12/12/2025
Before Craniosacral Therapy came into my life, the world of pregnancy and birth was foreign terrain for me. In fact, it was something I avoided. I couldn't have told you this back then, but in reflection I've come to realize my avoidance was rooted in a fear of being just another adult who hurt a child. So, it just made sense to not risk it, and keep my toes well away from that water.
And then, I started working with pregnant women, and their babies once they came Earthside. Instantly, I felt the sacredness, the power, the vitality of the women I was working with. I got to touch into little beings who were both here, and still connected to the place before. And I was in complete awe.
But something else was happening along the way. Intermingled with the sacredness of the divine feminine, stories began to come out. As women felt safe with me, they shared their experiences of judgement, shame, fear, and trauma. Story after story after story. Each unique and yet each the exact same. Stories they didn't feel comfortable sharing anywhere else. Their experiences of the cruelty and disempowerment in the birth space, of too many people, too many voices, too much prodding and poking and being left with a sense of violation and loss. But, with the curt reminder to "just be happy your baby is healthy."
These stories slowly broke my heart. How had such a sacred passage for women become so lost, so broken? I had to learn more. So, I started diving into as many books and podcasts as I could -- voices of women sharing the ancient knowledge carried in all women. Remembering the wisdom of the body, the connection all women have to the souls on the other side. Encouraging women to reclaim their bodies, their spirits, and dare to challenge the system that had so overtaken the world of birth.
My curiosity and passion grew, and I began looking into further ways to educate myself. I became increasingly disappointed with the various courses and programs being offered-- ones that dehumanized women, that disregarded with ancient wisdom passed down from mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers. Courses that pushed fear and shame. I started to get discouraged at the options available.
And then, to my sheer delight, a woman I carried deep respect for put out an ad for her new course - Sacred Spaces Birth Keeping Mentorship. A course supporting the reclamation of ancient wisdom and empowerment of women at any stage in their birth journey. I am fairly certain I signed up within 5 minutes of the post going public.
This mentorship was everything I searched for. Gathering weekly with a group of incredible women, we explored the world of fertility, birth, and supporting mommas with their little ones. We shared our own stories, our struggles, our joys, and our curiosities. We celebrated the sacred space and mourned the cruelty in the birthing world. And, each of us ignited our own flame within, promising to honor and uphold the truth of Birth.
There's so much to reflect on, as I look at this certificate. I reflect on my own growth, and pride in this completion, this initiation. I have concluded that while I will never judge a woman for the choices she makes in her birth journey, I will always hope and do my best to ensure she at least knows all of the options available to her. Because we really will change the world if we Remember how sacred birth and motherhood really are.
Holly - thank you for everything. For your Passion, your Fierceness, your Tenderness, and your Courage.
