When we think of someone at Blooma who wears A LOT of hats, that’s Jessica. She is a Blooma Doula, is the Director of Childbirth Education, teaches several childbirth classes and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Beyond that – she’s smart, kind and wonderful with clients.

We asked Jessica a couple of questions so you can get to know her and all of the amazing skills and offerings she brings to this community.

When did you start working at Blooma?
I started working at Blooma in May 2019. I found Blooma long before I started working here! I actually attended some New Mama classes way back in 2011/12 when I worked as a nanny for a local family. I joined them on many outings, including trips to Blooma! I also attended my Birth Doula training at Blooma in 2015, and was a member during my first pregnancy.

What is your role at Blooma?
I wear many different hats at Blooma! I’m the Education Director, behind the scenes at our childbirtheducation@blooma.com and teaching a number of our Childbirth Education classes. I also have the privilege of serving many Blooma families as one of the Blooma Doulas! I’m a birth and postpartum doula, and partner with many families during this perinatal time. Finally, I’m an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). In that role I do 1:1 lactation consults (home, Blooma office, and virtual), teach our Lactation & Newborn Care classes, and facilitate our free Lactation Lounge every Friday.

What do you think makes Blooma special?
Oh, so many things! The thing that really makes Blooma special is the care, intention, and connection that takes place through all of our different offerings and services. We’re a fairly large team, but there’s a strong sense of community and constant communication between us. Because of this connection, we are able to serve families in so many different ways! We can meet families where they are in their prenatal, birth, and postpartum journeys and find true community there.

How has your role changed this past year during the pandemic?
So many ways! Last March we had to make a quick shift, moving all of our educational offerings to a virtual format, so our team worked together quickly to translate our hands-on classes to an online format. We also identified additional needs of families living through a pandemic, and were able to shift offerings to meet some of those needs. With the pandemic, we introduced lactation services to Blooma, which has become a huge part of my role here over the last year.

What do you wish people knew about Blooma?
I wish people knew the huge scope of services available here! We’re so much more than a yoga studio. We have wellness services (lactation, chiropractic, acupuncture, pelvic floor physical therapy and Reiki), childbirth education classes (from full classes to more specialized standalone classes), workshops and trainings for families and professionals, and so much more support for families in the perinatal period. If you’re looking for something, we likely offer it or can refer you to someone who does!

What’s something that the Blooma community has taught you?
One of the biggest things I learned from the Blooma community in this last year is the true, deep compassion and resiliency of the community. When I experienced a pregnancy loss this year, I felt so surrounded by love, care, compassion, and the sense of not being alone. Knowing there is a community of people surrounding you is invaluable, especially in the isolation so many of us feel living through a pandemic.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I’ve so enjoyed connecting with so many Blooma families over the last 2 years, and am looking forward to meeting many more of you! You can connect with me more at childbirtheducation@blooma.com or lactation@blooma.com