Gentle Hand - Birth Services

Gentle Hand - Birth Services I am DONA certified, Hypno-Doula certified, & aCertified Reflexologist. Also,a Reiki Master, and trained in clinical aromatherapy for maternity use.
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I work as a DONA Certified Birth doula through Community Hospitals. I also work as a Certified Reflexologist and Energy Worker from my home, or doing outcalls to your home.

08/21/2025

We are saddened to hear news of the passing of Michel Odent, whose vision and writing reshaped the way we understand human birth.

Michel Odent reminded us that birth is not a medical procedure to be controlled, but a primal rythm to be respected. He advocated for home-like maternity units, warm water births, protecting the birthing woman's privacy and honouring her instincts, undisturbed contact between mother and newborn; he was among the first to discuss the importance of the microbiome, and question many of the practices that had (and have) become normalised in overmedicalised maternity systems globally.

Michel Odent's legacy lives on in every dimmed, quiet birthing room, and in every midwife his words and work inspired to join our profession.

Thank you, Michel, for your passion, vision and committment to women and newborns.

Photo: Xavier Caré / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA

07/18/2025

that free flowing energy is oh so powerful. ♥️

01/20/2025
12/08/2024

In obstetrics, the first postpartum visit usually happens at 6 weeks. And then, magically, it’s as if you’re expected to “graduate” from postpartum care and move on - to have ‘bounced back.”

But here’s the truth: adjusting to motherhood and finding your new normal doesn’t happen in just 6 weeks. Physiologically, it can take up to 2 years to fully reset—and hormonally, especially if you’re breastfeeding and your estrogen is suppressed, it can feel like a rollercoaster ride at times.

The postpartum period is a time of profound changes, not just physically, but hormonally and emotionally. From nutritional demands and sleep deprivation, to navigating the intense shifts in identity, this is a season of transformation. For many, postpartum depression or anxiety can surface not just in the early weeks but months—or even a year or two—later.
Getting support during this time is essential. This means practical help—like meals, childcare, and rest—as well as professional care for your physical and emotional health.

And if you feel like you need extra support—whether it’s from a lactation consultant, a therapist, or a postpartum care provider—don’t hesitate to seek it out. You deserve care and the time to adjust to this new phase of life.

For more in-depth guidance, my book Natural Health After Birth—the first and most comprehensive modern postpartum book—covers everything you need to know about resetting to the new you that includes motherhood, from self-care and nutrition, to navigating the emotional shifts of this life-changing time.

And if you’re pregnant, postpartum, or planning a pregnancy, my Mama Pathway course and community are here to guide you through this journey with tools, resources, and unparalleled support. 🌿 Head to the link in bio to learn more!

How has your postpartum journey been, whether you’re newly postpartum or years past it? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear from you. 💕

11/25/2024
08/30/2024

While a speedy labor might sound desirable when you’re thinking ahead to birth - as any mama who has had a ‘precipitous labor’ can relate - it can also feel intensely overwhelming - and even traumatic, especially if you’re not prepared for that reality.

Most women who go into labor spontaneously will experience a warm-up period that gets their body and mind ready, slowly, over hours and days, throughout various early labor stages.

Precipitous labor jumps right into the intensity + speed of active labor, sometimes right into the depth of transition - skipping over not only the mental warm up but the oxytocin buffer that evolutionarily has been developed as natural pain management.

A short labor can feel overwhelming and scary - like a freight train moving through you, while you’re trying to onto the handrails! This isn’t unsafe for you or baby - it’s just moving FAST!

Key: Stay calm, trust your body, and use your skills like comforting positions and deep breathing techniques.

If you’re trying to get to the birth center or hospital and feel like pushing (or pooping!)
* Try hands and knees or elbows down with butt up in the air to take the pressure off + pant like you are trying to keep a feather up in the air.
* Laying on your side with your knees drawn up can help.
* Blow like you are extinguishing a candle to reduce the intensity of the push - you can’t stop it per se, but you can ease it a bit.

The good news is these births often go really well. Your mind just needs to catch up to what your body is doing! Sometimes easier said than done - with some need to process it postpartum.

Friends saying “You’re lucky that was so fast!”? Well.... it’s actually totally valid to feel that the experience was overwhelming - or traumatic - and you’re the only one who gets to make that call.

What were your births like? Were your labors fast? Long? How did that feel to you? How did you integrate and process this postpartum? Love to hear your stories in the comments!

For the most comprehensive birth prep course - taught by a Midwife-MD join me in BirthWise - the Mama Pathway complete birthing course - deets at the link in bio.

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08/28/2024

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Indianapolis, IN
46217

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