Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Custodio.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I trained as a Labor Doula with C.A.P.P.A in November of 2017, following a transformative experience with my own Birth Doula, Yvonne Gray. After experiencing a healing Vaginal Birth After Two Cesareans (VBAC2) I was inspired to become a Birth Doula! Not too long after becoming a Doula, I transitioned from Birth Doula work to Postpartum Care. I then went on to Newborn Care Specialist roles where I quickly gained hands-on experience and built a network within the NCS industry. My career has since expanded into affluent client circles, I have since worked with a variety of families, including High Profile, High Net Worth/UHNW and Private Families; where I have established a strong reputation for my postnatal expertise and professional!
Continued Education is a high priority of mine, and my career has been shaped by continual learning and growth. I hold a CACHE Certification Specialised in Newborn Care and a Master NCS® title with Newborn Care Solutions and I also attend the annual Newborn Care Solutions® NCS Enrichment Conference hosted by Tonya Sakowicz and her husband and business partner, Todd Sakowicz and their team annually.
I maintain professional relationships with colleagues and Mentors in the Industry and continue to seek helpful criticism and positive feedback for improvement. I believe fostering relationships with likeminded individuals is important for my positive growth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This is a loaded question! As a small business owner I have had my fair share of struggles. The BEST part about the Birth Industry is that 4 babies are born every second! So there will always be supply! However, a struggle that I had to deal with was when I moved Markets. My family And I moved from California to Texas in August, 2021 so I had to reestablish myself all over again in a new Market.
In April of 2022, I broke my leg! This was devastating!! I broke my tibia and fibula on my left leg and I was out of work for 5 months. I was in a wheelchair and suffered from depression. I had to go to physical therapy and I had to learn how to walk again. I had no medical insurance coverage so my husband created a GoFundMe page and with the support of family, friends and colleagues we were able to survive until I could get back to work in July!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Well I do get to do what I LOVE and I get paid to do it! have the AMAZING privilege to love on babies and families in the Postpartum period. I provide care to the newborn while their parents rest and recharge. My caregiving style is respectful and adaptive and I tailor my support to each specific family’s needs. I take a baby-led approach and incorporate guidance for parents, especially first-time parents who may not yet have a defined philosophy on parenting.
Empathy and active listening are my key strengths and I this is what sets me apart from my peers. My goal as a caregiver is to focus on understanding parents’ concerns and preferences so that I can offer support that is both practical and emotionally reassuring. I utilize my empathy and my active listening skills to ensure that parents are felt heard, cared for and respected: our time together is a mutual transfer of kindness and love.
I believe that building trust and offering unbiased support results in a more positive experience for myself and my clients. I consider myself to be a team player but I also know when to take sole charge. I am most passionate about supporting new parents with their transition into parenthood by offering encouragement, education and a non-judgmental listening ear.
This work is my PASSION and I am known for “over giving!” I love to educate my clients and if i don’t know something I am happy to “research it” or reach out to a colleague or Mentor for guidance. I am most proud of my drive, determination, and integrity!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about the Dallas/Fort Worth area is how everyone is so family focused; especially at High School Football Games! I’m a Cali girl and Texans just do it different! I will always remember the first High School Football Game my family and I went to in the Fall of 2021, we were in awe! It was so much Fun!
What I like least is the the Dallas traffic! I have to take the toll roads everywhere!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sharinglovedoula.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncs_jess/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.sharon.311
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacustodiosharinglove/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/sharinglovedoula
Image Credits
Headshot: Sarah Perry Photography
