Jen Holland Wellness

I’ve been doing this work long enough that I have gotten the opportunity to see numerous babies from the same family, numerous times. This is the third baby I have treated from this family, and watching his mama be such a kind and loving mama over and over again has been really sweet.

This newest review had me smiling from ear to ear, and so did my sessions with this sweet little babe! He was uncomfortable that first day and told me all about it (I’m pretty fluent in baby) and together we worked through the stuff he had been dealing with for his whole little life, even before he came out of his mom. Sometimes I hope I made a difference, and sometimes I *know* I did. Thanks for taking a chance with your local pediatric bodyworker! ❤️

I have been teaching childbirth (and more) classes in Salem, OR since 2010 to folks planning for a low intervention, unmedicated birth. I have some openings in next month’s class, and I’d love to have you there! Link in bio, message with questions!

I’m a mentor! ❤️

It’s been a really great week for bodywork for babies! I started the week teaching a class to some really smart and talented lactation consultants at a local regional hospital. I wasn’t sure how it would go because it was my first time teaching a group of professionals how to do some of what I do (I teach parents all day every day). The feedback was amazing! 🙌 I’m looking forward to hearing how they apply what they learned to these precious babies. I have another class coming up next week that I am SO EXCITED about and feels a bit like coming full circle and I can’t wait to share about it. In the meantime, here I am with a sweet baby friend I got to meet today, and here we are doing the “shoulder pull” that I talk so much about to parents (and professionals!) working with babies with tension in their necks, shoulders, and jaws.

I love the sweet captures that parents get of their babies receiving bodywork. ❤️
Who needs bodywork? Anyone with a body, particularly if that body spent any length of time squished into a small space.
I see babies and children for bodywork, and do office visits in Salem and home visits all over Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties and also into Clackamas and Linn counties. Link to book in bio, DM with questions (or cute pictures of your baby that you’d like to share).

I have had the pleasure of hanging out with this cute baby pretty regularly since she was 6 weeks old. Thanks to her awesome parents (and some regular bodywork), her torticollis and plagiocephaly are a thing of the past. Her sweet little face was too cute not to share! 😍

Did you know that Salem has a new swim school? Check out Salem Swim School!

🏊 As Salem’s only stand-alone swim school, we are fully dedicated to helping create strong and confident swimmers.

🏊 The classes are 30 minute swim lessons, once a week, that encourage growth and confidence for students 6 months to adult.

🏊 Our compassionate and experienced instructors provide a safe and comfortable learning environment.

🏊 The indoor pool is 87-90º – ensuring year-round ease for our swimmers.

🏊 We provide a separated viewing area that keeps spectators safe and our students engaged.

Register or contact us today @ https://salemswimschool.com/

Friends, I'm so excited for this walk! My family and I did the Miles for Midwives walk back in 2015 and it was so fun. I was excited to be a part of the planning committee this time around! Kids under 16 are free, the route is stroller friendly, you can run or walk, and you'll get a great shirt! The money will support midwives in supporting families in Oregon. Will I see you there?

Show your love for midwives and register today! Join OMC and ACNM for this fun event and raise funds to support midwifery in Oregon. Register by April 16th to get your Miles for Midwives T-shirt! And don't forget to share this with your clients!

https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/SaintPaul/MilesforMidwives2024

Talk to me about the Period of PURPLE Crying. Do you believe it is *normal* for a baby to cry for hours every day?

My website is down! Until I figure that out, you can book with me here:

Jen Holland CPM, LDM Welcome to my scheduling page. Please follow the instructions to add an event to my calendar.

I was just doing some reading about torticollis and it is amazing to me how little is known/taught. Mayo Clinic classes it “rare” while Cleveland Clinic says it is “fairly common.” These sources say its cause is a mystery while Johns Hopkins says it is likely due to baby’s position in the womb (which I agree with). Cleveland Clinic says you should start stretches “within the first few months” when you can and should start *immediately* for the best results and in order to avoid breastfeeding difficulties and head shaping issues. I have seen and helped hundreds of babies with torticollis and so many parents hadn’t been told that there was anything going on with their baby’s neck even though it is wildly obvious to me, and there is often accompanying plagiocephaly.

Ramblings of a craniosacral therapist…

COLIC IS NOT A DIAGNOSIS.

It is NOT normal for babies to cry for long periods. This is their way of telling us that they are uncomfortable. I find it so frustrating to hear that it is normal for babies to scream and cry. The second "P" in "Purple Crying" stands for "Pain-like face" - "A crying baby may look like they are in pain, even when they are not." How do we know they aren't in pain?? If medical professionals tell parents that it is normal for their babies to scream and look like they are in pain, parents don't have any reason to try to get to the bottom of why their baby is crying for hours every day.

Helping parents figure out what is making their baby uncomfortable is my specialty. Feel free to message me for more info.

Oregon Midwifery Foundation is the organization working to support access to culturally matched care in Oregon by supporting new midwives of color. Culturally matched care is one of the most important factors in improving outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and pregnant people and families of color. Donations to OMF go directly to students and new midwives and make a real difference in helping them overcome economic barriers to entering the profession. Join me in supporting the work of OMF by donating! https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2433250

In this season of darkness, transformation, and gratitude we at OMF are mindful of ways we can support Black, Indigenous, and all pregnant people and families of color to have safe and satisfying births with caregivers that share their experiences, understand them, and support them as individuals. We know that a more diverse community of midwives can help improve access and reduce racial/ethnic disparities through quality of care and treatment for the people that need this care the most. We want to create pathways for BIPOC students to become midwives! Will you help us do this? Consider an end of year donation during this season of gift giving to support our next round of grant recipients who are on this path! We are so grateful for our donors as 2023 comes to a close! Link in bio to donate.
https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2433250

Curious about using a wrap or baby carrier with your baby that would rather not be put down? Already babywearing but interested in learning some new tips, tricks, and ties? Expecting a baby and want some practice before baby is here? Another babywearing class with is coming next week! Bring babies and wraps if you have them. Lennon carried her own babies in beautiful woven wraps that you’ll get to check out. She’s an awesome homebirth midwife and mom of four who has a lot of wisdom and knowledge to share with other parents.
Tuesday October 24, 2023 6-7:30pm
1130 Liberty St SE Salem, OR
Register at https://calendly.com/jenhollandwellness
Link in bio

You know me, I LOVE babies. But there’s something extra special about treating this third baby of a beloved mama, especially since I watched her become a mama four years ago and have treated her other babies too! These connections are so special to me.

I am now offering bodywork for children at my Salem office!
This little lady broke her arm a few months ago and is having some trouble with the healing and trying to avoid another surgery. I’m excited to help those tight muscles loosen up so she can have her full mobility back, along with the full use of her fingers.

I'm excited to support Compass Perinatal Peer Support, our local branch of Postpartum Support International, in this year's Climb Out of the Darkness fundraising and awareness spreading event for mental health for new families. There will be a walk at Minto Brown on October 14th from 9am to 12pm. And if you're inclined to donate to the fundraiser, THANK YOU! and you can do that here:

Fundraising for Postpartum Support International Join me!

This is happening on Tuesday! Register here: https://calendly.com/jenhollandwellness/preparing-for-pregnancy-birth-and-beyond

After a summer break, the Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond series is back! These classes meet in person in Salem on Tuesdays from 6-7:30pm. Check out this lineup of classes and presenters:
*9/12: Pelvic Floor Wellness for Everyone - Dr Molly Weinbender DPT, WCS
*9/26: Planning for Postpartum - Jen Holland CPM, LDM
*10/10: Breastfeeding Basics - Margy Porter CPM, LDM, IBCLC
*10/24: Babywearing 101 - Lennon Clark
*11/14: Advice for Partners - Michael Zinkowski MAT, MFA
*11/28: Physiology of Labor and Birth - Jen Holland CPM, LDM
*12/12: Labor Support - Jen Holland CPM, LDM
Register via link in bio.

Don't miss out on the Oregon State Fair! Come join in on the fun and be sure to stop by our booth for a warm welcome and to conveniently tend to your diaper changing and nursing / baby feeding needs. 🧷🤱🍼

📍 LOCATION: State Fairgrounds - 2330 17th St NE Salem OR, 97301

⏰ DATES: August 25 - September 4

🕒 HOURS:

Friday, Aug. 25: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Saturday, Aug. 26: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Sunday, Aug. 27: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Monday, Aug. 28 thru Thursday Aug. 31: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Friday, Sept. 1: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Saturday, Sept. 2: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Sunday, Sept. 3: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Monday, Sept. 4: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

📍 FIND US: Keep an eye out for our booth conveniently located near Columbia Hall and The Dairy Women Ice Cream booth.

Can't Wait To See You There! 😀

Join Dr Molly Weinbender and me on Tuesday 9/12 for our “Pelvic Wellness for Everyone” class! If you’d like to learn more about how to have a healthy pelvic floor (and what even IS a pelvic floor??) this is the class for you! We’ll talk about pelvic anatomy, “Kegels,” and things you can do at home to optimize your pelvic health. Sign up via https://calendly.com/jenhollandwellness/preparing-for-pregnancy-birth-and-beyond?month=2023-09

Something amazing happened this week!
For the last few months, I have been hosting on Mondays at Wallace Marine Park. Volunteers from the community sign up to bring food throughout the afternoon, and to serve the food to anyone who may need a meal. We always have water and various hygiene, harm reduction, and first aid supplies too. Folks are so happy to see us. They know us and trust us, and know that the aid we offer is without strings. It has become one of my favorite things.
My dear friend has been showing up for Squad since I started hosting! She brings so much food to share, along with her generous and kind spirit. Last week she felt inspired to reach out to the local Kona Ice truck to ask if they would ever consider coming down while we’re there to serve our unhoused neighbors too. It doesn’t hurt to ask, right?
We were surprised and delighted when they said they would love to come to the next Squad!! We couldn’t believe it. If you’re local, you remember that it was 105 degrees on Monday. I didn’t want to let myself get too excited about it because it honestly felt too good to be true… but then at 3:00, we saw this amazing sight pulling into the parking lot!
Y’all it felt SO GOOD to tell folks that the Kona Ice truck was there for them and everything was free. This is a population of people who are often ignored or treated unkindly, so being able to walk up to the window to order whatever flavor they wanted, and to be served with kindness and respect, isn’t something that happens every day. I am so grateful that I got to be there, and that my amazing friend made this happen for our park buddies.
If you’re interested in lending a hand or learning more, check out or message me!

I learned about bodywork for babies when I was a student midwife. If breastfeeding wasn't going well, or baby seemed particularly fussy or uncomfortable, or they just needed a little *something*, the midwives would recommend bodywork, typically craniosacral therapy. At that time, was the local baby bodyworker. Parents almost always reported a huge improvement after seeing her, and it was amazing to me that such a gentle and simple modality could be so impactful. I saw that helping a baby be more comfortable in their body not only improved their experience, but it positively impacted everyone in the home! Comfortable babies fuss and cry less which helps bring ease to the experience of parenting a newborn, and relaxed parents are more present for their partners and other children.
If you know me, you know that I'm a Baby Person. I adore these little people who are so straightforward and honest. A couple of weeks after the end of my midwifery apprenticeship, I began training with .gray.cst.yoga to learn how to help them feel better in their bodies. The work felt so natural to me, and I realized that not only do babies clearly tell us when there is something not quite right, if you learn how to listen, they'll tell you just what it is.
I am now in my 8th year of helping babies feel better in their bodies. I offer office visits in the beautiful space I share with and in Salem, and I also offer home visits because I believe that home is the best place for babies and their parents to be in those first weeks/months postpartum. I love interacting with siblings and for them to be a part of the experience, and I see that babies are more at ease when they are surrounded by the familiarity of home.
These photos were taken by my dear friend, the incredibly gifted photographer of her sweet newest babe getting some bodywork, with the helpful healing touch of her loving siblings.
The fact that my work gets to be medicine not only to these beloved babies but also to my own nervous system is an enormous blessing that I will never take for granted.

We met 22 years ago in a hostel in Edinburgh, and have been adventuring together ever since. Today is our 21st wedding anniversary! We have built a beautiful relationship, and have made three amazing people together and raised them with loving kindness. I can’t believe I get to love you more and more as the years go by. I feel like I won some cosmic jackpot. Although nothing in life is certain, I’m quietly confident that we will get to enjoy many more decades together. I’m so proud of us, .lmt ❤️

I shared this to my stories (that’s where most of the action happens) but thought you should all know. ❤️

Happy summer, northern hemisphere friends! 🌞
I went to with my best friend Poppy this morning, in search of the St Johns wort I suspected would be starting to bloom… and it was! I brought a little home and as I was gathering some lemon balm from my yard to add to this uplifting tea, I checked for ripe raspberries and discovered some St Johns wort growing in my raspberry patch! 🙌 I have invited a number of plants to show up in our yard - miner’s lettuce, English daisies, and California poppy are now residents here, and I’m so thrilled that St Johns wort has joined us too.