Nancy Hamm ICNCS, ICISC
Founder of Gentle Ventures' Training Center and Postpartum Doula Academy
Certified International Advanced Newborn Care Specialist and Advanced Infant Sleep Consultant
Nancy Hamm, ICNCS, ICISC has been a Newborn Care Specialist and Infant Sleep Consultant for 33 years and has over 50,000 hours of hands-on experience with babies. She has worked with twins, triplets, quads, sextuplets, preemies, and generally the most precious children she could imagine.
Nancy has taken college courses on Child Physiology and Child Development, has taken an extensive breastfeeding course through the La Leche League, CAPPA Lactation Education Training, and is a Breastfeeding Educator through Lactation Management Skills, is a certified Happiest Baby on the Block Educator, Supporting New Parents - University of Colorado, and has taken Summer's Sleep Secrets Training Course and other numerous sleep training courses.
Nancy works whenever possible as a holistic caregiver. She has 1800 hours of training in homeopathy and worked her internship in Sri Lanka and Phoenix. Although she is not a herbalist, she uses and suggests herbs in training along with essential oils, acupressure, pediatric chiropractors, cranial sacral therapy and always home remedies.
Nancy founded the NCSA (Newborn Care Specialist Association) after it became clear there were no guidelines set for the certification of Newborn Care Specialists. She is a visionary in the field of newborn care, and through extensive research has become an expert on infant care. As of 2019, she turned the NCSA over to two amazing women who will continue her vision.
Nancy founded Postpartum Doula Academy after researching the available postpartum training services and realized there was so much left unsaid. We have included the Surogate Doulas in this course along with numerous cultural, cerimoial and holistic modalities.
Nancy says, “When all is said and done, my first love and my greatest passion is the caring and nurturing of newborn babies.
Contact Ms. Hamm at
Julia Cavanaugh CD, PCD, NCS
Co-Founder Postpartum Doula Academy
Julia is a seasoned Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist, driven by her passion for supporting families and nurturing newborns through their early stages of life.
Over the last 15 years, her experience has spanned diverse family dynamics, ensuring every parent transitions into parenthood with confidence and tranquility.
As a guest teacher alongside Nancy Hamm at Gentle Ventures LLC, Julia contributes to Holistic Newborn Care Specialist trainings nationwide.
Beyond her role in newborn care and parenting, Julia is also an accomplished actor, writer, and yogi. These creative pursuits enrich her life and enhance her ability to empathize with and support the families she serves.
Julia deeply believes in the transformative power of nurturing and guidance during the pivotal early moments of parenthood. Her mission is to provide steadfast care that smooths the transition into parenthood and leaves a profound positive impact on every family she has the privilege to assist.
Contact Julia at
