Arizona

In Arizona, various healthcare workers and professionals contribute to maternal and child health care, providing specialized services to support mothers and children throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood. These professionals must be licensed and they work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and rural health programs.

Perinatal Providers

Physicians & Specialists: These providers are available in hospitals and clinics and they must be licensed by the Arizona Medical Board and they include:

• Obstetricians/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs): These are Medical doctors specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and women's reproductive health.
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Specialists: These are OB/GYNs with additional training in high-risk pregnancies. They focus on high-risk pregnancies and fetal health conditions.
• Pediatricians: These are physicians that provide medical care for infants, children, and adolescents.
• Neonatologists: These are pediatricians that care for premature or critically ill newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• Family Medicine Physicians: They offer comprehensive care, including prenatal and pediatric care, in rural and underserved areas

Nurses and Midwives

This includes registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses and midwives licensed by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Registered Nurses (RNs) provide a wide range of patient care, including support during labor and delivery. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) offer basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and physicians.

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses with advanced education in midwifery, certified to manage women's health care, including prenatal and postnatal care. Women's Health Nurse Practitioners are nurse practitioners focusing on comprehensive health care for women throughout their lifespan, including reproductive and prenatal care. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are nurse practitioners specializing in the care of children from infancy through young adulthood.

Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) and specializing in out-of-hospital births also provide perinatal care in birth centers and home births.

Other Perinatal Proffesionals

Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs): Specialists trained to assist with breastfeeding. While certification is typically through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, they may also be licensed health professionals.

Behavioral and Mental Health Specialists, including

Perinatal Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specializing in mental health during and after pregnancy and they are only available in hospitals
Clinical Social Workers: Provide counseling and support services.
Psychologists & Therapists: Offer mental health services, including therapy and counseling. They are licensed by the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners.

Community & Public Health Workers
Community Health Workers (CHWs): Serve as liaisons between health services and the community. While they may not require licensure, they often receive certification and training through recognized programs.
Doulas: These are trained professionals offering non medical support: emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. In Arizona, doula services are available to support families through various programs. Provide non-medical support during childbirth. Arizona offers voluntary licensure for doulas through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) .
Health Educators: Specialize in educating communities about health practices. Certification requirements vary and may not always require state licensure.