In her six years as a labor and delivery nurse, Nya Martin saw the same thing again and again: new moms arriving at the hospital prepared for birth, but not always prepared for the decisions that came with it.
“There are so many choices that you have to make when you come to have a baby,” Martin says. “They just were not aware. No one had talked to them about these things.”
That gap became the starting point for BYOBaby STL, a new St. Louis community events brand for expecting parents, new moms, babies, and growing families.
Martin, who is now studying to become a midwife, officially launched BYOBaby STL in May. Her original goal was education: helping parents better understand birth, advocate for themselves, and make informed decisions. But the mission has quickly expanded.
“It really came from me wanting to teach people and helping them make informed decisions,” she says. “But now it has truly turned into helping people build community.”
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A modern village for moms
Martin describes BYOBaby STL as a “new moms social club” centered on education, movement, connection, and holistic wellness.
Its cornerstone program, Baby Ready Bootcamp, meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. in Lafayette Square Park and is free to attend. Each week offers a different expert host, such as a pelvic floor therapist, chiropractor, craniosacral therapist, or other practitioner who can help parents understand the broader support available during pregnancy and postpartum life.
“People know their pediatrician. They know their OB-GYN. They’re starting to know midwives,” Martin says. “But there are so many other key players that can help women really become their happiest, healthiest selves.”
For Martin, the timing matters. She wants parents connected to support before they are overwhelmed, rather than waiting until they are in crisis.
“Birth is a huge start, but in our culture, it’s kind of seen as the end,” she says. “Really, it’s the beginning.”
Making space for the fourth trimester
A major focus of BYOBaby STL is the transition home after birth, often called the fourth trimester.
Martin says many parents spend months preparing for labor but far less time preparing for the emotional, physical, and social realities of early postpartum life. “When you’re freshly postpartum, your mind and body are not their regular self,” she says. “The fourth trimester just needs more love.”
That support includes creating judgment-free spaces where parents can talk honestly about birth, recovery, anxiety, isolation, feeding, relationships, and identity.
Martin says the group is intentionally open to any kind of birth and parenting experience. “I had someone tell me that until this, she didn’t feel welcome in these spaces, because she had a traumatic birth experience,” she says. “Everyone was sharing their positive experiences, and she didn’t feel there was space to share her trauma. So it’s really creating the space for everyone to come as they are.”
Babywearing, movement, and joy
In addition to weekly meetups, BYOBaby STL is launching monthly babywearing dance parties, with the first scheduled for June 14 at Yes Honey Studio.
For Martin, who grew up dancing at COCA, the idea brings together movement, bonding, and mental health.
“Dance is like the superfood of health,” she says. “It’s great for your physical health, your mental health, and social connection.”
Participants do not need dance experience. The classes are designed for beginners and include babywearing fit checks through Greater STL Babywearing. Families can bring their own carrier or borrow one at the event. “I didn’t want that to be a barrier,” Martin says. “No carrier, no problem.”
Future babywearing dance parties are expected to continue monthly, bouncing between venues. The first class is $10 for those new to Yes Honey and $22 for returning guests, with future events expected to be $20–$30. Baby Ready Boot Camp will remain free. “I don’t think you should pay for community,” Martin says.
For Martin, the long-term vision is simple but ambitious: to make the transition into parenting feel less lonely for families across St. Louis.
Her slogan sums it up: “Make the world a happier and healthier place for ladies and babies, starting in St. Louis.”
