Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimmy McDaniels . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kimmy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

“My heart is full” is an expression I always heard. But then there was the moment I felt it. Motherhood. Talk about a defining moment. Giving birth feels likes the definition of a defining moment. Your heart is full. You have a new purpose. Usually this moment is filled with joy and love, but can also be a time of uncertainty. We have some subconscious fears around giving birth. In my own experience I heard these fears loud and clear during my first birth. I feel that robbed me of some of the joy. Since I began this work, I have been able to help so many first time moms go into their birth with the knowledge to feel empowered instead of afraid. This was the defining moment of my career. The first time a mama thanked me. I realized I have the ability to help mothers have a better birth experience. I started getting their feedback and realized “I’m doing this. I’m making a difference.” That feedback fueled me. And it keeps me coming. Starting a new nitch in my career was so scary. I did not know what to expect, but I knew I had passion. That passion brought me through the beginning hardships and my clients experiences has kept me going. It has been so rewarding. It doesn’t feel like work. It feels like purpose!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

To introduce myself I would say in short I am a mama to 3 little boys, a registered nurse, & a birth enthusiast. I also love to dance. I believe strongly in the power of movement and the power of intuition. I feel called to this work and very passionate about helping families through the amazing transition to parenthood. I started Florida Birth Movement (FBM)to share this passion. I became educated as a doula and a lactation consultant in addition to my nursing school and have gained amazing resources along the way. I love to share all I have learned in addition to reminding you that everything you need to have a baby is already with in you. I love to empower mamas for what is sure to be one of the most special moments of her lifetime. I feel an immense sense of gratitude and purpose and truly want pour my heart into this business venture.

FBM offers unique childbirth education sessions in addition to birth partner education sessions. These sessions are catered to clients needs. I also have developed a wonderful local network of providers to refer to. In addition to private sessions, we offer intimate group prenatal movement sessions hosted at a beautiful waterfront park, nestled in the palms. These sessions are for mamas 20 weeks along through birth. We move intentionally for an hour of stretching, dancing, laughing (& sometimes commiserating!) while talking pregnancy and birth, with beats in the background. I have dreamed up these sessions for years and am psyched to finally have this offering!

I am very easy to access via website floridabirthmovement.com, email kimmy@floridabirthmovement, & Instagram @floridabirthmovement. I am always happy to answer questions and share more.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think it’s important to have empathy in all fields, but especially when working with such delicate populations.

I’m addition to having empathy I think it’s important to have an open mind and know there are often times more than one right way to do things, especially birth. It’s important to respect that every individual is unique and different and has their own story to write.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I did not take a straight path to this part of my career, but I wouldn’t change anything. I always knew maternity was my true passion, but began my nursing career working in mental health specifically substance abuse and adolescent eating disorders. What I learned about people in this field has made me a better nurse and a better person.

My experiences in motherhood have also strongly molded where I am in my nursing career. And becoming a mama fueled my passion for this work even more.

I think a winding path has lots of perks. The gratitude I have for getting here is immeasurable.

Contact Info:

• Website: Floridabirthmovement.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/floridabirthmovement?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Samantha Hayn Photography