Background

Birthkeeper. Future IBCLC. Homeschooling mother of 2. Introverted homebody. Neurodivergent. Aerialist. Writer. Astrology nerd. A little witchy. Vegan for the animals.

yourlaborneighbor@gmail.com

(281)-813-6242

Hi, I’m Holly – a holistic birth worker in Houston, Texas.

I’m a quiet-natured and contemplative soul who serves as a messenger of information and ideas, holds space for others as they discover their magic, and rebels against the disharmonious status quo. I’ve been called to nurture connections. Protect boundaries. Fearlessly question. To care for those who are hurting, and to celebrate the triumph of the underdog. All with a sensitive touch, an open mind, and a dash of salty humor.

My childhood was spent moving from place to place, drawing and daydreaming about animals. My higher education background is in journalism, though fate would have me deviating from that path when I became a mother and learned all about the world of communicating beyond words. Storytelling is still my past, present, and future as I’ve navigated through the threshold of motherhood into a space of feminine healing, expression, and power.

Click here to read about my personal birth experiences, what led me to birth work, and why I’m passionate about working in the birth field today.

Philosophy

I believe…

Natural, unmedicated birth is achievable for most, but there are valid circumstances in which medical assistance is warranted for the healthiest outcome for babies and those who birth them.

How parents prepare for birth makes a measurable difference… as does the manner in which they are treated in birth.

If people don’t make their own birth choices, others will make the choices for them.

Pain and intensity has informative and spiritual purpose in birth; to avoid most trauma, what we can work to avoid is suffering.

As sovereign beings, our inner authority is our highest power.

A birthing person is a whole human who deserves to be cared for as such, not as a collection of parts.

Childbirth is often a peak landmark in the emotional, sexual, and psychological realms of a person’s life.

Pregnancy doesn’t end with birth; we can’t neglect the Fourth Trimester.

Genital autonomy, reproductive freedom, and medical privacy should be baseline birthrights for every person.

The experience of womanhood is incredibly nuanced, varied, and multidimensional. However your connection to the sacred feminine looks, it is valid and welcome.

Certifications

Bachelor’s Degree – Journalism/Communications, University of Houston
(2007-2011)

Birth Boot Camp Instructor Certified
(2019-present)

Birth Boot Camp Doula Certified
(2019-present)

Stillbirthday Birth & Bereavement Doula Certified
(2020-present)

Placenta Specialist – Sage Beginnings
(2020-present)

Birth Art Mentor Certified – Birthing From Within (2022-present)

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Certified
(Up-to-date)

CPR Certified – American Academy of CPR and First Aid, Inc.
(Up-to-date)

Texas Food Handlers Certified
(Up-to-date)

Birth Workshops + Trainings

Birth Without Fear Conference, 2014
Association of Texas Midwives Conference, 2015
“Pleasurable Birth: Rediscovering the Sexuality of Reproduction” with Anna Caffery, 2016
Birth Boot Camp Doula & Instructor training, Feb. 2019
Spinning Babies 2-Day Workshop with Rachel Shapiro, 2019
Massage in Labor Workshop by Susan Young, CD, PCD, LMT, 2020
“Trauma-Informed Birth & Postpartum Support” workshop with BIRTH360, 2020
“Doulas at a Distance,” Penny Simkin, 2020
Virtual Doula Course by Doula Moula, 2020
The Birth Warrior Project, 120-day doula training by Indie Birth, 2020
When Survivors Give Birth – Intro & Advanced Counseling at Simkin Center, Bastyr University, 2021
Birth Boot Camp Retreat, 2022
Birth Art Process 4-week course by Birthing From Within, 2022
Birth On The Spectrum 2-Day Workshop – Beth Godbolt, 2022
Trusting Birth Summit – Intentional Birth, 2022

Infant Feeding Workshops +Trainings

La Leche League of Texas Area Conference (with Dr. Jack Newman), 2014
La Leche League Area Conference, 2016
LLL of Texas Seminar: “Infant Feeding in Emergencies” & “Breastfeeding and Diversity,” 2019
La Leche League of Texas Area Conference, 2020
Breastfeeding First Responders Training by Leah Jolly, IBCLC, 2021

Placenta + Postpartum Training

“The Amazing Placenta” Anatomy & Physiology workshop with Cole Deelah, 2019
Traditional Postpartum Practitioner Training Workshop with Valerie Lynn (“The Mommy Plan”), 2019
“Trauma-Informed Birth & Postpartum Support” workshop with BIRTH360, 2020

Misc. Continuing Education

“Healthy All Year” course by Aviva Romm MD, Healthiest Kids University, 2020

Events

(partial list)

Educational table host at:

B.I.R.T.H. Fair, 2014-22
Association of Texas Midwives Conference, 2015
Peaceful Parenting booth, Babies R Us, 2015
Big Latch On, 2015 & 2016
Great Cloth Diaper Change, 2016 & 2018
Genital Integrity Awareness Week activism in Washington, D.C., 2017 & 2018
March For Moms, 2018
Human Rights Day Festival, 2016-19

Roles

Breastfeeding blog author, MamasMilkNoChaser.com
(Est. 2014)

Director, Intact Houston, Intact Texas & Intact Vegan Network
(Est. 2014)

Board of Directors, Saving Our Sons/The Intact Network
(2016-2017)

Appearances

Featured on Abdominal Connections DVD (diastasis recti postnatal treatment), 2014
Guest on Whole Mother Radio Show — 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021
Guest on Parent With Purpose Radio Show, 2018
Featured speaker at Breastfeeding Beyond Babyhood Summit, 2021
Speaker at Breastfeeding Beyond Babyhood Summit, 2022