The Holding Space Birth & Wellness Cooperative

01/24/2026

Read all about it: Amy is a member of our Board of Directors and we’re so proud to have her and Anacortespsych as a part of The Holding Space Birth & Wellness Cooperative!

This month, we feature Amy Begnal, Clinical Director of Anacortes Psych & Wellness. Amy reflects on her journey to becoming a clinician, offering insight into what it takes to pursue this profession for many therapists. Her path has been shaped by years of dedication, rigorous academic training, multiple cross-country moves, and the responsibilities of motherhood.

Photos by: E.J. Harris Photography
Written by: Sadie Youngquist

👉 Read the latest issue here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/d8c60a1530.html

01/19/2026

WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY! MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Come to AFC on January 30th for basic health screening by Birds Eye Medical. No appointment is necessary--just come between 3:00 and 7:00. You don't need insurance, though we ask you to bring your information if you have it. Best of all--the service is for all ages and it's free!

We'll give more details on this page in a few days. For now, mark your calendar for 1/30, and email pat@anacortesfamily.org if you have questions.

01/15/2026

Prepare for your upcoming childbirth experience with evidence-based education with a certified nurse midwife.

Join Miranda Montellano, DNP, ARNP, CNM for this intensive, 4 hour childbirth education class. Come rested and fed with a supportive partner. Class is limited to 6 birthers. Registeration allows two people (you and a partner).

Registration is available on The Holding Space website.

01/15/2026

Annual Mid-Day Soirée!
When: March 14th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Where: The Holding Space Birth & Wellness Cooperative. 902 7th St. Anacortes
Who: You!
Cost: $100 per ticket
Why: To support the life transitions of women through puberty, childbirth and menopause.

Come take a peek at the new birth center space.

The link to purchase tickets is on our website & in our bio

01/06/2026

Information & Registration:
https://anacortesparksandrecreation.sportsites.com/player

01/06/2026

Want to support parents when they need it most? 💙

Postpartum Support International is recruiting online support group leaders to help create safe, compassionate spaces for people navigating pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and related challenges.

If you have:
✨ Lived experience
✨ Professional experience
✨ Or simply a heart for holding space
you could be an incredible fit!

PSI provides training, guidance, and community support, and asks for a minimum one-year volunteer commitment.

👉 Interested in learning more or applying? Fill out the facilitator interest form here: https://loom.ly/wtJFY-U

01/05/2026

12/22/2025

❄️WARM COAT DRIVE!❄️ It's time to clear out that coat closet! We're now accepting gently-used winter coats on behalf of our December 5% Friday group, MVPD's Integrated Outreach Services. Men’s coats are preferred, but we’ll accept women’s and children’s, too. A huge thank you to everyone who has donated coats - we've collected nearly 7 garbage bags full already!

12/15/2025

This week, the WA Department of Health released its new Maternal Mortality Review Panel Report, and it's a gut-wrenching look at how these highly avoidable deaths during the perinatal period are devastating our communities.

Some key findings:
🔴American Indian/Alaskan Native birthing people continue to experience the highest rate of maternal mortality: 7.3x the rate of pregnancy-related deaths of white people.
🔴Behavioral health-related deaths accounted for just under half (45%) of all pregnancy-related deaths, making it the single leading cause of death.
🔴Over 80% of the deaths were preventable.

The panel recommends:
🟢IMPROVE HEALTH CARE QUALITY AND ACCESS
Ensure Washingtonians have access to high-quality health care—including mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and preventive care—throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum by strengthening and funding care coordination, improving communication and protocols, and ensuring providers have the skills, training, and professional support they need to provide high-quality care.

🟢STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Invest in, develop, and expand comprehensive community support services that address essential needs during pregnancy and postpartum. These include strengthened home visiting programs, social work services, doula care, wraparound support for mental health and substance use disorder, and housing and food assistance.

🟢PROVIDE EQUITABLE, CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CARE
Ensure care and services throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are culturally responsive, free from bias, grounded in trauma-informed practices, and actively address racial injustice.

🩵Through our open and accessible direct service programs, culturally matched peer support, provider trainings, and coordination with community partners, we are addressing all of these areas to save lives every day.🩵

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health or emotional support during the perinatal period, please call or text the Warm Line at: 1-888-404-7763

Read the report:https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-10/141-253-MaternalMortalityReviewPanelReport-2025.pdf