About Jennifer Neira Heystek, LM, CPM, IBCLC
I am an Indigenous midwife, lactation consultant, genealogist, and mom striving to create a better world for the next generation to inherit. My passion for providing quality healthcare comes from a deep respect for my ancestors, an honoring of the sacrifices they made, and a recognition of the opportunities that were not available to them. I come from a lineage of parteras and midwifery care has been a normal part of my family for as long as anyone can remember. I am grateful for the ability to combine the traditions of the past with the evidence-based care of today.
After graduating from Mills College in Oakland, California, I worked as a birth and postpartum doula. My midwifery training began with a formal apprenticeship with local midwife, Rosanna Davis, followed by an internship and residency at Casa de Nacimiento, a high-volume birth center in El Paso, Texas. I graduated from National Midwifery Institute (where I am now an instructor!) and received my midwifery license from the California Medical Board in 2010. My years of experience as a doula and then as a midwife have given me the opportunity to support hundreds of families as they gave birth at home, in a hospital, or in a birth center.
Both my daughters were born at home in San Leandro, California. The challenges I faced while pregnant, birthing, and postpartum with my own children were deep, humbling, and ultimately made me a much better health care provider. After attending La Leche League meetings to get help with my own breastfeeding struggles, I became a volunteer leader and then eventually an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I take pride in providing clinically competent care with compassion, patience, and a true understanding that parenting can be more difficult (and rewarding) than anyone would expect.
In addition to healthcare, I am deeply passionate about genealogy and tracing family roots. My particular interest is in the areas of my own ancestral origin - Colorado, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Northern Mexico. I have spent years researching my own family history and I really enjoy helping others start their own research journey. In my down time between births, I enjoy sewing ribbon skirts, going to powwows, and cooking New Mexican food. I am now in my quilting era!
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and I’m proud to serve families who reflect the rich diversity of the area. At Generations Midwifery & Lactation Services, all families seeking support for pregnancy, birth, and lactation are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am committed to helping families feel seen, heard, and welcomed. I’m so grateful to all the parents and babies who have allowed me to work with them through such a sacred part of their lives.
Education and Training
- Licensed Midwife – California Medical Board
- Certified Professional Midwife – North American Registry of Midwives
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant – IBLCE
- When Survivors Give Birth Foundational Training – Teri Nava-Anderson
- Indigenous Postpartum Doula – Postpartum Healing Lodge
- Leader – La Leche League
- Graduate – National Midwifery Institute
- Birth Doula – DONA
- B.A. Women’s Studies – Mills College
- A.A. Liberal Studies – Chabot College
- Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor – Bay Area Women Against Rape
- Granddaughter and great-granddaughter of midwives