Laurel Yoder, CNM

Laurel was inspired to become a midwife when she witnessed her friend give birth with a nurse midwife and student, at a hospital in Oregon. She went on to volunteer as a doula (a childbirth support person) for several years while completing nursing prerequisites and her nurse-midwifery schooling. She loves the infinite variety of stories in midwifery and hopes that patients who come to see her feel heard and respected.In her work at Bronson, Laurel particularly enjoys Centering Pregnancy prenatal groups, contraceptive troubleshooting, holding space during normal and difficult labors and explaining health concepts. She especially strives to build caring relationships with folks who may have felt unwelcome or uncomfortable in healthcare settings in the past, whether that be due to life experiences, body size, racism, gender differences or other barriers. Outside of work, Laurel enjoys spending time with her partner and extended family. She loves bike riding, bird watching, hiking …and exploring nature in Michigan and beyond.I see my work as a midwife as being a helpful guide through the variety of reproductive health needs and experiences -- the transformative, the everyday, the difficult moments and the joyful times. I am here to help you make decisions about your health, based on science, your values and priorities. I love working on a team of providers to help connect you with the best information, treatments and care possible.