I always wanted to be an Obstetrician. There’s something about the whole birthing thing that’s always pulled me in. But obstetrics wasn’t the path life gave me to walk; instead I have three great kids, a career as a chef that I loved, and now this exciting new journey.
That being said, birthing has always been something I’ve been involved with. When I couldn’t go back to try obstetrics, or midwifery, I started volunteering as a Doula. What an incredible privilege it is to accompany a woman through that difficult and magical process. I remember once talking to my dad about the fact that I had attended so many, many births and had never even seen a delivery; I just got too involved with the woman’s needs. My dad said quite wisely that there was always someone to get the catch, but not always someone who wanted to be by the woman’s head. He made me feel that the work of emotionally supporting her journey was the most important thing I could be doing and not something that was less than any other part of that process.
This new birth of Monforte is at that point right now; it’s challenging and uncomfortable and sometimes, a profoundly difficult place to be. Once in a while, just for a moment, I want to scream that I’ve changed my mind – just as most women feel at that last stage of labour. But this dairy is crowning.
The land is chosen, the architectural drawings are in the works, the landscape architecture is designed and Neville – God bless him because he’s really, really busy – is working on the dairy layout and equipment.
We have well over 150 subscriptions. This is phenomenal, especially considering we haven’t even announced where we’re building. It kind of takes my breath away. Even the Government has been really supportive, from Municipal to Federal and every one in between. The encouragement from the trades, suppliers, shepherds, retailers, chefs and consumers has been overwhelming.
What a profound privilege it is to have you attending us as we birth this dairy.
With thanks, Ruth