About Sheri
As a Doula working in the Central Illinois area since 2019, I offer personalized birthing support. My goal is to give you and your family the attention and knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy and labor process. To learn more about me and the services that I offer, click the Let's Chat button!
Testimonials
Sheri advocated for me when I was unable to advocate for myself. She encouraged me when I didn't think I could go on. She supported me, my husband, and my birth plan. She was flexible and easy to work with. I am so happy that I choose to have her with me during that special time.
Sheri is a fantastic and kind human and an incredible doula.
I initially sought her out because I found out that I would have to be induced at 39 weeks if my baby had not come naturally by that time. Having gone through an induction with my previous pregnancy, I knew that I wanted a trained doula this time around to help support my husband and I during labor.
Sheri was everything we wanted/needed and more - before labor, during, and even after. Even know, 4 months postpartum, I am having difficulty putting the words together to express how grateful I am for her.
Practically - I appreciated that Sheri helped me think through what my goals were and what was important for me, especially since we knew I would be "limited" in a hospital setting. She asked great questions and was never assertive with her own thoughts/opinions, but would offer them if I asked.
I ended up being induced at 39 weeks and Sheri was the biggest advocate and supporter for me and my husband all during labor. She utliized many techniques with me to help baby descend and engage and was easily able to sense when I needed help finding something new to try in labor.
My labor unexpectedly ended in a c-section, but I honestly can say I still wouldn't have changed hiring Sheri or having her be there. I had an incredibly empowered (and exhausting ;) day of labor with her before the c-section occurred and it made me feel strong and capable in ways I didn't know I could feel strong and capable.
She comforted me while I processed the news of the needed c-section, helped me to focus on the main goal of having a healthy baby, and then she even stayed at the hospital during the c-section and after to encourage and help/guide. I'm crying right now just thinking about how special that was.
Sheri became a great friend and supporter to us. I would hire her again and again.
Kait P
Sheri and I first met last winter when I was about 30 weeks pregnant. My first pregnancy was a twin pregnancy and ended up in a C-Section, and I was determined to have a VBAC for my singleton. When we met, I was surprised at how easily the relationship came, Sheri is a very caring person who is passionate about guiding women through their journey. As things got closer she checked in on me, answered questions, and helped to give me tools to decide what I wanted from my birth. I was confident and excited for our birth plan, but unfortunately baby had other ideas at 41w pregnant and was measuring 11lb, so we chose a repeat CS. I was torn by the decision and Sheri was there for me. She came to the hospital and stayed with us through recovery, and helped to get me through the initial stages of emotional recovery as I mourned the loss of my birth vision.
I highly recommend Sheri as a birth partner - she will be there with you every step of the way!
Samantha P
Words cannot describe how amazing Sheri is. We would recommend her 1000% to any momma! Her knowledge, love and her passion for what she does is above and beyond anything I could have asked for. She helped us tremendously with preparing for birth and eased all of my anxieties as a first time mom. She fully advocated for the birth that I planned for and helped me through every part of labor. She fully prepared and helped my boyfriend on how to support me during labor and he cannot get over how helpful she was for him as well. We thank God that Sheri was with us before, during and after our journey and will definitely be working with her for our next child.
If you are looking for a rockstar doula, Sheri is the one to hire! Also, don't forget to add photos and videos to your package as the moments she captured for us are beyond words!
Dani M
My husband and I are beyond thankful for Sheri. I had quite a wild experience towards the end of my pregnancy. Sheri was there for me every step of the way. She helped calm every nerve and worry I had, with her gently spirit. She is someone you definitely want on your side throughout your journey, but especially during the birthing process. We cannot imagine going through the process without her. She is very knowledgeable and will support all of your decisions. Not only does she support you, but she helps you make informed decisions and her education shows. Sheri fulfilled our hopes and expectations, we were beyond blessed to have her along for our journey.
Kamren W.
I highly recommend Faith Over Fear Doula Services! I have had the privilege of having Sheri at each one of my sons birth. (3 pregnancies & 4 vaginal deliveries)
Sheri truly has a passion for pregnancy and labor and delivery and it shows in the care she provides. She is attentive, knowledgeable, kind and supportive.
AJ W.
Sheri was absolutely wonderful! We were going for a VBAC and while I ultimately ended up with a repeat C section, she was still incredibly helpful! This was our third birth and we had lost our second child about a year and a half prior. She was able to help us navigate that with sincere sensitivity. I'd highly recommend Sheri for anyone in search of a doula!
Danna
I had an incredible, intense, beautiful, natural vaginal birth and I don't think I could have done it without Sheri's calm, encouraging presence that provided just the right amount of push I needed to keep progressing through labor. She was amazing! I highly recommend her. She is sweet, calming, and very knowledgeable on all things birth. She helped walk us through all the stages of labor and helped my husband know how to help and be there for me during the labor. She was always available to text and checked in with me frequently post partum providing me encouragement and support. I'm so thankful for her big part in my labor and helping me to deliver our beautiful healthy baby boy.
Mackenzie
Sheri was an excellent addition to our journey to bring into the world baby 2! I was very unsure of a birth plan and was having a lot of anxiety and concerns with this pregnancy. She was very knowledgeable from her experiences as a doula and as a mother. Sheri was a kind, experienced soul to confide in and speak all the things that were weighing on my mind. Just one part of what I wanted in a doula - couch therapy. She was easy to talk to and could tell when I needed to just say it out loud and when I needed words of comfort and reassurance. She supported me while I figured out what birth plan was best for baby and I and was able to help gently guide me through that decision process. She was available whenever I needed her. She was there to help get me to the hospital. She helped my husband and I get everything together and kept us focused but comfortable. She was the advocate at the hospital that I needed but knew when to step into the background to keep the space for my husband and I and then Baby! Sheri stayed after we were back in our room with baby to take more pictures, congratulate us, go over the whole crazy event and then she left us with many reassurances and a promise to come see us a few days after we got home when we were ready. She helped me find someone to preserve the placenta and even played the role of courier for us! She took beautiful photos and videos. We were so pleased with our time with Sheri. She was an excellent doula!
Ellen L
I don’t even know how to begin sharing the deepest gratitude and love I hold for Sheri. Words don’t do justice to express the dedication and care she devotes to each and every one of her clients. Even going as far as putting her own well-being aside to cater to them to the best of her ability. God has given Sheri such a gift to touch the hearts of expecting parents and make them feel so safe, loved, educated and special. She was an answered prayer for my husband and I as first time parents. She went so above and beyond for us that it was easy to be at peace even when everything went the opposite way we thought it would. And I seriously mean everything. (If you are ever bored, she will gladly tell the story if you ask ;)). I even had to go to the emergency room on two separate occasions after being released from the hospital, and Sheri came and waited with us both times even if she had just gotten done with a long birth. There is no doubt God put Sheri right where we needed her and because of that, we don't look back and only see the trauma but blessing after blessing. Praise the Lord. We love Sheri so much and highly recommend you choose her as your doula.
Ambria
Sheri was, in a word, a Godsend.
I was not able to have a doula with my first pregnancy and it ended in a C-section. This time around I knew I wanted to try for a VBAC. I knew having a doula would increase my chances of success. However, this second pregnancy was a (welcome) "surprise", so we didn't even know we were expecting until the pregnancy was half over. By the time the shock wore off and we got around to searching for a doula, we were only 8 weeks away from our due date. Fortunately, Sheri was available and when we met her, I felt instantly comfortable. She was encouraging and really knows her stuff. The few times I asked her obscure questions, she quickly and thoroughly researched the topic and put together TONS of information so that my husband and I could make informed decisions.
I was especially happy to have Sheri when I went into labor. I had been diagnosed with COVID a few days before (I was out of quarantine but still masking) and my husband and 2 year old were still in the middle of their quarantine. So when my water broke, I was not able to have my support person (hubby) in the hospital. Sheri graciously agreed to take the risk and be my support person. She even drove the 40 minutes in the middle of the night to my home to pick me up and take me to the hospital when my contractions hit suddenly and were too strong for me to drive. She coached me as I pushed for 5 hours. When my doc suggested we consider a Csecton to ensure the baby's safety, Sheri talked me through my fears and called my husband and mother to update them. She held my hand through the Csection and waited with me after the sugery until my mother could get into town.
Baby Scarlett was born May 10, 2022. Although Scarlett's birth story is not what I had planned for, Sheri was a huge blessing. She was exactly what my family needed! Thank you, Sheri!
Lindsay M.