Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth as well as the preconception and gynecological needs of well women. Most midwives (Including Stacey) have completed nursing education as well as graduate level education in midwifery. Midwives are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, and are licensed to practice by the state.

Midwifery education and training focuses on the normal process of pregnancy, birth and well-woman gynecological care. Midwifery care focuses on maintaining health and supporting women to make informed decisions, with an emphasis on health education, disease prevention and counselling. Midwives work in collaboration with physicians who are available for consultation and/or to provide care should a complication arise. While we are trained to recognize and diagnose complications which may arise, in most cases we do not need to use these skills. Midwives are independent health care providers with the ability to prescribe medications in New York State.

The Midwifery Model of Care, to which we subscribe, is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. The Midwifery Model of Care includes:

• Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle;
• Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, and continuous hands-on assistance during labor, delivery, and postpartum;
• Minimizing technological interventions;
• Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.

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Midwifery care has been proven to be as safe or safer than most routine care provided by physicians. Because midwives are trained to think of pregnancy and birth as a normal life process instead of an illness, midwives provide care which involves fewer interventions and often fewer complications. Multiple studies have shown that the midwifery model of care is an ideal one for providing prenatal and birth care.

Despite popular beliefs to the contrary, true obstetric emergencies are extremely rare. However, when they occur, I do everything possible to protect your and your baby’s safety. Under some circumstances, hospital transfer is a necessary component of maintaining a healthy birth outcome. In the case of an emergency transfer, I utilize the services of the nearest hospital, during which your care would be supervised by the covering obstetrician. In a non-emergency situation you have the option of traveling to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center where I have admitting privileges. In both cases I remain by your side until you joyfully greet your new baby.

We view families (in whatever way you define family) as integral to the birth process. We welcome all families: partnered, single, gay, straight, traditional and everything in between! Women feel safe and comforted by having their loved-ones around them in labor; babies deserve to be born into a community of people who love and support them. Your family (including other children) and friends are always welcome at your prenatal visits and at your birth. A supported and welcomed family means a supported woman.

We recommend a first prenatal visit 8 -10 weeks after the first day of your last period. This enables us to refer you for prenatal screening and diagnostic tests, should you decide that you want them. If you wish to meet with us prior to scheduling your first visit, Stacey will meet with you and your family for an initial consultation at your earliest convenience. We see the consultation as an opportunity to become acquainted and to decide if your needs and desires for your pregnancy and birth match the type of care that we provide.

Below is an approximate guide to when you'll typically see me during prenatal care. This schedule may be modified as appropriate. Visits will take place in the Williamsburg office through 32 weeks. After that, all visits will take place in your home.

Use our online appointment scheduler by clicking here or by following the "Make an Appointment" link at the top of any page on our site. Alternatively, you can call our office at (646) 519-7209, extension 2, and Cori or Leda will be happy to schedule your appointment over the phone.

We are always willing to take clients who want to transfer care. We recommend that you have a complete copy of your prenatal record at your initial consultation so that we may review your prenatal history.

Fees for gynecological and fertility care are very reasonable and available upon request. I do not participate with any insurance networks, but I can provide you with documentation to seek reimbursement for gynecological and fertility care if you have out of network benefits. Most insurance plans cover homebirth entirely. Please note that lab work or other testing can be accessed through Clementine at in-network labs and facilities and will be covered by your plan.