Cherie works on her own as well as with the birth centre. She can support you in the hospital or if you prefer,with a qualified midwife at the birth centre or at your home.

Check out Cherie’s website for more information.

I am married with three children.We have always lived in Launceston and are very settled here, we love all Tasmania has to offer.

I loved all 3 birth experiences and have been passionate about childbirth ever since I gave birth to my first child at the Birth Centre. I believe all women should have the best possible birth they can have in a safe and loving environment. My passion is to help create that environment, by offering physical and emotional support.

In 2008 through www.optimumbirth.com.au I completed my study as a Doula. Most Australians have not heard of a ‘Doula’ though they are very popular in countries such as the USA and UK. I am excited to be one of the few doulas in Australia and look forward to supporting women in Launceston, Tasmania.

I would be very happy to meet you before you make any decisions about having a Doula as it is important to make sure we ‘connect’. There would be no cost for this visit.

I’m not a midwife, nurse or medical practitioner. A Doula’s role is to offer information and to support emotionally and physically.

As your doula I will visit you and your partner at home (birth centre or cafe) for the number of visits we organize. The home prenatal visits prepare the way for the best labor and birth for you as an individual. During these visits we will get to know each other and I will bring any information you might need. This may include such things as leaflets, books and dvds that I have collected for my own personal doula library. I make an effort to include a wide variety of information that gives an unbiased view of issues concerning childbirth. Of course I have my own ideas about childbirth but these are personal to me and are not necessarily the best for anyone else. I firmly believe that my job is to serve YOU and that only YOU can know the best birth options for yourself. The information that I bring is meant for you to deepen your own personal knowledge and begin your own exploration so that you can better judge your needs. As your knowledge grows you can develop your birth plan and then instuct me about the type of birth you would like. I will then be able to offer suggestions about comfortable positions and strategies to assist your physical and emotional comfort.

When you go into labor I will meet you at your home, the birth centre or the hospital depending on your choice of birth. I will stay with you throughout the process to support you in the way planned. After your baby’s birth I will help you to start breastfeeding if you desire, and then leave when you feel you do not need me anymore. A home visit will be made to debrief and to ask any questions you might have after bringing your baby home.

My overall aim is to help you achieve the best birth experience for you, whether you choose a natural birth, a medically assisted birth or an elective caesarean section.

For Doula charges and further information, please go to my website, the web address is given at the top of this article.

Cherie Chugg

Contact details – 0409 319 049 cheriechuggdoula@bigpond.com