I highly recommend Cherie Correlli of Baltimore Birth Doula. I can honestly say that I don’t think I would have been able to have a natural birth, with no epidural like I wanted to, had it not been for Cherie. I had the perfect birth plan in my mind. I would go into labor at home, then labor in water at the hospital, and then have a natural birth with no epidural or interventions. Well my little one was 10 days late and they needed to induce. I thought my birth plan would not be able to happen, as I had to be induced. Cherie encouraged me that I can still stick with my plan and not to give up. I sometimes felt like I had to defend my birth plan to the medical staff and Cherie helped me to stand up for what I wanted and also suggested things that had not occurred to me. She suggested I stop the pitocin at about 5 to 6 centimeters and labor in the birthing pool the rest of the way.
I would not have thought of this especially as worn out as I was from being at hospital and not sleeping the night before due to waiting to be induced. Even some medical staff were shocked by this but my midwife agreed and laboring in the water was less painful than increasing the pitocin and my body was able to progress in labor. The labor was painful but Cherie did several things to help me work through the pain. She offered heating pads in beginning stages of labor, and a birth ball etc.
As labor progressed and became more painful she massaged my back where I was experiencing labor pains for hours. She even got in the water with me in order to continue to massage my back to help ease the pain. She helped me work through each contraction by reminding me to relax, breathe and low moan. Her calming and relaxing voice not only helped me but my husband said it even helped calm him. She also stood by my side not just through the labor but when there was an issue with my placenta and the midwife had to call a doctor in to remove it. She stayed by my side through it all. She also helped me when it was time to breastfeed. She also took amazing pictures of the birth of our baby! Whatever I needed Cherie was right there and no task was too great or small.
Cherie not only helped me but my husband also commented on how much of a support and help Cherie was not just to me but to him as well. I cannot say enough of how excellent Cherie was during the labor and delivery of our child but she also was extremely helpful in the months leading up to that big day. Every concern I had she was always there to offer answers and offer encouragement. She would send me articles to read about issues or concerns I was having during pregnancy and she would regularly check on me to see how I was doing. Cherie will be your coach, cheerleader and support from the very beginning till even after everything is over. Cherie still checks in with me and it’s been 6 weeks since the birth. Cherie doesn’t replace your partner and the role your partner plays but is an additional support who is trained to help women through labor and delivery. My husband and I are very grateful that Cherie was there by our side for the birth of our beautiful baby girl!
I was, at first, reluctant to enlist Cherie’s services for the birth of our child, because I wanted to share the experience with my wife alone. It was important enough to my wife that I agreed, and after the birth, I can say that I understand the importance of Cherie’s support. I am now able to see that my wife wanting a doula is not a commentary on the support that I am able to offer to her. Cherie was so helpful and calming to my wife throughout the labor and birth. Her gentle reminders to stay calm and her sharp attention to how my wife was feeling and acting through each contraction was both helpful and comforting. Cherie’s trained eye and caring spirit were truly evident. She has turned me from a skeptical husband to a grateful client. I am thankful that she is so good at what she does.
Let me first say that choosing to have a doula with me throughout the pregnancy and birth experience is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Secondly, choosing Cherie as that person was something I will never, ever regret. She loves her job with so much passion and commitment!! As a soon to be mother, she helped me to develop confidence in the decisions I was making for my child. I wanted to have a natural childbirth and Cherie was totally behind me in that decision. She was my number one resource and was a constant guiding hand that supported me no matter what. When I wanted to use hypnobirthing, she supported that. And when I was unable to attend the classes, she even read the book and made time to review it with me, making me flashcards and handouts to practice the techniques of the method. Cherie was without a doubt a difference maker in my labor and birth experience, and I don't know if I would have been as successful in achieving my wishes without her. When I went into labor she came to my home and was a constant supporter, keeping me calm and focused. My confidence was through the roof with her encouragement! When we went to the hospital, She was there to communicate my wishes if I was unable to, she made sure I had everything I wanted and needed, and she helped my husband to be a big part of the experience as well. I was able to deliver my daughter naturally and safely, as I had hoped. I am so thankful to her!
Cherie has a love for childbirth and pregnancy like no other. She is constantly continuing to educate herself as a doula to improve her practice. As a mother of two herself, She knows what its like to want a pleasant and healthy birth experience. She knows what it is like to have that love at first sight moment and to want the best for your child. And she made that moment a reality for me, my husband, and my daughter. I cannot wait to have her by my side again next time!
Cherie was our doula for the births of all three of our children. Her calming presence and expert knowledge was invaluable. Cherie was extremely reassuring and always looking out for my wife to see any possible way that she could help. There were numerous situations where Cherie would point out other options we had that the hospital didn’t mention and ideas that we wouldn’t have thought of. Her insights, calming nature, and expertise were incredibly beneficial throughout the entire experience.
Being a first time momma with a family who knew nothing about assisted laboring or birthing and who was completely shocked at my goal of having an all natural unmedicated birth, I knew that hiring a doula was the only way my husband and I could approach my daughter's birth confidently despite our family's fears. Cherie was support for me from the very beginning of my pregnancy even until now. Though my daughter was only born a week ago, I am still in awe of what I was able to accomplish with whom I consider the best labor support around! My labor was induced after a small leak of fluid caused me to be admitted to the hospital. From that point forward it seemed as if all the things I had hoped and planned for up until my 37th week of pregnancy,were being washed down the drain within just 15 short minutes of arriving at the hospital. Cherie was with me via text message through triage and met me as they induced my labor at just barely 2 cm. She constantly reminded me of my wishes and helped me to navigate, advocate for myself and balance my wishes with hospital policy and find a good balance that everyone could be happy with. In the end, we had a vaginal, epidural-free delivery of a beautiful, 7lb 8.2oz darling after 15+ hours of labor. My birthing experience and story mean the absolute WORLD to me and I know I couldn't have made it through my induced labor without Cherie!
When I unexpectedly became pregnant with my 3rd chid, I knew I wanted a different birth experience. My two boys were both born via induction at 39 weeks, and I knew I didn't want this again. I was referred to Cherie by someone, and was very impressed after meeting her in person. I felt very relaxed and comfortable around her and she never pushed that something was the "right" way or correct decision, more that it was my choice, and presented my options. She recommended books to read, and videos to watch which were very enlightening! As my pregnancy moved along, she offered frequent support via text, facebook, and in-person meetings. I really wanted a natural birth, and I've always tested Strep B positive in the past. Cherie offered advice on probiotics, which I took daily and I was negative when they tested me. When I started having problems with weakness, fainting, and irregular contractions, a few weeks before my due date, Cherie offered advice and words of encouragement. Everyone was convinced my baby girl would be early, including my doctor, and when my due date came and went, I really was worried I would be induced. Cherie gave me a much needed pep talk, and hope that I would have the birth I wanted. When my contractions began (for real this time) five days after my due date, she checked with me frequently and encouraged me to rest. I had contractions gradually increasing throughout the night, and she came over to my house in the morning. We laughed, talked, and walked. She was a great support while laboring at home to myself and my husband. I was very excited to find out I was 6cm at the hospital. I remember being so hot during labor, and Cherie had the best thing ever - a portable fan! When I was in the birthing tub during transition, and my contractions became one on top of another she became my voice, and talked me through, when I was feeling overwhelmed and questioning my abilities. I truly believe she was made to be a doula, and I am so blessed to have met her!
Cherie was my Doula for the delivery of my first baby. She was always available if I had any questions during my pregnancy and was knowledgeable in answering them. She met with me a couple months prior to my delivery to go over any last minute questions or concerns and go over my birth plan. She was always careful to let me make my own choices for my birth, but would make helpful suggestions or ask good questions that I hadn’t even thought of.
I had planed to deliver our daughter at Special Beginnings Birth Center, but when my water broke at 36 weeks, I knew that wouldn't be an option. Cherie was super flexible and met us at the hospital right after we were admitted.
During my long labor I felt so much more comfortable having Cherie there for support and as my advocate. She was able to support my Husband also, allowing him to sleep and eat which was needed during my extended labor. Cherie gave me more confidence in making my decisions as the plan needed to change. As my labor got intense her encouraging and soothing words were the most helpful. She would remind me over and over to just focus on each contraction and that helped me not get ahead of myself and focus on the moment. When I would say I couldn't do it anymore, she would remind me that at that moment I was doing it! She also suggested different positions during labor and would help me move into them. One of my favorite things she did was keep a log of how my labor progressed and when certain things happened. It has been fun to look back on and be able to remember things. I was for sure able to stick to my plan of not getting an epidural because of my Doula's support. It was a beautiful experience and I'm so thankful she was there for the birth of our daughter!
Cherie is absolutely amazing! I cannot promote her enough. I wanted a minimal intervention natural birth and knew I wanted a doula. I am so thankful I chose Cherie. She met with me before my birth to discuss my wishes and answered all of my questions throughout my pregnancy. During the birth she was so supportive and calming. She was with me through 20 hours of hard labor. Not only was she a huge emotional support, but physically she helped immensely with the labor pains and contractions. (I made it to 9 cm with no meds but had over an hour of contractions without any pauses and was light headed and having trouble breathing and needed meds to get rest) I ended up needing an emergency cesarean and she took amazing pictures of the birth for me so that I was able to relive my daughter's first moments that I unfortunately missed. Her price is very reasonable, but even if she cost thousands of dollars-I would figure out a way to get money to have her...worth every penny. Every mama deserves to have a Cherie at their birth!
Cherie attended my last 3 births. Although they were all very different, she was there when needed and provided the right support for each situation. Her reassuring presence was a huge help, especially while my husband was busy with our other kids and getting the house and birth supplies ready. She was able to think clearly during each phase of labor and say what I needed to hear. Her commitment to a mother's right to be the mother she chooses is one of my favorite qualities of Cherie. Her knowledge of pregnancy, labor, birth, and the importance of the bonds between mother and baby are all reasons I advise any expectant parents to consider having Cherie support their journey into parenthood.
Cherie attended the births of both of my daughters. I have hard, fast labors, so when my first daughter, E, arrived, Cherie was hard-pressed to make it in time. Despite that, she came right in and focused on me, offering support, asking questions, taking on my voice so that I knew my wishes would be heard. Fast-forward to the birth of my second daughter, R, and the scenario was similar. Cherie was right beside me and my husband, encouraging me, asking questions of the medical staff, helping me maneuver. My labor was a little longer with R. I pushed for a while and was becoming tired. Cherie became my eyes and ears, noticing interventions being considered and words and looks exchanged between the nurses. She made sure I knew what was going on, advocating for my wishes. Honestly, I don't think my labor and birth experiences would have gone as smoothly without her support. I was glad to have my husband with me, but I think he would agree that having a doula, allowing Cherie to assist us, was invaluable. Forever grateful!
Cherie was my doula for my third child, Molly, who was born at Special Beginnings Birth Center. The experience was great, from start to finish. When I came to the birth center, I was about 6cm dilated. I was doing pretty well, but closer to 9cm, things got pretty intense and I started to feel myself tense up. I was afraid, and could feel my muscles tensing with each contraction. Cherie gave me some words to think on, and after a warm shower and some relaxation techniques, I was able to calm down and felt labor progressing. Molly was born shortly after, with help from my amazing midwives. Cherie did a wonderful job encouraging me and helping me focus. She was there when needed, and very relaxed the entire time. I am very thankful to have had her help and support, and she will definitely be there for the birth of my next baby as well!
Cherie was a tremendous help through my pregnancies and deliveries. I had two planned c-sections, and Cherie was there for much needed support. My husband and family were very helpful, but Cherie's calming presence and knowledge enabled me to find peace and strength for my babies' sake. Looking back, I know that remaining calm was instrumental through pregnancy and birth, and I owe that to Cherie.
Cherie Correlli was the doula for our second daughter's birth and we had a great experience. I had always liked the idea of having a doula but didn't give it much thought until Cherie approached me about being a part of Charlotte's birth. My husband and I both thought it would be helpful and wanted to know more. We had open communication (via email) the first 2 trimesters and we sat down over lunch the beginning of my third trimester to discuss my birth plan. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and was considered "high risk" due to low fetal movement. Cherie was a great sounding board and very knowledgable when it came to both of my pregnancy issues. She was very encouraging and towards the end when I wanted to throw in the towel and beg for an induction, she reminded me of what I truly desired. I knew this baby was big (although the ultrasound said she was 8 lbs 1 oz at 39 weeks) and was nervous to go much past my due date. Because of low fetal movement and my approaching due date, I was induced on my due date.
I went to the hospital on a Friday night and was given a gel to help ripen my cervix so it would be favorable for induction. The script the doctor gave was not the one we had discussed. The one he was giving me was one that I could not get out of bed with. If it was not for Cherie, I would not have known the difference. She informed me of the difference and the nurse called the doctor and he switched it.
My labor was 20 hours and Cherie stayed the entire time and was very supportive and helpful. She gave me support when I needed it and space when needed. If it wasn't for Cherie I would have been bed ridden from the second I walked into the hospital until the end. After 20 hours, I birthed a healthy, baby girl-9lbs 5 oz and 23" long.
Cherie was an amazing support and you will not regret your decision to hire her.
