In 2001 BirthFocus was founded – in partnership – with Beth Israel Medical Center in an effort to create a hospital based doula program which would allow women to have more access to doulas and to meet them collectively in a supported professional environment.

This goal continues to be achieved through our wonderful community partnerships in NYC.  Our partners are crucial in allowing us to interface with expecting couples on a regular basis and to educate the NYC community about the benefits of having a doula during birth and beyond.  We continue to be grateful for each of our partners and highly recommend their services to all!

Our Community Partners

Beth Israel Medical Center

  • “Eat, Drink, DOULA” – First Wednesday of each month (6:30-8pm)
  • Breastfeeding Cafe and ongoing breastfeeding support from IBCLC’s
  • Lamaze Childbirth Education Classes
  • Newborn Care Classes

The Museum of Motherhood (M.O.M.) 

  • “Eat, Drink, DOULA” – Second Thursday of each month (6:30-8pm)
  • Baby Groups, Family Programming, Play Space
  • Ongoing “Meet the Expert” series
  • Community Theatre and Ongoing Conferences

Kids at Work

  • “Eat, Drink, DOULA” – Fourth Tuesday of each month (6:30-8pm)
  • Infant and Toddler development classes, open play, play group for infants to five year olds
  • Birthday Parties and Music lessons
  • Pre-natal Programming including BirthFocus’ Freedom to Birth and Birth Empowerment Circles

**See Resources for Midwives/OBGYN’s with whom we closely work**

Attending births is like growing roses. You have to marvel at the ones that just open up and bloom at the first kiss of the sun but you wouldn’t dream of pulling open the petals of the tightly closed buds and forcing them to blossom to your time line.
~ Gloria Lemay