MARQUETTE — A new Marquette business dedicated to supporting new and expecting mothers is celebrating a successful first month of operation.
Rooted Nourished Beginnings, a small team of three healthcare professionals, cut the ribbon on their practice Wednesday near the Ore Dock. The group provides classes, home visits, and expert support to women and families across the region.
“There are huge gaps to maternal and infant care,” said Melinda Britton, a certified doula and one of the co-owners. “Here in the U.P., we definitely have more rural health challenges as well. We can do a better assessment when we’re in somebody’s home, when we’re getting in there, seeing how they’re doing, how they’re functioning in the day-to-day. It really helps us to best support and provide resources to families where they’re at.”
The group currently operates without a permanent office but hopes to open one in the future. Until then, they say their mobile and community-based model allows them to meet families where they need it most.
“The overall response through our whole process of creating this business has been so positive, and we’ve been so supported by our community, both the professional community and the community accessing these services,” said co-owner Jamie Kitchel, a certified nurse midwife.
With continued support, Rooted Nourished Beginnings hopes to grow its reach—and help bridge the gap in rural maternal care across the Upper Peninsula.
