What is a Midwife? – The Guardians of Natural Birth

It is important to understand the guiding philosophies of Midwifery as you choose a care provider. Midwives recognize pregnancy, birth and menopause as normal stages in a woman’s life. They believe in the absence of interventions when there are no complications, and that medical decisions should be based on the latest scientific research. Midwives believe in family centered holistic care with continuity throughout the life span. Midwives advocate for informed choice, shared decision making and the right to self determination.  Midwives believe in the power of being “with woman” and providing guidance and support throughout your pregnancy and birth.

There are many different educational pathways to becoming a midwife and many places where midwives practice.  Knowing these choices will help women determine who they want to attend them during their birth.  http://mothersnaturally.org/

A CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE (CNM) is a Registered Nurse who has completed advanced schooling and licensed in Gynecology and Obstetrics. Obtaining advanced medical training in Certified Nurse Midwifery allows this individual to care for women throughout their lifespan, take care of children up to one year, and perform primary care functions. This national license is granted by the American Midwifery Certification Board, and the CNM is also licensed by the state(s) in which he/she practices. Nurse Midwives may choose to practice in hospitals, birthing centers or the home setting. CNM’s are recognized by the American Medical Association as care providers and have prescriptive privilege.  http://www.mymidwife.org/

A DIRECT ENTRY MIDWIFE may be licensed or not, thus the designation LDEM or DEM.  Their educational pathways can be diverse so licensure can give you a greater assurance of skill level.  There is a national certifying body, the North American Registry of Midwives http://www.narm.org/ , that a DEM may or may not choose to credential with.  Many LDEM’s are highly skilled practitioners for obstetrics (pregnancy and birth only) and offer another choice for womens birth options.  A DEM in Utah can practice in a woman’s home or an unlicensed birth center.
http://www.mana.org/

A LAY MIDWIFE is generally considered to be educated through non-formal pathways such as apprenticeship and her skill level may be highly variable.
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/
http://www.cfmidwifery.org/

Meet our Staff!

Renae, Adrianna and Heidi are our birth assistants, well trained in maternal and infant emergancy care they make sure you and your baby are well taken care of in the birth process.  They are also trained Doulas and will assist you in having the birth that you desire.

Heather our office manager will greet you at the door and answer your appointment and financial questions.  With her many years of insurance work in her background she will be able to help you to understand the working of your insurance, assist you with billing and make sure that you are well taken care of.