Meet Crystal-Ann Roberts | Registered Nurse and Childbirth Educator.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal-Ann Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal-Ann, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew I wanted to see change. I started my business in childbirth education because I honestly felt like I wanted other women to have the same experience or even better than what I had in childbirth and labor. After I began my training to become an educator I soon realized there weren’t many women who looked liked me teaching Hypnobirthing or other childbirth courses. I began educating myself on the statistics of maternal mortality within the minority races and what I discovered was devastating. It became more than a business, there was true purpose here… I had such a passion to see women healthy, empowered and safe. Being educated was a huge part of that.

What should our readers know about your business?
My company is called Jonah’s Birth. We offer childbirth education such as Hypnobirthing and so much more. One of the unique aspects about my company is the fact that I am a Registered Nurse in the field of maternity. Having that background allows me to teach clients with multiple view points. I can understand the role as the provider in healthcare but also as the client and as the mother. Having been pregnant twice and blessed with taking Hypnobirthing as a client I know how these families feel. Pregnancy can be overwhelming and scary even as a nurse but when you go through Hypnobirthing or a High Risk Childbirth Education Program you diminish fear, you empower yourself and your family. Birth and pregnancy is easier because your overall health improves.

My greatest accomplishment is being one of the first High Risk OB nurses who teaches childbirth education. I am currently creating a program specifically for clients who are deemed high risk. I want these families just like all the others to know they too can have a safe and empowered birth and pregnancy. I want them to know all hope is not lost because of a diagnosis. This year I was able to teach women in Jamaica Hypnobirthing. This was huge! You have to understand that Hypnobirthing is a course that was mostly heard of in the middle to upper class white families. Most women like myself never even heard of Hypnobirthing or even tried to take any form of childbirth education course. Many thought it was unaffordable, some providers didn’t think minority families would be interested or it was just not available in the region or country where they lived. When the pandemic hit we had to move services online. This led to me being able to offer it to Jamaican clients (I was born in Jamaica), with the approval of the Hypnobirthing Institute. The first client I had who gave birth in Jamaica became the talk of the hospital. Providers who were skeptical were now believers that this program really works. Hypnobirthing helps moms to have an easier, safer and more empowered birth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In South Florida the beach is always best. So we would definitely visit the beach, possibly do some fishing, or check out the piers. In regards to food there are many food locations that are unforgettable. Breakfast: First Watch or Another Broken Egg Cafe. Lunch or dinner – Arubas or Dukunoo for authentic Jamaican food with a little party vibe. Sarpinos has some of the best local pizza. If they had kids I would tell them to check out Lion Country Safari, the drive is pretty incredible, it’s as if you’re actually driving through a safari. You cant visit South Florida without stopping by Wynwood for great food, amazing art and some music and culture. South Florida has such a beautiful variety of culture and cuisine there really is something for everyone. No matter where you’re from I think everyone would find something they loved about this region.

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?
There are two key people I want to name. First, my husband Phil. I remember when we first had the conversation regarding me teaching Hypnobirthing I really didn’t think it was possible. It was just another thing on my list of “what ifs.” He immediately said why not, I looked at him like really? I smile now remembering the way he looked at me, always with such pride and surety. He’s never doubted my capabilities even when I couldn’t even imagine it he always saw the vision to the end. I’m blessed to have married him. The second person is my niece Kacey. Not very long after I got certified to teach Hypnobirthing childbirth education my niece was killed in a tragic car accident. I wanted to give up completely and would have if it wasn’t for the words she told me months before she passed. I remember telling her about my goals with the business but how nervous I was and she constantly said, “you got this aunty, I believe you.” I have those words written on my vision board. It has taken me through this past year and its part of the reason I don’t ever seeing myself give up. I have to make her proud. My entire family has been my backbone but these voices guided me when I walked though paths of the unknown.

Website: www.Jonahsbirth.com

Instagram: @JonahsBirth

Twitter: @JonahsBirth

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCtqLirTeaCfbxkw_uDIWfnw