Services
Prenatal Care
We schedule one full hour for each prenatal visit to allow ample time for individualized care.
The relationship between midwife and client is a unique one. In addition to all clinical aspects of checking in on you and your baby, I want to know how you, the whole person, is doing. It is my goal that we have formed a relationship built on trust and know each other well by the time your birthing day arrives.
Peaceful Birth
Your body, your baby, your home, your choice. You have the freedom to labor and birth however you like in the comfort of your own home.
It is my top priority that your birth is safe, healthy, and full of joy. We carefully and unobtrusively monitor you and your baby throughout labor and the immediate postpartum period. Everyone on your midwifery team is trained in Neonatal Resuscitation, CPR, and other emergency skills for birth. We come equipped with resucitation equipment, herbs, and emergency pharmaceuticals for use only when absolutely necessary.
Before we depart, I will weigh and measure your baby and complete a series of visual and physical assessments to ensure that your baby is healthy. Your baby remains in your arms or at your side at all times, and is always handled gently, with love and care by your midwifery team.
Happy Postpartum
I remain on call for you 24/7 in the days following your birth. I will return to your home 2-3 times during the first week to check on on both momma and baby. I do not want you to have to think about leaving your home unless absolutely necessary during those precious early days.
Newborn Screen testing is offered in the comfort of your own home, and we will complete the birth certificate and social security number application within 7 days of the birth.
About the Midwife
I find so much joy in being a midwife and consider it a tremendous honor each time I am invited to a families' birth space. It is my highest priority that your family receives care that is holistic, respectful, safe, and joyful. Here is a quote that captures my feelings about my role as a midwife:
I began attending births in the capacity of apprentice midwife and birth doula in 2010. I was blessed to have the opportunity to learn alongside some of the best midwives Arizona. In early 2014 I earned my credentials as a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), as well as my license to practice midwifery in Arizona (LM). I am very active in my local home birth and midwifery communities, and currently serve on the board of the Arizona Association of Midwives. I am happily married and the proud momma to four sweet boys.
You are a midwife, assisting at someone else’s birth. Do good without show or fuss. Facilitate what is happening rather than what you think ought to be happening. If you must take the lead, lead so that the mother is helped, yet still free and in charge. When the baby is born, the mother will rightly say: 'We did it ourselves!"
-- from The Tao Te Ching
"I didn't choose midwifery, midwifery choose me."
Crystal Peña, CPM LM
Baby catching some zzz's after his journey earthside
