What does Realbirth do?
Realbirth provides pregnancy information sessions, childbirth education classes, breastfeeding classes, newborn care classes, infant safety and CPR classes, infant massage, breastfeeding clinics, new mothers groups, postpartum depression help, labor doulas, prenatal and postpartum yoga, baby and me activities, dads workshops, twin childbirth classes and twin breastfeeding group, adoptive parent newborn care, workshops for moms going back to (paid) work as well as eco-friendly baby and parenting products brought to you by our store, Bump to Baby. In fact, we do just that, get you from bump to baby... and beyond!

How long have you been around?
Realbirth opened in December 2003. We expanded into Brooklyn in April 2006, and then opened our second Manhattan location in June 2007.

Why are your childbirth classes longer and more costly than others?
We believe that Realbirth's childbirth classes are the most comprehensive education sessions available in Manhattan. Childbirth may just be one day of your life but it is often one of the most physically and emotionally challenging days of your life. Since it is a day you will remember forever, we at Realbirth want to make sure you have as much information as possible to make the experience as rewarding and respectful as possible. We believe that how you step into parenthood and how you are cared for during that process is profound. By being given as many choices and options, we believe that you will feel strengthened by the experience, and feel fully part of the decision making that happens during an intensely vulnerable event.

Why don't you advertise more?
We would prefer to keep the cost of our classes low and make the center more accessible for all. Word of mouth is by far our most effective form of advertising - we do good work, and people pass on the message to their friends and colleagues. Doctors, midwives, doulas and pediatricians also refer many of our clients to us.

What's your "agenda"?
We want to support mothers and babies having the best possible birth experience, and that women feel respected throughout the whole process. We want to support families in what is a powerful and rewarding transition period in their lives. And we would love to see parents taking an ecologically friendly approach to parenting, and as such make the planet healthier for their kids. Above everything else, we want to play our part in creating happy healthy families.

Why the eco-friendly emphasis?
It's so important that we all take responsibility for our part in the preserving of the environment, at a time when it is under considerable threat. We want to create a resource where parents know that their purchases aren't doing damage to the planet, and are coming from sustainable resources. You are taking care of your baby, and taking care of your planet for your baby as well.

Are you a non-profit?
We're a business, but one that aims to give something back to the community in which it operates. The center was specifically designed to have classes and support groups which are vital, but which cannot necessarily support themselves commercially. Its why parenting education and support group centers aren't a dime a dozen. We thank you for your support.