Truth be told, for the majority of my pregnancy, I was in complete denial that I was actually going to have to give birth. Though I was pretty content living in this state of mind, I knew that I would have to accept the fact that I was going to have to physically deliver a baby…that and the fact that I needed some serious guidance, education, and support…aka HELP!
Enter, Hampton Doula, Monica Kadash, to the rescue! I met Monica early in my second trimester when I started to attend her prenatal yoga class at Ananda in Southampton. I instantly gravitated towards Monica’s welcoming personality, calm demeanor, and lighthearted sense of humor. I loved the class and attended weekly, right up until days before I gave birth. Monica incorporates lots of stretching and relaxation to get centered as well as some challenging poses to prepare the mind and body for birth.
When I was considering hiring a doula, I knew that I wanted someone who would bring out the best in me, ideally someone spiritual, but not too spiritual that I couldn’t relate. Monica is exactly that; straightforward and realistic, yet very warm and tranquil.
The day that I gave birth was a long, uneventful one until my water broke around 2pm, when suddenly, baby came fast and furiously. When it got down to the hard labor (the part I was dreading) I was thanking my lucky stars for Monica’s presence. As a doula, Monica provides support (both prenatal and postnatal) and advocacy alongside the medical staff. (Doulas are commonly confused with midwives, who are medically qualified to deliver babies.)
“Statistically, with the help of Doulas there are less interventions, fewer C-sections, shorter labor and reduced postpartum depression. This results in a fulfilling and satisfying birthing experiences, in short, many more happy moms!
My mission is to honor, protect and guide you, so that you feel empowered to birth fearlessly and joyfully, thus starting your journey into motherhood with confidence.” ~ Monica
Monica did just that for us; I was able to stay (somewhat) strong through the worst contractions, push with sheer determination and confidence, and instantly connect with our baby girl. In the moment, all of my fears of needles, blood, and pain were overcome by sheer empowerment.
Throughout this unique process, Monica helped in every way promised. She provided literature on the birthing process and came to our house twice to get to know our family and educate us on the whole process. She prepared us with facts, stories, strategies, and support we needed to feel ready. Does that mean that everything was smooth sailing? Of course not! But when it came down to it, everything that Monica had prepared us for unraveled pretty much as predicted. It’s already becoming a slight blur (isn’t that how women keep doing it??) but I know that I would have been far less prepared, confident, and comfortable without Monica the Doula.
Here’s Monica, baby Rowan, and I at our postnatal home visit about a week after birth 🙂 If you’re interested in learning more about Monica, visit hamptondoula.com.
One Healthy Breakdown: Happy, healthy, and empowered, thanks to Hampton Doula!
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