About Rebecka and Open Arms

Hi! My name is Rebecka Ockay. I am a Certified Professional Midwife, Medical Massage Practitioner, Birth Educator, and Yoga Teacher.

​I always knew I wanted to catch babies. Originally, I thought that would look like me becoming a doctor, but later on I realized how wonderful it is for women to have the freedom, safety, and loving support that comes with midwifery. On my way, I first became a massage therapist. I'm amazed what safe touch can do, when applied systematically and therapeutically. Next, a friend invited me to become a certified yoga teacher with her. I enjoy yoga's way of getting you back in touch with your body. We stay so busy and so stressed that we lose sight of what our body is saying about our physical and mental health. Just by moving and breathing with purpose, you can learn so much about your current self (because we're always changing). Ultimately, my sister-in-law told me I should become a midwife and I listened! Being witness to women becoming mothers, being witness to how strong they didn't even know they could be, being witness to new life emerging and being scooped into loving arms-- it just doesn't get old!

Open Arms Midwifery & Massage is the culmination of all my professional passions. I hope to serve individuals and families with these specialties for years to come. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your amazing journey!

A few fun facts: I hail from upstate New York, but I've been in Arkansas for most of my adult life, so northerners say I sound southern and southerners say I sound northern. I love to hike and go most weekends. My husband and I enjoy going for dog-walking dates, with our favorite coffee or matcha in hand. I also love animals, especially my greyhounds and other people's horses and cows (but I want a couple of each in the future!) I'm also several types of nerdy-- and proud of it!-- crafts, cosplay, music, nature, education, books. And most importantly, I love Jesus.

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Meet the Open Arms Team!

Lacy Hierwarter
Midwifery Assistant & Doula

In 2013, Lacy trained to be a doula, after caring for families in an unofficial capacity for 16 years ​beforehand. She is the owner of Your Connected Birth, providing additional services like postpartum and lactation support.

With plenty of training under her belt, Lacy has also assisted midwives at many home births. She has completed training for breech birth and lactation consulting. She is certified in both adult and newborn resuscitation.

She loves supporting parents and midwives, as each birth unfolds in its unique way. Support during labor as well as postpartum looks different for everybody. She's invaluable at helping moms navigate the options of how they would enjoy being cared for, from gorgeous and nutritious protein plates to genuine conversation about the things that matter most. She is creative and flexible in the ways she provides the help midwives and moms need. She is compassionate, wise, and thoughtful, which makes her a beautiful part of your birthing experience.

​A few fun facts about Lacy: she is mother to three grown children and grandmother to two grandkids; she loves teaching families; she enjoys gardening, playing with her dog, Rajah, and going to the gym.

Rachael Hofford
Lactation Consultant & Doula

Rachael is a compassionate and experienced lactation consultant, birthing doula, and postpartum doula with 8 years of experience rooted in personal experience as a mother. She is the owner of Woven Womb Services. Her offerings include:

• Breastfeeding Education: Prenatal breastfeeding education that prepares you for a successful start, covering essential knowledge and skills.
• In-Home Consultations: Personalized support to address breastfeeding or bottle-feeding challenges, guiding you and your baby to establish a healthy breastfeeding relationship.
• Ongoing Support: Continued assistance to ensure you and your baby thrive, fostering confidence and resilience throughout your journey.
• Tongue and Lip Tie Support: Comprehensive guidance for identifying and addressing tongue and lip ties, helping families navigate feeding challenges related to these issues and find effective solutions.

With a holistic approach to care, Rachael honors each family’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, bringing a compassionate, empathetic approach tailored to your unique preferences. She offers faith-based support for those who seek it, often drawing on the comforting words of Psalm 139:13-16.

​The journey to becoming a doula and lactation consultant is deeply personal for Rachael. As a soon to be mother of four, she encountered her own unique challenges and triumphs, which ignited her passion for supporting other mothers through their own journeys. With each birth, she learned the value of self-advocacy and empowerment, embracing her experiences with grace and resilience. This calling, born from her personal trials and triumphs, allows her to offer others unwavering compassion, guidance, and support every step of the way.

Interested in collaborating with Open Arms?

Rebecka would love to add more people to her team! Please reach out if you are a:

• birth assistant
• birth photographer
• lactation consultant
• APRN, CNM, or RN

You can text/call Rebecka or fill out the form below.

Coming soon: Yoga Classes!

At the moment, I am busy, busy, busy with midwifery and massage clients, but I will begin offering yoga classes again. Check back soon for updates!