Support from pregnancy to birth & beyond

Consultations are the first step for families considering birthing at home. My care is tailored to the needs of the client with respect to their diversity and traditions. Comprehensive prenatal care, nutritional counseling, and birth preparation is provided throughout the pregnancy.

I am available to clients 24 hours a day for urgent needs, and respond to non-emergency questions within 12 hours.

I attend the labor and birth and perform a thorough newborn exam. Postpartum care includes home visits with follow up phone consultations including breastfeeding assistance.

Services also include water births and minimally assisted births.

  • Regular prenatal check-ups and monitoring throughout your pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both you and your baby.

  • Information and education about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care to help you make informed decisions. This includes natural pain relief methods, alternative therapies, and nutritional guidance.

  • I am available 24 hours a day for urgent needs throughout your pregnancy, and respond to non-emergency questions within 12 hours.

  • As your due date approaches, I will visit your home to assess your birthing environment, discuss birth plans, and make necessary preparations.

  • Attendance and support during labor and birth at your home. This includes monitoring vital signs, fetal heart rate, and providing guidance and comfort measures.

  • Immediate care for the newborn, including assessments, measurements, and postpartum support for both you and the baby.

  • Equipped and trained to handle unexpected emergencies.  I am certified in Neonatal Resuscitation, Adult and child CPR, as well as  certified through NARM and licensed with the State of Michigan.

  • Availability of medical equipment and supplies needed for a home birth.

  • Postpartum check-ups for you and your baby to monitor recovery, provide breastfeeding support, and address any concerns or questions.

  • Guidance and assistance with breastfeeding, if desired.

  • Assistance with obtaining social security and birth certificates.

  • Availability for questions and support in the weeks and months following birth.

Other Services & Resources

  • Dehydrating maintains nearly all of the nutritional value and can extend the shelf life for up to 25 years.

  • In addition to iron, the placenta is full of vitamins and minerals such B6 and B12, as well as hormones like progesterone and estrogen. These reproductive hormones drop after you give birth.

    Many who have tried these placenta pills have said that their moods are better, their energy is increased, they feel less fatigued, and their milk supply is boosted. They also report that placenta encapsulation helped them avoid the baby blues. In other words, placenta pills can help you have a smoother recovery postpartum.

    The most important nutrients found in rich supply in the placenta include:

    • Stem Cells and Growth Factors

    • Iron - Essential for oxygen absorption in the cells

    • Vitamin B6 - Aids in the making of antibodies

    • Oxytocin hormone - Essential for facilitating birth and breastfeeding

    • Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) - Responsible for reducing stress levels

    • Cytokins - Fibroblasts that trigger cell metabolism healing and replacing damaged cells and tissue.

    • Oxytocin - The feel good or love hormone. Creates feelings of bonding, pain relief, happiness and elation.

    • Cortisone - This hormone unlocks energy stored in the body and combats stress.

    • Interferon - This hormones stimulates the immune system to fight off infections while the mother is healing from birth.

    • Prostaglandins - Acts as an anti-inflammatory.

    • Hemoglobin - Replenishes iron and stimulates iron production in blood.

    • Urokinase - Inhibiting factor and factor XIII - Lessens bleeding and promotes faster healing.

    • Prolactin - Stimulates healthy mammary function and milk production.

    • Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Ina May Gaskin

    • Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way, Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg with Peter Rosegg

    • Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding, Ina May Gaskin

    • Hypnobirthing: The Morgan Method, Marie F. Mongan

    • Real Food for Pregnancy, Lily Nichols

    • The Birth Partner, Penny Simkin

    • The First Forty Days, The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, Marisa Belger

    • The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League International

  • Evidence Based Birth

    evidencebasedbirth.com

    In-depth review of literature on subjects related to decision-making for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It is a great resource for those who want to know more about the data before making decisions about their health and the health of their baby.

    The Business of Being Born

    A well-known film that explores the maternity care system in the United States.

    For Facts regarding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean:

    For Information Regarding Controversial Medical Procedures and Informed Consent:

    Research on Circumcision and caring for your Intact Child:

“I hope for expectant mothers to feel personal growth, self confidence, and the ability to make educated choices about their body and its functions while under my care.” 

- Laura Slater | LM, CPM