Midwifery journey
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I am a native New Yorker and Afro-Latina, born to an immigrant mother from the Dominican Republic. My life has been a journey of self-discovery, marked by diverse career experiences that have shaped me into a strong, resilient, and motivated woman. My desire to lead a life of service as a midwife has been a driving force and my recent journey of self-discovery has prepared me for this pivotal moment, especially when addressing the black maternal mortality rate in the nation, which has become my biggest passion.
Initially, I felt drawn to teaching baby signing and creating a safe space for mothers, believing it to be the starting point for raising awareness about the transformative role of parenthood. This evolved into a two-part goal: preparing adults for the challenges of parenthood and fostering impactful communication and meaningful relationships with their children. My passion for family advocacy was ignited during my years as a Special Education Teacher, where I worked with deaf and hard-of-hearing children, realizing that every child has a unique way of expressing themselves.
In launching Signs of Harmony, I developed integrative and enjoyable baby and child signing classes that foster family and community bonding while also building confidence and self-esteem in students. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to expand my services by adding Doula Services and Childbirth Education Classes, a natural progression that allowed me to prepare future parents and caregivers for the transformative journey of welcoming a new life. My commitment to continuous learning and expanding my skill set has led me to believe that becoming a midwife would bring my journey full circle, aligning with my true calling.
Organizer
Stephanie Arjona
Organizer
Huntington Beach, CA