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. read more

We were disappointed in our experience with Risa Klein. We had researched midwives and decided to use Risa after reviewing her website, including the testimonials that are purportedly from past customers. Because Risa is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital (her office is right beside the hospital), we had our daughter there, even though we live literally across the street from a hospital on the West Side. My wife visited Risa once a week during the pregnancy, which was my wife's first, and she trusted her. Everything seemed fine: Risa of course said she would be there for the birth, and in all of these weeks there was never any talk of her not showing up. My wife saw Risa on her due date, a Thursday, and Risa never mentioned that if my wife started labor over the weekend, that she would not deliver our child. However, when my wife did start labor during the day on Saturday, only two days after seeing Risa, Risa said she was getting ready to have dinner with her mother and wasn't available. The next day, Sunday, we were in the hospital in labor the entire day, and yet again, Risa said she was too busy with her mother and couldn't visit us. She sent another person instead, someone we had never met before, who Risa had never mentioned before, that is not on her website--which makes it seem like Risa is the only midwife--and who had never even been to Lenox Hill Hospital before (!). Risa wasn't even that interested in talking to us on the phone: it was like pulling teeth to get Risa to talk to my wife for two minutes late Sunday evening. My wife ended up having a c-section that Monday, and even on Monday Risa was apparently still too busy to visit my wife, her client. After our daughter was born and we were staying in the hospital, Risa could not even be bothered to leave her office to walk down the street to check in on us. We never had any indication we were suddenly going to be dropped, and to our knowledge there was no conflict. (My wife is the sweetest person in the world and enjoyed her visits with Risa, which made Risa deciding not to be there for her first childbirth that much harder). It's slightly depressing reading all of these testimonials from folks who Risa deemed worthy to attend their child's birth. If she didn't deem us worthy, she should have told us before the day arrived so we could have made alternative arrangements. After all, if a midwife is not going to be there for the birth, then what is the midwife for? read more

I cannot praise you enough, Risa. You have been an incredible supporter and a fantastic coach, who was with me every step of the way during my pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum (Gave Birth To A Healthy Baby Boy on 2/5/23). From day one, I felt supported and, most of all, seen and heard. Your warm and positive energy comforted and reassured me that I was in good hands. From the very first day I walked into your practice, you have instilled me with confidence and kept me calm leading up to childbirth. Moreover, what I admire the most is your competence, professionalism and ability to be incredibly patient, answering all my questions and never making me feel like I was asking too much. You made sure I knew what to expect every step of the way and helped me make informed decisions. I could see that you genuinely cared for me and my baby and the passion for what you do was evident in every interaction. Overall, Risa was a phenomenal midwife. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a compassionate, caring, and experienced midwife. Heru-Mushie says, "thank you for everything" and can't wait for you to experience his future milestones. Much Love, The Mitchell's read more

We are so indebted to Risa Klein for a happy and healthy pregnancy and labor. My husband and I switched our care to Risa when I was 17 weeks pregnant. I was going to be 36 years old when I gave birth to my first child. I loved being pregnant, learned so much from Risa, and had the vaginal delivery as I had hoped. Risa took such good care of us from day one. She coached us on nutrition, we had great discussions on exercise because I'm very active (I continued strength training all throughout my pregnancy), and she led us through important topics that continue to be relevant as our little one begins to enter her toddler years. Risa is knowledgeable, professional, passionate, caring, funny, and just all around wonderful. It was a joy to see her each week. I'm so happy that our family had her as one of our first medical advocates. I continue to recommend her to family and friends. read more

I was referred to this practice and wanted to transfer from my current midwifery practice (which is now 50 miles from my house). Upon sending medical records I was told that they couldn't take me on as a patient. When I asked why I was told they couldn't see patients past 20 weeks which looking at previous reviews was obviously a lie. I was then told that the medical director and Risa said that I was too overweight for them to have me as a patient and that I needed to see someone high risk. I have been to a high risk specialist (due to a complication at the beginning of my pregnancy- not due to weight) and was told I didn't need to see a high risk OB. Hence me already being apart of a midwifery practice. If you are going to treat (potential) patients like that, you don't need to be in practice. I have a family member who works for the NYSDOH and I will be filing a complaint with them, the BBB and Northwell. Maybe this practice will learn to be kind to people who are interested in their practice and will tread lightly with the next person who isn't up to their standards. read more

Risa I switched from the Northwell Health OBGYN clinic to the Northwell Health midwifery practice and gave birth at Lenox Hill. I switched because of Risa, her dedication, magic and reputation as the baby turner. As a first-time parent I wanted to ensure my baby's birth would be as safe as possible, to give him the best start in life, and dreaded the idea of any complications which often lead to interventions. I knew having a modwife would save us from unnecessary medical interventions and I researched the best midwife in Manhattan, being Risa. I already knew Risa prior to the birth years ago and even got some doula experience with her. I knew she was the best; the joy and confidence she brings to your birth experience, the in-depth and holistic knowledge and care, and her dedication to her mamas. I literally switched my job to get the right insurance that covered midwifery care, to work with her! My gut feeling told me I needed this for my son. It couldn't have been more true-as soon as I switched over to having a midwife I had more thorough care and personalized experience. Risa helped me realize what changes I needed to make, showed concern for me in ALL aspects of life, helped catch an infection I didn't know k had and ...helped get the baby in a better position and be born safely at the birth. She managed to also calm us down at every turn when we had scares, educated us and made the experience positive. She was supportive of any choices I made regarding the birth! In fact, I nostalgically look back at my pregnancy and my interactions with Risa and the phenomenal modwives she hired. Her influence at Mt Sinai hospital is felt, and I would pick the exact same midwife and hospital for my next! From the bottom of my heart, I recommend giving birth at Lenox Hill with Risa's midwifery care! Go with the best! read more

I have worked with Risa and many of her clients for years. Rarely have I found a professional with such a high level of integrity and professionalism. She is experienced, knowledgeable and deeply cares about the well being of her patients. Risa is a rare gem of a midwife. You'll be happy and well cared for. read more

I transferred to Risa a little over halfway through my pregnancy because I wanted more individualized care, more time at appointments, and attention paid to things like my nutrition, mental health and lifestyle. I got all of that and so much more. I ran into some complications toward the end of my pregnancy and I know that if I had been with a traditional OB, things would have gone very differently. Risa listened to my concerns, helped me understand what was happening, and supported how I was feeling. She was available any time I needed her, which was such a blessing in my first pregnancy -- I had a LOT of questions. With her comprehensive approach, though I did end up needing a C-section (stubborn breech baby that wouldn't turn), I still got the birth experience that I wanted. I really don't know how I would have done it without her. read more

I connected with Risa at around 32 weeks after my OBGYN's office shut down. When seeking another provider, I was faced with a choice of another OB or a midwife. I was also seeking a provider that was covered by my insurance and would support fully my choice to have a vaginal delivery after cesarean (VBAC). Risa did not disappoint. Largely because of her support, I was able to deliver my son vaginally, with minimal complications. Echoing many of the reviews here - Risa is very detailed and approaches care quite holistically. Nutrition, lifestyle will be part of your conversations at each meeting. I also appreciated the time she spent answering my many questions. I highly recommend Risa! To those who were concerned about costs, please do check with her to see whether your insurance will cover or defray your costs. read more

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. read more

My husband and I found Risa after being with a couple of OBs and trying desperately to find a midwife that delivered at Mount Sinai West. We transferred our care to her at 32 weeks and it was one of the best choices we did for our pregnancy. Risa is thorough, dedicated and hilarious. From our first meeting she managed to put us at ease, review my history and my diet and make us laugh with great stories. I transferred to her with a belly measuring under my time and a baby that was breach. She reviewed my diet, got me eating protein, scheduled me with a chiropractor and within two weeks baby had turned! We also were her first delivery at the hospital during COVID-19. Rosa was there every step of the way, giving us the latest up to date information, making sure I was staying calm and positive despite all the uncertainty and welcomed us at the Labor and Delivery floor for the birth of our baby. One of my favorite things working with her was filling out the birth questions. It was a great opportunity for me to bring together all I was feeling and everything I had learned to really picture the birth experience I wanted and the kind of mother I want to be. When I thought I no longer could do it, couldn't push, couldn't get the baby to come out, Risa brought me back to those questions, to that vision and found the words to help find my way back to my body. I could keep going on and on but all I can say is my only regret is finding her so late in my pregnancy. read more

Risa is so intuitive and understood exactly the type of support I needed after have a traumatic first birth experience with a different provider. We brought baby #2 into the world during COVID chaos and it was still a phenomenal birth story thanks to Risa's wisdom and guidance. read more

Risa Klein delivered our baby for my wife, the worst life experience ever. She forgot her allergy and medical condition and applied wrong med. my wife got tons of allergic reaction post delivery. she was not focusing on baby mum bonding, and did not recommend hospital grade pumping early enough in the Lactation process. We regretted using her, although we should have listened to our natural labor class instructor to stay away from her. Midwife community in nyc is very small. Ask around so that you don't make mistake like we did. read more

The best midwife I could have asked for. I am truly convinced that the Universe put Risa in my life 10 years before I even thought about conceiving. She delivered both of my best friend's children (home birth). I attended the birth of the first one, at the time I was still in college but from that moment I remember thinking that if I ever had a baby I wanted to receive similar care to the one my best friend received. Fast forward 10 years, I was on Mount Sinai West's website for the Birthing Center looking at the list of midwives who deliver there and came across Risa's name. My heart immediately lit up, I knew it was meant to be. Although I interviewed multiple midwives, Risa was the perfect fit for our family. She's loving (albeit it was tough love sometimes, when necessary), caring, extremely knowledgeable, and very transparent about her practice. Every single exam that I needed, every diet tweak that she recommended, she always took the time to explain all the reasons why I needed (or didn't need) something. From the moment I transferred to her, at 20 weeks gestation, I felt like I gained agency and had an active role in my pregnancy. I truly had the most magical birthing experience and Risa was a huge factor, she was my advocate throughout the entire process. We had a healthy 9lb 6oz full term baby boy and not for a second did I doubt that I would be able to do it naturally. She also gave me great advice and information on breastfeeding, and took time to bring me back to center when I was on the verge of a meltdown during my first few days as a new mom. I honestly cannot thank her enough and when the time comes to have another baby, I'll be working with Risa again for sure! read more

Risa is a birthing guru. We used Risa for both of our children's births, and both experiences were something we will always remember. Both times she prevented C-Sections from occurring using tricks you'd never imagine. She really is something special, and I'd highly recommend her to anyone looking for a natural birth (which I'd always recommend)! Thanks Risa! read more

Fantastic midwife, definitely recommended. She is a highly personable and skilled midwife, I would definitely use her again if we had another. I thoroughly enjoyed every appointment and she put me completely at ease. The birth didn't go entirely as planned as we had a few issues but it was entirely down to Risa that I didn't have to have a C section and I'm very grateful for that :) read more