Denver Doula Support & Birth Photography | Honoring Midwives
A Midwife Whose Care Runs Deep
Something that I’ve run into often as a birth worker when networking and connecting with other birth workers is that this work was something they were genuinely called to do. As if being driven by a magnetic force. It CHOSE them. There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you meet someone who’s truly walking in their calling— the kind of work they were meant to do. That’s exactly how it felt when I sat down with Justina Nazario, licensed Northern Colorado midwife and founder of Rooted in Midwifery, to photograph her and talk about the heart behind her work.
Justina has been in the birth world for over a decade. First as a certified lactation counselor, then as a birth doula, and now as a licensed midwife. Her journey started with her own pregnancies as a young mom, navigating a system that didn’t always feel personal or supportive. That experience lit a fire in her to offer something different: Care that is personal, respectful, and centered around the family, not the institution.
“It’s hard to answer what got me into midwifery,” she says. “It truly was a calling.”
How I Met Justina
I first met Justina when she was a student midwife at the birth center where I received care during my pregnancy with my youngest. By the end of that pregnancy, I was going in weekly for NSTs, as I usually do in pregnancy… not because I’m “high risk” but to manage my anxieties as I navigate pregnancies after loss… and we ended up spending a lot of time together.
Her presence was grounding in a way that’s hard to put into words. She had this calm, steady energy that made me leave every appointment feeling more at peace. I know without a doubt she brings that same energy into the birth space, and any family would be incredibly lucky to have her on their team.
Debunking the Myths About Home Birth in Colorado
If your only exposure to birth has been in a hospital, home birth might sound unfamiliar — maybe even a little intimidating. But as Justina explains, for low-risk pregnancies, planned home birth with a licensed midwife is just as safe — sometimes safer — than hospital birth.
Midwives bring the training, equipment, and emergency plans to keep families safe, while offering the kind of individualized care that’s harder to find in a hospital setting.
One of the biggest misconceptions? That midwives aren’t “real” healthcare providers.
Justina holds a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery and is fully trained to handle emergencies, from postpartum bleeding to newborn resuscitation.
Tips for Families Considering a Home Birth in Northern Colorado, Denver, or Boulder
Thinking about home birth? Justina’s advice is simple but powerful:
Interview a few midwives to find someone whose personality, philosophy, and communication style feel like the right fit.
Educate yourself — even if it’s not your first baby. Childbirth classes (especially specific to home birth) help prepare you and your partner for the experience.
Build your support team — whether it’s your partner, a doula, family, friends, or even your birth photographer (👋 that’s me), surround yourself with people who believe in you.
Prepared for Anything
While her goal is to create a calm, empowering space for birth, Justina makes safety the top priority. She comes equipped with oxygen, first-line medications, and tools for newborn resuscitation. If hospital care becomes necessary, she follows a transfer plan made with the family during pregnancy so the process is smooth and intentional.
Redefining a “Positive Birth Experience”
For Justina, a positive birth isn’t about perfection or a specific outcome — it’s about feeling heard, respected, and involved in every decision.
“A positive birth experience looks different for everyone,” she told me. “When families feel informed, it makes all the difference.”
Connect with Justina
If you’re in Northern Colorado, Denver, or Boulder and considering home birth, you can find Justina here:
📍 Rooted in Midwifery — Serving families across Northern Colorado, Denver, and Boulder
🌐 Website: Rootedinmidwifery.com
📸 Instagram: @Rootedinmidwifery | @Justinaelba
📧 Email: rootedinmidwifery@gmail.com
💡 Why I’m Sharing This:
As a Colorado doula and birth photographer, I believe in connecting families with providers who see and support them. I’ve witnessed first-hand how care like Justina’s transforms birth experiences, and it’s an honor to photograph the people doing this life-changing work. If you’re looking for a birth photographer in Denver, Boulder, or Northern Colorado, I’d love to document your journey.
