I cannot say enough good things about Avanlee. I have had 2 of my 3 children with Jennifer and have had the most amazing experiences with her. She is very relaxed and personable. She is very knowledgeable about her field, yet respects YOU as the expert on your body.
I have had the pleasure of a birth center birth and a home birth with Jennifer. Through both experiences I received the most thorough and loving care imaginable. I looked forward to my appointments with Jennifer each month. I knew we would be able to chat about anything going on with me, rejoice over new developments, calm any fears and address every question and concern with patience and expertise. I enjoy that Jennifer is a teaching midwife who not only trains apprentices but also teaches through the ATM classes. Even among her fellow midwives, she is veiwed as knowledgeable and the top of her class.
The structure of Avanlee was very forthright and easy to understand. During our free consultation, I was given paperwork explaining every possible situation and fee associated. There was one flat fee for basic maternal care covering first visit through 6 weeks post-partum including all office visits, basic tests, labor and delivery care and a final exam. I was informed that a homebirth would be slightly more for the time and driving inconvenience but nothing outrageous. I was also told that there were other tests, like ultrasounds, that weren't covered in the basic kit, mainly because Jennifer wasn't set up to do them herself. On top of a very reasonable fee, I felt that Avanlee was very generous in their willingness to work on a payment plan and schedule. I felt that a beautiful birth experience that was safe for me and my child was much more important to them than a dollar amount.
At every visit I was given paperwork along with resources to do my own research for informed consent issues and Jennifer was very thorough in her explanations and presented each area in a professional unbiased manner. I was able to choose which tests and procedures I was willing to have and needed to have. I felt like I was a partner in my health care instead of a puppet.
I know Jennifer sees tons of clients every week and baby kicks and swollen ankles and first cries are all in a days work for her. Yet, she really engages with her clients and their children and makes each one feel like their babies are special and important to her. She respected my desires and my beliefs and me as a person. The whole staff is loving and encouraging and gentle.
I would choose Jennifer every time to walk through my pregnancy, labor and birth with me. I would and have recommended her to all of my friends. This is an amazing place to experience and be a part of. If you are looking for a warm environment where your needs are met and where you are cared for and respected instead of pushed around or treated like one of millions, Avanlee is the place to go!
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