Tema Mercado is Xicana mother of six children, grandmother, wife, and licensed midwife.

She was born and raised in San Jose, California and studied for a short time in Mexicali, Baja California. Tema has dedicated the past 20 years in the service of women at different capacities, Gang Intervention Specialist, Sexual Assault Counselor, Perinatal Health Educator, Teen Parent Advocate, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Birth Doula. After being a doula for some time Tema came to a cross roads. Being a doula meant she could support many women within the hospital setting but it also meant she must bear witness to some of the traumatic routine hospital practices. She knew as a Doula that her care in the hospital was limited to the care provider and that if she wanted her clients to receive more dignified care that she would have to become their care provider. The universe aligned and her prayers were answered, Tema received full funding to Midwifery School and completed her three years of clinical practice at Birth Roots Maternity and Women’s Health Center in Chula Vista, CA. When not immersed in the birth world she enjoys attending cultural events, Aztec dancing, singing, playing the guitar and sewing.

Tema's passion above all things is working with women and witnessing them transcend to higher manifestations of their true self.

She is a true women’s advocate. She honors and incorporates traditional ways with modern day midwifery practices to help heal and comfort the emotional and physical needs of mothers at all stages.