Monica Noriega

11/5/2026

Noemí carries and embodies the medicine that every birthing person and baby needs. She listened with intent for what my desires, fears, and hopes were for this pregnancy and birth. Leading up to my birth we had several in person appointments where she came to my home, often bearing gifts of special herbal tea blends or items to care for me and baby. Knowing that I am also on a journey of reconnecting to ancestral medicines, she also brought one of her maestras (teachers) to my home to prepare me for my birth with a massage (sobada), herbal foot soak, and gentle strategies to help get my baby into position and help prepare me emotionally and physically to bring my baby earthside. Noemí has a steady and loving presence that helped me feel grounded and strong going into my birth. During my hospital birth she helped me feel safe, grounded and connected to my baby, my ancestors, and creator during moments of fear and uncertainty. During chaotic moments of intrusive medical interventions and quick decisions she used her voice to call for pause and to advocate for me and my baby. She protected the sacredness of my birth and my baby's transition during what could have been a traumatic experience. After I was discharged she came to my home on multiple occasions to give me and baby our first herbal bath. She along with another trusted birth worker also gifted me a beautiful sealing of the bones / belly binding ceremony that helped me come back to myself and release the residue of fear I felt was stuck to me from the birth. Now that my baby is almost 2, I still see how Noemi's love, skill, and medicine continue to protect and nourish me and my baby. She planted seeds of hope, connectedness, and worthiness during my pregnancy and postpartum journey that continue to nourish me during these first years of motherhood. I am a better mother and human because of the care she poured into me when I needed it most.