A newborn baby in the Labour and Delivery Unit of Bellevue Hospital in New York City.
Alecia in labour at home in New York City. Alecia and her husband, Josh had planned for a home birth and installed a birthing tub in the living room of their apartment because the warmth and buoyancy of the water can provide relief from the intensity of contractions.
Midwife Cara Muhlhahn examines her client, Leigh during a prenatal visit in the home.
Midwife Miriam Schwartzchild examines a newborn baby following his birth at home in New York City.
Alana is monitored while in labor with her first child at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City. The hospital closed its doors in April 2010 due to serious debt after providing medical care in the West Village for over 160 years.
Alecia cries out as the head of her baby emerges with the guidance of her midwife Miriam Schwartzchild, with her husband Josh Scharback looking on.
Leigh sits in a birthing tub at home while in early labor with her first child with her husband Taro at her side.
Greg cuts the umbilical cord of his newborn daughter following her birth at home in New York City.
Leigh is supported by her doula Jenna, husband Taro, and midwife Cara during labor at home.
Monica breastfeeds her son Liam following his birth at home in New York City. Monica's husband Brad, mother and two sisters were also present for the birth in addition to their midwife, Cara.
Alecia is supported by her husband Josh during labour.
Valerie recuperates in the Postpartum Unit of Bellevue Hospital following the cesarean birth of her first son.
Monica Eleazar holds her son Liam for the first time following his birth at home.
Alecia holds her son minutes after he is born at home in a birthing tub in New York City.
Leigh looks on while her midwife Cara examines the placenta following the birth of her son at home. It is important to insure that the placenta is in tact because any residual pieces left inside the mother can result in serious infection.
A newborn covered in vernix at birth. The waxy substance has many benefits including lubricating the birth canal, helping to regulate the baby’s temperature, and moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
Sita swims at the Riverbank State Park Public Pool in New York City. Sita is 9 months pregnant with her first child.