We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Calderon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be one of empowerment, compassion, and trust in the beauty and strength of the birthing process. I hope to be remembered as someone who honored every mother’s unique journey, provided unwavering support, and advocated for informed choices and physiological birth. Beyond midwifery, I want to leave behind the message that birth is not just about babies but about families and communities being strengthened. I hope people remember me as someone who approached life with an open heart, ready hands, and a deep respect for the sacred work of bringing new life into the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My practice, Ashley Calderon Midwifery, is built on the foundation of honoring the individuality of each mother and providing holistic, compassionate care through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. What sets me apart is my deep commitment to empowering women with informed choices and respecting the physiological process of birth. I strive to create an environment where mothers feel supported, respected, and truly seen.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey of both immense joy and significant challenges. Over the past decade, I’ve served as a doula, midwife assistant, and now as a licensed midwife. Each step has been a learning experience, shaped by the families I’ve supported and the incredible midwives who mentored me. The path wasn’t always easy—balancing a demanding career while raising my six kids required resilience, determination, and a deep belief in my purpose.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth often comes through challenges. Facing unexpected situations in birth work taught me the importance of adaptability, trust, and leaning into the support of others.

What I want the world to know about Ashley Calderon Midwifery is that my work isn’t just about catching babies—it’s about building trust, holding space for transformation, and nurturing families during one of the most vulnerable and empowering times of their lives. My mission is simple: to honor each mother’s journey and welcome new life with hands ready and heart open.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting North San Diego, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect mix of beaches, great food, and local charm. We’d start with coffee and breakfast at spots like Revolution Roasters or Cafe Topes, then spend our days exploring Moonlight Beach, hiking Torrey Pines, or strolling through the San Diego Botanic Garden. Evenings would be for amazing dinners at places like Campfire in Carlsbad or Buona Forchetta in Encinitas, followed by live music or sunset views at Swami’s Beach. We’d check out Carlsbad Village for shopping, paddleboarding at the lagoon, and maybe a brewery visit to Burgeon Beer Co. North San Diego has the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and incredible coastal vibes!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be the midwife I am today, without the incredible support and teachings of my midwife preceptors. These women not only shared their knowledge and skills with me but also demonstrated the heart of midwifery—holding space for families with compassion, patience, and trust in the birth process. Their mentorship shaped my approach to care and inspired me to always honor each mother’s unique journey. I am forever grateful for their guidance and the wisdom they so generously shared.

Website: https://www.ashleycalderonmidwifery.com

Instagram: @ash_midwife

Image Credits
Jamilah Allen Creative

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