Cheryl Waterbury CD(DONA) - Gentle Genesis Birth Doula Services

I was very pleased with the services provided by Cheryl. She had a relaxed demeanor which allowed me to not feel stressed. She was very willing to be very involved or step back as the occasions arose (even getting wet as she provided counter pressure for my back in the shower!). I was thankful that if she didn't know the answer she would research it and helped me think through decisions. She was a great asset during my pregnancy & labor; I would work with her again!

Posted 10/19/2012

I instantly liked her just from her email and phone responses and when we met in person we knew she was the one for us. I like to say that it's like having your best friend's mother at your birth. She is not exactly your mother which eliminates some of that nervous "mother" anxiety that you don't want, but on the other hand you have that feeling that she really cares for you and has your best interest in mind. There were times during my labor that I felt a reassuring hand on my forehead or on my arm and it felt like my own mother calming me. I even told my mom that I liked when she put the cold washcloth on my forehead and she said "that wasn't me, that was Cheryl"! She helped my husband help me in a way that let him feel empowered during a time when I know he felt helpless. She was also the soul reason I could talk the next day! She helped me find a humming technique that allowed me to work through the pain of natural childbirth without destroying my voice. My labor never stopped for 12 straight hours and neither did she and she always seemed to know exactly what I needed when I needed it, whether it be a suggestion on how to position myself, a cold compress or a drink to stay hydrated. She knew what I needed more than I did! She kept encouraging me when I felt like giving up and when I felt really scared just seeing her smile at me with some kind words of wisdom gave me such a sense of relief that everything was truly alright. That is what makes hiring a Doula (hiring Cheryl for us!) so worth it; knowing that you are in good hands during such a special time. Our daughter is 7 months old now and we still keep in touch with Cheryl. She sends us a "Happy -month day" each month and checks up on us. I definitely plan to call Cheryl again for our next one and I/we highly recommend her to anyone having a baby whether in a hospital or birthing center, natural or not. You won't regret it!

Posted 7/6/2012

Cheryl was a great doula. She provided everything that we needed and nothing that we didn't. She was always in the right place at the right time but never overstepped any boundaries. She took amazing pictures at my sons birth, as well. She really made the effort to get to know my family ahead of time so that on delivery day we were very comfortable with her presence.

Posted 7/5/2012