I interviewed EIGHT Doulas before meeting and hiring Masha.
Before I even knew what a Doula was, I had this image of a strong, gentle and wise woman by my side during labor and childbirth. This wasn’t my Mom, it wasn’t a Midwife (because I knew I would have a hospital birth for my first child), but it was the image of someone that I never knew existed in real life — a woman who’s voice alone brings calm to any scenario and who’s energy serves as a constant reminder of the inner strength and destined duty of the woman’s body to not only survive labor and birth but to thrive throughout the process. This woman is Masha, and it is known instantly upon meeting her. Having a history of panic attacks, being somewhat of a hypochondriac and being utterly terrified of the unknowns of childbirth, I was dubious of the claim that ANYONE would be able to get me through labor, let alone a natural birth, (or at least a vaginal birth which was my primary goal vs. C-section). Masha not only helped me to prepare my body, but more importantly my mind; she used physical techniques such as aroma therapy, massage, labor positions and breathing as well as hypnosis and continual affirmations that I never imagined would be so powerful. She truly prepared me for the beautiful process of birth and ensured that I reached my goal.I ended up having a three-day labor and was sent home from the hospital twice before I was finally admitted on day three. On the second night of labor, when surges became “pains” in my mind and I grew tired, my husband called Masha at 3am to come over and she appeared within 10 minutes. The second she walked in the door and I heard her voice, despite my discomfort and fear, I not only knew everything would be okay I felt that everything would be PERFECT. She kept reminding me that my body knows what to do and how to do it, and took the burden off of me to react and feel pain. She set the mood in my home to the most calming dial; dimming lights, lighting candles and making tea. She was by my side, massaging my back through nearly every contraction from 3am to midday the next day before we went to the hospital for the last time. She had taught my husband how to soothe me and get me through the surges and with the two of them next to me, I felt not only safe, but also very powerful. We were the ultimate team. When we got to the hospital, she served as a liaison between the medical staff and me, and advocated for my ultimate birth goal. With her guidance, I labored comfortably and powerfully for several hours at the hospital and reached 8 cm dilation before having medical intervention. I was stalled at 8 cm for several hours and losing energy, at which point, Masha, the doctor and I agreed that an epidural was in order so I could rest and progress. I took the epidural, fell asleep for a few hours and woke up to push out my beautiful baby boy. After less than 20 minutes of pushing, he was here, and I was elated. The next morning, Masha came to the hospital with post-partum care, and was accessible and available for several days after for lactation support, post-partum healing, invaluable tips and information and as a friend who I trust implicitly. Masha is truly a special person, one of a kind…and I now know what I would be missing without her in my life. With her support, I feel like I can accomplish ANYTHING.