Laura Slater | Midwife
Autonomous | Holistic | Natural
Home Birth Midwifery in West Michigan
Since 1980
“If women lose the right to say where and how they birth their children, then they will have lost something that's as dear to life as breathing.”
- Ami McKay | The Birth House
Laura Slater | LM, CPM
I am a traditional Midwife with a holistic model of care. My first thoughts of birthing at home came from my Grandmothers. Collectively they delivered fifteen babies safely at home. Like many midwives around the world I feel midwifery is my calling.
In 1980 I began my journey as an apprentice in a homebirth practice. My training was empirical and hands on. Since the beginning my goals has not wavered; to help women and their families have choices in how they birth and with whom.
I believe a woman should give birth where she feels the safest and most comfortable. Education is key to being an active participant in decision making during pregnancy and in having a rewarding birth experience.
Over the years I have delivered generations of families, learned from new families and made friends for life. My client base spans across southwest Michigan and grows as each of the families I have played my part in expand.
“Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life”
- Ina May Gaskin
WHY USE A MIDWIFE?
In recent years, home births have experienced a rise in popularity as an alternative to hospital deliveries. Many expectant parents are opting for the intimate and personalized experience of giving birth in the comfort of their own homes. A factor contributing to this trend is the increasing preference for midwives over traditional medical care.
Choosing a midwife for your birth experience reflects a desire for a more patient-centered approach to childbirth. Midwives emphasize the natural process of labor and delivery, creating a supportive environment that values the physical and emotional well-being of the mother. Some families are drawn to the idea of avoiding medical interventions when unnecessary and having greater control over the birthing environment. Home births, facilitated by midwives, offer a more relaxed setting where individuals can tailor their surroundings to suit their preferences, promoting a sense of empowerment and autonomy.
While home births may not be suitable for everyone, the rising popularity of this choice shows a shift in cultural perception of childbirth, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and a more natural, woman-centered approach to the birthing process. As the trend continues, discussions around alternative birthing options and the role of midwives are likely to become increasingly prominent in conversations about maternal healthcare.
FAQs
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I am a Certified Professional Midwife and licensed in the State of Michigan and have been attending since 1980. I apprenticed under two midwives in West Michigan and am now delivering second generation babies.
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Choosing between delivering at home or the hospital is a personal choice that requires research. Ina Mae Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth and the Bradley Method of Childbirth are great books for birthing women where ever they choose to birth.
It is a big decision, and the more you know, the easier it is to make.