Michigan Midwife, Celeste Groenenberg of Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery

One of the most unique things about my job as a Michigan birth photographer and doula, is that I get to attend births in all birthing locations including hospital birth, home birth and the birth center births. I’ve witnessed empowered births in all locations, and want to highlight the midwives and birth workers who are doing great work in this busy homebirth community.

When I first moved to Chelsea, Michigan four years ago, one of the first people who reached out to me was Celeste of Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery. We met for lunch and I liked her right away; we’ve been friends ever since. Not only is she a wonderful person, but she’s a great midwife. She’s beloved among her homebirth community and by other midwives as well as all of her patients.

In my interview with her, Celeste shared her reason for doing this work and how much she loves it.

One of Celeste’s clients wrote: Throughout the birth of my son, she facilitated a safe environment, allowing me to labor as I instinctually felt while being there for the moments I needed her to step in. —- Samantha, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Name and Area You Serve:

Celeste Groenenberg of Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery. I serve Southeast Michigan, within a 60 mile radius of Chelsea.

Website and social media links

Gentle Mama Holistic Midwifery - Find her on Website, Facebook, Instagram

Mission, Vision and Values for your business

To empower mamas to have beautiful & safe a childbearing year and to welcome babies gently and lovingly, at home.

Are you a hospital or home birth midwife?

Homebirth midwife. I love seeing physiologic birth unfold. I love the autonomy & patience that comes with birthing at home.

How long have your been a midwife?

I started training 26 years ago, I have had my CPM for 9 years.

What is your favorite part of being a midwife?

I love witnessing the everyday miracle of birth. Birth is so beautiful. I love supporting families to celebrate their births & babies.

What is it like being a midwife in Michigan?

Michigan is an excellent state to practice. People choosing homebirth are health conscious, driven & gracious.

What other services do you provide with your midwifery services?

We can draw labs, perform limited ultrasound, give IV's, administer emergency medications.

What Celeste’s clients are saying about her:

What I loved about Celeste right away was that she was so welcoming of who I am. She was my first experienced with a licensed midwife and this was my first birth outside of the hospital. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but she was so excited to meet me, discover who I was, and what I wanted for my birth. That’s truly what it felt like. She is so warm and genuine, and so passionate about births and birthing bodies and that is evident by spending even 5 minutes with her. I felt so taken care of by her throughout out time together, more like friends than midwife and client. Throughout the birth of my son, she facilitated a safe environment, allowing me to labor as I instinctually felt while being there for the moments when I needed her to step in. We had originally planned for me to catch my own baby when he was born, but I ended up birthing in a position that didn’t give me a good angle for that, and instead of me, Celeste caught my son as he flew out of me in less than 4 seconds. She allowed me to be myself and kept me, and my son, safe, and I believe that is one of the most precious gifts that anyone can give another person. It is also a particularly unique skill, one that has been beautifully and gracefully refined in Celeste. I would consider her my friend now, a friend I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have. —- Samantha

What Celeste’s clients are saying about her:

How do I say thank you for a life changing experience? My experience with Celeste is she became part of the family. The whole family looked forward to her visits. She calmed everything and everyone down when she was around. Celeste comes into your home, always, with a smile and warm heart, and you feel it. When I first started looking for midwives, I remember calling Celeste and having a conversation with her. It was a lovely conversation, she was warm and caring and it shined through over the phone. I was still making my decision and as a VBAC mama, and new to the area, I was confused. I remember Celeste checking in with me a week after I had chatted with her on the phone. I was having a rough day. I was pregnant in a crazy time, a ball of emotions, feeling alone and I just needed a friend. Celeste called me out of the blue that day, and checked in on me because of genuine concern. From then on, I knew Celeste and I would be connected. My delivery was not easy, but she never left my side. She held my hand, encouraged me, helped me find my strength, she literally laid on the bed with me, holding me, and encouraging. After our birth, Celeste impressed us so much, that we named our daughter after her. Sweet baby Celeste. —- Erin, Detroit, Michigan

If you are interested in birth photography or doula support, I’d love to hear from you. Please reach out today for more information and to schedule your consult.