Let’s work together to achieve your goals
Legislative Consulting
For over seven years, Jen has successfully worked with midwifery and consumer organizations on legislation at the state-level. In this capacity, Jen has testified in front of Medical Boards, created fact sheets for legislators, developed talking points, and wrote statements for expert testimonies. Jen has helped advocates craft the perfect message to protect the scope of midwifery care and patient autonomy. Her specialty is legislation or regulations that seek to limit a midwife’s ability to attend VBAC. Are you involved in a legislative process? Let’s talk about how Jen can support you. Schedule a time below.
“I had been nervously preparing for a Medical Board meeting. The midwifery regulations in our state were threatened by a new proposal to limit our ability to attend births within 30 miles of our collaborating physician. After consulting with Jen, we had plenty of information, good talking points and a fact sheet which contributed to the Medical Board’s appreciation of why VBAC access is important and the role Licensed Midwives play. The Medical Board passed around the fact sheet and it seemed to sway their stance. Having hard data on VBAC was critical to our credibility. We were very happy that we were left with language that leaves the option open of “refer or consult”. That means that supportive doctors can support VBAC at home. The ability for Licensed Midwives to continue to attend out-of-hospital VBAC was a major win for us!”
Consulting with Professionals
Want to reverse a VBAC ban?
Jen can walk you through the process of:
- learning the facts,
- understanding the hospital’s perspective,
- engaging the community,
- collaborating with the hospital,
- preparing for meetings with talking points & handouts, and
- what to do if the hospital stonewalls you.
Or do you want to review or revamp your VBAC policy or informed consent process? Jen can support you with that all the while integrating the most recent evidence and guidelines into your practice. Jen can help you navigate:
- ACOG’s guidelines,
- how they have been interpreted,
- the medical literature,
- trends and realities of hospital VBAC policies, and
- managing the present options while considering future risks.
Or is there some other challenge, project, or goal you want to talk through? Let’s do it!
Click here to let Jen know how she can best support you.
“I was having a challenge finding the right talking points on patient autonomy, support of VBACs in all settings (e.g. hospital, home, birth center), and opposition to VBAC bans. I wasn’t sure how to make the most impact as the public member of the Midwifery Advisory Council (under the Medical Board of California). After consulting with Jen Kamel, I was able to refine my knowledge about VBACs and my larger talking points when speaking on behalf of California families. Our consultation gave me clarity around the meaningful work I do, and helped me find my voice as the newly appointed public member of the Midwifery Advisory Council.”
Consulting with Parents
Are you still processing the emotions around your cesarean?
Do you want to talk to someone who has been there and gets it?
Perhaps you want to organize your thoughts and get clarity on your priorities for your next birth?
Or do you simply have a list of questions you wish someone had the time to answer?
Click below to book a video consulting call with Jen.
