1.  What type of midwife are you?  My credentials are Certified Nurse Midwife.  I am a Registered Nurse with Advanced Practice status and  Prescriptive authority in Texas.  I pride myself with bringing the best of both worlds-medical experience, knowledge and equipment plus the heart of a midwife to serve woman and her family as they transition into a family through the miracle of birth.

2. What is a Certified Nurse Midwife? Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are legal in all 50 states and provide primary  health care, prenatal care, post natal care and attend births.  They are the most advanced leaders in the midwifery profession, able to obtain  legal status in all countries. They care for newborns through the neonatal period and provide gynecological care to women throughout their lifespan.   Midwifery care involves emotional and physical support to women before, during, and after childbirth. Nurse midwives focus on education about pregnancy, the birth process and post-partum period with the goal of empowering women. They are formally educated  at the graduate level in two disciplines: nursing and midwifery. The average nurse midwife has 7 years of education in a formal University or Medical School setting.  Midwife literally means "with woman" and nurse midwives believe in being present throughout the labor process. Nurse midwives follow a long established tradition of dedicated, warm and competent care. CNMs have graduated from an accredited education program and passed a national certification exam. They work collaboratively with physicians, who are available for consultation and referral if necessary. (American College of Nurse Midwives), www.midwife.org .

3.  How many babies have you delivered?  As a nurse in the hospital I assisted thousands of women with giving birth in the hospital.  As a midwife I have assisted thouands of women with birth. 

4.  Do you ever miss a birth?   I do not share call with any other midwives on a regular rotating basis. Most women prefer to be cared for by one midwife, not a team of midwives.  It is impossible to always be there because life happens as birth happens but I try my best.   I am very attentive of my clients and attend their births. For this reason I limit the number of births I will attend each month so that I can provide the safest one on one care to each of my clients.  I try to schedule time off when I have a light month or around births. I always have a qualified midwife to cover if it should ever become necessary.

5.  Do you have a collaborating physician?  Yes I have formal collaborating physician.  It is not necessary for you to meet the back up unless you would like to.   I also have quality relationships with other physicians around the metroplex that accept my clients on a case by case basis.  So if you are one of the few (10%) clients that need a physician it can be arranged without any stress.  Why would you need to a doctor... They are often called upon for consultation related to a variety of health care issues. Surgical procedures, treatment of abnormal pap smears, or cesarean birth are examples of situations when the physician will participate in your care. The CNM will remain closely involved with you, providing support and explanations of necessary procedures. 

6.  Do you bring a birth assistant with you at the time of birth?  Yes,  the safety of birth is enhanced by the presence of a skilled assistant who is either a certified birth assistant, registered nurse or midwife. 

7.  Do you take VBAC?  I take selected candidates for VBAC.  I usually request a copy of your previous birth records and review them with you.

8.  What are my payment options?  Cash, check, credit card.  I accept most insurances. We are now in network with some major insurance companies. I use a billiing service to file all insurance claims.   I give a discount for full payment by the second visit.  A payment  plan is avaliable for your convienence.  Full payment is required at one month prior to your due date.   A  deposit is required at the first  prenatal visit.  All other fees (lab and GYN) are paid at the time of services rendered.  Concierge services,(complete prenatal care at home) at an additional fee.

9.  Do you have experience with waterbirths?  Yes I have assisted women with waterbirth for over ten years and highly recommend water for labor  and birth.  Please refer to the section on waterbirth on this website.