Michigan Womb Wisdom

Hey mama, so glad you made it - welcome!

My name is Gretchen – I’m a student midwife, birth doula, and Lamaze childbirth educator. I’m also a wife and mom, you can get to know more about me here. Hopefully you found my page because you already know the amazing benefits of having a doula and taking birth classes, but if not, check that out here. Now, there’s something you should know about me and that’s that I love physiologic birth! Perhaps you're unsure of what that means, let me explain. Physiologic refers to the natural processes of the body. In the context of birth, it means allowing labor and delivery to unfold without medical intervention, letting your body’s hormones, instincts, and movement guide the progression naturally. This is so important because the research shows that for low risk moms in labor – birth is safest when left to progress without routine intervention. Lamaze Healthy Birth Practice #4 – avoid interventions that are not medically necessary. There are 6 Healthy Birth Practices, come to class and I’ll tell you all about them. Learn more about my classes here.

About me

I grew up in a small Swedish community here in Michigan, where my neighbors were more like family than strangers. I've been married for over ten years and have two amazing daughters. It is through my birthing experiences that my passion to empower women as they navigate their own journey through pregnancy and birth was set in motion. I am a huge advocate for midwifery care in and out of hospital. My first baby was born in hospital and when I became pregnant with our second, I was determined to have a more autonomous experience, so we carefully interviewed doulas and midwives. Since having my own home birth, I have supported more than 150 families in the out of hospital setting.

I started studying Lamaze in May of 2020. Later that year, I began attending births as a birth assistant to a certified professional midwife. Because of this role, I remain up to date on reoccurring neonatal resuscitation training. My first training was in March of 2021 and I took it again in 2023 along with a Birth Emergency Skills Training. I celebrated my Lamaze certification on Christmas of '21. I was first trained as a doula by a home birth midwife and then also took a DONA approved doula training in July of '22. I attended a Spinning Babies workshop just a couple months after that. I hold my BLS/CPR certification. And I am currently enrolled in the midwifery programs at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, I love being a student midwife and am so excited to graduate and serve my community as a home birth midwife. My rich training and education provide a valuable understanding of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. I have supported many first time moms, VBAC/HBAC, twins, cesarean, and vaginal breech births.

My Philosophy of birth

Pregnant woman and partner touching mother's belly lovingly

I trust in birth as a natural, healthy process. As women, we carry within us the deep, innate wisdom to grow and birth our babies. Our bodies and our babies are beautifully and purposefully designed for this journey.

Pregnancy and birth are powerful seasons of transformation, not just for the mother, but for the whole family. The environment you are surrounded by, the stories you hear, and the people who walk alongside you during this time have the potential to either enhance or diminish your belief in yourself.

It is always an honor to hold space for birthing women and their partners - to witness their strength, to offer steady support, and to protect the sacredness of the moment. I believe every woman and every family deserves to feel safe, seen, and deeply respected throughout this journey.