Q: What makes midwifery care different?
A: We view pregnancy and birth as a normal life process. We provide individualized care
for each of our clients and are available throughout all phases of your pregnancy, birth
and postpartum. You'll receive personal care with us. You won't find a busy waiting
room, just caring and loving midwives who enjoy women and babies!
Q: What about prenatal testing?
A: We offer all routine lab work. (done in our office) We also offer ultrasound if
requested. This is done at an off-site facility. You are always encouraged to make
informed decisions about any testing or procedures that we offer.
Q: What are prenatal visits like?
A: Each prenatal visit includes an assessment of mother and baby. Fetal heartbeat,
position, size, blood pressure, pulse and uterine growth are part of our routine care. We
also offer nutritional counseling at each prenatal visit. Prenatal appointments are
scheduled for one hour with plenty of time to have your questions answered. We see you
every 4 weeks until the 28th week, every 2 weeks until the 36th week followed by weekly
appointments until your baby's birth.
Q: Do you offer waterbirth?
A: Yes! We encourage the use of water during labor and birth. We can provide
information about your plans for a waterbirth. We also have rental birth pools available
for our clients.
Q: What equipment does a midwife carry to a homebirth?
A: We carry all the necessary supplies needed for your homebirth. i.e. doppler, cord
clamps, eye ointment, gloves, baby scale and birthing stool. We also carry equipment in
case of an emergency that includes, oxygen, pitocin and resuscitation equipment.
Q: Can I transfer from an OB to a midwife during pregnancy?
A: Women sometimes choose to transfer care during pregnancy. We will discuss your
plans for a homebirth and evaluate your pregnancy history. Transferring care is quite
simple. We request your medical records from your OB and your care continues with us.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: We do accept insurance. Each plan is different. We suggest that you contact your
insurance carrier to find out what your out of network maternity benefits are. If you have
coverage, we can calculate your financial portion. You can make payments based on the
estimated portion amount due.
Q: What if I don't have insurance?
A: We offer a substantial cash pay discount. At your initial visit, we arrange a payment
plan that is comfortable for you. Most clients make monthly payments with everything
paid in full by their due date.
Q: How safe is out of hospital birth?
A: Studies have shown that homebirth and birthcenters are safe alternatives. Worldwide,
80% of all births are attended by midwives. Normal healthy pregnancies and births are
safely attended by trained midwives.. Recently the British Journal of Medicine published
a report on the safety of homebirth. Homebirth Study
Q: What about medical backup?
A: We have a working relationship with various physicians and hospitals in the valley. If
you needed to transfer care during pregnancy or labor we would refer you to one of our
consulting , doctors / hospitals. We also work with holistic practitioners, chiropractors,
acupuncturists, massage therapist, reflexologists and naturopathic doctors, should you
need or request a referral.
Q: What if a transfer to the hospital becomes necessary?
A: As midwives, we are required to transfer care in an emergency. We are fully trained to
stabilize the situation until medical help arrives. You will be transported by ambulance
to the closest hospital. We will make every effort to accompany you to the hospital and
stay with you throughout your time there.
Q: What types of people choose homebirth and why?
A: There are a wide range of women who choose natural birth at home. There are those
who choose homebirth because they want the freedom to decide how and where they will
birth. Many who choose homebirth are educated and have learned through research, that
birth is a normal and safe process Many families choose homebirth because they wish to
welcome the newborn into their family without the need for separation of other family
members. We have clients from all backgrounds, professions, alternative lifestyles,
religions and personal beliefs.
Many celebrities are also choosing homebirth. Take a look....!
Celebrities
Q: How does someone train to become a midwife?
A: There are different paths to becoming a midwife. Some students apprentice train
while others attend a MEAC accredited midwifery school. The process may take 3 or
more years to complete. Each state accepts different methods of midwifery training.
Arizona is an LM (licensed midwife) state. Other states accept a CPM (certified
professional midwife). A CPM is a national certification which requires succesful
completion of both a wirtten and practical skills exam through the National Association
of Registered Midwives (NARM). Apprenticeship with an academic component is an
acceptable training method to become an Arizona licensed midwife. A CPM credential is
not a requirement for midwifery licensure in Arizona and considered an additional
certification.
Arizona midwifery licensure requirements
Q: What is the difference between a licensed midwife, registered midwife, documented
midwife, certified nurse midwife, certified professional midwife and other titles?
A: Arizona has licensed midwives, LM's. Other states have different titles to identify
homebirth midwives, RM's, DM's etc. A certified professional midwife requires
additional testing including successful completion of both a written and clinical skills
exam. CNM's are nurses and usually work in a hospital or birth center setting.
Midwifery Licensure by State
Q: Where can I learn more about the Arizona Midwifery Laws and midwifery training
requirements?
A: Arizona Department of Heath Servies
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Sunrise Midwifery Frequently Asked Questions |