Hi! I’m Gosia, midwife at Beloved Birthin Phoenix. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve heard nearly every question under the sun from people trying to decide if hiring a midwife is right for them. Below are the top 10 I get asked, and my honest answers to help you decide what’s best for you.
1. What kind of midwife am I — and are you licensed/certified in Arizona?
I am a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) / Licensed Midwife and I’m fully licensed under Arizona state law. I always explain the differences: there are Licensed Midwives and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) recognized under different agencies (e.g. Arizona Department of Health Services vs Board of Nursing) with slightly different scopes of practice. It’s important to me that you understand who I am, how I trained, and what I can and cannot do under Arizona law.
2. Where will I give birth — home, birth center, or hospital — and what are the pros & cons?
You have options. With me, many choose home birth because it often feels more intimate, calm, and natural. I also support births at my birth center, depending on your comfort and risk level. If needed, hospital transfer is always an option in certain emergency situations. The biggest pros of home or birth center births are greater control over the environment, fewer interventions, and more personalized care. The cons may include needing to transfer for certain emergencies, lack of interventions such as an epidural (if considering one) or insurance/licensing limitations.
3. How safe is home birth in Arizona? What are your transfer rates or how do you handle complications?
Safety is always my top priority. Home birth is generally safe for healthy, low-risk pregnancies when attended by a qualified midwife with strong protocols. I monitor closely for risks. If complications arise — for example, preeclampsia, breech presentation, labor not progressing, etc. — I have established relationships with hospitals/OB-GYNs for transferring. I don’t like to give a single number because each pregnancy is different, with different complications that can arrise, but I’m happy to share my personal transfer rate, what scenarios most often lead to transfer, and how those transfers happen. Transparency matters.
4. Do you accept insurance? What are your fees, and are there payment plans?
This is a big concern for many. I do not accept insurance as I charge a set fee for everything I include. I offer payment plans and I can provide a quote for your full prenatal + birth + postpartum care so you can compare with hospital/OB-GYN care. I find that many of my clients, even without insurance, find my full-scope care much more affordable than the traditional hospital route.
5. What is your philosophy around interventions (induction, epidural, cesarean, etc.)?
My philosophy is that birth is a normal, physiological process. I aim to support you in having the least invasive birth possible, consistent with safety. I offer natural pain relief options (different positions, movement, hydrotherapy, etc.), and I respect your choices. If you want more medical pain relief (like epidural) I do not offer those types of interventions and solely help with birth in its most natural form.
6. How many prenatal visits will we have, how long are they, and can I contact you between visits?
Typically, prenatal visits occur around the same schedule as OB/GYN (for example, every 4–6 weeks early on, more frequent in third trimester). My visits tend to be longer so we can talk, catch up, and I can monitor your physical, emotional, and nutritional health. Yes — you can contact me between visits; phone, email, or in-person, depending on urgency. I don’t want you to feel alone or anxious. Also, it’s important to discuss what prenatal tests/screenings I offer, which ones I send out, and what labs you’ll get.
7. Will you support a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), twins, breech, or other “non-traditional” birth scenarios?
This is often asked. I support VBACs if the prior cesarean was low transverse and you meet certain criteria (healthy, no contraindications). Breech births or twins depend on your particular situation: fetal positioning, prior history, how far along, etc. But I am trained in vaginal birth for twins–I have assisted in delivering twins naturally and am trained in spinning babies techniques. Some scenarios may mean we have to plan for a hospital birth or have a backup OB. I always discuss your options clearly and what risks are involved, so you can make informed choices.
8. What happens during labor, and how much support will I have?
You will have continuous support: I stay with you through labor and the birth. I bring materials for comfort measures (e.g., birthing ball, hydrotherapy, massage, spices/essential oils as appropriate, etc.). You can have your partner, doula, or other support people present (within safety). Your birth plan is a collaboration; I respect your preferences. If labor needs to move to the hospital, I translate your wishes so they are honored as much as possible.
9. What postpartum care do you provide? How long will you stay with me & the baby after birth?
After birth, I stay long enough to make sure you and the baby are stable — that baby is feeding well, no heavy bleeding, that mother is recovering. We’ll have multiple postpartum check-ins: typically in the first 24–72 hours if home birth, then follow-ups in the first week, and then again at 4–6 weeks or more if needed. I support breastfeeding, help with newborn care, mood checks (postpartum depression/anxiety), and any healing support (physical, emotional).
10. How do I know if a midwife is the right fit for me?
This is both a practical and personal question. Practically: check credentials, experience, communication style, backup plans, fees, safety practices. Personally, do I feel heard when I speak with them? Do I trust their judgments? Do our philosophies around birth align? Are you comfortable being vulnerable with this person? It’s okay to interview more than one midwife; meet with them, ask to read reviews from past clients, and tour the places where birth might happen. Your intuition matters.
Summary: About Me, Gosia, Beloved Birth Art & How to Contact Me
I’m Gosia, midwife and founder of Beloved Birth Midwifery here in Phoenix, Arizona. I came into midwifery because I believe in the power of birth — that it can be transformative, healing, and beautiful when held in love, respect, and informed choice. My training (CPM/LM) has included hands‑on prenatal, labor, and postpartum care, plus emergency protocols, neonatal resuscitation, twins, waterbirth, and much more. I cherish supporting families from pregnancy through those first precious weeks after the baby is born.
If you want to talk more, have other questions, or are interested in working with me for your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum support, here’s how to reach me:
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Email: midwifegosia4u@gmail.com
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Phone: (716) 601-5362
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Location: Phoenix, AZ (serving the greater Phoenix area)
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Website: Beloved Birth (belovedbirthart.com)
I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your birth journey — helping you feel seen, respected, safe, and empowered.