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
Healthy Start Brooklyn Childbirth Classes
Free childbirth education classes for parents who qualify for Medicaid and WIC. Classes are held at the BMS Genesis Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center on Tuesdays from noon to 2 PM, and at the East New York Diagnostic and Treatment Center on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Call Shantel Tull at 718-637-5244 or email stull@health.nyc.gov.
SUNY Downstate Expectant Family Education
Free childbirth education classes open to all expecting parents.
North Central Bronx Expectant Family Education
Free Lamaze classes and more!
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.
New York Hospital- Queens
NYHC offers a Prepared Childbirth class. At $150 for a day-long intensive course ($75 for Medicaid patients), this class is more affordable than many NYC-area CBE classes. Call (718) 670-1156 for more information.
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: hello@thebirthingplace.co (not .com)
Recommended Childbirth Educators
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 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology offers a variety of classes for new and expecting parents, including Lamaze and Hypnobirthing childbirth education classes. For a list of classes, view the web link above. For more information, call (212) 523-6222 and leave a message.
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: hello@thebirthingplace.co (not .com)
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 gammann@health.nyc.gov.
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. For information about classes, call Shantel Tull at 718-637-5244 or email stull@health.nyc.gov.
Free and Low-Cost Doula Directory
This online directory can help you find a doula who can work with your budget.
Doula Groups and Directories
This group includes labor and postpartum doulas, placenta encapsulators, and childbirth educators.
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!
Free and Low-Cost Doula Directory, Metropolitan Doula Group, and DoulaMatch.net allow you to find doulas in your area and price range.
Recommended Individual Doulas
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!
Maggie is a longtime BBC Birth Assistant and former Clinic Manager. She is a DONA-trained doula and a Certified Lactation Counselor, and placenta encapsulator!
Shalawn is a longtime BBC Birth Assistant, a labor and postpartum doula, and a Certified Lactation Consultant. She also does placenta encapsulation!
Kate Klein is a postpartum doula and educator. She is also a former BBC Birth Assistant and Medical Assistant! In addition to working as a private postpartum doula, Kate offers donation-based classes, which are designed to help expecting parents prepare to make the postpartum period a time of healing, beauty and growth.
Amber Star is a postpartum doula and the New York City outreach coordinator for Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast, a non-profit milk bank that provides donor milk to babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Amber provides postpartum doula services for all families, but her training and personal experience makes her uniquely qualified to support parents of infants who are in the NICU.
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!
Amber is a DONA-certified doula. She underwent training as a birth assistant and has attended nearly a dozen births at BBC!
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.
Wendy is a birth doula, postpartum doula, and placenta encapsulation specialist. She has worked with many BBC clients.
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.
Grace is a birth doula, postpartum doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, and holistic health coach. She offers a wide range of services for new and expecting parents. Some of her especially unique offerings include: meeting new parents when they are ready to leave the birthing facility and helping them settle in at home, in-home “New Parent, New Baby” consultations for parents and other family members, and “Ready to Go Back to Work” consultations.
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.
Winter specializes in postpartum bonding support for moms with postpartum depression and mental health issues.
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.
Courtney is a birth and postpartum doula and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) in NYC. She is deeply honored to help parents navigate the joyful highs and learning experiences of new life with a new baby.
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
Brooklyn Birthing Center’s Lactation Consultants
Lactation consultants are available by appointment at Brooklyn Birthing Center. You do not have to be a client of Brooklyn Birthing Center or Brooklyn Midwifery Group to be seen by our lactation consultants. Please call our office at (718) 336-4119 to schedule your appointment.
One of our staff IBCLCs, Jennifer Leopold, also works with The First Latch. She and her colleagues offer individual lactation education and support as well as classes and peer support groups.
La Leche League has chapters in all boroughs and throughout the greater metro area. Check here for local meetings in Brooklyn , Manhattan or Queens
Uptown Village Co-op Breastfeeding Support Group
This is a support group for parents in Washington Heights.
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.
If you are in need of donor milk, please contact one of the milk banks listed above.
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.
Maggie is a longtime BBC Birth Assistant and former Clinic Manager. She is a DONA-trained doula and a Certified Lactation Counselor, and placenta encapsulator!
Shalawn is 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!
Wendy is a birth doula, postpartum doula, and placenta encapsulation specialist. She has worked with many BBC clients.
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.
Expecting NYC offers pre-conception, prenatal, and postpartum massage.
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
Healthy Start Brooklyn’s Dancing Thru Pregnancy and Move It Mama Fitness Classes
Healthy Start Brooklyn offers free dance classes (round-trip Metrocard included!) for pregnant and postpartum clients living in Brooklyn. The simple dance routines are set to today’s hottest tunes, and are designed to provide a safe aerobic workout. Dancing Thru Pregnancy also includes stretching, relaxation, and controlled-breathing techniques, while Move It Mama features cardio andstrengthening exercises designed specifically for the pregnant & postpartum body. Babies are welcome! For more details, call Shantel Tull at 718-637-5244 or e-mail stull@health.nyc.gov.
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.
Ridgewood Yoga Studio offers low-cost yoga classes in the Ridgewood / Bushwick area.
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.
B&Y offers prenatal and kids yoga classes in upper Manhattan, including some lower-cost options.
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.
Doctor Millie Lytle is a Naturopathic Doctor and nutritionist working in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn and the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan.
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.
MRPT specializes in prenatal and postpartum concerns. Free postpartum exercise classes are offered periodically!
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
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.
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.
Jennifer Leopold, IBCLC, LMSW offers individual and couples counseling for new and expecting parents.
Olivia Bergeron, LCSW, specializes in working with individuals and couples who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or parenting. She has offices in Park Slope and Union Square. She also does home visits.
Pria Alpern, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Pria Alpern specializes in birth trauma and missed expectations regarding birth plans. She also makes home visits for new parents.
A former childbirth educator, Ellen Chuse offers individual counseling and support groups for parents healing from difficult experiences related to pregnancy and birth.
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.
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.
Mindful parenting offers workshops support groups for new and expecting parents in Fort Greene / Clinton Hill.
Carriage House Birth is a hub for perinatal education and support services in Greenpoint. Visit their website for information about Mother’s Circle meetings.
Bronx Parents Group
This group meets at Margheritas Mexican Cuisine on 161st Street. E-mail bronxparents161@gmail.com for information.
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.
CAMBA’s Healthy Families Home Visiting Program
CAMBA offers a home visiting program for new and expectant parents living in select Brooklyn zip codes.
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 online resource center includes tools and educational materials about workplace accommodations during pregnancy.
This site includes a wealth of resources related to your right to express milk after you return to work.
This law practice specializes in employment law, including issues related to gender and pregnancy discrimination.
LGBTQ 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.
Chiropractors
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!
Bloom Chiropractic is located in Park Slope and services pregnant women, individuals and families. This practice is passionate about working with prenatal clientele, collaborating with birth team professionals, and is certified in the Webster Technique for Pregnancy (developed to facilitate breech babies to turn).
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
Photographers
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!
Keetch Miller had both of her children with BBC! She specializes in maternity and newborn photography, and loves working with BBC families. Please check out her website for examples of her work.
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.
Pediatricians
Brooklyn
Dr. Aronov at Brooklyn Heights- Mount Sinai Hospital
Dr. Aronov is a Certified Lactation Consultant! She also speaks Russian!
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.
245 5th Ave at 28st Street, NY, NY
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
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 bex.taylor.1@hotmail.co.uk.
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
Queen Bee Diaper Service
Queen Bee will supply your cloth diapers, pick up your dirty diapers, and deliver clean diapers once a week.
(718) 676-0707
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.
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!
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.
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!
The Cord: Connection, Peace, and Empowerment in Your Birthing Year and Beyond