It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved friend, Brock Zachariah Bertloff.

Brock was a man of deep humility, kindness, and generosity. Christina was his soulmate and life partner whom he loved with his whole heart. Together, they poured their lives into serving women and families within our local birthing community. Christina’s love for midwifery was contagious and it wasn’t long before Brock was a driving force of Transformative Birth Midwifery. Brock recognized the sacredness of bearing life and began studying ways to nourish Christina’s Mamas through herbal remedies and healing Ayurvedic foods. He did this for years as a complimentary service for her home birth clients. The difference these products were making in the lives of new Moms was palpable and ignited a new passion within him. Out of that passion, he founded Nourish the Mama- their homegrown organic apothecary and postpartum meal service.

Brock’s quiet strength, tender spirit, and unwavering belief in holistic care touched countless lives. Families welcomed their babies into the world with Christina’s wisdom, and countless mothers experienced Brock’s healing offerings. Together, they created ripples of love and care that will continue long beyond his time here.

After many years of practice, Christina recently retired. She sold her home, and she and Brock moved to Washington, excited to spend their golden years nestled in the forests they dreamed of calling home and fully investing in Nourish the Mama as their retirement plan. Just a few short weeks after their move, their plans were shaken by Brock’s diagnosis with an aggressive form of cancer. Christina poured much of her retirement savings into his care, pursuing every treatment and therapy available.

Brock worked tirelessly in supporting his body in healing itself. Now, Christina faces the future without her beloved, and with much of her retirement depleted by these unexpected expenses.

We are coming together as a community to support Christina in this tender, heartbreaking transition. This fund will help replenish what she has given, allowing her to root herself in Washington and create a home where the memory of Brock will always surround her.

If Brock or Christina touched your life—through birth, Nourish the Mama, or simply by knowing them—we ask you to consider giving what you can. Your gift will honor Brock’s legacy and help carry Christina as she grieves and rebuilds.

With gratitude and love,

Amanda Latham

venmo is also welcome: @transformativebirth