Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Gochez.
Christy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started when I experienced the birth of my son, Grant. I had a rare, week-long (6 days) prodromal labor. I had started labor on a Monday afternoon and gave birth naturally and unmedicated that following Saturday. This is where my journey began. My husband and I worked as a team and utilized the knowledge and skill we both learned through in-person, 12-week educational classes called The Bradley Method®.
I wanted women to know the joy that came with birth and not be afraid of their own bodies, pregnancy, labor, birth or postpartum recovery. I tell my students and clients all the time, labor and birth is so much more mental and emotional than it is physical. Women, men, and children transform at birth and learn the true power that lies within. Almost every mother I had met, shared with how scared she was during her birth and how she wished she knew her options so that she and her partner could advocate for themselves for a more empowering experience.
In 2014, I became a Certified Childbirth Educator, Doula Educator and Birth Doula. I teach the Bradley Method birthing classes and labor workshops. Shortly after that, I became a Certified CPR Instructor, Infant Massage Instructor, Placenta Specialist, Advanced Doula and Student Midwife.
And Ernie wanted to help dads see that being an involved father is so rewarding and truly does give back not just to the child but to the parents as well. This is what drives our passion –
Babylove is a family-owned business that strives to empower families, remove the fear and stigma and replace it with love and support. We support all families and all birth plans.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not smooth. I identify as a woman of color and have not had the luxury of coming from a financially well off family. I am the only income source for my family and no extended family around to help with childcare. Its been a lot of working days and nights, a lot of sacrificing, a lot of fear wondering how we are going to make it all work and still have the gift of working in a field I personally connect to and love. With lots of perseverance, we are still here and I’m still supporting my family, other families and on my way to becoming a midwife.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Babylove – what should we know?
I started off doing all the services on my own. Now, I have added wonderful local birth workers to my team to better support Babylove clients. I personally offer The Bradley Method classes, Advanced Doula services, CPR classes and infant massage classes. Babylove offers Lactation Consultant visits, Breastfeeding classes, Placenta Encapsulation Services, Postpartum Doula Services, Lifestyle Newborn and Family Photography, Car seat Safety Checks and installation services, and Postpartum Healing Ceremonies called Closing of the Bones.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My clients have been my biggest supporters. The love, friendship and relationship they are always offering me just reignites my passion over and over for this work. Seeing their experiences and receiving their supportive words, love, gifts, and referrals reminds me that I’m in the right place and the work that I do matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.babylovencp.com
- Phone: 9496904606
- Email: babylovencp@gmail.com
- Instagram: @babylovencp
- Facebook: @babylovencp
- Twitter: @babylovencp
- Yelp: Babylove
Image Credit:
Photos were either taken by me or by my husband Ernie Gochez (www.erniegochezphotography.com)
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