Hey, I'm Jess Cheatwood. I'm an Oklahoma Birth Worker and I'm so excited to meet you!I live in Logan County, OK. I have been serving my community as a birth worker for sixteen years. My own births have brought me great insights, but the honor to witness my clients births has brought me much more.
I have been blessed to be called by the honored name of Mom for eighteen years. I am married to my very sweet husband and together we have four children and two dogs. As a family we enjoy playing the guitar and singing, attending kids performances, bike rides, camping, and taking day trips. I like to draw in my bullet journal, and do handicrafts when I find the time. |
Let me tell you about my journey.
I had my first baby as a younger mom at twenty, and I didn't know what I wanted in a birth. I knew I wanted to breastfeed my baby and that I already loved him so very much. I would do anything for him! I was scared and didn't feel like my body would know what to do when the time came. I chose an OB based on a friends recommendation that she was seeing for her pregnancy. Soon after that first birth I found myself feeling disconnected from my body. Looking back I realized I didn't feel in control of what was happening, and was very unprepared for the experience of birth. When I learned I was pregnant again with my second baby, I set out to learn and look at my birth through a new lens. That lens was HypnoBirthing. I listened to the HypnoBirthing tracks, I read the HypnoBirthing books, and I spent time communicating with my body and baby every day about the birth that I wanted next. I completely changed the way I viewed birth and my body. I hired a doula, I had my partner and providers full support, and after months of preparation my hard work paid off. I achieved a natural water birth at Mercy hospital! |
With just the nurse present I birthed my baby in the pool. The doctor came running in beaming with pride and offering congratulations and assistance with postpartum care as I soaked up the wonder and awe of accomplishing my birth goals. After that birth, I attended my first doula training. I wanted to help guide others in a way that I had longed for with my first pregnancy. The wisdom shared between parents. This led me to attending my first birth doula training in 2009 hosted by the Doula Association of Central Oklahoma. Just as my soon as I found my calling, my family dynamics changed and I found myself on a new path, temporarily ending my on call work with families and instead investing in them postpartum as a lactation consultant over the next ten years. |
Birth work always remained on my mind.
In 2014 I was pregnant with my third, a baby girl. My strong and healthy respect for natural birth carried me through exploring the idea of birthing naturally again, but this time in my home. I made the leap to home birth and hired a midwife in the final weeks of my pregnancy. I had always longed for the care of a midwife and to give birth completely on my own terms. With my doula and midwife by my side I accomplished my goal and welcomed my baby girl into my arms at home in my bedroom in the early hours of the morning. Now more than ever, I was enamored with the idea of supporting families during their births and postpartum. In 2021 my husband and I welcomed our newest baby into the world. We planned for a calm and loving home birth, cared for by midwives throughout my pregnancy, all while listening to the HypnoBirthing tracks and teaching HypnoBirthing classes. We hired a midwife, a midwifes assistant, and a doula! |
This birth brought new experiences for me. My labor was beautifully calm and manageable, my husband and I enjoyed the day together cuddling, laughing, and being with our other children. As we called out our midwifery team to us, we learned that what was once started as a healthy sounding baby was beginning to sound distressed. After quick decision making we moved from our home to the nearest hospital. I birthed my baby with ease, no tearing at all, weighing 9 lbs 1oz! My biggest baby yet. He needed some support from the NICU team however, and we were able to get him the care he needed quickly by switching locations. This experience brought me a new understanding of how birth can unfold and that being open to what your baby needs during birth is just as important as your original desire for your birth. Sometimes being able to change modes and accept what is unfolding is exactly what needs to happen during birth. |
Over the years, birth work continued to call to me. In 2022, with the support of my husband and family, I made the return to on-call birth work after becoming a HypnoBirthing Certified Educator. I feel so fulfilled to be walking with families as they grow and birth their babies again.
I have been able to assist 1000's of families altogether with breastfeeding and childbirth education, lactation consultant services, and birth support.
This is my life's calling, and I look forward to serving you.
Kind Words
After baby #4, I realized my previous breastfeeding experiences weren't enough to help us overcome a difficult latch (even after getting professional help with multiple overly restrictive frenulums). Jessica came to the rescue with information and recommendations. She helped me not only feel more confident, but gave us the knowledge to improve our daughter's latch and ensured a functional breastfeeding relationship. She is invaluable.
- E |
Jessica was the facilitator at a group for breastfeeding moms (Milk Moms), which I attended after the birth of my first baby. Jessica is extremely knowledgeable; she patiently answered ALL my questions (I had a lot). Jessica was a great source of support to help us navigate the challenges of breastfeeding. I would highly recommend her!
- R |
Jessica's services are in investment that pays dividends for your baby, for you and for the whole family. She brings a deep base of knowledge derived from experience, her studies (she regularly takes new classes and stays on top of all the latest research), and blends that with her put-you-at-ease manor. Like your private Sherpa, she will guide you away from crevasses and clear your path ahead.
- R |
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
2009 Doula Association of Central Oklahoma DONA Birth Doula Training
2010 Accredited as a La Leche League Leader
2012 Graduated with pre-bach nursing studies from OCCC
2013 CPR updated
2016 Earned the Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
2016 Baby Cafe USA Facilitator
2016 Joined out state breastfeeding coalition
2016 Operations Manager at Thrive Mama Collective
2016 CPR updated
2017 Earned the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant designation
2017 Became a Thrive Mama Collective Member
2019 CPR updated
2020 Attended the IBCLC Master Class: Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad course
2021 CPR updated
2021 Earned the HypnoBirthing Educators Certification
2023 Completed a 500 hour massage program in Oklahoma
2024 Attended the Imani's Village Community Doula Training
2024 CPR updated
2024 Completed the Neonatal Resuscitation Program
2024 Began training as a Midwifes Assistant
I am continuously expanding my knowledge base on topics related to infant and parent health.
Every 5 years I also complete 75 or more CERPS toward renewing my IBCLC status.
2010 Accredited as a La Leche League Leader
2012 Graduated with pre-bach nursing studies from OCCC
2013 CPR updated
2016 Earned the Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
2016 Baby Cafe USA Facilitator
2016 Joined out state breastfeeding coalition
2016 Operations Manager at Thrive Mama Collective
2016 CPR updated
2017 Earned the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant designation
2017 Became a Thrive Mama Collective Member
2019 CPR updated
2020 Attended the IBCLC Master Class: Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad course
2021 CPR updated
2021 Earned the HypnoBirthing Educators Certification
2023 Completed a 500 hour massage program in Oklahoma
2024 Attended the Imani's Village Community Doula Training
2024 CPR updated
2024 Completed the Neonatal Resuscitation Program
2024 Began training as a Midwifes Assistant
I am continuously expanding my knowledge base on topics related to infant and parent health.
Every 5 years I also complete 75 or more CERPS toward renewing my IBCLC status.