We recently connected with Kelsey Chieko Babb and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey Chieko, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being a person of multiracial origins, my otherness has been highlighted my entire life. Since I was a small child, this question has always found me, “What are you?” It was very provocative and bewildering back then! The constant messaging was that somehow I don’t belong in xyz. It was wild to navigate so early on, and I’ve learned to be less reactive to this level of inquiry coming from total strangers.
Those experiences seem to have been conditioning me for the path I would take as an adult working in a minority profession. I’m a midwife in a country where it’s most certainly undervalued. I learned midwifery in a community where nobody looked like me. I did not see myself reflected in this profession until I started tapping into cultures that honored traditional midwives. I’m here because of a high level of resiliency, there’s no doubt. I’ve been in touch with my own inner-knowing (intuition) and made it a point to be connected with my unique gifts. No matter what room you’re in, people admire authenticity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a Texas-licensed midwife offering in-home prenatal care, home births, and traditional postpartum support throughout the Greater Houston area. It’s truly an honor to be welcomed into families’ homes, meet their loved ones, and earn their trust during such a life-changing moment. Every birth teaches me something new, and being a midwife gives me a rare glimpse into deep experiences that many never get to witness. I support my clients in navigating the full spectrum of emotions that come with childbirth—acknowledging their fears and concerns while nurturing their strengths.
It’s a privilege to offer care that empowers families and gently guides them through the major life transitions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Sana Sana Midwifery is always growing to meet the evolving needs of our community. Right now, I’m expanding postpartum services to better support new mothers during the critical first year after birth. Whether it’s through ceremonial cerradas or thoughtful meal planning for the “first forty days,” my team and I have poured our care into every offering.
Our approach is about honoring the wisdom within each person—because you are the expert on your body, mind, and spirit. We provide personalized care and education, helping you feel truly supported from within, so healing flows naturally from inside out. We also love fostering community among birth workers! Through events like the Rebozo Mexicano Knowledge Share, we bring together both new and experienced practitioners to learn and grow. Join us for the next gathering in December 2024 (link below). Allowing me to be part of your journey, is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Honestly, the answer to this question is very simple. Dedication to your craft is the first one. You have to make the decision each day to learn a little bit more and be a little bit better than the day before. The second one is innovation. There are so many different ways to help someone bring their dream birth to life. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Finally and most importantly, never forget the privilege and joy of birth work. After all, we get to see folks in their happiest moments. Oh, and don’t forget to rest once in a while! It’s absolutely essential to keeping your creativity alive.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Clients who choose home birth have low risk, healthy pregnancies and give birth at term. They are active partners in creating their health and understand that the work of birthing demands trust and surrender to a natural physiological process. I work with families who envision childbirth as a collaborative effort between the birthing person and midwife team to create the birth experience that best serves them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sanamidwife.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanasanamidwife/
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rebozo-mexicano-a-knowledge-share-tickets-1033458852247?aff=oddtdtcreator
Image Credits
Photo by Grady Carter
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
