Childbirth Education
“Childbirth education can bring birth back to the basics and help you let go of fear (really). The end result is a safer, more empowered birth.” Judith Lothian, in the 2011 Guide to a Healthy Birth by Choice in Childbirth.
BBC recommends that all clients attend a childbirth education class. The following list represents local childbirth education classes that our clients have found useful in their birth preparation. Please look at the websites for more information, including scheduling and pricing information.
A note about pricing: Childbirth education classes typically cost between $175 and $400. Some insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for childbirth education classes. Check your insurance benefits manual, or call the number provided for a list of acceptable classes. These classes are generally held at hospitals, so it’s important to make sure they are available and relevant to parents who are planning an unmedicated, out-of-hospital birth. A hospital-based class may be a good option for those who are concerned about the cost of childbirth education, or for those who want to attend a CBE class in a language other than English.
There are a few free or discounted classes for expecting parents with limited financial means- see class descriptions below. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket health care expenses, you can use your FSA to cover childbirth education and doula services.
Free and Low-Cost Childbirth Classes
Free childbirth education classes for parents who qualify for Medicaid and WIC. Visit the website for more information and class dates.
SUNY Downstate Expectant Family Education
Free childbirth education classes open to all expecting parents.
Led by a Nurse-Midwife with 16 years of experience, our innovative, personalized classes will provide you with an insider’s point of view and the tools you need to inform, empower, and enjoy your pregnancy and birth, starting from day one. We are based in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
This group offers childbirth education, in addition to doula services, workshops, and discussion groups.
Recommended Childbirth Educators
Rev. LeVaughn’s approach has been instrumental in helping individuals eliminate/reduce debilitating morning sickness, anxiety and fear so that they can have empowered and healthier birth experiences. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula, & Certified Lactation Counselor who offers holistic & transformational birthing support.
Emily Cohen-Moreira is a doula, certified lactation consultant, and childbirth educator. Emily used to teach BBC’s popular Birthing Preparation course, which we unfortunately had to discontinue due to space constraints. Emily’s wonderful class is now offered at Church Avenue Yoga and Bodywork, in the Kensington neighborhood of Brooklyn. This class is designed for expectant parents planning a low-intervention or out-of-hospital birth. Emily also offers private classes for expecting and new parents, and can tailor classes to each family’s individual needs.
Sara Kramer teaches HypnoBirthing classes in the Kensington neighborhood of Brooklyn and also at the Brooklyn Birthing Center. As well as in Long Island City and Kew Gardens. Her five-part class emphasizes self-hypnosis, relaxation, preparing the mind and body for labor, and building a supportive birth team.
The Birthing Place offers many classes, including a session specifically designed for those planning a birth center birth. Inquire about financial assistance. You can email at: [email protected] (not .com)
Timonique Rogers is a Birth and Fertility Doula as well as a Childbirth Educator. For more information you can contact her at [email protected].
Robin teaches private, Lamaze style classes online or in-person at your home. During the three hour Childbirth Preparation Class, Robin prepares you for childbirth based on Lamaze’s 6 Healthy Birth Practices.
Lena DeGloma offers doula services, massage, and CBE, as well as newborn as breastfeeding classes.
Classes to suit a variety of schedules and family styles.
Tamara Srdanovic teaches a 6-week group hypnobirthing course and offers private sessions.
These classes are taught at 8 Locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
New Beginnings Childbirth Education
Anna is a certified ICCE Childbirth Educator. Anna leads an in depth and interactive six hour class that includes Pregnancy, Discomforts and Exercise, Anatomy, Stages of Labor, Positioning and Comfort, Labor and Delivery (including a section just for the support person), Newborn Care and Postpartum. Anna uses affirmations, videos and a quiz at the end of each section. Classes are taught lecture style using Google Slides through ZOOM.
Mindful Birth NY (Bradley Method)
Mary Esther Malloy-Hopwood is a doula, CBE, and CLC.
Expecting NYC’s Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Series
Expecting NYC offers mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting classes, doula trainings and services, lactation support, and massage therapy!
Lisa Greaves Taylor of Birth Matters, NYC, offers childbirth education classes in Astoria, Queens. Lisa was recently named Childbirth Educator of the Year by the Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York.
A online class for dads and partners that teaches tips, techniques and actionable skills to help you take care of your partner and yourself during labor and birth.
Doulas
“When a doula is present during and after childbirth, [clients] report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.” DONA website, Doula Facts
We believe that for a Brooklyn Birthing Center birth, doulas are particularly useful in the early stages of labor. A doula can assist you one-on-one with any emotional, physical, or information support that you might need at home. Once in the active phases of labor, a doula becomes part of the BBC birth team, helping to maintain the continuity of care and reinforce the careful nurturing of a client in labor.
In order to find the best doula for you, we suggest interviewing at least 3 doulas to ensure that they have the skills, experience, and energy that you want for your birth. Please also note that some doulas offer their services before and during a birth, while others specialize in working with families postpartum. Some doulas also offer childbirth education, lactation support, or placenta encapsulation. Please explore the websites listed below or contact the doulas directly to learn more.
There are a number of doula groups that offer free or low-cost services. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket health care expenses, you can use your FSA to cover childbirth education and doula services.
Free and Low-Cost Doula Services
There are several organizations that match low-cost or volunteer doulas with eligible families. Some of these doulas are experienced, while others are relatively new doulas who are working toward certification. To find a low-cost or volunteer doula, please visit the links below.
The Doula Project matches highly-trained (but often relatively new) volunteer doulas with families making less than $30,000 / year.
This group offers doula services, childbirth education, workshops, and discussion groups. Doula services are free to expecting moms age 19 and under. Sliding scale options are available to expecting moms age 20 and up.
By My Side Birth Support Program
Free doula services for WIC-eligible clients in zip codes:
11207, 11208, 11212, 11216, 11221, 11233
Call Gabriela Ammann at 718-637-5231 or e-mail [email protected].
By My Side is part of Healthy Start Brooklyn, which also offers a number of free classes open to anyone: childbirth education, Dancing Thru Pregnancy, Move It Mama Fitness, newborn care, infant safety & CPR, parenting, and fatherhood.
Doula Groups and Directories
Birth Day Presence offers doula services and childbirth education.
The collective includes both labor and postpartum doulas.
Expecting NYC offers mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting classes, doula trainings and services, lactation support, and massage therapy!
Recommended Individual Doulas
Daniele Bolduc
Daniele is a Doula new to Brooklyn who has had experience with over 25 births. Daniele supports mothers from the beginning of pregnancy through postpartum. She also can assist with breastfeeding to encourage mothers to nurse for as long as possible. She can be contacted at 929-641-2809.
Jamelia France
Jamelia France of Maternal Birth Doula Services, provides doula help for new mothers in underserved communities to lower maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates. We believe every birthing parent deserves to be respected and receive quality care; our team works with families to provide just that. We provide holistic services designed to improve quality birth outcomes to help ensure safe and healthy pregnancies and deliveries. If you have any questions, please contact 718-973-0802.
Ruth Guillaume
Ruth is a full spectrum doula and certified lactation consultant. She can be reached at [email protected] or (347)968-3793.
Evelet Elliot-Hunte
Evelet is a Doula who can be contacted at (929)632-8068 and by email at [email protected].
Kristasiah Daniels
Kristasiah Daniels is a placenta encapsulator. Proud owner of Connected By K encapsulation. As well as a full spectrum community doula of ancient song doula services. She can be contacted at [email protected] and tiktok @connected_by_k.
Emily Cohen-Moreira teaches childbirth education and prenatal lactation classes in New Jersey and New York. She is also a doula and Certified Lactation Counselor!
Monica S. Love is a doula. She can be contacted at (808)724-4496.
Cady McVay and Hannah Gray are certified birth doulas and lactation consultants, with specialties in HypnoBirthing education & support, postpartum care & meal prep, newborn care, breech counseling and birth, and fertility awareness education.
Shalawn is a labor and postpartum doula, and a Certified Lactation Consultant. She also does placenta encapsulation!
Abby is a DONA-certified doula, Certified Thai Yoga bodywork practitioner, Certified Holistic Health Coach, and placenta encapsulator. She has provided excellent labor support for several BBC families!
Angelica Kennedy
Angelica Kennedy is a newish, DONA certified birth doula whose philosophy on birth balances a strong belief in the physiology and power of the human body as the best resource for optimal birth, and a calming, lighthearted, flexible, and sometimes humorous approach to birth support. Fees are sliding scale.
Andrea Vassell, RN, CLC, CD
Andrea was once a nurse at the Elizabeth Seton Childbearing Center, which closed its doors in 2003- she is now the Head Labor & Delivery Nurse at Coney Island Hospital. She has also been a doula since 2002! Andrea approached us at a Baby-Friendly training because she is interested in serving more Brooklyn families as a labor doula. We happily agreed to share her information with our clients! She can be reached at (347) 526-4914.
Karla is a DONA-certified labor and postpartum doula who has attended several births at BBC.
Heidy is a DONA-trained doula and Certified Lactation Counselor offering prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Myla is a highly experienced doula, childbirth education, and Certified Lactation Counselor. Prior to becoming a DONA-certified doula in 2010, she worked as an assistant to a home birth midwife and helped to open a birthing center in Uganda!
Bonu deCaires is a doula and childbirth educator with an MS in nutrition.
Lena DeGloma offers doula services, massage, and CBE.
Mona is a doula and acupuncturist. You can learn more about Mona’s doula work and acupuncture practice on her website.
Simone Toomer of Wise Womban Doula offers birth and postpartum support, education, and placenta encapsulation. As a Certified Lactation Counselor, she also offers in-home lactation support and leads a La Leche League group in Bed-Stuy.
Sasha is a Russian-speaking birth doula.
Alaska is an LGBTQIA+ friendly birth doula based out of Brooklyn and serves all five boroughs. Alaska believes in the ancient, innate and intuitive ability that we have to give birth and she respects the threshold that is crossed during that transformative experience.
Lactation Support
Our staff IBCLC, Tova Ovits, also works with The First Latch. She and her colleagues offer individual lactation education and support as well as classes and peer support groups.
Therapy Matters NY SLP PC is a speech therapy private practice that specializes in lactation and bottle-feeding support, diagnosis and therapeutic management of feeding and swallowing, oral-motor and myofunctional disorders in the pediatric population with a holistic approach. They offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment services to children from birth to 18 years of age with various deficits in their swallowing and feeding functions as well as delays in their speech and language development
La Leche League has chapters in all boroughs and throughout the greater metro area. Check here for local meetings in Brooklyn , Manhattan or Queens
Expecting NYC Lactation Services
Expecting NYC’s IBCLC offers home visits for new parents.
New York Lactation Consultant Association
This directory lists IBCLCs who offer home visits.
This service connects new parent with a lactation specialist. Parents can fill out a request form on the website or text 347-688-5070 to initiate a conversation.
Milk Banks
If you are producing more milk than your baby needs, please consider donating milk to Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast or New York Milk Bank. These not-for-profit milk banks provide donor milk to hospitals and families so that newborns in fragile health can receive the gift of breast milk.
Placenta Encapsulation
Some new parents choose to have their placentas encapsulated (dehydated, ground into a powder, and made into pills for consumption). The following birth and postpartum specialists offer placenta encapsulation. Some of the doulas listed above may also offer placenta encapsulation. Please speak with your provider about the potential risks and benefits of placentophagy.
Shalawn was a BBC Birth Assistant, a labor and post-partum doula, and a CLC. She also does placenta encapsulation!
Abby is a DONA-certified doula, Certified Thai Yoga bodywork practitioner, Certified Holistic Health Coach, and placenta encapsulator. She has provided excellent labor support for several BBC families!
Simone Toomer of Wise Womban Doula offers birth and postpartum support, education, and placenta encapsulation. As a Certified Lactation Counselor, she also offers in-home lactation support and leads a La Leche League group in Bed-Stuy.
David Chung specializes in placenta encapsulation and tincturing, and coaching in cloth diapering and elimination communication.
Bergen Lewis is a Doula as well as a placenta encapsulation specialist. She’s available for those in New Jersey as well as New York. She can be reached via email at Transparencylc@outlook or instagram.com/t-life-c.
Massage
Third Root Community Health Center
Third Root is a cooperatively-run health center in Ditmas Park. They offer acupuncture, massage, yoga, herbal medicine, and more.
Lena DeGloma offers doula services, massage, and CBE.
Amy Baker, LMT, is a former BBC patient! She offers bodywork for moms and babies.
Located in Greenwich Village, Love Child offers prenatal yoga, massage, acupuncture, and and new parent support groups.
Located in Lower Manhattan, Eileen offers prenatal massages, dharma yoga, massage therapy, reflexology and energy healing. Eileen takes most insurances including Medicaid. All Brooklyn Birthing Center clients can use promo code BBC15 to receive 15% off of services.
Yoga and Fitness
Dance and Movement
Aerial Silk Classes and Cirque-Style Training
Instructor Laura Witwer birthed at BBC! At least one other BBC mama participated in classes during her third trimester. This is a great way to stay active and embrace that pregnant body!
Yoga in Brooklyn
Third Root Community Health Center
Third Root is a cooperatively-run health center in Ditmas Park. They offer acupuncture, massage, yoga, herbal medicine, and more.
Brooklyn Yoga Collective offers affordable, sliding-scale prenatal yoga classes.
Urban Asanas offers yoga and meditation classes in Crown Heights.
Jaya Yoga offers prenatal yoga plus classes for parents and kids. This studio now has locations in Park Slope and Windsor Terrace / Kensington.
Yoga in Other Boroughs
Molly Jaffe is a movement specialist, with over 20 years-experience. She is passionate about prenatal preparation and postpartum healing and recovery including diastasis correction. She combines her trainings as a Pilates teacher and licensed movement therapist, to help mothers through all phases of pregnancy and beyond. You can learn more about Molly’s practice on her website.
Located in Greenwich Village, Love Child offers prenatal yoga, massage, acupuncture, and and new parent support groups.
IYI of NY offers a variety of prenatal and postpartum yoga classes, including classes for couples and kids.
Prenatal Yoga Center offers yoga classes and other workshops on the Upper West Side.
Harlem Yoga Studio offers affordable, donation-based prenatal yoga.
Complementary Health
Acupuncture
Suzanne uses acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine to provide holistic healthcare for all patients. With a focus on women’s health, she supports patients through all phases of life, striving to help relieve suffering and pain.
Third Root Community Health Center
Third Root is a cooperatively-run health center in Ditmas Park. They offer acupuncture, massage, yoga, herbal medicine, and more.
Mona Eldahry is a doula and acupuncturist. You can learn more about Mona’s doula work and acupuncture practice on her website.
Located in Greenwich Village, Love Child offers prenatal yoga, massage, acupuncture, and and new parent support groups.
Naturopathy, Nutrition, and Herbalism
Doctor Patricia Pimentel Selassie is a Naturopathic Doctor offering nutrition, homeopathy, and other lifestyle interventions in Brownsville.
Harriet’s Apothecary is a healing village led by the brilliance and wisdom of Black Cis Women, Queer and Trans healers, artists, health professionals, magicians, activists and ancestors.
Physical Therapy
Dr Sneha Gazi is an expert in many areas but specializes in pelvic floor health, yoga and pre/post natal health. Her web site is full of informational resources and she hosts a popular podcast.
Spear has locations all over NYC including specialists in Women’s Health. They have billing specialists to help you navigate insurance coverage, and have a whole series of pelvic floor health webinars on The Power of your Pelvic Floor Postpartum and Pregnancy available on Youtube.
MetroSports Med Physical Therapy
MetroSports specializes in pelvic floor restoration and other common postpartum issues.
Shift Integrative Medicine offers a wide range of physical and occupational therapy services. Staff physical therapists specialize in common prenatal and postpartum issues.
Michele Zezima is a Long Island City-based doctor of physical therapy specializing in prenatal and postpartum issues.
Lindsey Vestal is an occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation. She offers home visits!
Counseling and Therapy
Eleanor Yarisse is a psychotherapist who specializes in postpartum mental health and trauma. She offers virtual sessions and takes several insurances (Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, Carelon Behavioral Health, Quest Behavioral Health, BCBS of Massachusetts, Anthem BCBS, and United Healthcare). You can visit her website or Psychology Today profile for more information, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/eleanor-yarisse-long-island-city-ny/1062136.
Dr. Ruby Rhoden, is a psychotherapist in New York State, and the founder of Lavender Therapy. As a therapist, she’ll bring her authentic self through humor, energy, and creativity (including music, art, and occasional reality TV references) to provide balance, communicate hopefulness, and identify what brings you pleasure and joy. She believes in therapy that is collaborative and transparent to provide you with the tools and support needed to navigate life’s challenges and create sustainable change.
Julia is a local therapist in the area specializing in perinatal mental health as well as postpartum, women’s issues, trauma and PTSD. She offers telehealth to NYS residents and is in network with most major insurance companies, including 1199, Aetna and Cigna.
Jamie is an EMDR therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health and trauma. She is passionate about providing support and healing to mothers as they discover the best version of themselves. Jamie believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and takes the time to get to know each client and their individual needs. As a therapist, Jamie brings warmth, comfort, and sprinkles of humor.
Agape Family Therapy and Coaching
Agape Family Therapy and Coaching is women-owned practice that specializes in psychotherapy services catered to women, including support for prenatal and postpartum mental health. They believe that collaboration through Memorandums of Understanding can greatly benefit the families and individuals we serve, enhancing the holistic care that both our organizations strive to provide. By working together, we can offer comprehensive support to expecting and new mothers, addressing both their physical and mental health needs.
Mae Wellness supports women during various life phases and transitions with a focus on managing stress and anxiety, cultivating healthy relationships, and maternal mental health.
The New York Motherhood Center offers counseling, classes, and day-long treatment for pregnant and postpartum clients struggling with anxiety and depression. Infant care is provided, and parent-infant sessions are available. Insurance plans, including Medicaid, are accepted; services not covered by insurance are billed on a sliding scale.
Diana is a licensed psychotherapist with 20 years of professional experience in the field of mental health and counseling, providing in-office services in New York City and working remotely with clients located anywhere in New York State. Diana accepts Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oxford, Oscar Health, United Healthcare and Optum plans. Sliding scale cash rates are available as well. Diana is fluent in Russian and conversational Ukrainian.
This center offers a range of programs for new and expecting parents. Unique offerings include a “new mom package,” a new moms group, a new dads group, and individual and couples therapy. Some insurance plans are accepted; services not covered by insurance are billed on a sliding scale.
Brooklyn Counseling Services offers therapy and peer support groups for individuals and families. Therapists specialize in new parenthood, body image issues, sexual violence, PTSD, and more. Many insurance plans are accepted, including Medicaid managed care plans. Brooklyn Counseling Services has locations throughout Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Interborough Developmental & Consultation Center
Multiple Brooklyn locations. Laya Rothman specializes in prenatal and postpartum depression and life cycle changes.
Northwell Health Perinatal Psychiatry Services
Multiple Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County locations. Northwell Health offers a range of mental health services for new and expectant parents, individuals contemplating pregnancy, and individuals struggling with pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma, or the birth of a child with complex medical issues. Services including individual counseling, relationship counseling, parent-child bonding coaching, and more.
Upper West Side Parenting Support
Kim McGarvey and Joan Musitano work with individuals, couples, and families. Joan Musitano speaks French and Italian.
Mommy Groove Therapy & Parent Coaching
Olivia Bergeron has worked with clients for nearly twenty years and specializes in helping moms and dads who are trying to conceive, pregnant or parenting children from infancy through the teen years. She sees clients virtually in New York, New Jersey and Florida for therapy and around the world for parent coaching. Reach out for a free consultation: [email protected], 917.747.7017.
Robyn Garrett is a Prospect Heights-based psychotherapist specializing in reproductive, perinatal, and maternal / paternal mental health.
Ellen Krug offers counseling for individuals, couples, and groups, with an emphasis on pregnancy, postpartum issues, and parenting.
Elysa D. Halpern, CSW
340 East 73rd Street, New York, NY
(212) 517-8935
Sheri Winston’s Center for the Intimate Arts
Sheri Winston is a Certified Nurse-Midwife, RN, LMT, and sex counselor. She offers workshops and online classes.
Postpartum Resource Center of NY
This resource guide offers information about perinatal mental health issues, and includes a directory of mental health professionals who work with new and expecting parents.
Also see our list of postpartum doulas for postpartum support.
The Birth Injury Center provides support and resources to families that have been impacted by birth trauma. When these injuries are caused by medical errors, the Birth Injury Center can provide legal representation to help families pursue justice.
Verywell Mind is an award-winning resource for reliable, compassionate, and up-to-date information on the mental health topics that matter most to you. They are dedicated to empowering you with the trustworthy evidence-based information you need for your mental and emotional well-being.
An article to help those who have suffered a lost of a loved one.
Support and Discussion Groups
In addition to the groups listed below, there are many neighborhood-based e-mail listservs and Facebook groups for parents in NYC. These groups are often a great place to buy and sell gently-used baby items, solicit daycare recommendations, and meet new parent friends. There are also many listservs and groups for parents that share something in common- there are culturally-based groups, groups for dads, groups for single moms, groups for queer parents, groups for adoptive families, groups for parents of twins, groups for parents of kids with special needs, and much more. To find a group that meets your needs, visit the Yahoo Groups homepage and search by location and interest (example: “flatbush family” or “brooklyn parents of twins”). Try searching Google Groups, Facebook, and Meetup.com, too!
Ancient Song offers doula services, workshops, and discussion groups for new and expecting parents.
This center offers a range of programs for new and expecting parents. Unique offerings include a “new mom package,” a new moms group, a new dads group, and individual and couples therapy. Some insurance plans are accepted; services not covered by insurance are billed on a sliding scale.
This group is free and meets at the Leonard Library in Williamsburg.
Located in Greenwich Village, Love Child offers prenatal yoga, massage, acupuncture, and and new parent support groups.
Carriage House Birth is a hub for perinatal education and support services in Greenpoint. Visit their website for information about Mother’s Circle meetings.
Dan Doty website focuses on leadership and fatherhood. He offers a courses and training that can help you be the best father you can be.
Bronx Parents Group
This group meets at Margheritas Mexican Cuisine on 161st Street. E-mail [email protected] for information.
Recommended Podcasts
We think the following podcasts are generally useful for clients seeking information about pregnancy and parenting. However, this is not an endorsement of all the content in these podcasts. If something you hear contradicts what your provider told you, or if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!
A podcast for parenting FAQs with experts using evidence-based knowledge to answer questions. Episodes are 20 minutes long or shorter, covering topics during the perinatal period.
The Cord: Connection, Peace, and Empowerment in Your Birthing Year and Beyond
Recommended Websites
Not all online resources are created equal! We think the following websites are generally useful for clients seeking information about pregnancy, newborn care, or lactation. However, this is not an endorsement of all the content on any of these sites. If something you read on one of these sites contradicts what your provider told you, or if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!
At BRM®, we are also super passionate about supporting birthing people to have their best possible outcomes and create a paradigm shift in the way pregnancy and birth are treated across the globe.
Welcome Home gives new and growing families what they need most: nourishment, peace of mind, and more time to do the things they love with the people they love. Use promo code BROOKLYN10 for 10% off.
GiGi’s NYC is a grass-roots Not-for-Profit that provides therapeutic, educational, and career training programs for all ages at no cost to our participants and families. GiGi’s NYC is the only community center in New York City that specifically serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages and their families.
A guide on the 20 most common car seat mistakes, which has tips for parents and tells them everything they need to know about car seats.
This site discusses research in perinatal care, with an emphasis on low-intervention and midwifery care.
New York Statewide Breastfeeding Coalition
Information about your legal rights in New York State.
La Leche League International Resource Page
Informative articles by IBCLCs and information about peer support groups.
Evidence-based parenting and lactation information.
A website and app to help you find lactation information and local resources.
Gender-Inclusive Pregnancy Guide
This collaborative resource includes information for all genders about pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
This site discusses the need for inclusive midwifery care.
This site offers lots of great information about available birth control methods, including methods that are safe to use during the postpartum period.
A website that offers tips on how to keep baby safe at home.
A website that offers information on high-risk medical products such as Talcum Powder, other health issues and helps people take legal action if they’ve been injured.
Guide to Postpartum Depression & Addiction
Boca Recovery Center is a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health treatment program. One of the treatment that takes place at the facility is postpartum depression. Patients receive the best care, support and guidance throughout our program and beyond to achieve a lasting recovery.
An article that provides helpful information about oral health during pregnancy.
Home Visiting Programs
This program pairs visiting nurses with expectant first-time parents. Eligible parents receive home visits beginning in pregnancy and continuing through the child’s second birthday.
Resources for Working Parents
New York State Paid Family Leave Policy
Click the link above for information about New York’s Paid Family Leave policy.
Click the link above for a wealth of resources and advocacy tools for working parents.
This law practice specializes in employment law, including issues related to gender and pregnancy discrimination.
LGBTQ Resources
This site discusses the need for inclusive midwifery care.
Chiropractors
Healing Arts Chiropractic & Wellness
Dr. Crystal Gullo practice specializes in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care as well as nutrition, lactation support, acupuncture and massage therapy. Visit their new practice in Williamsburg.
Park Slope Chiropractic Family Wellness Center
This practices specializes in working with prenatal clients, including the Webster technique, which is used to encourage breech babies to turn.
Based in Park Slope, this practice offers services for prenatal clients, including the Webster technique, which is used to encourage breech babies to turn. They also offer a Birth Worker’s Wellness Happy Hour!
718-269-7813
522 3rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11215
Since 2014, Dr. Jasmine has been practicing in Brooklyn, helping patients find their way back to health from back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, shoulder pain and other common issues. As a family centered practice, we cater to the special needs of pregnancy, postpartum and our pediatric patients. We are certified in the Webster method for breech babies which helps to achieve optimal fetal positioning. The cost is $70.
Bradley Lipton, DC, CSCS
358 5th Avenue, Suite 307
415 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
285 Middle Country Road Suite LL6
Cloth Diapers
Patoo is a new cloth diaper company, owned and operated by Bex and Omar. Their first child, Athena, was born at Brooklyn Birthing Center in January of 2013! If you are interested in purchasing your own cloth diapering supplies, we suggest Patoo! Bex can be reached at [email protected].
The Green Nursery has a great selection of cloth diapers, slings, organic toys, and other baby supplies.
Cloth diapering doesn’t need to be expensive! You can purchase gently used diapers and trade up as your little one grows!
DiaperKind will supply your cloth diapers, pick up your dirty diapers, and deliver clean diapers once a week.
(718) 965-9555
Nature’s Premiere Diaper Service
Nature’s Premiere will supply your cloth diapers, pick up your dirty diapers, and deliver clean diapers once a week.
(877) 49-CLOTH
WIC Program
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a program that helps families access healthy food, nutrition counseling, lactation support, and supplies. You can apply for WIC in New York if:
- You are a New York state resident
- You are pregnant or have a child under 5
- You have Medicaid or meet other income guidelines
Please follow this link to learn more.
Licensed Daycares
You can use the NYC Childcare Connect directory to find a licensed daycare in your neighborhood! This new directory may not include all licensed facilities in your area, but it’s a good place to begin your search.
Photographers
At Your Cherish, we specialize in birth photography, maternity photography, newborn photography, doula support, and videography. Our team is dedicated and expertly trained to be present during the most significant moments. We are committed to supporting all types of births and clients, offering flexible payment plans to accommodate everyone’s needs.
Linh Sinh of Sakula Photography specializes in maternity, newborn, and family photography- and has produced some gorgeous images of BBC clients. Some of her work is on display at BBC! Please check out her website for more examples of her work. You can also see examples of her work in the rotating gallery on the Brooklyn Birthing Center homepage!
Diana Perdomo of Real Imagen was a BBC client! She also has taken some lovely photographs of our pregnant clients and their new babies- including a few of the photos featured on our website! You can see examples of her work in the rotating gallery on the Brooklyn Birthing Center homepage!
Little Dumpling Films is passionate about family, storytelling and filmmaking. Their passion drives them to help you tell your story. They help you capture your birth and newborn moments on film and photography. They believe there’s a miraculous story in every family. What can be better than actually hearing and seeing the movements and sweet sounds of your new baby or seeing your baby turn one. They want to help you capture the stories that take your breath away. Watch their stories here.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Jennifer Judkins of Birth Moments supports all families in their wish to have their child’s birth documented. She has been working as a photographer for 19 years and nothing has brought her as much joy as documenting births. She believes that having a birth photographer is a special experience. You will be able to look back at your birth and see your strength and power as well as the tender moments in those first few hours of life. It is a beautiful gift to share with your loved ones or to keep for yourself. Her work can be viewed on birthmomentsphotography.com.
Newborn Screening Brochure
Apps
Prenatal Health
Meditation
Hypnobirthing
Newborn Care
Pediatricians
Brooklyn
One Medical includes family practice doctors and pediatricians. They have several Manhattan locations, and one location in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Dr. Steven Ajl is the Medical Director of the Children’s Health Center at Brooklyn Hospital Center on Dekalb Avenue.
Several locations throughout the metro New York City area.
Manhattan
One Medical includes family practice doctors and pediatricians. They have several Manhattan locations, and one location in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Several locations throughout the metro New York City area.
Staten Island
Dr. Brian R. McMahon
125 Slosson Avenue, Staten Island, NY
Dr. Susan Zona-Obyrne
347 Edison Street, Staten Island, NY
Dr. Senya Vaynor
Brooklyn and Staten Island