Aixa’s story
With a background in childcare, my path to birthwork came from my love for children
I nerded out over all things pregnancy, birth and parenting way before I started thinking about having my own. I saw it as preparation for one day when I would fulfill my dream of becoming a mother.
i had been married for a few years
But, I had a hard time feeling “ready” for kids. I felt held back by previous reproductive trauma and how non-linear healing can be. It felt like there would always be another milestone—psychological, financial, emotional, professional— that I needed to achieve first.
Then, a pandemic happened
Life slowed down for us. My artistic work had paused. Perspectives got clearer. All of a sudden, it felt like the right time.
Everything shifted after the birth of my son, Leonardo…
My birth film (shot by the incredible Katherine Marivelle) changed the way I viewed myself and my perspective on birth. As I look back at it, I realize birth is not just something to get through or survive unscathed. It can be an opportunity for transformation.
It can be a lot of things. Yes, uncomfortable and scary, but also spiritual, ecstatic, empowering mentally and physically. I felt like, “If I can do that–-I can do anything in this world” (And also, I was shown that our bodies are f*cking amazing.)
I’m a storyteller first and foremost
From acting, writing, painting, or directing—art has always called to me. So, birth photography + films seemed like a natural progression for this newfound passion.
But, after photographing some emotional births
That inner birth nerd felt called to do more than sit back and document. I couldn’t pretend I was a “fly on the wall” when I really wanted to be “in the trenches” with parents.
i followed up my passion with some life-changing trainings
I studied with some amazing people in the birth world: Latham Thomas (doula training) & Tanya Wills (lactation training). I have received invaluable guidance by my own birth team: Shawna King, Katherine Marivelle, Daisy Mason and Vickie Fernandez (my very own doula who is mentoring me. So full circle!)
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Birth Doula Training - Mama Glow
Integrative Lactation & Feeding Specialist Training - Manhattan Birth
B.A. Columbia University
Manhattan Birth Mentee
Nurtured Beginnings Mentee
Most listened to artist:
St. Vincent
Bravest thing I’ve done:
Scuba dived in a random island without training (actually, maybe the stupidest.)
what I’m most proud of:
My son & being a Latina.
my favorite places in the world:
Lake Garda, Italy & Cartagena, Colombia
TV Show that made me laugh the hardest:
The Office
Movie that made me cry the hardest:
Kramer vs. Kramer & Life is Beautiful