Monica Wallace Doula Profile

 Okay - I have to take a moment to brag about having Monica on our team!  We contacted Monica in our 8th month of pregnancy after she was 'HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" to us.  And let me tell you; I could NOT have delivered our precious baby girl with out having her by my side!  Monica was calm, patient, amazingly strong, and sooooo super supportive!  she reminded me to "Breath" and get oxygen to my baby; which is what I needed to hear to bring my focus back.  Unfortunately, my hips caused me TERRIBLE pain throughout my pregnancy.  While in labor, I felt that my hips and lower back just completely fell apart & didn't exist anymore.  it was extremely painful!  But Monica literally "held my hips together" during each contraction.  She was phenomenal!!  My mom and husband were WOWed by her loyalty and determination.  

If you have any question in your mind about having a Doula by your side; the answer is YES!!!  go for it!  Spending the extra money was a concern for us; but looking back now, my husband always says, he would pay Monica 3x's the amount to have her with us.  She was THAT important!!  it was the best 'labor investment' we made.

Monica, thank you so, so much for being there on that special day!!  We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts!!  and we hope to see you for the next few family additions as well!    ;)

With love,

Danae, Matt, and baby Caelin

    When I met Monica about a month before giving birth to my second baby, I was dealing with a lot of fear and trepidation stemming from a history of reproductive trauma including three miscarriages, intense fertility intervention, and a long, hard first delivery (no doula—what was I thinking?!). Monica was so warm and easy to talk to and as we spoke at great length, she listened with interest, empathy, and encouragement. I very much felt we were on the same page regarding our respect for the natural birth process and how my history and personality might play into my upcoming birth experience. After meeting with Monica, I was much more able to separate my past experiences from my upcoming birth and anticipate it much more positively.
     During the following few weeks, Monica remained readily available to me as any issues or concerns arose, such as my dismay at my doctor’s recommendation to induce labor. She was unfailingly patient, kind, helpful, and non-judgmental. During my actual labor, she continued to be there for me—literally, fully there, by my side every minute and step of the way, helping me through every contraction, supporting and encouraging me, and reassuring my husband and me throughout. For 24 hours, her efforts on my behalf never wavered.
     My birth didn’t go “perfectly,” but for whatever I wish had gone differently, with Monica’s help and support I’ve been able to let go and just feel all the good. That is a true gift from a true doula. I can’t imagine a doula more passionate and dedicated to helping women have their best birth experience than Monica. I so admire her and am so grateful that she was there for me during this part of my journey.
 

Lily arrived 8 months ago. I was high risk, so I was forced into the hospital, bleck. Every hour I had to pee, every hour Monica was holding my IV lines helping my back and forth to bed, Every contraction she rubbed my hips, helping my through the pain. She was in constant communication with the nurses and doctor. In fact the doctor would have missed my birth if Monica had not run to get her! My poor husband almost passed out, but Monica, she was strong and knew exactly what I needed. I almost freaked out a couple of times, there she was keeping me calm and focused. Holding my hand during every step, even the episiotomy.Faith, now 6 years old. Was a wonderful experience. With excitment Monica arrived ready.This birth was spent mostly in the bathroom. One leg on the side of the tub, hunched over the counter, and Monica behind me rubbing my back and helping me roll my hips. Faith was a big baby 9.5 lbs! I need the help getting her into the birth canal.I actually enjoyed giving birth.Grace, she came fast, only 4 hours of active labor. Again with my trusty Doula by my side.  My midwife and Monica had worked together before. Monica was such a help to both of us.Monica rubbed my feet,She knew what I needed and when. Just looking at her, she was able to know what I was feeling.When a friend is pregnant, I tell them GET A DOULA! I was looking for a kind gentel spirted type. I was going the all natural, home birth, midwife route. And to find a Doula with the same  philosopy was important. I hope my story will help anyone unerstand the invaluable resource a Doula can be. My favorite part is talking about my births afterwards, the details,I dont remember, the feelings, she is able to recall all those moments. That one person who is there solely for you.Putting into words what Monica did for me, well words are not enough. Undescribable. Add the hands of a Doula.

Monica was my doula during the birth of my son Matthew in 2007. Matthew was born at home after a long 12 hour labor. I know because of her care and concern, Matthew was born naturally and calmly. Monica was so good with taking care of all of the little things like bringing me tea and wiping my forehead and helping me to walk. She spoke soft words through my contractions and I remember that her words( even though I cant remember them) brought a feeling of peace and relaxation over me completely. My husband truly appreciated her being there as well and we both know that having her there really helped us all. She stayed for a long time after he was born, helping us with Matthew, helping the midwife clean up and even doing laundry!