Homebirth Midwifery Care
Midwives are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional and social support for childbearing women and gynecological care for women of all ages. Midwives work in client’s homes, the office setting, as well as hospitals and clinics. We believe that each woman should be cared for as a unique individual, providing customized care every step of the way.
Blessingway Midwifery Care provides prenatal, birth and postpartum care for mothers wishing to remain at home for the birth of their baby, as well as Well-Woman exams. Jennifer is licensed to practice in New York and will travel to Vermont and Berkshire County MA as well. She is committed to serving women and families by providing compassionate and loving care through the Midwifery Model of Care.
- Pregnancy care for women who are having low-risk, normal pregnancies.
- Support for women desiring VBAC as well as water-birth.
- Free initial consultation
- Direct availability to clients for questions and concerns
- Hour-long prenatal visits in the office every month until 32 weeks, then every two weeks to 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery
- Home prenatal visit at 36 weeks
- Lab work, ultrasound, and medical consultation by referral as necessary
- Extensive local resource network available for doula services, childbirth education, acupuncture, massage, etc.
- Water-birth – labor and/or deliver your baby in a birth pool. Pools are available for rental.
- Continuous care and support by the birth team in the immediate postpartum period (2-4 hours after the birth)
- Breastfeeding information, instruction and ongoing support
- Postpartum visits for the mother and baby, including home visits on days 1, 3, 7 and 14, with a final office visit at six weeks after the birth, or as necessary according to your individual needs
- Newborn Screening Tests
Payment Options
Most insurance companies will cover the services of a Licensed Midwife. Jennifer does not participate directly with any insurance plan. She is willing to work with you and your insurance company to insure the best possible coverage for your birth. Clients who are self-paying are asked to pay the full fee by 36 weeks of pregnancy. Flexible payment plans are available.
Clients with insurance are required to pay a deposit (retainer) towards the birth fee prior to delivery, also usually by 36 weeks of pregnancy. After the birth, we will submit a claim for services rendered, or provide the client with a claim form to submit themselves. In the case of transport to the hospital, insurance reimbursement may be limited due to some services being provided by other practitioners. Regardless of insurance coverage, ultimately it is the clients responsibility to pay the birth fee. We are able to accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards.
Clients with a Medicaid HMO may also be eligible for coverage with no copay or deductible. However, there will be some aspects of care that will need to be paid out of pocket that are not covered by Medicaid plans. This fee schedule is available you to review upon request.
Payment arrangements can be customized for any budget, so please ask. We do not turn anyone away for an inability to pay!
Lactation Consultations
Breast is best! The American Academy of Pediatrics states that breastfeeding is the preferred method for most infants, and there are emotional and physical benefits to both mother and baby. Learning to breastfeed can be a wonderful and satisfying experience.
Jennifer is a Certified Lactation Counselor and has assisted hundreds of mothers with breastfeeding newborns as well as older babies. Sometimes, a mother will want or need a little instruction or confirmation that all is well. Others need more detailed evaluation and instruction to resolve a breastfeeding problem. We offer evaluations and consultations in office or at your home. We can often arrange an appointment within 24 hours for emergencies!
Jennifer works with mothers and babies who are dealing with latch issues, low weight gain, milk supply evaluation, tongue-tie, and any questions about what is normal for breastfeeding infants and toddlers. She has worked with preemies, twins, small and large babies, first-time mothers and experienced mothers. Appointments are typically about an hour. We can also refer you to local pediatricians who are supportive of breastfeeding as well as other health care providers who can assist in resolving feeding issues!
$50 for an in-office consultation
$75 for an in-home visit
Water-birth Pool Rentals
There are many benefits to using water during labor and/or birth including increased relaxation, pain relief, increased mobility, and reduction of the need for pain relieving drugs and interventions. Many mothers call the birth pool “the aqua-dural”! For more information about the benefits of waterbirth, click here.
We rent ECO birth pool in a box (mini size or regular, inflatable). Additional supplies needed for pool use include a new garden or aquarium hose for filling and emptying the pool, a faucet adaptor, and a fish net. These items would need to be purchased by you separately. Please contact us for more information.
Rental Fee
$50 for clients, $100 for non-clients, includes a personal disposable liner, inflation air pump, water pump, and thermometer.
Placenta Encapsulation
Placenta encapsulation provides a way for you to replenish your body with your own perfectly matched hormones and iron. Women use placenta capsules to ease postpartum baby blues and depression and to increase their feeling of well-being. The placenta is properly prepared, dried and ground to a powder form. The powder is then encapsulated in vegetarian gel-caps. Women who are postpartum, menopausal, or experiencing PMS or other hormonal symptoms can take the capsules in order to balance out the hormone levels. A tincture can also be made to be used like the capsules.
Fee for Encapsulation is $150, payable when the placenta is received for preparation. Please allow 2-3 days for processing.
Serving the New York Capital Region 