Hi, I'm Larissa (she/her)! I am an apprentice midwife at Birth Matters Midwifery , birth doula, and yoga teacher. I currently attend National College of midwifery (previously Birthwise Midwifery School before its’ closure). My professional career began in 2012 as a scientist, working in laboratories that supported the agrochemical and water industries. Yoga became a big part of my life during my college career which led me to my first teacher training in 2013. During this time, I realized that the spark that lit my passion for birth work after watching TLC's "A Baby Story" in the 90s was still burning. Teaching prenatal yoga is what ultimately led me to my current path as a doula and student midwife. My approach as a perinatal care worker is strongly influenced by my background in science and yoga. The three disciplines mesh beautifully combining evidence with trust and autonomy. I believe in honoring, respecting and empowering birthing persons & their families to help facilitate positive birthing experiences.
I was born and raised in the south coast of Massachusetts and relocated to the seacoast of New Hampshire in 2020. We recently moved back to the south coast of MA at the end of 2022 and welcomed our first child, born at home, in January 2023!
Outside of birthwork I am an avid hiker currently working on the NH 48 4000 footers. I also find joy in cycling, cuddling all of the animals, and walking barefoot outside. I was recently described as being “delightfully weird” and I will proudly wear that badge.
I look forward to working with you!
Experience & Education:
DONA International Birth Doula Training
Stillbirthday Trained & Certified
Full Spectrum Doula Training: Fertility, Birth, Postpartum, & Bereavement Support
E-RYT 500 - registered yoga teacher
OM Births Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training
Certified GentleBirth Childbirth Educator
Neonatal resuscitation (NRP)
Basic Life Support (BLS) provider (CPR/AED)
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Apprentice midwife at Birth Matters Midwifery
Former apprentice midwife at Flourish Midwifery
Current student midwife at National College of Midwifery
Former student midwife at Birthwise Midwifery School
Supported ~250 births as of August 2022. Experience with:
Home, hospital, and birth centers
Unmedicated AND Medicated labor/birth
Pregnancy after loss
Fertility and Surrogate support
Hypnobirthing
VBAC/Breech/Multiples
Based out of the central location of Dartmouth, MA!