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Paula Matthew LM, CPM
 I have five children,
four of which I gave birth to, ranging in age from 21 to 31 and I
have 8 grandchildren. I am fortunate that my family all reside in
Arizona and I am able to be actively involved in the lives of my
children and grandchildren.
Like many midwives, I became interested in women’s healthcare
issues, and especially childbirth, during my own pregnancies and
birth experiences. I was asked to lend a hand when a neighbor’s
daughter gave birth at home. She was attended by only her mother and
myself. I was impressed at the degree of control and empowerment
experienced by this young, teenage mother. Following this
experience, I felt called to acquire training so that I could serve
the community of women by offering a safe and positive alternative
as compared to the type of experience I had had in the hospital with
my first baby.
I attended the Arizona School of Midwifery from 1978 to 1980 and
apprenticed under two licensed midwives. I became licensed in 1982.
I have served three terms on the advisory committee to the midwife
licensing program and have been a Certified Professional Midwife
since 1996. I am currently serving as the president of the Arizona
Association of Midwives.
Other interests and activities include gardening, bird watching, and
pets. I am also currently serving on the board of directors of our
local NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness) chapter.
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