Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadijah Johnson.
Hi Khadijah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been an occupational therapist for about 10 years now. I initially began my career as a pediatric occupational therapist working with babies, children, and families. However, I have always had a passion for women’s health and also mental health. My passion for maternal mental health started when I had my first baby. My husband was in the Navy and could not attend the birth due to being away for training. With my husband being away frequently due to the military and being a first-time mom, I felt so alone. Although emotionally, it was hard, I felt like I needed to avoid letting anyone know how I was feeling. Then, shortly after having my second baby I received a difficult diagnosis that required surgery. Healing from the surgery and being 4 months postpartum came with many physical and emotional challenges. When attempting to communicate these concerns with my healthcare providers, they would say, “well you just had a baby” or ” well you just had surgery”. I felt like no one was really hearing me and no one wanted to help. After speaking to a few moms of the children I had been working with, I realized that there are so many women out there who just deal with their symptoms during the postpartum period. This ignited my passion for helping moms during the postpartum period. I wanted to help not just physically through pelvic floor therapy but also emotionally. I took advanced occupational therapy training in pelvic health, postpartum wellness, perinatal mental health, and s*x & intimacy. With my personal experiences, the knowledge I had from being an occupational therapist and my advanced training, I started Inner Strength Pelvic & Postpartum Wellness. I think it is important for moms to feel heard and supported. I became an occupational therapist to help people heal and improve their well-being and quality of life. And now with my new business, I get to do just that!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road but I think with many new businesses, there may be some twists and turns to overcome. As someone with no history of business training, I think learning the ins and outs of marketing came with some challenges. Although the road has been bumpy, it has taught me so much.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Inner Strength Pelvic & Postpartum Wellness is a holistic practice dedicated to supporting women both physically and emotionally during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. We specialize in pelvic floor therapy, maternal mental health, and s*xual wellness. Some of the things we help women with include leaking urine with sneezing or laughing, pain during intimacy, lower back or hip pain, C-section scar pain, those who may find it challenging to engage in activities they enjoyed before baby, and those needing support to feel more like themselves after baby. Pelvic floor challenges and mental health can be connected. Our goal is to help moms heal holistically while focusing on their unique goals. We treat from a supportive, nurturing and compassionate perspective to target any overwhelming or anxious feelings you may be experiencing.
I am most proud of my ability to support moms during the postpartum period not just physically with pelvic floor therapy but also addressing any emotional concerns such as overwhelm, stress, depression, or anxiety that they may be experiencing. Many people feel unheard during the perinatal phase and I am here to change that!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Believe in yourself. No matter what obstacles may present themselves, believing in your purpose is essential. If it’s your passion, do not doubt yourself. Do not give up, you got this!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.InnerStrengthPostpartum.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerstrengthpostpartum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnerStrengthPostpartum
- Other: https://innerstrengthpostpartum.janeapp.com/
