In partnership with Liv by Advantia Health

Photos by Farrah Skeiky

I was 16 when I first thought... "I don't want to have kids." And every year since, my decision grows firmer as I fall deeper in love with the idea of a child-free life! (Well, not wholly child-free, because I am a rich Black auntie! 💁🏾‍♀️)

I won't go too deep into my reasoning in this blog, but I want to share how I navigate going to the doctors, given my situation. In the days before the pandemic, I met up with a friend for dinner and complained about how difficult it was to find a doctor that checked all my boxes. I was looking for a Black woman that took my insurance, was within 5 miles, and didn't say things like, "you'll change your mind when you get married."

Luckily, my friend had just started seeing a new doc who met my needs. So, naturally, I got the number and booked an appointment. A few weeks later, I walked into Reiter, Hill, and Johnson and met Dr. Jo'Ann Jackson for the first time. Immediately, I knew I was in good hands.

Dr. Jackson was funny, welcoming, and reassured me every step of the way. She was also quick to get me together. When she asked about my plans for kids, I explained my position... And all she said was... "OK! Are you on any type of birth control?" I gave a sheepish... "NO." To which she replied, "Oh! So you do want to get pregnant?" I cackled like Crissle on The Read - if you know, you know! That led to a lengthy discussion about birth control options, and I eventually chose an IUD. You can watch my experience with that on TikTok.

What is LIV?

After a year of seeing Dr. Jackson, she informed me that she would start seeing patients at Liv by Advantia Health, a membership-based practice offering primary care, gynecology, obstetrics, and mental health services under one roof.

As a big fan of concierge medicine, I was willing to give it a shot. And let me tell you, I love Liv! The office is closer to my apartment and makes caring for myself much easier! I no longer have to rehash every detail of my medical history to a new doctor because Liv offers coordinated care designed for women, powered by women.

Who is this for?

Liv is for women who want to get a pap smear at 4:00 pm, blood work at 4:30 pm, and make it to happy hour at Jane Jane by 5:00 pm. In other words, women like me! 😜

Located at 14th and U Street, Liv is open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm. Membership is $149/year, and they accept insurance! Click here to join Liv and use code IMANI20 to get $20 off your membership.

xoxo, Imani