Doula Services

Sheryl has experience with natural birth, water birth, breathing and massage techniques, lactation support, and knowledge of medical interventions.  At home, she will help to keep everyone calm, fed and positive, and she can be helpful in deciding when it is  time to get to the hospital, if that is your destination.  At the hospital, she will remain by  your side as your advocate, and can be helpful in making in the  moment decisions.   Her guidance can be invaluable to the partner who wants to be your primary support, but has little or no experience with birth.  You have the unique opportunity to attend weekly yoga classes with Sheryl and get to know her voice and cues for relaxing and deepening into your physical experience.  She'll also get to know you in the class, your strengths and challenges, physically and beyond.

As your doula, she will meet privately with you and your partner to get familiar with your wishes for the birth of your child.  She will connect with you through movement and breath, educate you about techniques that will assist in natural childbirth, and discuss ways of communication and decision making in labor.  She can help to create a birth plan, and go over pros and cons of various medical interventions.  Sheryl is certified as a doula through DONA, an international doula network.

After the birth, Sheryl is available for help with diapering, breastfeeding, colicky baby, massage treatments, and postpartum yoga classes!

"Sheryl is super doula! She did all the things that one would expect from a doula: helped me find comfortable positions to labor in, brought me food, reminded me to stay hydrated. She kept her calm when the going got tough and helped me to do the same throughout my long difficult labor. She advocated firmly for my desires with hospital staff. I'm grateful for all of this, but what makes her exceptional are the the things that I did not expect. She gave me an amazing massage while I was pregnant. She made herself available by phone and email to answer pregnancy related questions. While I was in labor, she indulged my 2.5 year old son's elaborate "tea party" fantasies and went out of her way to make him feel a part of the experience. Several days after the birth, she visited us all in the NICU to deliver a delicious home cooked chicken soup. And, as if she hadn't already gone far beyond the call of duty, she also paid us a home visit 2 weeks following the birth to ensure that we were settling in and to answer any questions about breastfeeding!

Her training as a prenatal yoga instructor was also invaluable. She worked with me to find comfortable stretches during pregnancy and positions to labor in. My husband and I took her partner-yoga for pregnant couples class and loved it! I am convinced that Sheryl was born to do this type of work. She's in her element around pregnant woman and babies and I would highly recommend her as a doula to my closest friends."

- Sarah Lowe

"I met Sheryl through mamayoga classes and was instantly taken by her
prenatal knowledge as well as her soothing, tranquil demeanor. Before the birth, Sheryl taught Chris and I some labor postures and breathing techniques. During labor, she played the relaxing music from yoga class, placed cold compresses on my forehead, and reminded me to breathe and relax once a contraction subsided. She even took photographs of the event, which we are so grateful to have. My labor experience was only five hours long and I had a completely natural water birth. My partner was also appreciative of Sheryl's assistance, as we all worked harmoniously together. A few days later, Sheryl brought me healing herbs for a bath. A few weeks later she offered me the gift of a heavenly massage. I am thrilled Sheryl was a part of our birth experience. She was sister, friend, and wise woman and helped me stay focused and positive through the intense experience of birthing. Sheryl is a pillar of support, and I highly recommend her as a doula." ~ Erin O'Kelley Muck, Spring 2006