Exploring Life & Business with Dr. Martha Mekonen, D.C. of Natalhood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Martha Mekonen, D.C.

Hi Dr. Mekonen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley as a first-generation Ethiopian – American. Throughout my childhood, I always had a love for the sciences and was passionate about helping my community. I attended UC-Riverside and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. After graduation, I knew I was going to pursue a career in the medical field, but was uncertain in what respect. So, I took the initiative to figure out where I best fit. That journey led me to intern at the UCLA Medical Center, work as a Behavioral Therapist with children on the autism spectrum, and shadow doctors, physician’s assistants, and nurses in both hospital and private practice settings in a variety of specialties. I was leaning towards a career as a PA, so I attended several PA-related healthcare expositions but soon realized it wasn’t my passion and I started to feel discouraged until I came across an American Chiropractic Association. I had never considered a career in chiropractic, but I immediately felt a connection to the practice. The foundation of chiropractic care is the nervous system, which directly aligned with my undergraduate neuroscience degree. I was accepted to Southern California University of Health Sciences in Whittier CA. A few years into my program, I took a chiropractic adjusting technique course for pregnant people and obtained the Webster Certification. This inspired me to become a birth doula while still a student and support people through their birthing process. Upon graduation, I moved to San Diego and opened my first chiropractic office. After serving the San Diego community for five years, I decided it was time to settle down back in Los Angeles.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been a bumpy road, for sure. When I first discovered that chiropractic was the career for me, I was elated to inform my family. However, they had a hard time understanding my passion, given that it’s not a common form of healthcare in the Ethiopian community. Despite their doubts, I followed my heart and I’m so glad I did! I excelled in chiropractic school and graduated Summa Cum Laude. My next obstacle arrived when I started my first chiropractic practice in a brand-new city. I was 26 years old, freshly out of school, and running a practice in San Diego where I had no family, friends, or even a professional network. That led me to attend various local Health & Wellness events, connect with like-minded health professionals, and network to prospective patients. My chiropractic office flourished for five years before I decided it was time to move back to Los Angeles.

Although I was happy to move back home and be accessible to the Black community here in LA, that came with its own challenges. Chiropractic care is not well-known among the Black community, so I was faced with the new challenge of educating others on the benefits of chiropractic care. I knew that would take time, so I began doing a monthly pop-up at events such as Black on the Block, Habesha Networks and reaching out to family and friends who had previously expressed an interest in my services. I’m still on the journey of rebuilding my practice here in LA, and I’m sure I’ll face more challenges along the way. Considering my track record, I know I’ll overcome those too!

As you know, we’re big fans of Natalhood Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am passionate about bringing families to wellness. My mission is to educate, empower, and support women through their motherhood journey and to cultivate health and practical wellness in every patient. I specialize in treating the World’s Best Athletes, the pregnant body. The body undergoes drastic changes as it prepares to nurture the growth of a child and as it recovers from giving birth. It is important to complement these changes with physical and emotional care through chiropractic care.

As a former Birth Doula, I’m also passionate about helping families through fertility. I co-wrote a book titled (In)Fertility: Secrets, Struggles, and Successes with a group of holistic practitioners and mommy bloggers. My services include pre and postnatal care, children, athletes, general wellness, and personal injury recovery. What sets me apart is that I am genuinely all about patient-centered care. As a Black Chiropractor, I strive to make chiropractic care accessible to my community. I want them to feel heard, supported, accepted, and empowered.

What are you most proud brand wise?
Although I provide services to a wide range of patients, I’m particularly proud to serve the niche of pregnant people. It brings me joy to treat them from the beginning of their pregnancy through birth and beyond. Meeting the baby after birth is unexplainably rewarding.

My practice is currently located in the San Fernando Valley inside the DSTRKT FIELDHOUSE. The DSTRKT is a sports complex focused on the development, empowerment, and deployment of health-conscious people of all ages and experience levels.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Likes: Diversity and the Los Angeles culture. LA is a melting pot composed of different races, religions, and traditions. It’s also a great middle ground between fast-paced cities like NYC and slow-moving ones such as San Diego. LA is my home and place of comfort. I also love the Ethiopian community here that my parents play a key role in. They’re like my extended family.

Dislikes: Traffic! I know it’s cliche, but it’s the truth! Driving in LA is a never-ending struggle.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.natalhood.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalhood_inc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalhood
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/natalhood-los-angeles