Meet Justina Nazario-Johnson of Jai’Ma Birth in Loveland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justina Nazario-Johnson.

Justina, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey into birth work started on a trip to India. I traveled to become a Registered Sattva Yoga Teacher in search to better serve my community, and met a wonderful midwife that opened my eyes to the birth world.

After the birth of my first son, a few months after my trip I became a Certified Lactation Counselor and that paved my journey into becoming a Certified Birth Doula and aspiring Midwife.

Along my path, I’ve had three boys, served over 25 families and have certified training in assisting midwives, birth acupressure and rebozo use.

I’m the founder of the Inclusive Coalition, founded on bridging the gap of high mortality rates among black women.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This path has been so natural for me.

This work takes a special person and I believe it a calling not a “job”.

The most difficult part about being a birth worker is finding enough balance between my goals in creating Inclusive space and opportunities for ALL FAMILIES, all the ideas and goals I intend on reaching and balancing that with being the best mom and partner can sometimes be challenging. But it’s truly been the most enjoyable journey, I have zero complaints. I love my clients, they’re my extended family!

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Jai’Ma Birth provides Birth and postpartum care.

I center my care based around informed consent and provide as much education to my clients as possible.

I have many certifications including Birth Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, assistant midwifery training, acupressure training, rebozo training and I’ve applied for midwifery school -so maybe I’ll be your next local midwife.

I’ve also found my calling in giving black women a platform and voice in Northern Colorado. The Inclusive Coalition is a workshop I’ve created to further educate other birth workers on systemic racism.

It a space that we as birth-workers can come together as a community and learn about high mortality rates among women of color, how our history is impacting the care we’re receiving now and how we can better serve and represent women of color. I’m proud to hold these difficult conversations in hope of creating change in our community.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had so many people that have inspired me, supported me and helped me be the birth Doula and advocate I am now. Of course, my family, my husband, mom and Aunt have physically, mentally and financially made this possible.

My children are the reason I became passionate to help other women and families, I wouldn’t have found this path without birthing those wonderful humans.

My Bay Area doulas, they gave me guidance and a voice. They still cheer me on and inspire me to keep on pushing and to keep advocating. Those doulas truly shaped me into the Doula I am now, I’m forever grateful.

There are so many midwives that have sent me kind words, given me hope and that I aspire to be like. Including Claudia Brooker, Jennie Joseph, Allison Molinski, Demetra Seriki and the list goes on.

I’m grateful for my tribe I’m starting to find here in Northern Colorado and I hope we continue to expand and grow together.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jaimabirth.com/
• Phone: 3109999731
• Email: jaimabirth@yahoo.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jaimabirth/
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/v4jflLn5w1

Image Credit:
Kelly Huljev, photographer

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