“There are some things that just can’t be taught in a general class setting. Each mother, each family and each birth location is truly unique. I’m not just teaching a class – I’m having a conversation with a family who will be entering a new chapter in their lives. I’m learning what their goals are and coaching them on what to expect from the moment their labor begins. We want the connection between the physician/midwife, doula, nurses, mother and partner to be an organic one.” – Kayann

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Prior to establishing Childbirth Now, Kayann Stephens worked alongside NYC’s leading obstetricians and midwives to support the birth experiences of families throughout the city. With over 17 years of experience in labor and delivery, having personally managed and assisted over 8,000 births, Kayann now serves as a clinical expert in birth preparation, labor management and postpartum education.

Kayann started her practice in labor and delivery at Mount Sinai West (formerly St. Luke’s-Roosevelt) in NYC where she also provided birth education courses at the request of various physicians and midwives. Kayann continued to develop her maternal courses during the 7 years she worked managing the nursing unit and maternity suite for NYP-Presbyterian Hospital. During her tenure at Mount Sinai West and NYP, Kayann realized that mothers and families had a general understanding of the birthing process, having taken a childbirth course prior to their arrival. However, many seemed overwhelmed when faced with the unexpected yet necessary standard practices of the hospital or birthing center.

Using her experience in balancing the needs of laboring mothers with the standard practices of OB’s, midwives and nurses, Kayann is able to incorporate the politics and nuances of various birth settings (including homebirth options) in her childbirth courses. Kayann developed Childbirth Now to become a platform for expecting families to understand childbirth in alignment with all parties involved.

“Understanding the unique culture and common practices of the birth location is a crucial part of any maternal education initiative. I want my courses to represent the ‘ins and outs’ of the entire childbirth experience – from pregnancy, to labor to postpartum happiness.”

Next Steps…

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