Cheryl Alonzo
Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator
Mama Cher Doula Services
(Birth and Postpartum Support)
Mission: To truly support your family as you bring new life into this World. I am a Doula who believes ALL birthing people deserve to be supported and advocated for--regardless of financial circumstances, cultural, religious, racial background or sexual orientation. I am there to support you on your unique journey and to listen to both your wishes and concerns.
My Story
I have always known that I wanted to do work that I was passionate about, but what that meant was unclear. I went to school as a Public Health Major, intent on combining my love for science with my passion for community outreach. I began volunteering at several places, in hopes of finding a field of interest. I worked at a drug prevention center, AIDS outreach center, and a birth center.
One fateful early Sunday morning, I received a call at 3 am to go to the birth center and witness the labor and delivery of a beautiful baby boy. It was life changing--for more than one person that day. I expected to find a woman screaming in agony, bright lights shining, and machines taking over. But instead, I walked into an environment that was calm and peaceful, yet powerful--opposite of everything I had seen in movies. I watched as the mom focused on her breathing and her Doula massaged her back, while speaking words of affirmation. Later would I learn that I watched HypnoBirthing in action. The mama was in control and fully supported. It was absolutely beautiful! That birth would set me on my path to becoming a Doula myself.
The more I Iearned about birth, the more I sought to know. After volunteering at the birth center, I trained with DONA to become a Birth Doula. A month later, I joined G.A.L.S., a volunteer doula group based in Austin. I was fortunate enough to doula two wonderful clients, both in a hospital setting. These births reaffirmed my desire to do birth work.
I would go on to have my own son and become even more committed to helping parents navigate the waters of new parenthood. Being a mama has been the most rewarding role of my life. It truly opened my eyes to the warrior that lies within a person giving birth and to the strength that is needed in parenthood. I also became acutely aware of the stress, anxiety, exhaustion, depression and isolation that plagues so many new parents. I decided I needed to bridge this gap in care and become a Postpartum Doula as well.
I would love nothing more than to assist your family in easing the transition to parenthood, whether you are a first time parent or a "seasoned" one; all parents should have the support and resources needed.
The Alonzo Family has grown
Recently, my family welcomed our second child and first daughter. I've been a bit quiet from social media and posting to my page, but I'm back to doula-ing and excited to be able to go into this work with new insight from personal experience.
What is aBirth Doula?
A Birth Doula is a trained professional who provides support through pregnancy and childbirth to help achieve a positive birth experience.
What we do:
*Provide Resources
*Referrals to Local Specialists
*Emotional Support during pregnancy, labor, postpartum
*Educational Support
*Physical Support (massage, counterpressure, breathing techniques, tips for labor positions)
*Partner Support (guide partner on physical and emotional support, provide relief)
*Advocate (we want your voice heard!)
My Services
How I Assist
Pregnancy support
During pregnancy, we will get to know each other and address your fears/concerns about labor, as well as your wishes and dreams.
Together we will create a plan for labor and birth, that also includes any birth partners you want present.
The goal is always to have you have as positive experience as possible and for you to birth on your terms. Birth is unpredictable, but being informed and knowing your options can greatly affect how you will feel about this special and memorable moment.
I will be around as an educator, friend, and advocate. You deserve to have a birth where you are heard and supported from beginning to end.
pOSTPARTUM
support
As your Birth Doula, I will make a visit around 2 weeks after your baby has arrived to check on how you are doing in person and provide recommendations for any resources you may be looking for.
If you choose to hire me as your Postpartum Doula, we can make a custom schedule that works for you and your family. I will be there as an extra set of hands to assist with the transition into parenthood. My goal is to educate and listen to you, in hopes that I will leave your family with the confidence of parents that have the skills and resources to take care of your loved ones. I offer light housekeeping, meals, education, and tips to postpartum recovery and taking care of a newborn, as well as a listening ear, screening for perinatal mood disorders, and referrals to specialists in your area.
LABOR/BIRTH
support
Whether your birth plan is to give birth at the hospital, birth center, or from the comfort of your own home; I will be there to support you. Being a Birth Doula means supporting birthing people with their choices. I work to educate my clients on the pros and cons of medical interventions, but to ultimately let the birthing person make up their own mind on what they want to do. Then I am there to advocate for those wishes. I assist with comfort techniques and aide any birth partners (not to replace them). Together we will work to have your voice heard and have you feel that even if things don't go as exactly as expected, that in the end you made informed decisions that were best for you.
"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers--strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."
Barbara Katz Rothman
Contact
Serving West San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, and Conejo Valley
747-226-4680
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