You can do this. We know you can.
It doesn't matter if you've never run a marathon. We sure haven't.
Childbirth is the great equalizer.
There are no prerequisites necessary to do this, the greatest thing ever.
You have what it takes. You were born with it.
Our History
Manhattan Birth was founded by Tanya Wills, a former-actress-turned-midwife whose entire life was turned on its head in the best way possible with the birth of her first child in 2008. Completely consumed by all things on the childbearing year, she began as a doula, and things have grown (or gotten way out of hand) from there.
“Your body will birth the baby.
It's your mind that will try to screw you.”
— tanya wills, FOUNDER
What we do
We provide classes, lactation support, doula services, and pregnancy mentoring for people who are interested in informing themselves about their choices, preparing for their labors and parenthood, being a part of a conscious community based in the realities of new parenthood, and enjoying their lives.
“Your baby will roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk -- away from you. There's nothing you can do about it.”
— tanya wills, FOUNDER
Heartfelt
We love what we do and it shows! Laughter happens often. Questions get answered. Lifetime friendships are formed. Discoveries are made. Our classes and services are founded in real holistic tradition, focusing on the whole person and family. We understand, firsthand, what a massive undertaking it is to have a baby in NYC. And we are here for you every step of the way. We are deeply committed to mentoring you through this time in your life.
“All babies have heads.”
— tanya wills, FOUNDER
Down-to-earth
While we are doing fun and important work, we realize there is no room for magical thinking about us or about birth and parenting. It is one of the realest things we know about. We know having a baby is an important rite of passage, and will squash the rest of your life like a grape. This process really matters. We do everything we can to provide you with the resources and information you need to find your way in the real world of birthing and parenting in NYC.
“{On pushing}: All the babies go back in.”
— tanya wills, FOUNDER
No-purple-crystals
Our classes offer up-to-date evidence-based information from experienced birth professionals (doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, and moms) who study the research and have attended births just about everywhere.