Cheri Hardley - Birth Doula - Lexington Park, MD

About me

I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Cheri, a full-spectrum doula, mother, and a Black woman who knows firsthand the power, beauty, and challenges of birth. When I had my first baby, I gave birth unmedicated with a midwife as a single mom. I didn’t have a doula, so I became my own. I spent my pregnancy reading books, taking notes, and learning everything I could to advocate for myself. That experience showed me just how strong and capable every birthing person is and how important it is to have support. Now, I walk alongside other families, offering compassionate, empowering, and culturally aware guidance so you can have the birth you deserve. My role is to support you, your partner, and your choices, and to advocate for you in a way I wish I had been supported myself. Every parent deserves to feel safe, seen, and powerful in their birth, and I would be honored to help you experience that. You can listen to my own birth story here: https://thebirthhour.com/unmedicated-hospital-birth-with-a-midwife-as-a-first-time-mom/ .

Education

Bachelor of Art's in Psychology (2025)

Certification and training

DNT Network (2026)

Credentials

BA

Specialties

Abuse Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Babywearing Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Support Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Support Caring for Special Needs Children Car Seats Installment Evidence-Based Care Freebirth Home Birth Hospital Birth Labor Doula LGBTQ+ Mindfulness Multiples Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Parenting Support Positive Thinking Postpartum Care Postpartum Life Prenatal Life Prenatal Yoga Self-Compassion Self-Esteem Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Toddlers Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Water birth Yoga

Languages

English

Service introduction

I’m a full-spectrum doula and mother offering compassionate, affirming support through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a Black doula, I’m passionate about creating safe, respectful, and empowering spaces for families. I provide emotional, physical, and advocacy support so you feel informed, held, and never alone in your journey.

Packages

Sacred Birth Support - In Person

I provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your pregnancy and during labor and birth. This includes prenatal visits to help you prepare, on-call availability as your due date approaches, and continuous support during labor with comfort measures, encouragement, and advocacy. My role is to help you feel calm, confident, and supported while also helping your partner be involved in ways that feel meaningful to both of you.

$700.00

USD Flat rate

Sacred Birth Support - Virtual

I offer virtual support to help you prepare for birth and guide you through labor from wherever you are. This includes prenatal video visits, education, and being available by text or phone for questions and support. During labor, I provide real-time encouragement, suggestions for comfort, and help you and your partner understand what’s happening so you can make informed decisions and feel supported.

$400.00

USD Flat rate

Ratings and reviews

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Frequently asked questions

What makes you different as a doula?

I became a doula because of my own birth. When I was pregnant with my son, I heard so many horror stories. Older women would tell me how painful it was, how they weren’t listened to, how things didn’t go the way they wanted. I was a single mom and a broke senior in college. I couldn’t afford a doula, but I knew I wanted something different. So I became my own. I read books. I took notes. I learned my options. I chose a midwife. And I walked into my birth believing in my body. I gave birth unmedicated in the hospital, and it was the most powerful experience of my life. Not because it was easy, but because I felt in control. I felt heard. I felt respected. I felt strong. And I realized that power was never just mine. Every mother has that power. But I also know how hard it can be to access. I know what it feels like to advocate for yourself in a system that doesn’t always make space for your voice. I know what it feels like to do it without a doula. That’s why I do this work now. Because you deserve support. You deserve to be informed. You deserve to make decisions about your body and your baby. Your provider works for you. And as your doula, I do too. My role is to stand beside you, support you, and advocate for you so you can have a birth where you feel safe, respected, and empowered, whatever that looks like for you.

Do you support hospital, birth center, and home births?

Yes. I support all birth settings and respect your individual preferences and goals.

When do you go on call?

I am on call starting at 38 weeks so I can be available when labor begins.

When do you join me during labor?

I join you when you feel ready for in-person support and stay with you throughout labor and after your baby is born.

Do you support medicated and unmedicated birth?

Yes. My role is to support your choices and help you have a positive, empowered experience, whatever that looks like for you.

Do we meet before the birth?

Yes. We connect during pregnancy so we can get to know each other and prepare for your birth.

What if I need a caesarean birth?

I continue to provide emotional support and help you and your partner feel informed and supported.

How do we communicate during pregnancy?

You can reach out with questions, and I’m here to support you as your birth approaches.

Do you offer virtual support?

Yes, I offer virtual support for families who prefer it or live outside my area.

Nearby cities

Lusby, MD Alexandria, VA Annapolis, MD