Meet Jamaica Rich | Birth worker

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

Hi Jamaica, what do you attribute your success to?
Community. My community has greatly influenced my success. As I go through this journey as a birth worker and entrepreneur, I have been able to rely on some people to keep me going. From my husband, parents, and in-laws, to other mothers and birth workers, these people have given me so much. I have folks in my community that’ll check in and provide words of encouragement, some even repost articles that feature me or directly refer clients to me. When people share their experiences or even simply say “I know that Jamaica is really great at what she does”, that is what brings families to me. In the beginning, I got discouraged because I don’t have any Google or Yelp reviews, and I wondered how I was going to get my name out there. Now I will get text messages, calls, and DMs from people saying that someone I know recommended me. If it wasn’t for my comunity, I think I would experience burnout more often and felt discouraged. But I receive love and support which has blessed my business and success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a full spectrum doula and placenta encapsulation specialist. I completed my training through For the Village. What is so great about them is that they provide trauma informed care for all birthing bodies. I was able to leave that training feeling fully equipped to provide care. I also completed my placenta encapsulation training through the Brilliant Birth Academy. They also provided an amazing training. I would say with both of my trainings I have been able to give quality care and support to all my clients. Starting my business definitely took time to start. I was a brand new mom so adjusting to parenthood while trying to build a business was difficult. But I have crossed paths with some other entrepreneurs and they’ve shared ways to get to where they are. Being able to network with other birth workers, chiropractors, lactation consultants has really pushed my success.

I try to make my services accessible and affordable to families because I know how costly the birthing world can be. My spouse can vouch for this, but I am someone who gives their time and energy because I love making people happy, I do this because I believe that everyone deserves quality care no matter who you are or where you came from. I do this because I want to protect Black birthing bodies and their families. I do this because I love connecting and sharing experiences with people. I do this because it heals me and my own trauma. I do this because I have a wonderful family that supports what I do. I will keep doing this work until my ancestors tells me to rest. I hope that my story encourages people to do the work that they feel called to do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Because I am such a mom, I would start the day and take my bestie to Snooze, an A.M. Eatery in Hillcrest. They have some of the greatest pancakes and their kids menu is bomb! Oh and their spicy bloody mary, you have to try it. Then we would go to the San Diego Zoo, and take my son to the kid play area then head towards African Rocks and Elephant Odyssey. After that we pick up some potpies from Pot Pie Co. with two sides of corn and mashed potatoes. The next day, we are going to Civita park, again I am very much on mom mode. Let my little run around and eat lunch. We then leave him with the grandparents and go to happy hour at Jo’s Diner. Eat and drink there then go take a nap. If it was a Friday or Saturday, we would go to Surf and Soul Spot to pick up some soul food. Order ahead so we aren’t waiting too long. I would also take my bestie to Casa de Pico and drink a margarita and ask for refills of their chips and salsa.

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?
Gosh there are so many people I would love to thank! First, my life partner, Geovan, from day one you have been my biggest advocate and motivator. I love you! Big thank yous to: Venice, Nikki, Leslie, Sartteka, Nyisha, Chardá, Carmen, Jarrah, Teresa, my mommy friends, For the Village, Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings, San Diego Community Birth Center and all the other people who’ve shared my story. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Website: https://www.bumpnbeyonddoula.org/

Instagram: bumpnbeyond_doula