A hand of support

when guidance is needed...

Jen Rakestraw of The Held Hand is an End of ​Life Guide, Companion, and Death Midwife ​serving the greater metro Atlanta area. ​Combining more than 25 years of experience ​in insurance, photography, and end of life care, ​Jen offers practical and kind guidance to aid in ​the preparation and navigation of dying, as well ​as bereavement and memorial photography.

To live in this world you must be able to do three things:

to love what is mortal;

to hold it against your own bones knowing your own life depends on it;

and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.

~Mary Oliver

What is a Death Midwife?

• There are many names for what we do; I promise the work is much gentler than the names sound! Whether we’re ​called Death Midwives, Death Doulas, End of Life Companions, or Shrouded Women (Person), we are a community ​providing companionship, comfort, guidance, and support to the dying and their loved ones. Ours is a centuries-old ​practice of active service, advocacy, and education in preparing for a vital part of life, death.
  
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What Services do you offer?

• Community Outreach and Education through Speaking Engagements, Online Tutorials, In-Person Chats, and ​Podcasts
• Personal Preparation and Guidance for the End of Life for Individuals and Families
• Bereavement and Memorial Photography
  
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Do you have a particular area of focus?

Though I’m incredibly honored to serve all families, my heart and focus remain with families who’ve lost babies and ​small children. As a photographer and active volunteer with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, I am deeply moved to ​provide education, advocacy, and support on behalf of these tiniest of lives.

What areas do you serve?

• I currently provide in-person services to the greater Metro-Atlanta are and parts of North Georgia. Virtual services are ​available nationwide.