There are times in your life that are undeniably epic. Milestones that leave indelible marks on your mind and heart. Becoming pregnant, growing a child in your womb, giving birth and adjusting to motherhood is a phase in my life that has been exactly that.
With this journey, aside from faith in God and the support of my husband, what I needed most was courage. Courage to trust that I everything my baby needed resided in me. That I could do it, become a mom- a great mom. A mom that was informed, knew her options, and knew holistic and scientifically-backed medical approaches for prenatal and newborn care. Thankfully, with a heart full of gratitude, I can write I believe I am that mom. I know I have a lifetime of learning how to best serve my child in every season of her life, but when I look back on how this beautiful chaos began there is one constant person (again, aside from my partner) who I can honestly say helped me EVERY step of the way: my doula- Joanna Guzman. Brave Birth perfectly captures what mommas most need- courage. And let me tell you: Joanna helps you tap into reserves of strength women often are unaware they even have. Please keep reading to better understand why Joanna is an excellent doula and even better person.
The journey to motherhood is deeply personal. She gets that. Never pushy, but always available- she is a knowledgeable professional who isn't a mere sterile presence, but a warm, soothing, clear and gracious birth coach. And what does a coach do? Train, prepare, encourage, guide, plan and cheer you on. Joanna did just that from the moment she saw my first sonogram, where all that could be seen was my baby's gestational sac, to following up with me after each doctor's visit, periodic check-ins on my mental health and so on, all the way to holding my precious baby girl and visiting me at home during those hectic and at times nerve-wrecking first weeks with my baby. She was always just a text or call away. This meant everything to me since my husband and I experienced a miscarriage just before this pregnancy and I was drenched in anxiety at times. Even in my most vulnerable moments, she didn't shy away from any of my concerns- she would calmly let me know when to reach out to my doctor or when to just exhale and trust the process.
As you can see, I can go on and on about Joanna. I am forever grateful for all she has done for my husband and I. Joanna helped give us the tools we needed to march into parenthood aware and feeling capable. She is also one of the greatest reasons I am a confident mom. I know I won't always have the answers, but I am empowered to seek them and weigh my options because of Joanna. Enjoying time with my baby and trusting my vital role in her development is a more peaceful experience because of Joanna. Looking back on my initiation into the wonderful sisterhood of motherhood was full of encouragement and wise counsel All.Because. Of. Joanna.
She is a true gift to the soul of whoever she is working with and an intellectual treasure that will equip a woman to have the birth experience she desires. But not just any birth- a brave one, ushering that bundle of joy into a world with a momma who will have a heart full of courage.
Thank you Joanna and Brave Birth!
Love always,
The King Family read more