Conversations with Melissa Cerna Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Cerna Martinez.

Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My faith is the foundation that guides everything i do. It has shaped my heart for serving others and led me to the path i’m on today. Growing up i knew the one thing i was always so sure of was that i wanted to be a wife and a mother and with time God gave me my hearts desires. So a month after i graduated high school i started college and later became a registered dental assistant. I developed a passion for helping people during a vulnerable time. My favorite part was being a part of helping them get their smile back. Over time, a few work places later college classes and so on. I landed a job i loved with a great mission behind it… then 2021 i just got married and then was told i had two options & had to ” voluntarily resign “. I was devastated but i trusted this was part of God’s plan for my life as he has shown me time and time again through out my life that his plan for my life is greater. Then 2022 i landed a part time job in pediatric dentistry with no restrictions. I loved it only 2 months in i found out i was expecting… i began my research on all things pregnancy & birth. Read books, heard birth stories, joined Facebook groups & began my search for a midwife. My paternal grandmother told me about her birth story’s at home. I felt so confident in my body and that God created me with the ability to give birth. The more i learned the more empowered i felt, i was so excited and nervous too. Birth is unpredictable … but my faith was bigger than my fear. I went on to have a home birth and i want to give a shout out to Dr. Kate Wong, i learned a lot from her she also visited and adjusted me during pregnancy and Dr. Marcia Schaefer for all her knowledge. Also Dr. Karl Baune at Power total Health he adujsted me throughout my pregnancy. My awesome Midwife Alexandra DePastene for teaching me things and guiding me through labor with her steady voice and prayer. So two baby’s later and being treated with ease, cared for and supported the way i was during a vulnerable season God placed it on my heart to expand my calling as a nurturer from oral health, becoming a mother, to now birth work. To help mamas feel supported and informed through their motherhood journey. Becoming a doula has has allowed me to walk alongside family’s during one of the most sacred and life changing seasons. Today i balance life as a wife, mother, & doula latina trusting God to lead me as i care for other’s.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
By no means has it been a smooth road.. i grew up in ” the hood ” so i will say i became a product of my environment for some years. I did a lot of learning and unlearning throughout the years even now too. I strayed from my faith and clung to God time and time again. There has been loss and grief back to back, but through it all God is always there and has shown me time and time again his plans are far greater than i can comprehend. Loosing my sister to cancer has been the hardest part to navigate.. grief comes in waves.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My faith and family is at the heart of everything i do. I serve my community as a doula latina along side doulas with Natural instincts community birth collective, supporting women and their families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with compassion and intention. I am also a local mom walk host, creating a space where mothers can connect , feel supported, and build in person community. In addition, i’m a proud member of the of the Madera County breastfeeding coalition, where we advocate and promote education and support for breastfeeding families. All of these roles reflect my passion for uplifting, empowering, and walking alongside women during some of the most important seasons of their lives.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Bible
Birthing instincts with Dr. Stu – podcast
Birth Fit – PodCast
The untethered soul – Michael Alan Singer
First Responder Family’s – Podcast

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/nurturingbymelissa

Image Credits
Stephan and adriana

Black rider studios