Client Testimonials
Testimonials by Dallas Doula clients and Prenatal Yoga mamas…
Kamela 2020
Cheryl was a perfect choice and so very instrumental in empowering me to have the birth and postpartum experience I had hoped for. I felt confident, prepared and excited going into labor, and having her with us in the hospital gave me an added sense of comfort. My last two postpartum experiences had been particularly challenging, so Cheryl helped set me up for having a peaceful and healthy journey this time around. With her weekly support and services, I have made it through the early and hardest weeks with far more ease than I even imagined. We are grateful for Cheryl!
Mandy 2018
I met Cheryl for the first time while I was in labor, because my original doula was at another birth and wasn’t able to come. At first I was unsure about having a last minute “replacement”, but minutes after Cheryl’s arrival, I knew I was in very good hands.
Cheryl has a very calm and peaceful energy about her and I felt like I could trust her right away. From my first contraction with Cheryl to the last, I felt her support and presence every step of the way. Whether it be hip squeezes, toilet knee to shoulder squeezes (that was awesome), essential oils on my ankles, heat pad on my lower back, warm water on my lower back, cold towels on my face (and changing them out when they aren’t cold anymore), or words of encouragement – nothing went unnoticed.
Cheryl was one of the most pleasant surprises during this pregnancy and I feel so blessed to have her as part of my birth experience; so much so that I may want to consider another child so I can have this experience all over again, with Cheryl being the doula from the get go!
Melissa 2018
Going to Cheryl’s prenatal yoga classes was one of my favorite things about being pregnant. Not only does she know how to help you through aches and pains, she helps you strengthen yourself in preparation for childbirth and caring for a little one. Perhaps most importantly, a class with Cheryl always leaves you feeling happy and beautiful and excited about what’s to come.
Corrine 2018
Atlas July 2018 ~
Cheryl was amazing from day one. We took a HypnoBirthing class with her and knew we wanted to have her be our doula as well. She was always there for us and was even close to delivering our baby since my midwife showed up right before my baby was born. I couldn’t have done it without her. I can’t thank her enough for letting me bite her hand in the middle of a contraction. For telling my husband to take my weight while I was hugging him. For squeezing my hips when it felt like my hips were going to explode. She is the best!! I would recommend her to everyone!
Lisa 2017
Michael & Santiago May 2017 ~
Dear Cheryl – You have been such a great support for us. Even though our plans were different than what we all thought, you have been there for us especially for Michael for so long after our babies birth. People should always know that Doulas are such a great support after birth and also when you have premature babies. Our decision to have you to support us even when we knew the outcome was going to be different, was the best decision ever. I’m so happy we are your first twin baby family. Can’t wait till you get to carry the boys and have your picture with them. We love you!
Linda 2016
Rose Evelyn 6/23/16 ~
“This was my second delivery with Cheryl & once again I don’t think I would have been able to execute my birth goals without her help. Her presence and the techniques she implements in the delivery room are extremely calming and beneficial.”
Breeanna 2016
Calista Paulette ~ 3/17/16 2:39AM
38 wks 2 days ~ 20.5″ 7lbs 12oz
The birth of our second daughter started off identical to our first. My water broke early in the morning in bed and and I had no idea what it was. No one ever thinks, “OK this is it!” But it was indeed my water breaking. I felt no contractions or any pain so I packed my bag and my daughter Athena’s overnight bag quickly. Several hours passed and nothing was happening so I made a trip to Dr. Denisa Weber my chiropractor and to JD Chippery the cookie shop to have a small treat for the nurses. We finally checked into triage at the hospital around noon. We were doing everything to get labor going and nothing was working so I had our fabulous doula Cheryl arrive about 5pm to give me an abhyanga. My husband and I had a nice dinner together in the delivery room and then finally about 11pm I started to feel minor contractions. Cheryl arrived again after dinner and was a wonderful support. I rotated positions between walking, squatting, the stability ball and toilet seating. Thank goodness we had Cheryl because towards the end of my labor as I was in the bathroom, I told her I am pushing and she checked me and definitely there was a head coming out. With my husband holding me and the nurse and resident barely making it into the room, I delivered our wonderful daughter standing up. From 6cm to the baby being in my arms was 39 minutes. For the 22 hours since my water broke to the baby in my arms only major discomfort was 39 minutes. Cheryl stayed with us for a long time after Calista was born and we just kept talking about how easy it was to deliver the baby standing up. But also how crazy it was to deliver the baby standing up. My recovery was a breeze too with zero forceful pushing. Thank you Cheryl for your amazing presence and support you have provided for both of our daughters: Athena and Calista. We are forever connected to you.
Briana 2015
My husband and I took HypnoBirthing with Cheryl and decided to hire her as our doula a few days before my due date. My wishes were to have a natural birth; however, nature intended different and I went in for an emergency induction. I worked every HypnoBirthing technique Cheryl taught but I was struggling bad. My husband called her and said its time she wants to get the epidural. Cheryl showed up in minutes and immediately began putting me in positions, using oils, breathing techniques, etc. She was the light I needed. Every time I wanted to break she was there to remind me I was strong enough. Although, my birth did not go according to plan; I was proud of myself by the time Freya entered the world. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did without Cheryl, I truly believe that. She was there until the very end; helping me push, helping me breathe her down, helping my husband cope watching me in pain, advocating for me when I couldn’t speak, taking fantastic pictures, and being there for me when I thought I was going to loose my mind. Cheryl is priceless!
Stephanie W. 2014
I didn’t officially have Cheryl as a doula, but I still wanted to praise her for all the support she gave me leading up to my little ones birth. From the day I met her at my first prenatal yoga class, Cheryl was very welcoming! She always greets everyone with a smile and was why I kept going back. She always had great advice for pregnancy and she carries such a positive attitude! When I found out my little girl had become breech at 36 weeks, she went above and beyond in helping me try everything she knew to get that baby to flip. Even when my baby wouldn’t flip and I had to schedule a c-section, she was still so positive and helped keep me calm. I never once felt defeated! I could go on and on about her, but the biggest blessing Cheryl brings besides all her wonderful advice is her love for mamas and her JOY – it radiates from her!! I highly recommend her, she will greatly impact your birth story no matter how it turns out!
Laura W. 2014
Never in a million years… I’m not the type of person that had much of a birth plan for either of my deliveries. My first was born at 41 weeks after 12 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing with the aid of an epidural. The recovery was horrific and I was terrified what the second birth would be like. I decided to change a few things about my labor and birth plan. First, I hired a doula. And not just any doula. I wanted Cheryl to be there. I was late in the game when making this decision. I confronted all of my doctors in the practice and asked their advice. I debated with my husband. I debated with myself. Is this something I really needed? The answer was yes. At 37 weeks we met with Cheryl and confirmed our choice. I was comfortable with her and from my experience in taking prenatal yoga class, I loved how soothing her voice was and how comforting she was when she repositioned me during class. Also, something that I never realized would be so important is that Cheryl is STRONG. I mean really, really strong.
During one of our yoga sessions at 39 weeks, I started having contractions. They were mild, but I was nervous and scared. I was also very nauseous. My husband and I prepared to have a baby that day. Well, the day came and went and no baby. We celebrated my due date a week later and anxiously awaited for things to progress. On Sunday night (40weeks, 1 day), I lost my mucus plug and knew that this was going to happen. That night we made sure everything was ready; bags were packed, nursery was done, and childcare was arranged for our little guy. We went to bed feeling excited! I woke up at 3 am with a pretty intense contraction and decided to let my husband sleep since I knew one of us needed to be rested. I wanted to labor at home for as long as I could before we had to leave for the hospital. I texted back and forth with Cheryl to let her know my progress. I ran a bath and turned on a movie as I breathed through two hours of contractions. It was great. At 5 am, I woke up my husband and asked him to help comfort me through the more intense contractions. It was working, but I was progressing pretty quickly. WE called Cheryl and first wanted her to come to the house, but then realized that we should probably head to the hospital. I dreaded that car ride more than anytihg, but we did it! At 7 am we arrived at the hospital and I checked in. They sent me to triage and checked how far I had dilated. I was absolutely shocked when the nurse announced I was 9 cm. At that point, the idea of having a natural delivery was realistic but I had not ruled out not having an epidural. They checked me into a room and with Cheryl and my husband’s support, I was able to breathe through the contractions while they comforted me with pressing on my hips and back. At one point, I didn’t want my husband to help. It wasn’t because I didn’t love him, but Cheryl was much stronger and knew exactly what to do. It made all the difference in the world. My husband continued to give me positive affirmations, while Cheryl supported me physically. My doctor (who happened to be on call that day! Yeah!) came down at 8:15 am to check my status and ended up breaking my water. At 8:45 am I was ready to push. No one ever told me that pushing was way easier than breathing through contractions. That was a pleasant surprise. There were also times when I wanted to give up and ask for an epidural. I ended up signing a consent for one, but luckily everyone in the room encouraged me to keep going. My doctor said she would give me one, but she didn’t want me to be mad at her at 5 pm. I was going to have this baby within the hour! At 9:35 am Amia was born a healthy 7 lbs 2 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. I had a few stitches, but nothing like my first. The recovery was amazing and we ended up staying in the hospital for only one night. There wasn’t much need for us to be there as everyone was doing great. Looking back on this experience, I can honestly say that it was one of the best moments of my life. Everything was absolutely perfect. And now we are a family of four.
Christina V. 2013
Cheryl is amazing! Cheryl was my doula for my 2nd baby. My first baby was breech and I had a c-section.
I went from OBGYN to OBGYN trying to find a doctor who would support me in having a VBAC. A friend recommended I call Cheryl for support. I am SO glad I did because she is a reference guru! She referred an OBGYN at Baylor who fully supported my decision to try for a VBAC and with Chery’s help, I was successful! During my pregnancy Cheryl’s guidance and HypnoBirthing techniques helped me to release many fears that were grained into me by many Dallas OBGYN’s about having a VBAC. She also gave me references to a Chiropractor who helped prepare me physically. I also practiced yoga with Cheryl where I felt nutured and cared for throughout my pregnancy! Througout labor Cheryl was a huge help, not only for me but for my husband too. I labored for 14 hours and during that time she physically and mentally took over so that my husband could have a break. I could keep writing and writing but mama duties are calling… If you’re looking for a doula – call her! Don’t wait, just do it!
Colleen M. 2013
Cheryl was my prenatal yoga instructor during my first pregnancy. I never missed a single class – my time with Cheryl restored both my physical and emotional self each week. At some point, my wise husband pointed out how happy and relaxed I was after yoga and suggested that perhaps we look into hiring Cheryl as our doula. We knew we wanted an all-natural birth and also knew that we’d need all the help we could get. Cheryl just had a way about her that made everything seem easier and somehow made me both relax and find my inner strength all at the same time. I must say, it was the best decision we made for our family! She gave us confidence in ourselves, provided us with so many tips & tricks, supported us both through labor & delivery, and ultimately helped us have the birth story we always wanted!
However, I believe the best testimony to how much we valued Cheryl as a doula was when we learned we were pregnant with our second: when I told my husband, the very first thing out of his mouth was “We need to book Cheryl!”! It still makes me laugh to think that was his first response! But, of course, we did ask Cheryl to be our doula a second time and, once again, she helped us have yet another fantastic birth story. We truly couldn’t have done it without her support and love. She is such a fantastic doula and a wonderful person and we feel very lucky that she has come into our lives!
I met Cheryl through another friend who had gone to her for yoga and also hired her for her doula services. I did not hire a doula for my first pregnancy and after my delivery I felt that I had not had the experience i wanted. I discovered that nurses in the hospital are there to monitor the pregnancy but not to support me emotionally or physically throughout the entire process. My husband ia amazing, but isn’t comfortable and doesn’t know how to support a laboring woman. So I called cheryl the second time around.
Becky B. 2013
When I met Cheryl I was thrilled. She is so positive and so excited about her babies! She did not have any agenda of her own, her main priority was supporting me and helping me have the birth experience that I wanted. She met with us a couple of times before the big day and she helped me make a birth plan and also showed us pain relieving techniques for early labor. On the big day Cheryl was there the whole day. Texting with me to begin with and then meeting us at the hospital. She was amazing in action! She had lots of ideas throughout labor for ways to make me more comfortable, also she was an invaluable asset when we had to make decisions and needed information. At the end of the day i truly felt that Cheryl was our super hero, she kept us going and brought my husband into the process by showing him ways he could help too. If you’re thinking about hiring a doula, DO! And I would highly recommend Cheryl, she is really blessed with a gift to help women on the hardest and best days of their lives.
L.E. W. 2012
Laura G. 2010
Our family was infinitely blessed to cross paths with Cheryl during our pregnancy. We wanted the birth of our daughter to be the most positive experience possible and also an expression of our family values. For us, that meant a desire to have a natural birth with as few medical interventions as possible, but still in a hospital environment. Cheryl ensured that we felt comfortable and confident in the months and weeks leading up to the arrival of our daughter, complete with the most amazing abhyanga massage at 38 weeks that left me so relaxed I almost forgot I was hugely pregnant.
Cheryl helped us navigate our options when faced with an induction and helped us be at peace with each decision by keeping us focused on our ultimate goal – the healthy arrival of our baby girl. We had a fantastic L&D nurse who was very supportive of natural birth but I still could not imagine our experience being as positive without Cheryl’s presence. Being our only birth experience, I have nothing to compare Pitocin contractions with, but I can only describe it as hitting a brick wall physically and mentally. I was overwhelmed until the moment Cheryl breezed into the L&D room and immediately changed the entire atmosphere. The noisy monitor beeping and graphs all disappeared from my consciousness as she helped me focus on breathing the baby down and really being aware and in tune with what exactly what my body was accomplishing. I had my eyes closed for so much of the hard labor so Cheryl’s voice and calming words are such an integral part of my memories.
At points during labor when either my husband or I lost focus or became overly emotional, she knew exactly what to say or do to keep us encouraged. That alone was invaluable and was the absolute key to our birth experience being the positive environment with which we wanted our daughter to arrive.
Nadiezhda 2010
My life long dream had always been to be a mother of five. As a child I did not have the support or parental figure of a woman and worried that when it was time for me to have children I would be alone. The feeling of not knowing what to do, how to feel, who to feel it with was always a worry of mine. I knew that I needed a Doula when I got pregnant, I needed someone to support me through the adventure, but I needed a very “special” kind of person. I not only needed a person that was willing to understand my feelings, thoughts, emotions, and anxieties, but one that would sooth genuinely and go out of the professional “contract” if needed to make it all better. Cheryl Johnson was not just a “doula”- even though our “contract” or terms were related to child birth, she made sure I felt her support with ANYTHING. I was terrified and anxious about being alone during pregnancy and delivery. Cheryl always made me feel that she was there and comforted me like someone I had known for years. Her soft, sweet, GENUINE nature always brought me to a safe place. I could of never delivered my sweet baby without her touch, voice, and positive energy. For that I am SOOOOOOO thankful and blessed. My wish is that all women could have a Cheryl Johnson in their birthing experience.
Karla 2010
I met Cheryl Pre-natal Yoga practice and she helped me modifying and empower me to continue my Yoga practice under her supervision as many Yoga teachers do not specialize on Pregnancy and prefer not to let you do certain poses. She can evaluate your level and would recommend accordingly.
Working with Cheryl as our Doula was the best decision we could’ve ever taken during our pregnancy. She is compassionate, friendly and truly cares about her mamas. Always available to help with questions doubts, concerns. My OBGYN commented on how well I was managing my “labor” using HypnoBirthing techniques with Cheryl’s assistance.
She has a true vocation and passion for her profession, for us she went above and beyond her doula duties, and we will be always thankful of that.
Lana 2010
I just wanted to let you know that I delivered my little girl on 9/19/10 at 11:48pm at 7.1lb and 18.9 inches. Her due date was 20th, so she was anxious. My water broke and about 5 hours later she was born. I had no major problems and now adjusting to my new busy life. Just wanted to thank you so much for being part of my pregnancy. I always looked forward to my prenatal yoga classes and you were the best trainer to have at this time of my life, always making sure that we take things at our own pace. It always kept me calm and relaxed.
Jara 2009
Cheryl was just amazing! She fit our personalities perfectly and really helped make my birthing experience even better. I first met her when I was around 14 weeks pregnant. I began taking pre-natal yoga classes from her, which I continued throughout my pregnancy – up until 39 weeks. Since I already had a relationship with her through her wonderful yoga classes, I decided she was our match for being our doula. Her voice is so calming and soothing (and that’s exactly what I needed during the tough hours of labor). She was always there when I had questions or concerns, even a few weeks before I went into labor. The day I finally did go into labor, I had been very nausious and couldn’t eat, she went out of her way and brought me a smoothie and some snacks to my house. She and my husband made the perfect team for me and she really helped my husband feel more comfortable and confident before, during and after my labor. We both are so glad we hired Cheryl to be our doula and wouldn’t trade our birth experience for anything in the world. She will forever be in our lives. Thanks Cheryl!!