A midwife is someone who:

• Desires to partner with women to have healthy pregnancies and natural birth experiences.
• Is a primary care provider. Usually you will never have to see any other obstetric healthcare provider throughout your entire period of care.
• Had to pass rigorous state testing and completion of prescribed courses of studies in midwifery as well as requisite qualifications to be licensed
• Had an education which may have been an apprenticeship, a formal university or midwifery program, or a combination of both.
• Is trained to recognize and deal with conditions in pregnancies and the newborn that deviate from the norm.
• Was taught to not intervene in labors unless necessary.
• Can practice in any setting including the home, the community, hospitals, clinics or health centers worldwide.
• Has an important tradition and history of health counseling and education not only for the pregnant woman but for the entire family and community.
• Can accept many forms of health insurance – even for home birth.

What you need to know about Marinah Farrell and Sage Midwifery:

• I am licensed in Arizona , New Mexico and also have my Certified Professional Midwife designation. I learned through a combination of apprenticeship and a formal midwifery program. “I am qualified”.
• Although you will generally never see an Obstetrician during your pregnancy, if you absolutely need to I have a good working relationship with several holistic and midwife-friendly Obstetric physicians who would work with us in your care. “You are taken care of as my client in a loving and responsible way.”
• I only attend births at home and have a lot of experience with water births. “All human beings should know what it is to have a peaceful birth at home.”
• Believe in the traditional way of midwifery and have a deep trust in the natural process of birth and the loving energy of the universe. “I believe your body is perfect and knows exactly how to birth your baby when given the right support and trust.”
• Work with a very good insurance billing company who will assume responsibility for billing your insurance. “Homebirth is affordable and a worthwhile expense as it is a true gift.”