Hola!
I am Dayana, originally from Colombia. I lived for almost seven years in Okinawa, Japan, but I am currently living in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
I grew up with a passion for helping people and children, which led me to study law. In Colombia, I advocated for women's and children's rights through my local government jobs. Nevertheless, I have always thought that for me to support people from my country and others, I needed to improve and speak English fluently. I have always envisioned going through the world to meet and serve different communities. When I was 19 years old, I felt strongly called to enroll in a cultural exchange program called Au Pair—a program that taught me the beauty, empowerment, and sacrifices of parenthood.
Several years forward, and after observing my very first birth, I found the purpose and passion that I was praying for, for a very long time. I feel blessed, enriched, honored, and fulfilled. Since then, I have continued to invest in my education and growth to become an excellent birth worker who serves families worldwide.
Ever since I witnessed my first birth four years ago, my calling has grown and has led me to become a midwife. In September 2020, I had the honor to become a Student Midwife at Midwives College of Utah. I currently pursuing the degree of Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM) in order to become a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). I see myself advocating for every birthing person and helping reclaim birth for our generation and the ones to come. I see my midwifery journey and future legacy as one that empowers and equips birthing people's voices. Finally, I see us all together, creating change and creating a global shift about birth.
So, welcome to my journey of becoming a midwife and helping bring back the beauty and power of childbirth.
Philosophy of Midwifery Practice
My philosophy is anchored in a deep commitment to providing respectful, functional, whole-person, and holistic care. This commitment is not just a professional obligation but a personal creed that guides my approach to healthcare. My aim is to ensure that midwifery care is not only accessible to all but also integrates a profound understanding of cultural nuances and the impact of trauma, gestational, and reproductive health.
Healthcare, particularly gestational and reproductive healthcare, should be a right, not a privilege. I am dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent people from accessing quality midwifery care. This includes advocating for policy changes, engaging in community education, and establishing practices that are welcoming and inclusive to all, regardless of their socio-economic status, cultural background, or geographical location.
Recognizing the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our society, I am committed to fostering a practice that is culturally informed. This commitment involves continuous learning about different cultural beliefs, practices, and values surrounding birth and postnatal care. By integrating this knowledge into my practice, I aim to provide care that respects and honors each individual's cultural identity, enhancing their comfort and trust in the care they receive.
Moreover, the impact of trauma on childbirth and gestational health cannot be overstated. As a future midwife, I see it as essential to integrate trauma-informed principles into every aspect of care. This means creating an environment where all interactions are grounded in an understanding of the dynamics of trauma, ensuring that every client feels safe, respected, and empowered to make informed choices about their care.
In my practice, the holistic approach extends beyond the physical aspects of midwifery care. It encompasses emotional, social, and psychological support, recognizing that health is influenced by a multitude of factors, including mental health, community support, and personal beliefs. My goal is to work collaboratively with clients to address these factors, crafting care plans that recognize and respond to their unique life circumstances.
Finally, education plays a pivotal role in my philosophy of practice. By empowering clients with knowledge about their bodies and the birthing process, I aim to demystify aspects of childbirth and encourage active participation in decision-making. This educational empowerment helps build confidence and can transform the birth experience from one of uncertainty and fear to one of strength and celebration.
My philosophy of midwifery is a promise—a promise to honor the journey of each individual and to provide care that is as nurturing as it is knowledgeable, as culturally respectful as it is clinically excellent, and as inclusive as it is individualized. In doing so, I aspire not only to be a caregiver but a trusted companion in the beautiful, complex journey of bringing new life into the world.