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.
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.
