Our goal as midwives is to help our clients have the best, safest births possible while respecting their choices and individuality. We have found that clients who demonstrate a high level of responsibility for and interest in their pregnancies and births have the best outcomes, even if plans suddenly change and hospital transport becomes necessary. Therefore, based on our experience, we hold the following expectations:

1) We expect parents to shape their own birth experiences and to make their own decisions, using our knowledge and advice as a resource, and to accept responsibility for the results of their decisions.

2) We expect clients to demonstrate interest and responsibility by obtaining the necessary prenatal care, eating nutritiously, eliminating cigarette, alcohol and drug abuse, staying active, keeping informed through reading and asking questions, and meeting their financial obligations.

3) We expect openness and honesty from our clients at all times.

You probably have formed some ideas of what you expect from your care providers. At Alma Midwifery we practice the "Midwives Model of Care" and hold the following expectations of ourselves:

1) To safeguard your privacy by protecting the confidentiality of the care you receive.

2) To maintain high standards of honesty, and always be truthful when communicating with our clients.

3) To provide respectful, personalized care based on each woman's unique needs.

4) To the extent possible, to provide continuity of care so that we can form a relationship of trust and familiarity with our clients.

5) To serve as educators, advisors, and care providers, but not to make decisions for our clients. Rather, we strive to assist women in making their own informed choices.

~ ALMA Midwifery Service ~ Licensed Birth Center ~ Homebirth ~ Waterbirth ~ ~ Phone 503.233.3001 ~ FAX 503.233.7686 ~ 1608 SE Ankeny St. Portland, OR. 97214 ~