Midwife: Randi Fay Payton LM, CPM

My experience and credentials:

I am a California LM (Licensed Midwife) and CPM (Certified Professional Midwife through the Nationally recognized North American Registry of Midwives)

More importantly, I am a mother of 6 amazing children, four boys and two little girls (yes, in that order)...and I'm a wife to one special guy we jokingly call "the chaos coordinator." Three of my births were planned hospital experiences (before I knew community birth or Midwives even existed), two were home births and one was a planned home birth which ended in a transport and ultimately a Cesarean. My own birth experience is vast! I received my "calling" to become a Midwife many years ago. I knew in my heart as I worked towards Registered Nursing School that something was missing...A vital holistic level of my education that I couldn't fill with text books and classes at any local college. I had a craving for so much more.

When I discovered my fourth little boy was on his way I decided to embark on a different journey, and delved into anything I could absorb about Holistic Midwifery. Before he was ever born I felt the fire in my belly and the tug at my heart to follow this new found passion, which took a huge commitment and leap of faith...and I jumped with both feet!

I had the honor to work under several Sacramento Area Midwives for many years as a student. I feel grateful that we maintain wonderful relationships and continued support for each other. I am often called to be "backup" or "on call" for other practices during times of need such as family emergencies, vacations or the rare occasion when two moms are laboring at once. I am honored to have the faith and trust of my sister Midwives and peers.

I love Midwifery. I think I love most the ever-evolving aspect of Midwifery. It is an art as ancient as birth itself, and yet a science that requires constant attention and integration of new information. I pride myself on constantly fine-tuning the ancient art skills and simultaneously pouring over current research and evidence based recommendations for the field of birth work.

I remember vividly when I myself was in the throes of labor with my last child, and oh the memories are so fresh no matter how much time passes! I am grateful to be able to bring those memories, personal compassion and loving attention to the births I am privileged to attend. I have said so many times and will say many times again, that witnessing new life emerge on this planet is the most sacred honor. It never loses it's magic. Each mother, each birth, each family are so incredibly special to me.

Together, since 2013, our families have made this sweet little tribe with amazing vibes...and we cannot wait to welcome you to our sacred space.

-Midwife Randi

MY BIRTH PHILOSOPHY

I am frequently asked my birth philosophy. I believe birth is a natural, normal life event. It is a right of passage for the mother to be and she should be supported in her journey - never managed or controlled. I practice from a place of prevention and preparation, with appropriate equipment and skills to handle situations that deviate from normal. I believe mixing highly specific medical skills, current unbiased scientific information, with age old wisdom and trust in human birth makes the absolute best ingredients for optimal outcomes. I firmly believe that when you offer a family and/or a pregnant woman information...all of the information...she will make quality decisions for herself and her unborn child.

I trust parental instincts.

Michel Odent is a world famous Obstetrician and researcher who ran a maternity unit in France for many years, has authored several books and has appeared for countless seminars and conferences related to birth. I LOVE his advice for planning the safest birth... he says "all you need is one experienced and silent midwife sitting in a corner.” "Sometimes," he says, "the midwife should be knitting and smiling."

And so...I often do. :)

Randi Fay Payton - Credentials/Experience:

Hospital Birth Doula-1999-2012

Associates of General Education Degree 2008

Associates of Biological Sciences Degree 2008

Enrolled with National College of Midwifery (NCM) in 2010

Actively Attended Weekly Midwifery Study Group 2010-2012

Completed Written/Study Modules and tests with NCM in 2012

Apprenticed with One Heart Midwifery Dec 2010-Aug 2012

Attended California Association of Midwifery Conference May 2012

Apprenticed with New Earth Midwifery Jun 2012-Feb 2013

Passed NARM testing in 2013

Associates of Midwifery Degree 2013

Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) 2013-Present

California State Licensed Midwife (LM) 2013-Present

Reserve/on-call Midwife with New Earth Midwifery 2013

Have attended Community Peer Review at least 4 times a year 2011-Present

CPR/First Aid Certified 2008-Present

Neonatal Resuscitation Certified 2010-Present

Certified in Warming, Sealing and Belly Binding 2015

Member California Association of Midwives

Member Midwives Alliance of North America

Excellent on-going working relationships with other practices in our area

Attend yearly conferences with renowned quality organizations for Continuing Education