A place to receive nourishment.
 

   MISSION STATEMENT: Mother-touch endeavors to create a safe, supportive container for couples who are on a journey of empowered, conscious conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum parenthood. Mother-touch serves birthing people and couples who want to consciously conceive, grow, and birth a healthy, happy baby, in an empowering environment that promotes well-being for the both the parent(s) and the baby.

My name is Michele Pedersen and Mother- touch was inspired by my own pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences, as well as those of my massage, healing, and childbirth clients. When I was a first-time pregnant mom, I had no idea what to expect or even prepare for. Everyone told me how painful labor was, but not how I had everything inside of me to navigate through the discomfort of birth. Birthing a baby at home wasn’t something that was talked about; it was just assumed I would birth my baby in a hospital, because it was considered safer than homebirth, even though it isn’t. I didn’t know what a doula was or how having the constant support a doula at your birth can offer the emotional and physical comfort you need, especially during the most challenging parts of your labor. I had no idea that birthing a baby WITHOUT intervention to numb the fear and physical discomfort would activate a wellspring of power that had been latent prior to birth. I want to share with you what I discovered on my journey that led to 3 amazing and empowering home birth experiences so you too can connect with the courage and confidence to take charge of your pregnancy and birth. The one thing I had going for me was that I trusted my inner voice. Listening to my inner wisdom guided me to my nutritional choices, my birth support, my chosen birth environment, and everything I needed to support me from conception through postpartum motherhood. My intention is for you to begin to experience a greater sense of safety and trust in your body, so you can access the power you carry within you during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum motherhood.

I have been honored to witness and hear countless pregnancy, birth, and postpartum stories in my coaching and massage practice. Although every woman and or couple’s experiences are unique, there are some common themes moms and couples express wanting to experience during birth: a sense of safety, control(empowerment), confidence, preparation, support, and connection. More often than not, regardless of a woman or couples’ intentions, philosophy, or ideals, they often walk away from their birth experience feeling disappointed, traumatized, defeated, exhausted, overwhelmed, under supported, underinformed, and completely underprepared or unprepared for the challenges of the postpartum period. It is no surprise that postpartum depression is so prevalent! I believe this should not be our new normal! I BELIEVE that when a women who is pregnant and birthing feels supported, prepared, empowered, safe, and connected to her tribe, she is more likely to have less complicated births, calmer babies, and healthier transitions into postpartum, and motherhood.  Mother touch offers women and couples the emotional, mental, and physical support and encouragement you REALLY need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I BELIEVE when you nourish the mother, you nourish the children, the family, and the community. When you are pregnant, you and your baby are one. Pregnancy and birth impact you and your baby on all levels, well beyond birth. This is WHY I believe it is so important to make sure you are cared for, supported and safe mentally, emotionally, and physically during this time period. I believe what you do and do not receive impact your pregnancy, birth, baby, and postpartum health for years to come. I believe you have everything it takes to birth vaginally, if this is the way you choose to birth, shy of rare circumstances. I support pregnant women and couples in shifting your birthing paradigms from fear, self-doubt, and disconnection to those that include empowerment, confidence, connection, and possibility. When you are pregnant your energy is moving from doing to being. While pregnant, you are naturally more intuitive and sensitive, and your brain is being rewired. You are not only preparing to birth a baby, but you are also being prepared to birth yourself. When you and your partner are going through this rite of passage, it is important to learn effective strategies, for your birth and postpartum transition and have a more thorough understanding of what is happening hormonally, mentally, and physically. Mother touch offers a variety of effective physical modalities, fun and enjoyable movement for all phases of your birth cycle, as well as mindfulness practices, and relaxation exercises you and your partner can explore, for a calmer mom, partner, and baby. Mother touch also explores ideal dietary approaches that support conception, pregnancy, and postpartum transition, and offers easy, nourishing recipes for pregnancy and postpartum.

   Prior to, during, and following pregnancy are some of the most powerful transitions in a woman and couple’s life. During pregnancy your time is often consumed by doctor's appointments, caring for her other children, if you have them, and in many instances, work outside of the home. The more lingering questions about the physical, psychological, and spiritual transformation you and your partner are experiencing, often go unspoken and unacknowledged, while percolating just underneath the surface of your daily life. It is important that you and your partner feel you have a safe place to express your fears or concerns, and talk about the changes you are going through. This is WHY I created Mother touch, because it offers you and your partner a safe place to connect, be heard, and address whatever concerns you are facing during these transitions. Mother touch takes into consideration that you need more than a few childbirth classes, ultrasound appointments, and prenatal vitamins, to prepare for this huge life change you are embarking on. Mother touch endeavors to meet the unspoken needs of you and your partner, and helps you to confidently prepare for the uncertain terrain ahead. In order to approach pregnancy, birth, and postpartum holistically, 

 Mother touch has combined several effective, yet gentle healing modalities, that help you deeply relax, both your mind and body, and proactively address personal, familial, and collective fears about birthing that can cause unnecessary and preventable challenges during your conception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum transition.  Mother touch is a combination of several very effective Mind-Body modalities I have practiced for over 30 years including Reiki, Craniosacral Therapy, Intuitive and Nutritional Health and Wellness Coaching, EFT (emotional freedom technique), acupressure, Sound healing, Holistic bodywork for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, and lineage pattern healing.

Mother touch prepares you, your partner, and your baby for a more conscious, connected, empowered, and peaceful birthing experience and beyond. High grade essential oils are diffused with your permission to enhance relaxation during the session. The oils used are safe and specific for pregnancy.

When your load is lightened, so is your baby's. This is one of the greatest gifts you could give your child, and yourself, in my opinion. This is WHY regular Mother touch sessions support a happier, healthier mother, partner, and baby which creates a strong and healthy bond between you and child, and a more solid foundation for your baby to come into.

FERTILITY/CONCEPTION PLANNING WITH MOTHER-TOUCH

    I work with women and couples who plan to conceive, are already pregnant, are postpartum , and who are raising children. Many couples face fertility challenges, which is heartbreaking, and can take a toll mentally, emotionally, and physically on you and your. Whether you are struggling with fertility challenges or are planning to become pregnant, in the near future, I believe, it is essential to create a healthy environment on all levels for your baby to thrive. This begins at least 6-9 months prior to conception. I believe it is helpful for you and your and baby’s health during pregnancy, for you and your partner to become more conscious of your diet, reduce unnecessary stress, and increase self-care(joyful engagement) prior to becoming pregnant, if you are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future. This is also an ideal time to clear our some old outdated beliefs and fears that you don't necessarily want to carry forth into your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experience. I view this as being proactive about creating the ideal environment on all levels for your baby to grow and thrive in during their time in the womb. 

PREGNANCY WITH MOTHER-TOUCH

During pregnancy your body goes through a variety of changes and you may experience pain, discomfort, fear of  the unknown, and difficulty sleeping. You may have fears about your pregnancy, birth, bodily changes, or parenting. You may have concerns about how you will care for your other child or children after your baby is born. You may have health concerns or issues arise during your pregnancy. Mother touch can help you feel more centered, safe, confident, and connected with yourself and her baby. When you feel supported, calm, nourished, and relaxed, this enhances your baby's sense of well-being.

POST-PARTUM WITH MOTHER-TOUCH

Following your birth you may experience pain and soreness in your neck and shoulders from holding and feeding your baby. You may feel achy from childbirth and exhausted from not sleeping. You may feel anxious, depressed, exhausted, overwhelmed, uncertain, and under supported in your new role. You are focused on your newborn, and or on your other children's needs, yet you NEED to feel nourished, nurtured, and supported during this time of transition and reintegration, WHILE meeting the needs of your new infant and or children. Mother touch is incredibly beneficial during your postpartum recovery. It can give you a much needed sense of feeling supported and nurtured, lift your mood, reduce overall soreness, reduce stress , induce calm, a sense of well-being, and strengthen your bond with your baby. When you feel supported and nourished, you can more effectively care for your infant and or other children, and breastfeed more effectively; if this is your chosen approach. It also gives you the opportunity to share and sort through your birth experience in a safe environment. Children and babies are emotionally dependent on their mothers and sense when you are stressed. Regular Mother touch sessions can help both you and your baby to feel supported and held. When you thrive, your children thrive.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE DURING YOUR INITIAL MOTHER-TOUCH SESSION

   During your initial Mother touch session we will determine your short-term self-care goals, set an intention based on where you are in your birth cycle, and what you want to receive. You will choose from the Mother touch modalities that you feel will support you in achieving your goals. We will then create a personalized package for you and your baby, to support you in receiving the nourishment and support you are seeking, from conception through postpartum, and anywhere in between. You choose! I look forward to meeting you soon!

  Mother touch is not a substitute for any medical care and psychological support you may need during your birth journey. It can be a beautiful compliment to any additional care you may be receiving and feel you need during this time. Please check in with your medical care provider or therapist prior to making your appointment with Mother touch. I am happy to provide resources in the area that can further support you in having a healthier, happier pregnancy, birth, baby, and postpartum experience.