Care in the Childbearing Year:

• Preconception counseling

  Much of the health of pregnancy is determined before conception! In these visits we discuss nutrition, supplementation, avoiding toxic exposures, and getting to optimal health pre-pregnancy.

• Homebirth Services

  Birthing at home can be a powerful and beautiful experience, especially when you feel safe, comfortable, and supported in your choices. Laura has been attending homebirths since 2009, and is committed to providing safe and empowering care throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We encourage you to schedule a free 60 minute meet and greet visit to discuss your options, and explore if our services would be a good fit for you.

• Fertility counseling

  Getting pregnant can be a challenge for some! In these visits we address common issues, concerns, offer appropriate lab testing, and suggestions to help you achieve the pregnancy you desire.

• Pregnancy Support

  Whether you are planning a home, birth center or hospital birth, these visits provide time to discuss your optimal health in pregnancy. Prenatal visits are not just about getting vitals, tests, and numbers - but provide support on every level. We review nutritional, exercise, and lifestyle needs during pregnancy- including how to make effective changes for your and your baby’s best health. Emotional and psychological changes happen as we prepare to become parents, or welcome another sibling into the family. We allow ample time to support you, thoroughly answer any questions that arise, and fully check you and the baby. We can work in conjunction with your existing provider who will be at your birth, and can coordinate care as you desire.

• Postpartum and Newborn visits

  In the homebirth world, and in most other countries, women receive full postpartum checks on mom and baby several times in the first two weeks. For most women in the U.S. birthing in a hospital, they are not seen for a routine check until 2 or 3 weeks postpartum. SO much changes in this time, and good support is crucial for this transition to be smooth. At Vibrant we offer home visits for the first weeks postpartum, phone consults, and office visits. We discuss recovery after birth, coping with common postpartum and breastfeeding challenges, and check in on emotional adjustment. We also do a full newborn exam, including feeding assessment and weight check. These can be included in addition to the care provided by your OB team, and we are happy to communicate any issues or concerns with your existing providers.

• Childbirth ed groups

  These are designed for anyone giving birth - hospital or out-of-hospital, planning natural or medicated. These are for you! Please see our childbirth ed to save your spot.

  Private classes or online options also available.

• Topics include:

  • Pregnancy health - nutrition, exercise, emotional changes, optimal fetal positioning

  • Understanding labor - stages of labor, best support in each stage, oxytocin flow, specific techniques for issues that arise like posterior presentation, stalled labor, best pushing practices and positions, reducing risk of tearing

  • Preparing for birth emotionally - exploring the fear-tension-pain cycle, techniques for reducing fears

  • Postpartum - reviewing postpartum recovery and expectations, how to avoid common issues and problems

  • Breastfeeding - getting a good latch, how you know the baby is getting enough, how to deal with low supply, nipple pain, engorgement, mastitis

  • Newborn care - preparing for what to expect both immediately and in the first couple months