Gentle Delivery Midwifery Services - Midwife Kelsey Martin, CPM

11/04/2025

Now y'all can see the big reason that this is off call this fall! We have been so privileged to spend some time in beautiful as a family. 🥰 After a 17 hrs flight + another flight and travel time, we arrived a week ago today, and its been a treasured experience. Attending a conference and connecting with friends were the focus points for the first week, and we had some rich connections. We also tried new foods, attempted to get around on our own, are learning how to drive on the opposite side of the road, and we're making good memories. For those wait on replies, I will be in touch soon!

10/23/2025

Another event that was enjoyed this fall was taking in the class put on by the in collaboration with two providers from Hershey. It was extra special to have my oldest daughter along, who is gearing up to begin shadowing as a birth assistant! Spending a day with other midwives and some of my dear assistants made for a very fun day, and it's always great to have opportunities to run through scenarios, learn from others, and keep resuscitation skills practiced up.

10/21/2025

I've been off-call this fall as our family had a number of commitments over a few months, and it felt wise to try to focus on those events. We've made lots of memories and had many adventures, and I'm so grateful for the time to focus on family. Some of the highlights have included: Nittany Valley Antique Tractor Show, visiting friends, lots of company (We've had overnight company almost weekly for the past two months!), neighborhood ice cream social in our yard, time outside, a weekend away celebrating our fifteenth anniversary, cousin time, spending a beautiful early morning watching & listening to wild elk, and the list goes on.... We're also thankful for the unexpected, such as an accident for Darius requiring an ER visit and an alternator going out that required a rescue from an amazing mechanic. 🙂

Figured it was time to post a little update about the past few months before we embark on an incredible adventure that I can't wait to share more about. Passport renewals were another fall activity!

10/16/2025

Crazy to remember today that it's been 18 years since I officially "caught" my first baby as a student midwife! Don't know where the time goes...and I'm thinking this makes me sound old. 🤣 But the wonder of that experience still makes me smile! So grateful for all the amazing miracles ive been privileged to witness since 🥰

09/26/2025

This is great if you like dates 😉

An incredible new study found that pregnant women who consume just 6 dates a day in the 4 weeks leading up to their due date were 74% more dilated upon their arrival to the hospital, had a 77% shorter first stage of labor and a 42% lower rate of caesarean sections.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy lead to higher cervical dilation upon hospital admission because the fruit contains nutrients that influence oxytocin receptors, preparing the cervix and uterus for labor by increasing muscle response to oxytocin and other labor-supporting hormones. Dates are a rich source of energy from natural sugars and fats and also contain prostaglandins, which contribute to cervical ripening. Additionally, they provide serotonin, calcium, and tannins, which contribute to powerful uterine contractions.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy shortens the first stage of labor due to their ability to stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which promote cervical ripening (softening and thinning of the cervix) and increase uterine contractions. Dates also contain tannins, which have a similar effect, and provide a natural sugar source for energy during labor. Some studies even suggest that dates can increase uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, leading to more effective contractions and a quicker and smoother labor process.

These actions are also the exact reason why women who eat dates in the late stages of pregnancy and far less likely to need a c-section!

The most common recommendation is for women to begin eating 6 dates a day starting in their 37th week of pregnancy.
PMID: 40322306, 21280989

SEE ALSO: https://www.pelvicphysio.co.nz/the-sweet-secret-to-a-smoother-labour-dates

09/10/2025

Great suggestions!!

10 Ways Dads Can Support During a Homebirth 💫
Childbirth is a beautiful journey, and dads play an incredibly important role in creating a supportive environment for their partner. Here's how you can help during a homebirth:
1️⃣ Be Her Emotional Rock – Offer constant encouragement and stay calm. Your presence makes all the difference.
2️⃣ Help with Breathing & Relaxation – Guide her through deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
3️⃣ Provide Physical Comfort – Massage, apply counter-pressure, or help her change positions for comfort.
4️⃣ Keep Her Hydrated & Energized – Offer water, snacks, or ice chips to keep her fueled.
5️⃣ Advocate for Her Wishes – Know her birth plan and help communicate it to the team.
6️⃣ Create a Calm, Safe Space – Set the mood with soothing music, dim lighting, or candles.
7️⃣ Monitor Labor Progress – Time contractions or note their intensity to help the team stay informed.
8️⃣ Help Prepare the Birth Space – Set up towels, birth pool, and any necessary supplies.
9️⃣ Encourage Postpartum Bonding – Help with skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding support.
🔟 Stay Calm & Present – Your steady presence can help keep the entire experience grounded.
Remember, your support means the world. You’re a team – and together, you’ll bring your little one into the world! ✨👶💖

09/09/2025

Birth Freedom PA Official Position Statement on SB 507 Birth Freedom PA is founded to unite and support all types of midwifery groups, with the ultimate goal of protecting families’ right to choose their care providers and place of birth in the Commonwealth.  Birth Freedom PA af

09/02/2025

Pretty amazing to see how a few midwives working HARD together can make such a difference. I am very grateful to them for the time, energy and resources invested that positively affect so many of us in the PA homebirth world!!

Good afternoon, everyone!

We have received encouraging news today regarding the proposed amendment to SB507. The language regarding non-nurse midwives was accepted and added to the bill! PAMA received an amended copy this afternoon and I will share a screenshot below of the language added.

We are deeply appreciative of the Committee’s thoughtful consideration of the concerns raised by Pennsylvania midwives and families.

This bill not only establishes a clear licensure pathway for certified midwives in Pennsylvania, it permits nurse midwives and certified midwives to practice with the prescribing authority needed to serve families effectively.

And now, as requested, it includes explicit exclusion language protecting the continued, autonomous practice of lay midwives, direct-entry midwives, and other unlicensed birth workers as it pertains to this bill.

This approach both modernizes and strengthens midwifery practice in Pennsylvania while safeguarding the cultural, historical, and community traditions of midwifery that are essential to so many families across the Commonwealth. While this is not blanket protection for non-nurse midwives, it excludes us from this conversation and puts the focus of this important bill back where it belongs -on the midwives it was written for.

Again, PAMA would like to express appreciation to leadership at ACNM, the Senators and Committee members who heard the collective concerns, and the PA midwives who worked quickly and professionally to ensure that this legislation reflects the diversity of midwifery care in Pennsylvania.

I will update as the Committee moves forward with consideration of the amendment and we have more information as to the movement of SB507. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

-Jennifer

08/28/2025

Which slide do you agree with most??

08/19/2025

God, in His wisdom, made our bodies to prepare for the incredible work of bringing life into the world. One of the best tools He gave us is **hemoglobin**—that little protein in your blood that carries oxygen everywhere it needs to go.

Here’s why you want it in tip-top shape before labor and delivery:

💪 Strength for the marathon– Birth is no joke, friend. It’s holy work and can be hard work, and good hemoglobin helps you run the race with endurance.
🩸 Built-in cushion– Every mama loses some blood during birth. Having strong levels gives you a safety net so you don’t feel wiped out.
⚡️ Faster bounce back– Low hemoglobin = low energy. Good levels = more pep in your step to enjoy those snuggles.
👶 Baby benefits too– More oxygen for your little one, even before their first breath!

So yes, iron-rich foods (hello spinach, beans, and steak 👋) and a little extra care now are part of your God-given prep for this sacred season. We also have some tips and tricks to encourage hemoglobin numbers if you need extra support in this area per labs.

Because childbirth isn’t just about “getting through it” — it’s about being sustained by His design, cared for by His grace, and stepping into motherhood with strength. 🙌