About AAM

          A midwife is a trained professional who specializes in normal childbirth. She offers expert care, education, counseling and support to a woman and her newborn during the childbearing cycle. Midwives believe pregnancy and childbirth are normal and healthy life processes, which usually do not require medical interventions. Her goal is to help each woman have the safest and most emotionally fulfilling birth experience. Today's midwife is trained in the use of modern diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. She knows how to watch for and identify potential complications as well as provide emergency treatment until additional assistance is available, when necessary. Midwives are teachers and advocates who enable parents to make informed choices. Midwives currently deliver 7% of the babies born in the United States and that number is expected to grow. More and more states are looking at midwives as providers for vital maternity care services.

          There are over 50 licensed midwives serving the communities of Arizona (according to the Az. Dept. of Health Assurance and Licensure Services). In 1995, the licensed midwives began the Arizona Association of Midwives with 8 goals...

1. To encourage communication between midwives.

2. To develop educational programs and support for midwives, related to professionals and consumers.

3. To educate the public and other professionals regarding midwifery and home birth as a safe alternative in maternity care.

4. To support legislation in favor of midwifery, childbirth alternatives and the rights of the childbearing family.

5. To enhance dialogue between midwives and other health professionals.

6. To continue to improve the standards of care midwives uphold.

7. To facilitate the peer review process among midwives as an action which demonstrates the responsibility we take for the quality of care we provide.

8. To work in collaboration with other maternity care providers in an effort to improve the overall perinatal outcomes in Arizona.