Prioritizing Informed Consent
Disclosure & Statement of Responsibility
Childbirth is a normal physiological function.
When approached with intention and care it becomes a family-centered event, full of opportunities for celebration and empowerment. Arizona Highlands Midwifery places strong emphasis on involving parents in making the decisions that will impact their care and in creating the birth that they desire. Spending time together with open communication helps to ensure that the client’s wishes and needs can be better met. Arizona Highlands Midwifery is committed to assisting in safe passage for both the mother and baby without unnecessary interventions. When complications arise that cannot be handled within our scope of practice, the client will be referred to an obstetrician or other appropriate health care provider.
All clients will be seen prenatally once a month until 28 weeks of pregnancy, then biweekly until 36 weeks, and weekly until the birth of the baby. At least one home visit will occur by 35 wks for all home birth families. The midwife will assess early labor either at home or in the office, and when active labor begins the midwife will stay at the home for the duration of labor. Our birth team consists of 2 highly trained practitioners and often an assistant/student to help support the process. The midwives are all trained in birth related emergency skills including Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR. The midwife will stay with you a minimum of two to four hours postpartum to ensure mom and baby are stable and thriving. A midwife will come see you at home at 24-36 hrs postpartum, at one week, and two weeks postpartum. You will be scheduled to come back into the office for 4 and 6 week postpartum visits. More frequent visits are offered if necessary. Newborn exams, state required screenings and feeding support are all part of your care. These visits do not replace the care of a pediatrician. It is recommended that you take your newborn to see a pediatrician within the first 24-48 hours after birth. If a hospital transfer occurs, we will accompany you for support, but our activities will be legally limited.
About Your Midwife
Dani LaVoire has been certified by the North American Registry of Midwives since 1999 and has been licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services since 2008 and is a Certified Professional Midwife through the North American Registry of Midwives. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist with Lactation Education Resources. Dani is also certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR. Originally from New York, Dani has lived in Arizona for most of the past 25 years. She has 4 children -three home births- and the most delightful grandchildren.
In 1998, Dani completed the MEAC accredited program in midwifery at Maternidad La Luz in El Paso, TX and later went on to study creative writing at Prescott College. Currently, she is working toward credentialing as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Dani has attended over 300 births in many roles; as midwife, student, and friend. A passionate herbalist, hospice volunteer, and end of life educator, Dani is drawn to serving families whose birthing journey has been impacted by trauma and grief. With deep trust in the power of stories, Dani explores life and midwifery with the curiosity of a lifelong learner.
The full scope of midwifery licensure in AZ can be reviewed at here or by calling (602) 542-1025. The NACPM (National Association of Certified Professional Midwives) Standards of Care may be found at this site.
As Licensed and Certified midwives we choose to practice within the parameters of our licenses and the accepted Standards of Care for our profession.
Home Birth
Exploring both sides of
advantages
You will not be subjected to routine procedures
Such as immobilization for electronic monitoring, IV’s, multiple vaginal exams or stirrups. You can eat and walk freely. You will have continuity of care with the same attendants, increasing safety.
Your comfort is key
You are comfortable in familiar surroundings, relaxed and able to labor and deliver wherever you choose.
You & your baby will not be separated
The mother-infant bond is never sacrificed for institutional procedures.
Prioritizes Early Breastfeeding
A home birth provides immediate bonding and supports breastfeeding. Early breastfeeding helps you to stop bleeding, clears mucus from the baby’s nose and mouth, and transfers disease-fighting antibodies in the milk from you to your baby.
Lower Risks of infection
There is less likelihood of infection when the baby is with you than in the newborn nursery.
Allows you to be surrounded by those you love.
By including children, family, and friends in the birth process, you are provided with many helpers and everyone involved has the opportunity for intimate and close bonding.
Postpartum depression is less common
Since there is no separation of you and your baby and the midwife relationship/support continues well after the birth.
It is significantly less expensive than hospital birth.
An average uncomplicated vaginal birth costs about 60% less in a home than in a hospital.
disadvantages
Requires a higher level of effort and responsibility.
The midwife acts in partnership with you, but ultimately it is your responsibility to care for yourself during pregnancy in a way that will support the most optimal outcome in the birth of your baby.
Often not supported by society or doctors.
This can be difficult. So it is important for the midwife and you to find and nurture relationships with those that do support that choice.
Access to Emergency Equipment
While midwives can bring oxygen, IVs, and anti-hemorrhagic medications into the out of hospital setting, they cannot materialize an operating suite. Access to some emergency equipment can be delayed and require transport.
A Review of over 17,000 women found higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth, lower preterm birth and lower perinatal loss with midwifery models of care.
Cochran, 2016
Minimizing Risks of Home Birth
Like birth in the hospital, out of hospital birth is not risk-free. You can minimize the risks by eating well and gaining adequate weight, exercising, and getting enough rest and generally having a healthy lifestyle. Find a midwife who is skilled, confident and experienced in birth out of the hospital setting. Receive prenatal care with a midwife. Inform yourselves through reading, classes, videos and other resources. Have adequate support during labor and postpartum. Have a plan for facilitating transfer to the hospital, if necessary, which you and your midwife have discussed.
Ultimately, you as an adult and parent are responsible for your health and the health of your unborn child. We, as your midwives, are responsible for providing you with as much information and resources regarding the normal process of pregnancy and birth as we are able and delineating your choices in that circumstance. It is up to you to use the information or resources to the best of your ability to support yourself and your growing baby through the process of pregnancy and birth. We do not currently carry liability insurance.