Info & Resources
Helpful links and information for expecting mothersFrequently Asked Questions
.Q: What makes midwifery care different?
A: Midwifery care is centered on the belief that pregnancy, labor, birth, and breastfeeding are normal physiological processes for most healthy women. Rather than focusing primarily on treating complications, Midwifery care emphasizes prevention, education. personalized care and supporting the normal process of pregnancy and birth. Appointments are typically longer and more personal than traditional medical visits and we take time to listen to your concerns, answer questions, discuss your options, and help you make informed decisions about your care. We get to know you and work with you to develop a personalized plan for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum periods.
Q: What about prenatal testing and ultrasounds?
A: Choosing midwifery care does not mean giving up appropriate prenatal testing or diagnostic services. All laboratory testing and ultrasounds are available as part of your prenatal care. Blood draws are conveniently collected in our office, and ultrasounds are performed through our contracted diagnostic imaging center. We discuss the purpose, benefits, limitations and alternatives of testing so you can make informed decisions about which services you choose.
Q: Do you offer waterbirth?
A: Yes! We encourage the use of water during labor and birth for comfort and relaxation and are happy to provide low-cost birth pool options upon request.
Q: What equipment does a midwife carry and how are emergencies handled at home?
A: We arrive at your home, prepared with comprehensive medical equipment and supplies to monitor the health and well-being of both you and baby throughout labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. Our equipment includes tools for maternal and fetal assessment, fetal monitoring equipment, newborn assessment and resuscitation, and management of common obstetric emergencies.
Supplies include:
- Fetal heart monitoring equipment
- Blood pressure equipment and pulse oximetry
- Thermometers and equipment for maternal and newborn assessment
- Sterile instruments and supplies for birth and postpartum care
- Suturing supplies and local anesthetic if a repair is needed
- Medications and supplies for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhage
- Oxygen and equipment for maternal and newborn emergencies
- Newborn resuscitation equipment, including appropriate ventilation devices
- Supplies for newborn assessment and routine newborn care
- Equipment and supplies for cord care and other routine procedures
- Fluid test strips and other diagnostic supplies
- Additional alternative therapies including herbs and homeopathic’s
We carry up to date medical equipment and supplies necessary to safely evaluate and monitor both mother and baby throughout labor and birth at home. Our equipment is maintained, organized and readily available at every birth. Midwives are trained to recognized changes in the condition of the mother or baby, initiate appropriate emergency measures, and arrange consultation or hospital transfer when a higher level of care is indicated.
Q: Can I transfer from an OB to a midwife during pregnancy?
A: Yes. You may choose to transfer care to a Midwife at any point during your pregnancy. If you have been receiving care from another provider, we will request your medical records and review your health and pregnancy history to determine whether planned homebirth is right for you.
Q: Why is Midwifery Care More Affordable?
A: Choosing midwifery care is an investment in personalized, one-on-one support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. Our fees are typically about one-third less than the overall cost of a hospital birth, while providing comprehensive maternity care in the comfort and privacy of your own home. As a small, independent practice, we keep our overhead low by avoiding the substantial costs associated with hospital facilities, large offices, and additional staff. This allows us to provide comprehensive, personalized care while keeping our fees affordable for families. We offer a variety of payment options to accommodate different financial needs. Laboratory services and low-cost ultrasounds are available, and referrals to additional providers can be arranged when needed. For families paying out of pocket, we offer a discounted cash-pay rate as well as flexible, interest-free payment plans. Payments can be made throughout pregnancy, with the balance generally paid by the time of delivery. We also accept many insurance plans and can assist with verifying your benefits and determining your expected out-of-pocket cost. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are accepted and can be processed in our office. We accept health-sharing plans and can provide the documentation needed for you to submit claims according to your plan’s requirements.
Q: What about referrals or medical backup?
A: We work with a variety of healthcare professionals and are happy to provide referrals when appropriate including naturopathic doctors, OB/GYNs, nurse-midwives, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, homeopathic doctors and reflexologists. Medical consultation referrals and backup care are available whenever a situation arises that requires care outside the Arizona Midwives scope of practice.
Q: What if a transfer to the hospital becomes necessary?
A: Although most planned homebirths progress normally, we are prepared to respond if hospital transfer becomes necessary. We work closely with EMS and hospital medical staff to facilitate a smooth and safe transfer. Whenever circumstances allow, we make every effort to accompany you the hospital and remain with you throughout the process. The safety and well-being of both mother and baby always come first, and we will recommend transfer whenever a higher level of medical care is needed.
Q: Why choose homebirth?
A: Homebirth is an excellent option for low risk women who desire a natural birth experience in the comfort and privacy of their own home. You remain an active participant in your care and can expect individualized, one-on one attention throughout labor and birth. You are free to move, change positions, eat and drink as needed, and labor in a familiar environment. Homebirth allows us to support the natural process of labor while providing skilled monitoring, education and emergency preparedness throughout your birth.
Q: What are the educational requirements for becoming a Midwife?
A: There are several pathways to becoming a Midwife. Some Midwives complete apprenticeship-based training, while others attend an accredited Midwifery School. Midwifery education can take three or more years to complete and includes both academic education and extensive hand-on clinical experience. The Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a nationally recognized professional credential awarded through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). Candidates must meet established educational and clinical requirements and successfully complete the required NARM examination and skills assessment process. State licensure is separate from national certification. Each states establishes its own laws and requirements for legal practice of midwifery.
Q: What Are the Differences Between Midwife Credentials?
A: A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a nationally credentialed midwife who has met the educational and clinical requirements established by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). CPMs are specifically trained to provide maternity care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, and the newborn period, with an emphasis on out-of-hospital birth settings such as homes and birth centers. A CPM must also comply with the laws and licensing requirements of the state in which they practice.
A Licensed Midwife (LM) is a professionally educated and clinically trained midwife who has met the requirements established by the state in which they practice and is legally licensed to provide midwifery care within that state’s scope of practice. An LM is a state-issued license to practice, while a CPM is a national professional credential.
A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who has completed additional graduate-level education and clinical training in nurse-midwifery and has obtained national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). CNMs may practice in hospitals, clinics, birth centers, and physicians’ offices. Their scope of practice and practice setting depend on state law. Many CNMs practice in collaboration with physicians and may provide care in hospital settings.
Resources & Helpful Links
Pregnancy and Birth Education
Evidence-based childbirth education and healthy birth practices for expecting families.
Natural pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting information and resources for expecting and ne
Practical tools and techniques for preparing for labor and birth.
Gentle techniques to support comfort, balance, and optimal baby positioning for birth.
Hypnosis & relaxation techniques to prepare for a confident birth.
Childbirth classes that guide you through the stages of labor and birth.
Midwifery Information and Resources
North American Registry of Midwives:
Information about midwifery certification, credentials, and the Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) pathway.
Resources, education, and information for midwives, birth professionals, and families.
Evidence-based education and resources to support families and providers navigating breech birth..
Useful for Arizona families who want information about midwife licensing and regulation.
Lactation & Breastfeeding Support
Jude Melton, IBCLC:
Lactation support for mothers in the greater Phoenix area
The Lactation Network:
Jude Melton, IBCLC has partnered with TTLN to offer lactation support
Wildflower Insurnce Coverage:
Jude Melton, IBCLC has partnered with TLN to offer lactation support
La Leche League:
Free peer-to-peer breastfeeding support and local groups.
InfantRisk Center:
Lactation support for mothers in the greater Phoenix area
The Lactation Network:
Jude Melton, IBCLC has partnered with TTLN to offer lactation support
Wildflower Insurnce Coverage:
Jude Melton, IBCLC has partnered with TLN to offer lactation support
La Leche League:
Free peer-to-peer breastfeeding support and local groups.
InfantRisk Center:
Information about medications and breastfeeding.
LactMed:
NIH database for medications and other substances during breastfeeding.
LactMed:
NIH database for medications and other substances during breastfeeding.
Midwifery Schools
A midwifery school and birth center offering hands-on education in traditional, out-of-hospital midwifery care.
Direct-entry midwifery education
Direct-entry midwifery education with distance-learning and clinical training
Direct-entry program offering an associate degree pathway toward NARM’s CPM certification
Graduate education in holistic, evidence-informed midwifery care.
Midwifery education rooted in traditional birth practices, hands-on learning, and out-of-hospital birth.
Food & Supplements for a Healthy Pregnancy
MyHealthfinder
A simple, patient-friendly guide to healthy foods, important nutrients, prenatal vitamins, seafood, food safety, and healthy eating throughout pregnancy.
A convenient online dispensary for professional-grade vitamins and supplements. Order through the link to receive discounted pricing.
Waterbirth
Birth pools and supplies for your waterbirth
Providing education, research and advocay
Research-based information on the benefits and risks of water immersion.
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