Natural Childbirth

Dr. Lara Martin is a licensed midwife as well as a naturopathic physician. She delivers babies to low risk women in an out of hospital setting at the client’s home. Birth is a natural process and if women are just given the space, they can have a wonderful experience with fewer interventions or complications. The care that is included in our birth package is outlined below.

Prenatal Care

• 60-minute prenatal appointments, once a month through 32 weeks, twice per month through 36 weeks, and weekly until birth
• Regular monitoring and support of your physical health and emotional well-being
• Lab work as appropriate; referral for ultrasound and specialized care as needed
• Herbal and nutritional counseling
• Ongoing education and support throughout pregnancy tailored to your individual needs

Labor and Birth Care

• Your birth team will be on call for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from 36 weeks through birth
• Individualized and compassionate care from a team of two licensed midwives from the onset of active labor through birth
• Gentle monitoring of maternal and fetal well-being with evidence-based care recommendations throughout labor
• Option of waterbirth
• Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC)
• Timely referral for advanced care as indicated
• Immediate postpartum monitoring and support
• Breastfeeding assistance

Postpartum Care

• Complete in-home postpartum care for both mother and baby at 24 hours and 3 days
• Extended postpartum care appointments for mother and baby at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks
• Newborn metabolic screening at 24 hours and 2 weeks
• Assessment of your physical and emotional recovery, nutrition, activity level, rest and overall well being
• Assessment of infant growth, breastfeeding, elimination, weight gain, and early developmental milestones
• Breastfeeding support and education
• Assistance with decision making and options for family planning