Midwife Laura Education/Credentials

As a state licensed and nationally certified midwife, I work as a healthcare professional specializing in pregnancy and birth in community and homebirth settings. I practice the Midwives Model of Care which recognizes and honors pregnancy and birth as normal life events. Most pregnancies are considered medically low-risk, and a qualified midwife provides the ideal care for these growing families.

I arrived at the profession of midwifery with a background in counseling and a passion for working with people one-on-one. I’ve been a traditionally trained and practicing midwife for over two decades, becoming involved in birthwork with the birth of my own children born at home over 30 years ago. I offer professional care in the familiarity and comfort of one’s own home for clients and their families.

At Laura the Midwife I’m able to combine the best of traditional, individualized, intuitive care with modern, evidenced-based practice. I believe that each newborn deserves a safe, healthy and joyous beginning to life.

Education, Training and Experience:

  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program training (NRP): ongoing and current certification

  • American Red Cross CPR training: ongoing and current certification

  • Continuing Education Credits: updated and ongoing classes, workshops and conferences

  • Spinning Babies training: Spinning Babies with Gail Tully, Lino Lakes, MN

  • Breech Birth training: Breech Without Borders, Madison, WI

  • Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA): annual conference, Portland, Maine

  • Minnesota Council of Certified Professional Midwives (MCCPM): Conference, Roseville, MN

  • Healthy Birth Healthy Earth Conference: Findhorn Village, Scotland, United Kingdom

  • Spiritual Director/Counselor: Laura R Thompson, BSW, MA

  • Midwife Apprentice: Ruth Wingeier, CNM, Long Prairie, MN

  • Breastfeeding Counselor: Informed Birth and Parenting of Central Minnesota, Paynesville, MN

  • Midwife Apprentice: Laura Erickson, CPM, LM, Willmar, MN

  • Midwifery Training: The Farm Midwifery Program, Summertown, TN

  • Certified Childbirth Educator: Informed Birth and Parenting, Ann Arbor, MI

  • Certified Birth Assistant: Informed Birth and Parenting, Ann Arbor, MI

  • Childbirth Assistant Training: The Farm Midwifery Program, Summertown, TN

  • La Leche League Leader(former): La Leche League International, Chicago, IL

  • Spiritual Guidance and Leadership Program: graduate certificate, WomanWell, St Paul, MN

  • Program Manager/Director: Steuben County Churchpeople Against Poverty (SCCAP), Bath, NY

  • Master of Arts (MA): Master of Professional Studies in Community Service Administration, Alfred University, Alfred, NY

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA): Counseling/Social Work, Religion and Psychology, Augustana College University, Sioux Falls, SD

Midwifery License and Certifications

  • Licensed Traditional Midwife (LM):

    Minnesota Board of Medical Practice

  • Certified Professional Midwife (CPM):

    North American Registry of Midwives (NARM)

  • Certified Provider in Neonatal Resuscitation:

    Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

  • Certified in Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED:

    American Red Cross