H E L D I N W A T E R S

Water is where we begin.

Summer is full.

This summer's swim sessions and drop-in spots are officially full — thank you to every family who joined us in the water this year. We're taking some time to rest and prepare for what's next. Check back soon for updates on what Held In Waters will be offering this fall and winter.

YOUR GUIDE IN THE WATER

Meet Hannah

Meet Hannah — Held in Waters

HF

Hannah Freeman

Founder · Gentle Swim Educator · Somatic Water Guide · Doula · Bodyworker

Hannah has spent over 25 years immersed in the transformative nature of water — particularly for new mothers, babies, and families in transition. Water was her first teacher. By age 14 she was already sharing that love as a volunteer swim instructor; at 16, she founded Little Splashes in her backyard — a program that now serves over 300 families annually. Her approach weaves together somatic practice, bodywork, sound healing, and a deep reverence for the wisdom of nature.

WATSU & Amnion

Trained under Mary Seamster in water massage & aquatic bodywork

Adaptive aquatics

Certified with Swim Angel Fish · Autism, trauma, sensory & physical differences

Doula & bodyworker

Certified through Shiva Rae & Chapman Family Center · Massage at NMSNT

Health coaching

Columbia University & Institute of Integrative Nutrition

Yoga & sound healing

Certified teacher and sound healer — woven into every session

Craniosacral therapy

Currently in studies — specializing in infants

WORK WITH HANNAH DIRECTLY

Private consultation

Hannah Consultation

A session held just for you

Whether your child has specific sensitivities, you're navigating fear of water, or you simply want Hannah's full attention — a private phone or video consultation offers personal guidance rooted in 25+ years of experience.

Phone or video call Tailored to your child Somatic guidance Adaptive support available Paid session with Hannah

Book a consultation

THE SIGNATURE PIECE

What water safety really is.

Water Safety Feature — Held in Waters

A piece by Hannah Freeman

On floaties, rescue swimming, and the thing we're actually protecting.

Real water safety is a relationship. It lives in a child's body — in how their nervous system responds when water touches their face, when they are held, when they are startled. A child who has been trained to perform a safety skill is not the same as a child who is actually safe in water.

Read the full piece →

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WHAT FAMILIES ARE SAYING

Held, trusted, transformed

Testimonials — Held in Waters

★★★★★

"From the very first session, I could see my daughter's fear melting away. Hannah has a gift for meeting children exactly where they are. We didn't just learn to swim — we found our way back to joy."

— Sarah M.

Mama to a 3-year-old

★★★★★

"My son was relaxed from the start, and honestly so was I. These sessions have become something we both look forward to every week."

— Mia R.

Parent of a 7-month-old

★★★★★

"Our son has sensory sensitivities and we were told swimming would be hard for him. Hannah's adaptive approach changed everything. He asks to go to 'water class' every single day."

— James & Cora T.

Family of a 5-year-old

Loved your time with Held in Waters? Your words help other families find their way to the water.

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