Meet Sonya: Our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

“Together, I believe we can make a positive impact on the families we serve by empowering them with knowledge and personalized care.”

-Sonya Worthy-Okolo, PT

Leah: Hi, I'm Leah, and today I'm here with Sonya, a trained Birth Doula and Physical Therapist specializing in Pelvic Health. Welcome, Sonya! To start, could you please introduce yourself and tell us what inspired you to join our doula team? Share a bit about your background and experience in the field.

Sonya: Thank you, Leah! I'm Sonya, a birth mom of one, and I have a passion for preventive care and preparation. As a Physical Therapist specializing in Pelvic Health, I've seen pelvic floor dysfunction being a recurring issue for many years. My goal is to focus on prehab to minimize these problems and support families during this transformative period. That's what led me to join the Sweet Bee Team.

Leah: That's wonderful, Sonya! As part of our doula team, you'll be providing support to families during a significant time in their lives. What do you hope to bring to our team and the families we serve?

Sonya: I hope to bring a sense of empowerment and preventative care. Many pelvic health conditions can be prevented and successfully addressed with the right knowledge and support. By focusing on prehab, we can minimize issues like prolonged labor, bladder or bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, and various types of pain.

Leah: That's a valuable approach, Sonya. Building a strong rapport with the families we work with is crucial. How do you go about establishing trust and connection with the families you support? Any specific strategies or techniques you use?

Sonya: I'm a firm believer in educating people about their bodies using visuals, models, and stories. I encourage open communication by letting them know there's no such thing as "TMI" or a "dumb question." I also make sure to provide check-ins and encourage them to ask questions, so they feel comfortable sharing their concerns.

Leah: That sounds like a supportive and understanding approach, Sonya. Each member of our team has a unique style and philosophy when it comes to client care. Can you tell us about your approach and how you ensure that your support is tailored to each family's specific needs?

Sonya: Absolutely! Accessibility is crucial. I aim to provide ample time to discuss the whole person, considering mind, body, and spirit care. I focus on the foundations of health, such as sleep, stress management, movement, and nutrition. By addressing the individual needs of each family, I can provide personalized support and care.

Leah: That's wonderful, Sonya. Birth and postpartum experiences can be both beautiful and challenging. How do you support families during moments of joy and difficulty? Can you share an example of how you've helped a family navigate a particularly challenging situation?

Sonya: Supporting families during both joyful and challenging times is essential. I ensure I'm there for them, whether through phone calls, texts, or being physically present. Besides emotional support, I also provide valuable resources and information to help them navigate through difficult moments. For instance, I had a family who experienced postpartum challenges, and I was there to listen, offer guidance, and connect them with relevant resources.

Leah: Your dedication to being present for families is commendable, Sonya. As a doula, self-care is essential, considering the emotional and physical demands of the work. How do you prioritize self-care in your life, and how do you plan to support your fellow team members in their self-care practices?

Sonya: Self-care is an area I'm continually working on myself. I make sure to have intentional time outdoors and engage in daily meditation and prayer. To support my team members, I encourage open communication and provide a supportive space for them to share their feelings and challenges. I believe that by being there for each other, we can collectively prioritize self-care.

Leah: That's a thoughtful approach, Sonya. Finally, what are you most looking forward to as a member of our Sweet Bee team? How do you envision making a positive impact on the families we serve?

Sonya: I'm thrilled to be connected with other birth workers who are passionate about maternal health. I look forward to being a part of preventive and wellness care, focusing on prehab instead of rehabilitation for pelvic floor issues. As a Physical Therapist, I'm available to support the team with any medical concerns and address prenatal or postpartum mobility issues. Together, I believe we can make a positive impact on the families we serve by empowering them with knowledge and personalized care.

Leah: Thank you, Sonya, for sharing your insights and passion for maternal health and preventive care. We're excited to have you as part of our Sweet Bee team, and we're confident that your expertise will be valuable in supporting the families we serve. Welcome aboard!

Sonya: Thank you so much, Leah! I'm excited to be part of this team and make a difference in the lives of the families we support.