From Infant CPR to In-Home Pediatric Support: an Interview with Laura Vanston of Inspire Pediatrics in Denver
Introduction
When you’re preparing for a new baby—or navigating the chaos of parenting little ones—finding trustworthy, compassionate care can make all the difference. That’s where Laura Vanston of Inspire Pediatrics comes in. Laura is a Denver-based pediatric nurse practitioner who offers hands-on infant CPR and Baby Basics classes, as well as personalized concierge pediatric care for families looking for more time, attention, and holistic support than the typical healthcare model provides. In this interview, Laura shares how she works with families from birth through the teen years, her unique approach to care, and why education and empowerment are at the heart of everything she does.
Interview with Laura Vanston of Inspire Pediatrics: Infant CPR, Baby Basics & Concierge Pediatric Care in Denver
Suzy Rohan:
I'm here with Laura Vanston from Inspire Pediatrics in Denver. Today we're talking about her infant CPR and baby basics classes, as well as her concierge pediatric practice. To start, Laura, can you share a little bit about your journey and how you began offering these services?
Laura Vanston:
Absolutely. I do a lot of things! Teaching families is a huge passion of mine—helping them begin or continue their parenting journey. In addition to my classes, I also support families after the baby arrives through concierge pediatric care, including secure texting, house calls, and integrative care. That means I take a very holistic approach to addressing common concerns.
Suzy:
Can you give us a few examples of what that holistic approach looks like?
Laura:
Sure. One common example is when a baby is labeled "colicky." I don't love that term because it doesn’t provide actionable insight. Often, colic-like symptoms are linked to gut health. We can do gut testing to look for imbalances—these might come from antibiotic exposure during pregnancy or birth, or even from breastfeeding while on antibiotics. This kind of disruption can impact a baby’s microbiome and lead to fussiness or digestive issues.
Another common issue is constipation. It can stem from gut flora imbalances, dietary issues, behavioral factors, or anxiety. Rather than just recommending something like MiraLAX indefinitely, I assess all contributing factors to find a better, more sustainable solution.
Suzy:
And just to clarify, you're not only seeing newborns, right?
Laura:
Right—while I do see a lot of newborns and young children, I treat patients up to age 18. I also see older kids for things like anxiety, which is deeply connected to gut health. Our gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters that impact mood, so when gut health is off, mental health can be too. I look at the whole child to understand what’s going on and how to support them best.
Suzy:
Let’s back up for a second. Can you explain what concierge pediatric care actually means?
Laura:
Yes! A concierge practice is built around the family's needs instead of fitting into a rigid healthcare system. I come to you, often outside of typical office hours, and appointments are longer—usually 45 minutes to an hour. I want to make sure we’ve covered everything and that families feel comfortable and heard.
Suzy:
What inspired you to take this direction with your career?
Laura:
I have a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and have worked in nearly every healthcare setting—from primary care to ICU, but mostly ER and urgent care. Those experiences showed me what was missing in traditional care. I wanted to spend more time with families, explain things thoroughly, and truly support them. That’s why I stepped outside the system—to provide the kind of care I believe in.
Suzy:
If a parent wants to work with you, do they need to buy a package? Or can they do a one-time visit?
Laura:
Great question. My classes are open to anyone. I also offer single virtual or in-home visits. For ongoing care, I have virtual support packages—six or twelve months of unlimited support via text, video visits, and access to helpful content. I don’t accept insurance because it limits how I can care for families, but HSA/FSA funds can be used for many services.
Suzy:
Is there a discount if you’re working with multiple children in a family?
Laura:
Yes! My virtual support packages cover all children in the household. If I’m doing a sick visit for a second child while I’m already there, I just add a small fee—especially if it’s a quick check for peace of mind.
Suzy:
Can you prescribe medications or order lab tests?
Laura:
Yes. I can prescribe medications and order labs. I also carry rapid tests—COVID, flu, RSV, strep—for home visits. For things like blood work or urine tests, I can send orders to Quest Labs or Children’s Colorado, which is great for younger kids who need extra support during those procedures.
Laura Vanston of Inspire Padiatrics, photographed by Lily Red Studio
Suzy:
Let’s talk about your classes. What does the Baby Basics class cover, and why is it important?
Laura:
Many families prepare for birth but not for the realities of caring for a newborn. My Baby Basics class covers feeding, diapering, swaddling, safe sleep, warning signs, and when to call a provider. Every attendee receives a PDF guide to reference later—especially helpful during those 2 a.m. questions!
Suzy:
Is that a one-time class?
Laura:
Yes, it’s a single class designed to cover care from birth to about two months old.
Suzy:
And your CPR classes?
Laura:
My infant CPR classes are two hours and hands-on. Unlike standard CPR courses that cover adults and briefly mention infants, I focus on infants first—then move on to toddlers, children, and adults. We also go over choking, which is incredibly important.
Suzy:
Why is infant CPR so essential?
Laura:
Because things can happen unexpectedly. A sibling might offer a hot dog to a baby, or a baby could roll over sooner than expected. CPR buys time while help is on the way. And choking hazards increase once babies start solids or become mobile. Being prepared makes all the difference.
Suzy:
Are your classes available online or only in person?
Laura:
CPR is in person only right now—I really believe you need hands-on practice. Baby Basics can be in person, virtual, or through a prerecorded version.
Suzy:
Who should take your CPR class?
Laura:
Anyone who hasn’t taken a class in the last two years: expectant parents, grandparents, babysitters. I love seeing extended family members join. Some families even take a refresher when their second or third baby comes along.
“Babies don’t come with a manual—and I want parents to feel confident, calm, and prepared from day one.”
Suzy:
Can you share a story of how a family has benefited from your services?
Laura:
Absolutely. A mom once used the CPR skills from my class when her newborn had a health issue shortly after birth. She was able to confidently perform CPR until help arrived, and her child is now a thriving toddler. I’ve had many parents tell me they’ve successfully helped their child through a choking episode because of my class. It’s incredibly rewarding.
As for concierge care, I’ve helped many families avoid ER visits by coming to them or offering guidance through virtual support. That peace of mind is priceless.
“I come to you, on your schedule, and take the time to look at the whole child—not just the symptoms.”
Suzy:
How do virtual visits differ from in-home visits?
Laura:
In-home visits allow for hands-on assessment and rapid testing. Virtual visits are great for rashes, stomach bugs, mild breathing issues, or follow-ups. If a family is unsure what they need, I encourage them to text me. I’ll help them decide if we can manage it virtually or if I need to come in—or if they should head to urgent care.
Suzy:
How do you stay up-to-date with current medical guidelines and safety protocols?
Laura:
I maintain all my certifications, continually seek out trainings, and stay current with research. I have additional certifications in areas like pediatric mental health. Constant education is part of the job—I want to give families the best, most accurate guidance.
Suzy:
You mentioned “holistic care”—what does that look like in your practice?
Laura:
It means zooming out to look at the whole child. Take constipation: it could be gut flora, anxiety, hydration, or something else entirely. I ask a lot of questions to get to the root cause. The same goes for eczema—it's not just skin-deep. I also tailor care to each family’s goals, whether that means avoiding certain medications or incorporating diet changes. It’s about finding what works best for each unique family.
Suzy:
And how can people reach you?
Laura:
The easiest way is to text or email me directly. I’m also active on Instagram at @inspirepediatrics, and I respond quickly there, too. If it’s urgent, texting is best.
Conclusion
A huge thank-you to Laura Vanston for taking the time to speak with us and share her compassionate, deeply personalized approach to pediatric care. Whether you're preparing for your first baby, refreshing your CPR skills, or looking for more support navigating a specific concern, Laura’s services offer education, peace of mind, and accessible care that meets families where they are.
To connect with Laura:
📲 Text or email her directly: laura@inspirepediatrics.com or (720) 807-2011
📷 Follow @inspirepediatrics on Instagram
🌐 Visit her website: https://www.inspirepediatrics.com/