Healthy Start Brooklyn

Doulas are trained birth assistants who provide non-medical support to you and your partner before, during and after your child’s birth. The doula can answer your questions, support you emotionally and physically, and help you have a safe and satisfying experience.

Get a By My Side Doula

If you live in Central or Eastern Brooklyn (ZIP codes 11203,11206, 11207, 11208, 11212, 11213, 11221 or 11233), you may qualify for free doula services through Healthy Start Brooklyn's By My Side Birth Support Program. For more information about By My Side, complete the Request for Brooklyn Neighborhood Services form, call 844-919-1123, or email HealthyStartBrooklyn@health.nyc.gov.

If you do not live in those neighborhoods, you can still find out about free or low-cost doulas and other resources in your area.

Become a By My Side Doula

If you are a certified birth doula who would like to join the By My Side Birth Support Program, you must have attended at least 10 births to be considered.

The program also prefers doulas who live in Central or Eastern Brooklyn. There is a special need for doulas who are fluent in Spanish or Haitian Creole.

To apply, email HealthyStartBrooklyn@health.nyc.gov.

This program provides tips on how to take care of yourself while pregnant and feel your best after the baby is born. The four sessions help you learn to:

• Avoid postpartum depression and “the baby blues”
• Communicate what you need
• Manage stress
• Practice self-care

The next class starts Thursday, October 8, at 1 p.m. Register on Eventbrite. Participants must enroll by the second class.

This virtual, eight-session class series will teach you about:

• Signs and stages of labor
• Breathing and relaxation
• Breastfeeding your new baby
• How your partner can support you

Available on Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Register on the Eventbrite page. Participants can join partway through a cycle and only need to enroll for one class.

For more information, or if the class you want to enroll in is full, email HealthyStartBrooklyn@health.nyc.gov.

Family Foundations is a free nine-week program for expectant and new parents in Brooklyn. The program supports parents as they:

• Build teamwork
• Reduce stress
• Strengthen relationships

Family Foundation is open to couples and to parents who are not in a relationship with each other.

Enroll in the next cycle of Family Foundations

Eligible patients who give birth at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center can have their first postpartum checkup at home. A midwife will provide a medical exam, breastfeeding support, nutrition advice, and referrals to necessary resources.

To be eligible, new parents must:

• Give birth at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.
• Live in central or eastern Brooklyn (ZIP codes 11203,11206, 11207, 11208, 11212, 11213, 11221, 11233, or 11236).

For more information and to see if you qualify, call 718-240-8297.

The Healthy Mama House Calls program is offered through a partnership with Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.

This biweekly mental health support group is open to all parents from pregnancy through postpartum.

• Learn how to stay mentally healthy
• Explore wellness techniques
• Get peer support

Enroll in the Cultivating Grace Support Group

This program helps men maintain healthy relationships and improve their parenting skills. It also provides referrals to job training, education, financial literacy and other support services.

• Enroll in the Fathers' Group

These virtual, interactive classes teach you the skills you need to understand your child and help their development. They are open to all expectant parents, caregivers, and grandparents or parents of a child up to 3 years old.

• Bonding With Baby: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Bonding With Toddler: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

To enroll, email YGordon@cwha.org or call 929-441-7125.

Bonding With Baby and Bonding With Toddler are offered through a partnership with the Caribbean Women's Health Association.

This one-hour workshop will teach you to identify signs of postpartum anxiety and baby blues and get the support you may need to feel better.

• Learn stress and anxiety triggers
• Discuss protective tools
• Practice coping strategies with others

Second Monday of each month, noon to 1 p.m.

Enroll on the Eventbrite page or contact HealthyStartBrooklyn@health.nyc.gov

This workshop guides soon-to-be and new parents on how becoming a parent reshapes relationships, identity, routines, and their sense of self. It will provide tools for:

• Communication with partner and support system.
• Balancing responsibilities.
• Managing fatigue.
• Honoring emotional needs.

Available every second Wednesday of the month. Visit the Eventbrite page to register.

One-on-one consultations with a babywearing expert, free of cost for those on Medicaid or whose income makes them eligible. Learn about the benefits of babywearing, try on different carriers, or troubleshoot the carrier you have. Feel confident carrying your baby close.

To book your private appointment or reserve your spot in the community drop-in hours email cdi@health.nyc.gov or call 844-653-6852.

• Every second Saturday of the month, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Bedford Health Center, 485 Throop Avenue, Brooklyn

This interactive class includes hands-on demonstrations and covers topics like breathing strategies and labor positions. The class is ideal for pregnant people and their support people.

Register on Eventbrite.

• Every second Saturday of the month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Bedford Health Center, 485 Throop Avenue, Brooklyn