A little about me…

Hi, I’m Julia (she/they) — a proud native of Albuquerque and the corazón behind Ocotillo Birth. I'm passionate about nurturing community, uplifting parents, and walking alongside families as they grow. My work is rooted in the belief that birth and early parenting deserve support that is inclusive, respectful, and empowering.

I’m a Certified Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Certified Childbirth Educator and Community Health Worker, offering full-spectrum doula support, lactation support and childbirth education. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and have earned my Master’s in Health Education with a focus on Maternal and Child Health at the University of New Mexico. I am certified in BLS, CPR, NRP and as an EMT. I’m also on my own midwifery journey — a path driven by both deep passion and meaningful purpose. As a mother of five in a blended family filled with love, growth, and a touch of chaos, I understand how transformative—and sometimes overwhelming—the journey into parenthood can be. My own experiences have fueled my dedication to holding space for others — especially young parents, people of color, and those seeking care that truly honors and affirms their unique cultures and identities.

When I’m not supporting families, you can find me outside with my littles, tending to our garden, sipping tea, or finding calm in a room full of houseplants and desert light. I’m honored to do this work and excited to step out into this next chapter — serving families across Albuquerque with warmth, evidence-based care, and deep respect for the journey.

My Mission & Vision

I’m here to hold space for all parents—with a deep commitment to uplifting and centering families of color, especially young, 2SLGBTQ+, and solo parents—by offering compassionate, inclusive, and evidence-based support through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. As a lactation specialist, childbirth educator, and doula, my mission is to make education accessible, guidance gentle, and every interaction rooted in warmth and respect—whether in-person or virtual. I strive to create spaces where every family, and especially those from communities historically pushed to the margins, feel seen, supported, and empowered to make the choices that are right for them.

I envision a community where every birthing person feels confident, cared for, and connected. A cozy, welcoming environment—online or in real life—where parents can exhale, learn, ask questions, and just be. A space for sipping tea and swapping stories, for sharing wisdom and building lasting connections.

This work is more than education or support—it’s about restoring trust, honoring culture, and cultivating true belonging.

Core Values

Inclusivity
Every family is welcome here—with intentional space for Black, Indigenous, and all families of color, every gender identity, and every path to parenthood. Your story matters and your journey is honored.

Safety
Emotional, physical, and cultural safety is the foundation of everything I offer. This means honoring cultural traditions, protecting sacred spaces, and acknowledging the unique challenges families often face in birth and parenting.

Compassion
I lead with heart—listening deeply, showing up with care, and meeting each person where they are. This includes bearing witness to generational experiences, systemic barriers, and the resilience within communities, and partnering with families to foster empowerment, healing, and informed choices every step of the way.

Empowerment
Parents are the experts on their own bodies and babies. I’m here to walk beside, not ahead —especially for those whose voices have been silenced or overlooked in healthcare spaces.

Rest & Restoration
This is a space for pausing, breathing, and being held—especially when the world feels heavy —especially for parents who carry the weight of both parenting and navigating systemic inequities.

Connection
Shared learning and meaningful relationships are at the heart of strong, supported families. I believe in building bridges between cultures, generations, and lived experiences so that every family can feel rooted and supported.

Nurture the growth of Ocotillo

3% Cover the Fee

Start the conversation

Whether you're exploring support for birth, lactation or education, I’d love to learn more about your needs and how I can help. Fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch soon. Let’s take the next step together — you don’t have to figure it out alone.

 FAQs

  • Please try to give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your lactation support or doula session. This helps me adjust my schedule and offer the time to others who may need support.

    If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, there may be a fee of 50% of the session cost.

    For doula services, if there’s a medical emergency, there is no cancellation fee.

    Thank you for understanding — your communication helps me provide the best care possible.

  • Please note that I do not accept cash. All payments must be made by card.

    My practice primarily operates on a self-pay basis, and I continue to welcome self-pay clients. I’m happy to share that I now also accept Medicaid. At this time, other insurance plans are not accepted.
    Sliding scale options are available.

    Please reach out to discuss your options — I’m happy to work with you.

  • I offer sliding scale rates for self-pay clients who do not have Medicaid coverage. Contact me to explore options and create a plan that fits your needs.

  • My long-term vision includes creating a warm, welcoming office space where families can gather, rest, and receive care. That space is currently in the works — I can’t wait to share it with you soon!