We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Byanca Franco Perez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Byanca , appreciate you joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?
I would say that it was giving birth at 27 to my now angel baby Brielle Faith . Going thru the medicalized process of pregnancy and the super mediccalized process of giving birth with every intervention possible . Really gave me an understanding of what a woman goes thru when they are forced to surrender to the medical system . But in that process I learned to advocate for my child and myself . And now I’m helping other woman find their voice and helping them birth the way we have always birthed , helping woman feel empowered thru believing in themselves
Byanca , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the proud founder of Apapachar Wombyn Services, a platform dedicated to empowering and supporting expecting mothers through traditional Mexican birthing tools and techniques. Based in San Jose, California, I am honored to be one of the first Mexican traditional birthworkers in my area and one of the few Mexican midwives serving the community.
My journey into birth work began after the loss of my first daughter, Brielle Faith , who was born with CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia) in 2013. This experience led me to start with bereavement work, offering support and comfort to families in their darkest moments. Over time, I transitioned into a labor doula, providing continuous support to mothers during labor and childbirth.
Today, I am on a path to becoming a midwife, currently undergoing training as a Student Midwife with the goal of becoming licensed in the state of California. My work is deeply rooted in traditional Mexican birthing practices, including sobadas, belly binding, bone closing, and more, all aimed at creating a nurturing and empowering birth experience.
In addition to my traditional practices, I bring over twenty years of experience in medical support, including labor and postpartum doula support, childbirth education, postpartum in-home massage, placenta encapsulation, and patient advocacy. As a mother myself, I understand the importance of compassionate care and unwavering support during this transformative journey.
My ultimate goal is to provide culturally competent and holistic care to mothers and families, ensuring optimal outcomes for both mother and baby.
My business has come a long way since its inception, evolving into a beacon of empowerment and support for expecting mothers. Over the years, I have had the privilege of attending births for numerous mothers who have since been inspired to pursue careers in birth work themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the ripple effect of my work and witness the passion it ignites in others.
One of the pivotal moments in my journey was the opportunity to expand my knowledge by traveling to El Paso, Texas, where I trained at a birth center. This experience was particularly impactful as I had the honor of serving many women who crossed the border from Juarez, Mexico, to give birth in El Paso. Being able to continue serving my indigenous community in this capacity was both fulfilling and joyful.
As my business continues to expand, I find myself more deeply immersed in the beauty and importance of this line of work. I have had the privilege of creating lasting bonds with families, being present for pivotal moments in their lives, and offering support that extends far beyond the birthing experience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of my journey has been the ability to have my two-year-old daughter, Atzin-Ta’naan, by my side during appointments, births, and postpartum care. It fills me with immense pride to see her growing up in an environment steeped in these traditional practices.
Relearning and reclaiming many of these traditional practices has been a profound journey of self-discovery for me. Now, as I witness my daughter being born into these practices, I am reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As an indigenous Mexican immigrant navigating the predominantly white field of birth work, seeking an apprenticeship as a student midwife was not without its challenges. I reached out to numerous midwives in my area, only to be met with rejection from many. However, one particular interaction stands out as a testament to the strength I’ve developed on this journey.
After connecting with a midwife who initially seemed interested in taking me on as an apprentice, I was met with disappointment when we finally spoke via facetime face to face. Her reaction to my non-white identity left me feeling discouraged and questioning my path. ” oh i thought Byanca was an Italian name she said . I remember confiding and crying to my brother, expressing doubts about whether this field was truly meant for me.
Despite this setback, the universe had other plans for me. Months later, I found myself working as a doula alongside the very midwife who had turned me down. As we had both been hired separately by the birthing parents. It was a powerful moment of realization that the universe conspires to place us where we are meant to be, even when the path seems uncertain.
During this experience, I witnessed the power of perseverance and faith. Her apprentice who showed up at the birth was someone the midwife had never met before, but she was white . I remember thinking i cant believe she rather bring someone Shes never met to a birth, than have me. However, this experience highlighting the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns. It became clear to me that there was a larger plan at work, guiding me towards my purpose in this field.
Eventually, I crossed paths with another Mexican midwife who had recently moved to my area from LA . She took me under her wing and has since been a steadfast source of support and encouragement. Her belief in me has been unwavering, even in the face of life’s obstacles.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that resilience and determination can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. I am grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in my role as a birth worker.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
f I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession and specialty without hesitation. While it was loss and grief that initially brought me back to my roots and this line of work, the journey has been profoundly transformative.
I had to experience the deepest depths of sorrow, hitting rock bottom and crying out to the Creator for help. It was through this pain and despair that I found the strength to pick myself back up. I had to not only put all my broken pieces back together but also go back to my roots, to my true essence and the teachings, lessons, and ceremonies of my ancestors in Mexico, to rebuild myself, find myself, and ultimately create a business that empowers women during the most important times in their lives.
Losing my precious baby, Brielle Faith, was undoubtedly the most heartbreaking experience of my life. However, through that loss, I was reborn into a whole new life—one filled with purpose, passion, and a deep connection to my heritage. This journey has allowed me to help others in ways I never thought possible and has shown me the resilience of the human spirit. So, yes, I would choose this path again, as it has led me to a place of profound healing and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.apapacharwombynservices.com/
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