Gather Interviews Adrienne Caldwell, a Bodyworker in the Twin Cities
Adrienne Caldwell of Adrienne C. Caldwell, Massage & Bodywork, LLC and Northern Lights Wellness Professional Education
Adrienne’s reputation stands tall in the birth community here in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and her expertise spreads far and wide with orthopedic and rehabilitative bodywork, as well as reflexology for all types of people, pregnant or not. We first met Adrienne at a Spinning Babies Workshop for Birth Professionals a few years ago. Before that, we knew her as the top recommendation for breech balancing when doulas, midwives, and pregnant people were in search of a bodyworker in Minnesota. If you meet her in person, be sure to ask about her upcoming workshops and classes around the Twin Cities and Duluth.
Tell us about your journey as a bodyworker. How did you get started? My interest in bodywork began as a teenager. I taught myself reflexology and basic massage at age 13. I started teaching right out of high school working as an education assistant. I earned two bachelors degrees, music and marine biology, and then, finally, started getting my professional certifications for massage and bodywork. I began in bodywork doing rehabilitative work. I moved into prenatal and postpartum specialization after the birth of my daughter. I discovered there was no therapeutic soft tissue care for pregnant people! So I developed my own method. I began teaching massage and bodywork six months after graduating from my professional massage program. I have taught massage and bodywork since then at two amazing schools, and now have my own company, with Debra Erickson McLaughlin and Marcello Windolph, that offers classes and workshops - Northern Lights Wellness Professional education.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started as a bodyworker, but doesn't know where to begin? I get this question often. I think it's important to find out if massage and bodywork is where you really want to invest in yourself. Take an introductory class. If it feels like "This is it!", then find a program that fits your goals. I initially thought I would work in a hospital, so I picked a medically based program. Different schools offer different end goals, so it's good to know where you see yourself at the end of the initial journey. Also, know that going into massage and bodywork is a JOURNEY. You will discover so much about yourself! You will always be learning. There are so many amazing corners in this industry you can spend a lifetime learning. It's thrilling!
What's something you're most proud of professionally? The development of Breech Balancing and therapeutic care for prenatal and postpartum people. It has been a privilege to work with some of the best in the world, and have their support and encouragement as I found my way through to a form of gentle and effective care.
What's the most valuable advice you've ever received, either professionally or personally? When someone gives you advice or an opinion, nod, smile, and say "Thank you for your opinion, I will take it under advisement." This gave me the confidence to not second guess myself, and just keep moving forward.
What's something about this work that shocked you the most, that you wish you'd known before you got started? It's emotionally tiring, and the paperwork is nuts!!! I've slowly started to get a better handle on the business end of running a business. Thanks to the help of a lot of friends <3
What are your thoughts on life-work balance as a birth worker? Is it achievable? It is achievable. It's not easy. I stepped out of my role as a doula several years ago because it was too hard to be in my studio, on-call, and teaching. I have set strict boundaries on my business hours, I say no a lot, and I don't feel guilty for not being able to serve everyone all the time. I think it's really important to realize that you cannot be a good provider if you do not take good care of yourself.
What is missing in your local birth community? What's a need that isn't being met yet? We need more leaders and providers who are BIPOC and LBGTQ. We desperately need to acknowledge and dismantle the structural racism and classism that is present in our birth community. The process has started, and some strides have been made, but we have a long way to go.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to have a positive and empowered birth experience? Educate yourself. I teach all of my clients the BRAINN acronym - Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Next, and Nothing. I also ask them to apply the following three questions to any advice given by any provider - Does it feel safe? Does it feel productive? Does if feel right? Also, to remind birthing families that they don't have to do everything providers suggest.
What are some of your favorite birth accounts/blogs/podcasts/etc right now? I follow a lot of breech based accounts. I spend too much time with my face in medical journals and textbooks to read blogs too often, and I still haven't figured out how to listen to a podcast. It's embarrassing.
What are three things you can't live without lately? Time off. Good coffee. Fresh air.
What's next for you/your business? I am really hoping to grow the teaching part of my business - Northern Lights Wellness Professional Education - with Deb and Marcello. It is a delight and privilege to work with them and offer some the most cutting edge classes in the area. We have had wonderful feedback from our students, and are looking to carry our work to a wider audience.
