our values

manhattan birth is:

01

honest & direct

We realize there is no room for magical thinking about birth and parenting—it is one of the realest things we know. Having a baby is an important rite of passage. The process really matters. Our goal is not to strive for perfection (it doesn’t exist), but to encourage growth and support personal choice with transparency and knowledge. We are unflinching in our approach to your care, providing you with the resources and information you need to navigate the reality of birthing and parenting in NYC and beyond.

02

evidence-based

Our classes offer evidence-based information from experienced birth professionals (doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, and parents) who study the research and have attended births just about everywhere. The comprehensive offerings of Manhattan Birth will ensure no question is left unanswered —we want to equip you with the knowledge you need to move toward childbirth or start a birth work career with confidence.

03

your advocate

Your decisions are yours to make, and we are here to inform you of your options and advocate for your choices. Truly understanding your options will help you map out the ideal and unique experience you deserve. We are here to both guide and support your journey, and we promise this process is never impersonal and never judgmental. We want you to know that the experience of giving birth, parenting and working as a birth professional is not beyond you, and remind you of your strength and resilience along the way.

04

inclusive

We recognize birth work is political work. Manhattan Birth is a feminist organization. We are trans and queer competent. We are actively anti-racist. We are committed to welcoming and supporting a diverse community here in our own spaces, and we will also work to speak for members of our larger birth work community. Everyone experiencing pregnancy is welcome, every parent, everyone who wishes to become a birth professional—no matter how you identify.

Read our inclusivity statement >

05

a loving community

Manhattan Birth fosters a community of people who recognize the astounding accomplishments of body and mind throughout the path toward childbirth. We open up space for questions that may not feel comfortable in other settings, because we want the chance to learn and grow alongside one another. There is space for laughter. Discoveries are made. Lifetime friendships are formed. We understand what a massive undertaking it is to have a baby or work with parents, and we are here for you every step of the way.

join the Manhattan Birth Mentor Program

If you’re a birth worker, looking for your people, you found us! We motivate and encourage each other during our 12 month mentorship program, while creating a tight-knit, positive, uplifting community.

learn more >

Contribute to our Birth Worker Fund

Manhattan Birth mentors birth workers of varying levels of experience every year through our mentorship program. Support doulas who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIAP+ and other marginalized communities by sponsoring a partial or whole scholarship.

donate now >