is a genuine, calm and kind person. Definitely reach out to Cheryl if you have any doubts.
Being first time parents, it was important for my partner and I to have continuity of care for the birth of our baby. We had a really difficult time in the lead up to the 3rd trimester of the pregnancy. On top of the Covid situation, we had some personal family issues that turned our world upside down.
When I first spoke to Cheryl I could tell she was very sympathetic to our situation, and her kindness was comforting to us during this turbulent time.
Cheryl is extremely knowledgeable and whenever we had a question or needed information she was always available and quick to respond with helpful references. She was very generous, not just with her time, but giving books and resources to us as well. It was comforting to know that we could speak to her when issues or concerns arose.
We had a hospital birth which did not quite go to plan (as is often the case). Cheryl was very calm and supportive throughout. It was clear she has a lot of experience and this was very reassuring in a vulnerable time.
During the postpartum period, we had some feeding issues and Cheryl was extremely helpful. She was able to connect us with the right people and offer advice. She also provided amazing nutritional advice along with some lovely homemade meals to put in the freezer which really took some pressure off. Thank you for everything Cheryl!
Cheryl has supported us through the pregnancy and birth of both of our children. I had health conditions during my pregnancies and her knowledge really helped us to understand and negotiate the hospital system, rather than just be passive participants.
This allowed us to have the birth experiences that we believed were best for my health and that of our children. After each birth, Cheryl also was generous with her support and gave us some yummy treats to enjoy!
My partner and I highly recommend Cheryl and hope that many families get to benefit from her services in the future.
“ If there was a machine that cost $200,000.00, reduced the caesarean rate by half, cut the length of labour by 2 hours and decreased other interventions, hospitals would have 2, 3, or 4 of them. It’s hard for us to believe that human support can have such a profound effect on a medical outcome. ”
Dr. Marshall Klaus M.D., co- author of Mothering the Mother
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.
