Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Abrams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cheryl. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my childcare journey when my husband was in the Military. I got out of the Army and did not want to go to back to work because we had 2 small children. After getting out of the Army I attended intense classes on childcare and became a Home Daycare provider for the Ft. Lewis Washington childcare system. I also enjoy cooking and at one point had considered becoming a Chef. In 1991, I took a break from childcare to pursue my cosmetology license. I worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and retired in 2011. Three years prior to retiring, I went back to the childcare industry working as a Night Nanny/Baby Nurse.
While working as a baby nurse I had to be with many new moms and their babies. The behavior of the mothers concerned me very much because some of the moms in my opinion, their behavior was strange. Some of the mothers were not very nice or distant to me. After I would come early and leave late to do all of the tasks that they wanted me to do and still they were not happy or satisfied. One day a mother chewed me out for letting her baby sleep too long during the day. I went home in tears swearing never to return again. That afternoon I went online to look up why some new mothers were depressed and it was like a light bulb went off. I read that some new moms experience Postpartum Depression and it said that in most cases having a doula around could help the mother overcome some the anxiety. I began researching how when and where I could get training to become a doula. I took training with four doula organizations. After I took additional training to be a breastfeeding educator, community childbirth educator, and newborn care specialist. I was determined to help new moms to be confident with themselves after giving birth that took on this quest after doula training.
My concern is to help families transition and to help educate about the importance of being a mother before and after giving birth.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has taken me three years to get where I am. When you are in a profession were regulations change and new ideas are in you have to find yourself constantly reading and you try to be the best. This business has its ups and downs. Many women who take on this work some have small children. My children are grown. I absolutely love what I do. I wish I had started this path 30 years ago.
Please tell us about We Baby Momma.
The company, We Baby Momma says it all. The concept is to take care of the needs of the mother before, during and after birth.
A birth doula is some who is there with the prenatal mother who empowers her to have the birth of her choice and supports her through labor and delivery being that one constant source for her and her partner. Birth sometimes take more than twenty hours or more. A birth doula keeps the family focused.
A Postpartum Doula supports the family after the baby is born during the first weeks of life up to 8 to 12 weeks. They providing physical and emotional support such as meal preparation and light household tidying, or fill in when a new mother needs a break. They also provide emotional support and companionship by encouraging a mother when she might be feeling overwhelmed.
A Newborn Care Specialist is an experienced newborn and infant specialist, prepared & dedicated to providing outstanding in-home service including, but not limited to, physical and emotional support for families making the initial adjustment of a new baby. They will assist the entire family with the everyday care of your new baby/babies.
She will collaborate with you to establish a sleeping and eating routine that accommodates your families schedule and needs. Your Infant Specialist helps to ensure that everyone is getting the much-needed rest they deserve. The goal of the Infant Specialist is to leave the family with all family members comfortably transitioned into their new role in caring for new baby/babies.
What sets me apart from the rest is I have a Cosmetology License and I am a gourmet cook. I am most proud that when a mom brings home a new baby I want her to spend all of her attention on the new baby.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood was at Christmas time with all of my parents, grandparents, cousins and extended family.
Pricing:
- Birth Doula Service $900-$1200
- Postpartum Service $27-$30 per Hour
- Newborn Care $25-$50 per hour (depending on multiple babies)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.webabymomma.com
- Phone: 682-429-4637
- Email: webabymomma@gmail.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/webabymomma
- Twitter: cheryl abrams@webabymomma
- Other: http://www.linkedin.com/in/webabymomma
Image Credit:
Cheryl Abrams
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