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Gem Wellness, Spokane, WA (2026)

04/01/2026

Why your newborn’s head smells like absolute heaven 🤍

You know the smell.�That fresh, sweet, can’t-stop-sniffing-their-head kind of smell.
It’s addicting… and it’s definitely not random.�
It’s actually part of God’s beautiful design.
Your baby is born covered in amniotic fluid and vernix– the same familiar scent they’ve been surrounded by for months in the womb. That smell is incredibly comforting to baby… and amazingly, it’s also irresistible to mom.

Research shows that a newborn’s natural scent actually triggers the release of oxytocin and dopamine in a mother’s brain (the same hormones responsible for bonding, love, milk let-down, and protective instincts).

In other words…�God designed your baby to smell amazing… so you’d want to hold them close. He designed your body to respond to something so primal.

This is also why skin-to-skin matters so much in those early hours.

When baby is placed on mom’s chest:�• Baby recognizes mom’s familiar scent�• Temperature regulates naturally�• Heart rate and breathing stabilize�• Blood sugar improves�• Breastfeeding instincts kick in�• Oxytocin rises for both mom and baby
Everything about this moment is working together.

And that sweet newborn head?�It’s part of the plan.
When we place hats on babies right away, we can actually block that natural scent– one of the very things helping mom and baby bond and helping baby find the breast. Of course, there are times hats are helpful. But when possible, letting baby stay skin-to-skin with their head uncovered allows that God-given design to do what it was made to do.
The same goes for baths in those early days! It’s best to avoid them!

Your baby knows your smell.�You’re drawn to theirs.�And somewhere in those quiet first moments…�you start falling in love.
Not by accident.�But by design.
And truly…�there’s nothing on earth quite like that newborn smell 🤍

04/01/2026

Zoey’s birth story - a 49+hr labor & waterbirth!

Swipe through for Michaela’s perspective of her daughter’s birth!

I always tell my clients to prepare for labor to be a marathon, not a sprint. This mama benefited from some positional circuits to encourage her baby to rotate from a posterior position in early labor, and that really kicked labor up a notch! She also pushed for 3.5hrs- she worked hard to get her baby out! She told me that it was all worth it for that moment of oxytocin and endorphins as her baby was laid on her chest for the first time! 💗

03/28/2026

It’s World Doula Week, and I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with so many amazing doulas over the past several years. The work each of you do is so valuable and impacts women and families for eternity. It’s a hard and holy calling. I’m grateful for the gift it is to have been a doula myself, and to see the benefit of doula support as a midwife and a mother.

I’m especially thankful for my own doulas- Emily & Vanessa! It was a pretty special experience getting to be cared for in my own labor by two of my dear friends. (And pretty full-circle, considering they actually set me up with my husband in the first place!) They both supported me and Eli exactly as we needed to be throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Emily encouraged me to deepen my understanding of the Lord and my dependence on Him through the end of (my very long) pregnancy and my birth experience. Both she and Vanessa kept me grounded and nourished throughout labor. They completely respected my desires for my birth and never once made me doubt myself or my ability to birth my baby as I felt called to. They stepped into so many roles during my birth- photographer/videographer, assistant, etc. Every woman deserves a doula (and friends) like them! 💗

Happy !

03/24/2026

Cleo June’s birth story - a peaceful first time home waterbirth for a sweet rainbow baby! 🌈🩷

This birth was truly dreamy and perfect in every way! I teared up reading through this mama’s perspective of the whole experience. These parents educated and prepared themselves so well– and it showed! They read the books, listened to many podcasts together, took the birth classes, and hired a great doula! Take notes on how they went about the last weeks of pregnancy and early labor! 👏

If you’re preparing for a homebirth as a first-time-mom, I hope this birth story encourages you!! 🥰

📸 Doula-tog:
Midwife: .wellness
Birth Assistant:

02/28/2026

One of the most important things to prioritize if you’re preparing for an unmedicated birth: NOURISHMENT.
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Labor is a marathon! 🏃‍♀️‍➡️
And your body cannot do sustained, powerful, rhythmic work without fuel.
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Uterine muscles need glucose. Your brain needs steady energy to stay grounded and cope. Dehydration alone can make contractions feel more intense and less productive.
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Intentional nutrition + hydration during pregnancy and labor matter more than most women are told.
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Here are a few of my favorites to prioritize:
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🍓 Simple carbohydrates & macro-balanced snacks:
hydrating fruit, honey sticks, cheese & crackers, sourdough toast w/nut butter, bagel w/cream cheese or avocado, nut butter filled dates, fruit puree/electrolyte pouches, hard boiled eggs/scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt bowls, cottage cheese, protein balls/bars, trail-mix, beef sticks, nut butter packets, smoothies, and chia pudding. Quick, accessible fuel for working muscles, but still prioritizing protein to avoid energy crashes.
🥥 Electrolytes: coconut water, NORA tea, adrenal cocktails, bone broth/meat stock, LMNT, and homemade mineral drinks. Hydration supports efficient contractions. Adequate sodium, magnesium, and potassium help prevent fatigue and muscle cramping.
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When a woman is well nourished, she copes better.
When she copes better, she stays relaxed.
When she stays relaxed, oxytocin flows.
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Fuel the body. Protect the hormones. Support the birth you’re praying for. 🤍

Save this for later or share with a pregnant mama friend! 💌
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What are your favorite labor snacks?

02/25/2026

Why does your birth environment matter? 🤍
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Because birth is hormonal. And hormones are influenced by what you see, hear, and feel.
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Physiological labor is primarily driven by oxytocin— the same hormone released during intimacy, breastfeeding, and bonding. Oxytocin flows best when a mother feels safe, private, warm, and undisturbed. Dim lights. Familiar faces. Gentle voices. Freedom to move.
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But if she feels watched, stressed, rushed, or unsafe? The body releases adrenaline. And while adrenaline has a purpose, in early labor it can slow or stall contractions by inhibiting oxytocin. It can shift a birthing woman out of her instinctive, rhythmic coping and into her thinking brain.
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Birth works best when the neocortex quiets and the limbic system leads. That’s why privacy matters. That’s why safety matters. That’s why who is in the room matters.
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When we protect:
• Emotional safety
• Physical comfort
• Autonomy and informed consent
• Low stimulation (lights, noise, interruptions)
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We protect the hormonal symphony of labor.
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And when oxytocin flows, endorphins rise, which provides the body’s own pain relief and helps a mother cope, surrender, and work with her contractions.
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Birth is not just physical. It’s neurohormonal.
The environment is not a backdrop; it’s an active ingredient.
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Protect the space. Protect the hormones. Protect the mother.

📸
Mama:
Midwife: .wellness

02/16/2026

Emma Joy’s Birth Story 🤍✨ - a redemptive, fast homebirth at 42+wks with a peacefully managed newborn resuscitation & hemorrhage.
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Often, birth doesn’t come with perfect dates or tidy timelines. With sweet Emma Joy, we had about a two-week discrepancy in her gestational age. So we waited. We prayed. We trusted. And when mama felt ready to nudge things along (at ~41.5-43wks) we had thoughtful conversations about her options.
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We began with a membrane sweep and some homeopathic support. Two days later, she tried a castor oil smoothie — and things picked up quickly after that.
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I had just wrapped up my own daughter’s first birthday party when labor began building. This was her second baby (and second babies are often much quicker), so although she said she wasn’t quite ready for me yet, I decided to head her way sooner rather than later. Emily, her steady and faithful doula, was already there supporting her.
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When I was still about ten minutes out, Emily texted: “She’s feeling pushy.” My foot hit the pedal and I prayed the whole drive there!
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I walked in just as Emma was crowning. Seconds later, her water released — heavily stained with fresh meconium — and immediately, Emma Joy entered the world.
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Those first moments required swift teamwork. It was the first time Emily and I stepped into a resuscitation together, as my assistant Dishawna was still on her way. Calm. Clear. Prayerful. The Lord’s mercies were so evident in that room. Emma responded beautifully.
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As Emma was coming around after quite a shocking entrance, mama began to hemorrhage. We administered Pitocin and monitored her closely. Again — steady hands, watchful eyes, and the quiet covering of prayer. Her body responded well.
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This mama’s first birth ended in a long labor, transfer from home to hospital, and an epidural. She had been praying for a peaceful, redemptive home birth this time.
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And even with the intensity… even with the unexpected moments… she still says the Lord answered every prayer. She birthed her daughter at home. She had peace. She was supported.
Redemption writes the most beautiful stories. 🩷

12/16/2025

✨ What a Prenatal Appointment Looks Like With Me ✨

Prenatal care in the community setting is unhurried, personal, and deeply relational. A typical visit with me is focused on caring for you and your baby as a whole.

🕊 We start with connection
We talk about how you’re really feeling— physically, emotionally, and mentally. Sleep, stress, nutrition, family life, spiritual wellbeing, and the questions that have been sitting quietly in your heart. There’s space for all of it.

🤍 Then we check in physically on you and your baby
• Baby’s heart tones
• Growth and positioning
• Your blood pressure, weight (as desired), temp, & pulse
• Urine screening when indicated
I explain what I’m assessing and why, and you’re never rushed.

🌿 Clinical care + holistic support
As a licensed midwife, I can order ultrasounds and draw labs in clinic as needed, allowing us to monitor both routine and specific concerns while keeping your care streamlined and personalized.

📍 A calm, home-based clinic setting
All prenatal visits are currently held in my home clinic—a dedicated clinic room in my house in central Spokane. It’s a peaceful, comfortable space designed to feel safe and welcoming, not clinical or rushed.

🤲 Hands-on, individualized care
As pregnancy progresses, visits may include belly mapping, gentle palpation, comfort measures for common pregnancy discomforts, and guidance to encourage optimal fetal positioning—all done collaboratively and with consent. We also work through a six part prenatal education booklet together during the third trimester.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family is welcome
Partners and children are encouraged to attend visits. Prenatal care is a space to build confidence and connection as a family.

🌸 Unhurried, relationship-based care
Appointments typically last 60-90 minutes, because trust takes time… And thoughtful care does too.
I aim for how I practice midwifery to honor God’s design of pregnancy and birth while blending skilled clinical care, evidence-based monitoring, and compassionate support.

If you’re looking for prenatal care that is personal and rooted in relationship, I’d love to connect.🤍

📸

12/14/2025

This birth marked my final “planned” doula birth! It feels so right to be moving into a season where I focus solely on being a midwife. Although, I know “doula-ing” - serving - will always be at the heart of my presence in birth work. As is the case in every birth that I attend, this labor humbled me & left me with lessons & new insight. It reminded me of the vast nuance & individuality of how birth can play out. I was encouraged by this client’s disposition, joy, & trust– even when the process looked much different than she envisioned.
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This mama is a naturopathic doctor who also trained in midwifery (attending 50+ births). We had fun chatting about our birth support experiences during prenatals! She has dealt with a number of long-term health challenges after having long-Covid, which has led her body to react in a heightened response to pain. Due to this, she felt the hospital would be the best place for her to give birth. After 10+ years of marriage, she and her husband were excited to welcome their first baby.
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At her 39wk prenatal, her blood pressure was elevated, and her midwives recommended she be induced that evening. She monitored her blood pressure at home throughout the day, and continued to see more spikes. We discussed her options, and she decided to go in for a slow induction (of misoprostal/cytotec). After nearly 22hrs at the hospital and 3 oral doses of miso & 1 vaginal dose– she started experiencing intense cramping and then contractions began every 2mins (around 7pm). She requested IV pain medication, and then had an epidural placed 1hr after her contractions had began. She rested through the night, and I joined her around 12:30am when she was already 8cm!
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She pushed just under 1.5hrs in various positions– squatting (w/bar), fire hydrant side-lying, and semi-reclined. Her son was born & placed on her chest! He did need some CPAP support shortly after birth (for about 30mins). Dad enjoyed some extra skin-to-skin time with baby while mama needed a bit of support after the intensity of birth! It was a joy to support this sweet family! It was also wonderful to work alongside the Rockwood Midwives 🫶

12/10/2025

UPDATED MIDWIFERY AVAILABILITY —
What a joy this year has been to serve so many lovely families in North Idaho & Eastern Washington! Navigating my first full year of motherhood and midwifery solo practice has been quite the adventure. It’s been so fun to grow this practice and to welcome new team members– more details on that soon!

I am so grateful to be FULLY BOOKED for midwifery clients due now through July! ♥️
I am planning to be taking August and the first part of September off call entirely to refresh after a very busy spring and early summer. Feel free to reach out if you’re due August-early September, and I can share referrals for other amazing midwives in the area! Or if you’re the planning type… Maybe don’t be getting *too* cozy this holiday season. (At least until later in the month lol) 😆

I plan to continue taking 2-4 clients each month for the fall and winter of 2026! Please reach out sooner than later for a consult if you’re interested in having the Gem Wellness team for your support! You can inquire via email or text (info in bio). Repeat clients get priority, so please let me know as soon as you get that positive test!! (Lots of repeats so far for this coming year!)

Happy Hollidays! 🫶

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12/03/2025

We spend a lot of time in pregnancy preparing for birth, but your postpartum care matters just as much! The first 4 weeks are a huge transition for both baby and parents. As your midwife, I continue care in your home postpartum so nothing gets missed and you feel truly supported every step of the way. Rather than quick check-ins or rushed appointments, I’m able to see more of the full picture, how feeding looks in your real life. 🏡🤱✨
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What I help with in breastfeeding during those first weeks:
• Latch + hands-on positioning support (and giving you space to practice with gentle feedback)
• Identifying normal vs. concerning feeding patterns
• Milk supply guidance + realistic expectations
• Pumping, hand expression, + bottle help when needed
• Calm, practical solutions for ni**le soreness, breast engorgement, or challenges
• Monitoring baby’s weight changes + assessing for adequate diaper output
• Helping you find ways to nourish yourself to ensure recovery and maintain a healthy milk supply
• Emotional encouragement (because confidence matters and I know firsthand how intensive the start of a difficult breastfeeding journey can be 🤍)
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And if we need additional help? You’re already connected. I collaborate with incredible CLCs + IBCLCs, pediatric chiropractors, CST practitioners, myofunctional therapists, and pediatric dentists who specialize in oral function — ensuring the right care, at the right time, from trusted providers.
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This is the beauty of continuity of care! No feeling lost in the system. Just ongoing support from someone who knows you, knows your baby, and is invested in your success. And you can text or call me anytime you need it!
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You and your baby were designed for this. Even so, it can be hard! I’m here to bridge the gap and walk with you through it. 💛✨

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11/20/2025

There’s something so sacred about the newborn exam in midwifery care. ✨
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Instead of whisking your baby away, we bring the exam to you— right on your chest or right beside you in bed. This keeps baby calm, keeps you connected, and lets that beautiful golden-hour bonding continue uninterrupted.
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A couple hours after birth (once you’ve soaked in that first skin-to-skin, initiated breastfeeding, and had a chance to settle), we gently move into the newborn exam. This timing honors the physiology of birth and gives you and your baby the unrushed start you deserve.
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During the exam, your midwife is assessing all the things that reassure us your baby is transitioning well:
🩶 Heart and lung sounds
🩶 Reflexes and tone
🩶 Temperature and breathing
🩶 Cord, anatomy, and skin assessment
🩶 Birth weight, measurements, and overall well-being
🩶 Feeding cues and latch observations
🩶 Any findings we want to keep an eye on together
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One of my favorite parts? Your family gets to be part of it all. Siblings or grandparents can peek over your shoulder, partners can help weigh baby or feel those tiny reflexes, and mothers get a front-row seat as we walk through what’s normal, what’s unique about your baby, and what to watch for at home. You learn how to confidently monitor your little one, and what to contact the midwife about for support.
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This is care that invites you in, teaches you, and treats your baby like the precious, whole person they are.
This is midwifery care. 🤍✨

Gem Wellness

04/01/2026

04/01/2026

03/28/2026

03/24/2026

02/28/2026

02/25/2026

02/16/2026

12/16/2025

12/14/2025

12/10/2025

12/03/2025

11/20/2025

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Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm