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Experience Homebirth

Nurturing, Supportive, and Empowering

Welcome

I’m Patricia Couch, CPM, LM — midwife, herbalist, and integrative health coach. I’ve had the honor of attending over 1,400 births since 2006 and caring for families in Michigan, Oregon, Arizona, Haiti, and Mexico.

I currently provide care in collaboration with Celeste Groenenberg, BSM, CPM, LM at Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery. Together, we offer nurturing and personalized support for families choosing homebirth throughout Southeast Michigan.

Every birth is unique. Every mother is sacred. My care reflects that.

📞 Call or text: 734-433-8533
📩 Schedule a free consultation with Patricia in Dexter at 8005 Main St Suite 24, Dexter, Michigan 48130
📩 Schedule a free consultation with Patricia in Jackson at 510 E. McDevitt Ave, Jackson, Michigan 49203

📍 Serving: Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston, Lenawee, Ingham, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Monroe, Wayne, and Oakland Counties

My Approach

Birth is more than a medical event — it’s a rite of passage. A transformation. A moment meant to be met with presence, reverence, and trust.

My approach is:

  • Nurturing — tending to the whole person: body, mind, and spirit
  • Supportive — providing steady, compassionate care throughout your journey
  • Empowering — honoring your voice and your choices

I believe in simplicity, clarity, and the wisdom that lives within every woman.

Services

  • Personalized homebirth care
  • Prenatal and postpartum visits (45 min-1 hour)
  • Waterbirth options
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Newborn care through 6–7 weeks
  • Herbal and nutrition support (if desired)

About Me

I’ve been a midwife since 2006 and have supported over 1,400 births across Michigan, Oregon, Haiti, and Mexico. These diverse experiences have shaped me into a midwife who values quiet strength, cultural respect, and individualized care.

I am also a co-founder of MamaBaby Haiti, a nonprofit birth center serving women and babies in northern Haiti. That work continues to inspire my dedication to community-based midwifery and global maternal health.

In addition to midwifery, the Love & Root apothecary is coming soon offering herbal remedies crafted with care for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn wellness. This craft reflects my belief in the healing power of nature and the importance of gentle, grounded holistic support.

I speak English and intermediate Haitian Creole (li pale kreyòl ayisyen), and I bring warmth, patience, and peaceful presence to every birth I attend.

Kind Words

“Patricia is goodness and love wrapped up into a person” -K.B., Allen Park, MI

“Patricia made me feel seen, heard, and deeply supported. I trusted her completely. Our birth was calm and beautiful — everything we hoped for.”- K.M., Dexter, MI

Connect With Patricia

Empowering families, nurturing births

photo by Sophia Pedrys Photography

Midwifery Philosophy

As a midwife, I view pregnancy and birth as natural, transformative processes. My role is to provide compassionate, individualized care that respects your autonomy and supports your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being throughout this journey. At the heart of this approach is a deep commitment to gentle birth, an experience that honors the wisdom of the body and the sacred connection between mother and baby.

I believe in the innate wisdom of the body and the profound connection between mother and baby. Each birth is unique, and I honor the individual needs and desires of every family I serve. My approach emphasizes creating a calm and nurturing environment where you feel safe, seen, and empowered.

I strive to minimize unnecessary interventions, allowing the natural process of birth to unfold while remaining attentive to any needs that arise. Education is a cornerstone of my practice; I believe that informed choices lead to empowered experiences. I share knowledge and resources to help you feel confident and prepared for the journey ahead.

At the heart of my philosophy is a commitment to compassionate, respectful care that honors the whole person. Through natural health practices, emotional support, and spiritual encouragement when welcomed, I aim to walk alongside you with presence and care.

If you’re seeking a peaceful and empowering birth experience, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Services and Fees

Our Midwifery Care Package is priced at $5500, and we offer a sliding scale that can reduce the fee to as low as $4000 for those experiencing financial challenges. We believe in making midwifery care accessible to everyone. Medicaid does not currently cover homebirths in Michigan.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT OR BILL INSURANCE.


The Midwifery Package includes comprehensive care from prenatal visits at our Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery office in Chelsea, Michigan, a home visit around 36-37 weeks gestation, labor and birth support, as well as postpartum and newborn care up to 6 weeks postpartum.

Our services include waterbirth, delayed cord clamping, and breastfeeding support. We also provide Newborn Vitamin K, Newborn Eye Prophylaxis, and Newborn Metabolic Screening, along with referrals for Newborn Hearing Screens.

We are dedicated to informed choice and informed consent as the cornerstone of our midwifery practice.

Patricia speaks intermediate Haitian Creole (Li pale kreyòl ayisyen).

Belly painting is included.

Midwife Patricia offers belly painting as a unique and meaningful art form that helps midwifery clients understand the position of their baby while providing a special moment to honor their time of creation. She brings this cherished skill to Michigan from her many years of midwifery practice in Oregon and has been creating these beautiful, personal connections through belly painting since 2007.  Patricia has painted several hundred pregnant bellies, and clients have described it as one of their favorite prenatal appointments, something they eagerly look forward to.

Beautiful Belly Painting

Waterbirth pool included, Eco Birth Pool in a Box Mini Professional
www.waterbirthsolutions.com/Birth-Pool-in-a-Box-Eco-Mini-PRO

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

If you have had a previous cesarean birth and are interested in a VBAC please contact us for consultation to assess whether you are a good candidate for for this birth option.

Optional Complementary Therapies included in the above Midwifery Care Package:

Holistic Health Coaching

Integrative Nutrition Counseling

Herbal Remedies

Aromatherapy/Essential Oils

Acupressure 

Moxibustion

Breastfeeding Support

Belly Painting

Miscellaneous Midwifery Services:

In home prenatal visits are an additional $100 per visit, office visits included in midwifery fee.
​Laboratory Testing. (insurance may cover)
Breastfeeding support $50. (Included in birth fee)
Belly painting $25. (Included in birth fee)
​Placenta encapsulation $200.

photo credit Jennifer Mason Photography

Contact and Scheduling

Patricia Couch, CPM, LM is pleased to offer personalized and compassionate care at Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery, alongside Celeste Groeneneberg CPM, LM, BSM. Services are available at two convenient locations in Michigan in Dexter and Jackson.

Appointments typically last between 45 minutes to 1 hour, providing ample time to discuss your needs, address questions, and ensure the attentive care you deserve.

Why Choose Midwifery Care

  • Personalized Attention: Tailored care focusing on your individual needs and preferences.
  • Continuity of Care: Consistent support throughout your pregnancy journey.
  • Empowerment: Encouraging informed decision-making and ensuring you feel supported and confident.
  • Natural Birth Focus: Emphasizing low-intervention practices for a natural birth experience.
  • Emotional Support: Offering reassurance and encouragement every step of the way.
  • Comprehensive Postpartum and Newborn Care: Assisting in a smooth transition into parenthood.
  • Collaborative Care: Coordinating with other healthcare providers and providing referrals when needed.
  • Holistic Care: Integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being to support a balanced and healthy pregnancy experience.

For your convenience, direct phone and text communication is offered, including 24/7 emergency coverage and prompt responses to urgent inquiries. Reach out to Patricia at 734-433-8533.

Due to high demand, free initial consultations are available virtually or by phone. To secure a spot for a homebirth or for further inquiries, contact as soon as possible.

Please note that the schedule is full through October 2025.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, reach out directly at 734-433-8533 or click here to schedule with Patricia or Celeste. When scheduling a consult online, please note your due date and where you live. Thank you.

Visit us In Dexter, Michigan

8005 Main St. Suite 24 Dexter, Michigan 48130

Hours

Monday—Saturday
9am-5pm

Visit us in Jackson, Michigan

510 E McDevitt Ave, Jackson Michigan 49203

Hours

Monday—Friday
9am-5pm

the homebirth Journal

The Power of Breathing Your Baby Out

Bringing new life into this world is an incredible journey. There are techniques that can be beneficial and empowering whild giving birth. One such technique that has gained is called “breathing your baby out.” This method allows birthers to tap into their inner strength, connect with their bodies, and guide their baby into the world with love and ease. It can also be very protective to the perineum. In this post, we will explore the concept of breathing your baby out and how it can positively impact your birthing experience.

1. Understanding the Concept:

Breathing your baby out, also known as “breath pushing” or “surrender breathing,” encourages a more relaxed and instinctive approach to the second stage of labor. Traditionally, the pushing stage has been associated with forceful and directed pushing efforts, but this technique aims to shift the focus towards the mother’s breath and the natural rhythm of her body.

2. Connecting with Your Breath:

Breathing is a remarkable tool that can help us navigate through various challenges, including childbirth. By practicing deep, intentional breathing techniques, expectant mothers can create a sense of calm and relaxation during labor. Breathing deeply and rhythmically allows the body to release tension and encourages the natural progression of labor, giving your baby the space and time they need to descend.

3. Trusting Your Body’s Wisdom:

Breathing your baby out emphasizes the belief that a woman’s body intuitively knows how to birth. Instead of relying solely on directed pushing, this technique encourages mothers to trust their bodies and allow them to guide the process. By surrendering to the natural flow of labor, women can experience a deeper connection with their bodies and embrace the incredible strength within.

4. The “Breathing the Baby Out” Technique:

The “breathing the baby out” technique is a gentle and effective approach to protecting the perineum during childbirth.

Here’s how it works:

a. During the pushing phase, take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly and steadily through your mouth.

b. As you exhale, imagine your breath flowing down through your body, guiding your baby’s descent.

c. Focus on directing your breath and energy towards your perineum, visualizing it expanding and stretching to accommodate your baby’s head.

d. As your baby’s head crowns, breathe slowly and gently, allowing your body to naturally stretch and accommodate the birth.

5. Embracing the Empowerment:

Breathing your baby out empowers birthers to be active participants in their birthing journey. It encourages a sense of ownership and confidence, enabling women to have a more positive and fulfilling birth experience. By embracing this technique, expectant mothers can tap into their unique strength, creating a profound bond with their baby from the very first breath.

Breathing your baby out is a beautiful approach to childbirth that empowers women to trust in their bodies, connect with their breath, and welcome their little ones into the world with love and ease. By embracing this technique, expectant mothers can foster a deeper sense of empowerment, celebrate the miracle of life, and embark on a transformative journey that will forever shape their lives. Remember, every birth is unique, and what matters most is finding the techniques and practices that resonate with you and your baby.

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