"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it. "
John H. Kennell, MD
Meet Cheryl MacLennan CD/PCD(DONA)
Cheryl was born in Regina and moved to Calgary when she was two years old. After graduating from high school and marrying her high school sweetheart, she advanced in a career as a Customer Service Manager in banking. However, it was motherhood that opened her eyes to what she was really meant to do.
After the birth of her fourth child, she felt a strong desire to become a Doula so that she could care, nurture and guide new families. Experiencing firsthand different types of deliveries, including those supported by both midwives and physicians, she became passionate about supporting people through their own birth journeys. After training with DONA International and certifying as a Birth Doula, she then gave birth to her fifth child. Continuing her journey and career as a Birth Doula she then trained and certified as a Postpartum Doula as well. Caring for families comes naturally to Cheryl. She is often referred to as "superhuman" by her clients when she can accomplish many tasks in such a short amount of time, and always with a smile on her face.
Being a mother of seven children now, and the past President of the Calgary Doula Association, she remains an avid learner of all things maternity-related. There is never a dull moment. Cheryl enjoys learning new recipes and continuing her education in maternity care. Cheryl is passionate about her role as a Doula and truly adds her own personal touch to supporting each family she serves during this incredible time of their lives.
Meet Frances-Ann Snelling
As the eldest of 10 kids I have had the opportunity to witness my mother's many different pregnancies. Some very easy and others quite stressful however, all beautiful. These experiences were helpful in preparing me for my own four pregnancies and one miscarriage.
Even before I became a doula I was very interested in the idea that women need to band together to help each other when another is pregnant. I am very much a proponent of the idea that "birth takes a village"
I am a trained and experienced Birth Doula. I look forward to being part of your pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. And I will serve you in every way that I can.
Why a Doula?
According to DONA International, a doula is a professional who is trained in childbirth and provides continuous support to a mother before, during, and just after birth (postpartum doulas are not covered in this article). Doula comes from a Greek word that means “a woman who serves” or “handmaiden.”
