Resources

Greater Houston Midwives’ Alliance http://houstonmidwives.org/

As midwives, we believe the practice of midwifery to be distinct from the practice of medicine. We base our profession on the midwifery model of care:

A. Pregnancy and birth are a fundamentally healthy process.
B. Each woman is unique and her care should be tailored to meet her individual needs.
C. Attending to the emotional and spiritual components of childbearing are as important as appropriate antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum physical care.
D. Midwives should be trained by other midwives, be that training in a school or through apprenticeship and continuing education.
E. Midwives should maintain a professional attitude, and practice which promotes collegial relationships between physicians, midwives, and students.
F. The relationship between midwives and their clients is collaborative in nature.

The Association of Texas Midwives http://texasmidwives.com/
ATM works hard to represent the interests of midwives all across the state of Texas. We keep a close eye on legislation, and attend meetings of the Texas Department of Health Midwifery Board to be sure the needs of Texas midwives are communicated. Through the help of their Regional Directors, ATM members are able to keep informed of current issues. Every member is encouraged to express her/his concerns to the ATM Board of Directors and to the Midwifery Program. Please consider joining ATM today!

Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) http://www.mana.org/
MANA is a professional organization for all midwives recognizing the diversity of educational backgrounds and practice styles within the profession. MANA’s goal is to unify and strengthen the profession of midwifery, thereby improving the quality of health care for women, babies, and communities. MANA also welcomes student and midwifery advocate members as another valuable part of the organization.

North American Registery of Midwives http://www.narm.org/
The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) is an international certification agency whose mission is to establish and administer certification for the credential “Certified Professional Midwife” (CPM). CPM certification validates entry-level knowledge, skills, and experience vital to responsible midwifery practice. This international certification process encompasses multiple educational routes of entry including apprenticeship, self-study, private midwifery schools, college- and university- based midwifery programs, and nurse-midwifery. Created in 1987 by the Midwives’ Alliance of North America (MANA), NARM is committed to identifying standards and practices that reflect the excellence and diversity of the independent midwifery community in order to set the standard for North American midwifery.

Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) http://www.meacschools.org/
The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council’s mission is to promote excellence in midwifery education through accreditation. It creates standards and criteria for the education of midwives. MEAC standards incorporate the nationally recognized core competencies and guiding principles set by the Midwives Alliance of North America and the requirements for national certification of the North American Registry of Midwives.

Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery http://www.formidwifery.org/
To improve the health status of women, babies and families by increasing awareness of and access to the midwifery model of care. This mission is accomplished through the funding of education, research and public policy initiatives.

Texans for Midwifery http://www.tfmidwifery.org/
Non-profit consumer group supporting midwifery in Texas.

Citizens for Midwifery http://cfmidwifery.org/index.aspx
Citizens for Midwifery – the only national consumer-based group promoting the Midwives Model of Care! CfM works to provide information and resources that promote the local midwife, as well as midwives and midwifery care across the country!

Mothers Naturally http://mothersnaturally.org/
Celebrate the journey of pregnancy.
Cherish a woman’s natural ability to nourish a healthy pregnancy and birth.
Create your ideal birth environment and be supported physically and emotionally.
Discover the safe personal care of a midwife. 

Allie Chee http://www.alliechee.com/#alliechee

New Mother: RECLAIM THE MAGIC IN MOTHERHOOD!
It is possible to have it all: a more natural birthing experience; fun, relaxing family time; time to care for yourself; time to take care of your home; and the ability to choose whatever vision you hold for your experience of childbirth and motherhood. That’s not what we’ve been told, taught, or empowered to do… until now.

There’s more to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum than what is usually discussed in literature and doctors’ offices: the next problem, pain, or procedure! New Mother offers a clear vision for reclaiming the beauty and sacred nature of pregnancy and parenthood.

Home Sweet Homebirth http://www.midwives.net/hsh/video.html
A Video about Midwives and Homebirth in America. Great video!

Waterbirth International www.waterbirth.org

Find up to date information at Waterbirth International’s site and register your waterbirth.
By registering you can help provide data that will be extremely valuable in promoting the safety and efficacy of waterbirth!

In His Hands www.InHisHands.com
Birth supplies for the midwife and homebirthing family. This is where you can purchase your birth kit. Just enter the name BioBirth to find a birth kit specially put together for our practice.

La Leche League International http://www.llli.org/
International support for breastfeeding mothers.

VBAC Facts! http://vbacfacts.com/13-myths-about-vbac/

Jen Kamel brings together the latest information and research in an easy to read format for any mother considering a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean. Many women believe that the only safe choice after a cesarean is another cesarean. Social pressure plays a huge role in a woman’s decision making process and the prevailing American conventional wisdom is greatly influenced by persistent and pervasive myths about vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). The result is a 92% repeat cesarean rate in America (1) despite the fact that most women are candidates for VBAC and most VBACs are successful.  Let’s draw a clear line between myth and fact.

ICAN http://www.ican-online.org/
The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc (ICAN) was formed over 25 years ago in order to support women in their journey towards understanding the risks of cesarean section and with the purpose of helping them have healthy births and healthy lives after undergoing the surgery that changed them.

Breech Birth, http://www.breechbabies.com/
Heads Up! All about Breech Babies! This site was developed so that families expecting a breech baby have a place to come to get a great deal of information regarding the dynamics of birthing breech.

March of Dimes http://www.marchofdimes.com/

Non-profit dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Homebirth Dads http://homebirthdads.com/about.htm
This innovative video production presents unique insights about homebirthing from the point of view of dads who have already experienced it. In this video a cross section of dads candidly answer questions about their concerns and considerations. Men considering home birth rarely have the opportunity to ask other men about their experiences, this video bridges that gap and allows you to get the answers that you are seeking from the comfort of your home. The perfect video for anyone considering a home birth.

The Business of Being Born http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/
A documentary film from executive producer Ricki Lake and director Abbey Epstien 

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Associationhttp://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer
Non-profit organization for infertility resources