Maria B’alam, LM, CPM | Midwife |Doctoral Candidate

I am a licensed and certified midwife serving the greater Los Angeles area, and a doctoral candidate in Traditional Chinese Medicine, bringing a whole-body, integrative approach to reproductive care.

Born into a lineage of midwives and healers with roots in Central America, I was determined to become a midwife after witnessing the disparities and obstetric violence that many birthing people experience in the hospitals. I am committed to offering compassionate, empowering, and culturally rooted care, blending ancestral wisdom with modern science.

Through La Ceiba Midwifery, I provide gentle, holistic support across fertility, prenatal care, birth, and postpartum. I guide families with a calm, quiet presence, honoring the innate wisdom of your body while offering knowledge, reassurance, and guidance. My care is grounded in the Midwifery Model, evidence-based medicine, and traditional healing practices, creating a space where you feel seen, safe, and empowered.

I am intuitive yet steadfast, deeply communicative, and fully present, helping families navigate one of life’s most transformative experiences with confidence. Outside of births, I enjoy walking my dog, cooking ancestral foods, fermenting, studying Chinese medicine, adventuring, or savoring quiet days at home. Midwifery is my calling and passion, and I bring heart, knowledge, and a touch of humor to every family I serve.

Why Families Choose La Ceiba Midwifery

Ancestral Wisdom, Modern Care —honoring tradition while guiding families with evidence-based support.

Full-Spectrum Support — fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, personalized for every stage.

Empowering & Collaborative — your choices, your journey, fully supported.

Experienced & Trusted — over 15 years of compassionate, community-rooted midwifery care for growing families.

 
square-02.png

Midwifery Education + Training

  • Licensed Midwife (LM) – California & Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), credentialed by the North American Registry of Midwives

  • NARM-registered preceptor, qualified to educate and supervise student midwives in clinical training

  • Trained through the National College of Midwifery with a focus on community-based, out-of-hospital birth

  • Doctoral student at Yo San University studying Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Advanced training in midwifery, lactation, Spinning Babies® techniques, homeopathy, and Indigenous modalities

  • Supported thousands of families since 2010, attending hundreds of births in home and birth center settings

  • Fertility optimization: education, cycle awareness, and Mayan abdominal massage to support natural conception, reproductive vitality, and connection to the body

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a home birth midwife?

As a Licensed Midwife (LM) and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), I provide complete prenatal, birth, and postpartum care in your home.
This model blends clinical expertise with deeply personalized, relationship-based support for a safe and empowering experience.

Is home birth safe?

For healthy, low-risk pregnancies, planned home birth with a licensed midwife is a safe and well-supported option.
All necessary medical equipment is brought to your home, and clear hospital transfer plans are in place should they ever be needed.

How is a midwife different from a doula?

A midwife is a licensed medical provider responsible for your clinical care and your baby’s wellbeing.
A doula offers continuous emotional and physical support. Many families choose both to create a beautifully supported birth team.

Can I continue seeing my OB or primary care provider?

Yes. You are welcome to use outside providers for labs, ultrasounds, or additional consultation. Your care is collaborative and tailored to your needs.

Who will attend the birth?

Your birth team includes your primary midwife, a trained assistant, and anyone you choose to have present.
Each person is there to maintain a calm, attentive, and safe environment.

How long are prenatal visits?

Prenatal visits are approximately 60–90 minutes, allowing time for thorough clinical care, meaningful preparation, and holistic support.

What is the investment for home birth care?

The investment for comprehensive home birth midwifery care is $9,500.

This includes:

  • All prenatal visits

  • Continuous labor and birth support

  • Your complete birth team

  • In-home postpartum care

A non-refundable retainer of $800 reserves your space in the practice.
Flexible payment plans are available, with the balance completed by 36 weeks.

What happens if I transfer to hospital care?

If care is transferred prior to 36 weeks, a prorated adjustment is made for services not yet received.
Transfers during labor or after 36 weeks reflect the full scope of care already provided.

Do you accept insurance?

While I do not bill insurance directly, many PPO plans offer partial reimbursement.
A detailed superbill is provided for self-submission.