Laura SlaterMidwife · LM, CPM

Services

Care from first visit to fourth trimester

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.

Pregnancy care with a home birth midwife

01 — Pregnancy

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.
Full service details
Birth care with a home birth midwife

02 — Birth

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 in the state of Michigan.

Availability of medical equipment and supplies needed for a home birth.
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Beyond care with a home birth midwife

03 — Beyond

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.
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Additional service

Placenta encapsulation

Newborn resting at home after birth

The placenta is rich in nutrients and hormones that support recovery in the weeks after birth. Encapsulation preserves those properties in a simple daily capsule. Nutrients and hormones found 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.

Resources

Recommended reading

Education is key to being an active participant in decision making during pregnancy and in having a rewarding birth experience.

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

Ready to begin with a consultation?

Contact Laura