Risa Klein, CNM

When Risa asked during our postpartum visit if I had time to reflect on my second birth with her, I told her yes and I could only say that it was amazing. If you're looking for someone to guide you through such a memorable period of your life and leave you feeling more empowered by it all, look no further than Risa. I am so thankful to her for two amazing pregnancies, births, and everything that comes after. From nutrition to birth counseling to the perfect first latch, and the all important 4th trimester, Risa was there through it all not just for me but for my family. We love Risa and look forward to all the work she's leading to change maternal health outcomes for more families in NYC!

About two months ago Risa worked with my wife to deliver our second child. She also delivered our first child 3 years ago. She's an amazing midwife who has been with us throughout this roller coaster ride, and we couldn't be happier. As with the first pregnancy, Risa uses a holistic approach to childbirth that actually starts long before the baby is delivered. This includes nutrition, stress management, interpersonal relationships, and a wide range of other factors that impact the health of mother and baby. These aspects are often ignored by regular obstetricians, which is why we turned to Risa. Having been through two pregnancies with Risa, and having seen the results-- a natural birth with our preference and requests honored to the best extent possible-- we wholeheartedly recommend Risa. One of the most important things to me was to make sure that my wife had her needs taken care of each step of the way, especially at the hospital when things could potentially get chaotic. When my wife went into labor this time around, we were in the middle of a global covid-19 pandemic, and this meant that hospital protocols were constantly shifting. Despite the situation, we approached ‘labor day’ without stress knowing Risa would be there to guide us. Risa kept us in the loop every step of the way. When it was finally time for our son to arrive, Risa was 100% in charge of the room and did everything in a way that advocated for my wife's needs. My wife was able deliver two healthy babies under Risa's care without any interventions needed. Even after the birth, we were able to lean on Risa’s support when health issues came up - she was always very responsive, just a phone call or text message away. If you would like a natural birth with your preferences respected and your safety as your care provider's number one priority, then Risa is the midwife for you.

I transferred to Risa midway through my first pregnancy because I was looking for a different level of care and Risa did not disappoint. I got the individualized attention and education I needed as a first time mom to be. During labor, Risa did everything in her power to make sure that I achieved the kind of birth I wanted, while ensuring the well-being of baby and mom. After the birth, Risa provided the reassuring support I needed to master breastfeeding. I am now in my third trimester of my second pregnancy and could not imagine working with anyone else.

Risa saved my birthing experience. I was unhappy with my doctor and hospital, and desperately switched to Risa on the 34th week of my first baby's pregnancy. It was the best decision I made and I only wished I was with Risa from earlier on. She truly cares about the health and happiness of the mother, partner, and the baby, and shows full dedication, passion and professionalism towards supporting your journey from the day you meet her - she feels like family to us although we've only met with her a few times! Risa is extremely professional and knowledgable, and while her diet regimen for me less carbs was tough in my last weeks of pregnancy it was absolutely worth it. The birthing day was full of surprises, since while we had booked the Mt Sinai birthing center, when we rushed into the hospital with my baby already on her way out, we had to give birth in the operating room due to lack of any room openings. It seemed none of the nurses in the operating room were knowledgable of how to support a natural birth, and Risa magically put everyone's forces together to help with the process. She helped me stay calm and push through, and gave all her love and care to my baby. I feel so fortunate that Risa came into our lives and would love to work with her again if we do consider having another child!

Risa was a blessing since the moment she walked into our lives. Through two challenging pregnancies and births, we always felt comforted, safe, educated and deeply cared for. Risa's phrase, "I'm only a phone call away" and willingness to talk through any anything at anytime regardless of how busy she was, is a quality we deeply admire and feel grateful for. Her holistic care and attention to my emotional and nutritional health allowed us to feel confident and secure through both pregnancies. Risa empowered me through two natural births and I will never forget those moments we shared together. Our two beautiful boys came into this world with her love, guidance and wisdom.

Could not ask for a better midwife. Risa supported me through the entire pregnancy and was able to intuit my needs to work through trauma of my first birth with different providers. If you want a personal transformation, go with Risa.

Risa was an answer to prayer after the birth of our first child and a touch complicated recovery from a c section I knew I wanted to try for a vbac. But was having trouble locating a doctor or midwife I felt was really committed to helping me achieve my goal. After all, I had had midwives with my first daughter and after a failed induction, there was no choice but to have the section. Later under Risa’s loving care I learned that if my body isn’t even ripe for induction, I risk the chance of a c section. I could really write a long essay about how much I learned and grew under the care of risa. Stuff I never knew about my body or birthing a child. It was incredible. When I finally did go into labor 10 days after my due date risa had stripped my membranes but only after making sure I was ready for it it was nothing short of a miracle that I had my vbac. Any other dr would have just gone straight for a c section. Baby was posterior and labor was long and progressing and then regressing. But risa believed we could do it. And that we did. Still hard to believe I felt my little girls head when she was halfway out my body. A moment I will never forget. I am grateful truly grateful at having found Risa. Wish I had know her all along but it was our destiny to meet when we did and I’m forever thankful.

Dear Risa, Thank you for your patience and wholehearted support leading up to and at the lengthy delivery of our healthy baby Evan. It is an honor to work with someone so dedicated to the art of midwifery, and knowledgeable about all that it entails. From our monthly check-ups, to our weekly visits and finally at our birth, you challenged us in a way that allowed us to achieve the birth that we wanted. It was beautiful! We chose to deliver at Holy Name Hospital where you take the reigns as “director.” I remember at some point during our labor, probably 15+ hours in, that you took a moment to “meditate” on a new position so we could get the baby moving forward. You came back excited and reinvigorated. I loved that! It not only showcased your dedication and extensive training, but it also made your unique approach completely memorable. Thank you for being an outstanding midwife. You are a treasure and a birthing goddess. We are so lucky to know you. All of our love, Sarina, Len, Evan and Spencer

Stay away from this woman.