61 | Blooming Mamas Wellness - Bianca Marie

With over seventeen years of public health experience, Bianca was aware of the health disparities and injustice within reproductive health. Having that knowledge, she knew that it was essential to be informed, develop a plan for her birth, and have a strong birth team to support her. After years of trying to conceive, when she and her fiance discovered they were pregnant, it was a welcomed surprise.

With a relatively easy pregnancy, six weeks before her EDD, she didn't automatically think the cramping she was feeling, and an abnormal gush of water was her being in labor. Throughout the next couple of days, she went about her routine but did schedule an appointment with her OB to ensure all was well. Her doctor instructed her that her day would be taking a turn during her visit, and it was best she head to the hospital. At the hospital, Bianca and her husband were shocked to find that not only did her water break at some point, and she was 5cm dilated.

Taking in the information, they settled in and began moving forward that even though this wasn't what they planned, they would not let this limit their ability to have the best experience. Throughout the day, they found the staff supportive and receptive to her fiance being a strong advocate for Bianca. It wasn't until the shift change, and when they decided to move forward with an Epidural, that care began to shift. Bianca and her fiance started feeling rushed by the nurses, and a lack of attention to details. During the placement of her epidural, the tech created a chaotic situation. That not only caused stress and fear for Bianca and her fiance but was overly dismissive of the harm they caused and the effects that had for the rest of Bianca's birth.

Her story is a reminder of the sacredness of birth. That those who have the honor to be a part of that space treat it with respect it deserves. No matter how many births as birth workers, support systems, and care providers we have attended or supported, each one is new for each family. It is a privilege to hold space for them because your birth is an experience you carry for a lifetime!

With her history of work and reflecting on her overall journey, Bianca wanted to create a space that would make it easier for other birthing people to find the community they needed. A central place where they can find trusted and evidence-based resources for their individual needs. Thus Blooming Mama Wellness was born. You can connect with Bianca at her website here, or on social media @theofficialbiancamarie.