The arrival of a first baby is an exciting occasion—but it also can be fraught with anxiety. To help ease the concerns of parents-to-be, NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn has launched a new and free program on what to expect when having a baby at the hospital.

Ready, Set, Baby! is a one-hour introduction to hospital facilities, services, and practices. Led by experienced nurses, participants review each step, from arrival to discharge, detailing the entire birthing experience. An additional half hour is devoted to answering questions from attendees.

“Patients and their families want to feel secure that they are in good hands,” says Ming C. Tsai, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. “The goal of our entire team is to provide the best care in a safe environment, with sensitivity to the cultural values and beliefs of our patients.”

NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn delivers several thousand babies annually and its reputation and popularity are growing, with an additional 1,000 deliveries projected this year. With Ready, Set, Baby!, the hospital is able to provide a virtual tour of its facilities to a large group while also protecting the privacy of patients.

“We encourage participants to attend Ready, Set, Baby! as soon as the end of the first trimester,” says Shira Samet, RN, who works in labor and delivery, and is one of the program presenters. “We go over preparations to facilitate admission, questions to discuss beforehand with their obstetrician, and the available birthing options.”

While almost everyone has access to the internet’s vast repository, information obtained online is not always accurate, according to Samet. In contrast, Ready, Set, Baby! is a program built around objective, evidence-based information available at no cost to prospective parents.

“Safety is a primary concern. We try to allay fears and help patients gain confidence in their natural ability to give birth and accommodate their baby’s needs, including breastfeeding,” says Noreen Connolly, RN, who works in the nursery. “It was particularly gratifying when I overheard a new mother repeat some of the very words I used during the class about safety precautions for babies.”

“To address the specific needs of our patients in Brooklyn, we also offer for Ready, Set, Baby! in Spanish, and preparations are underway for sessions in Chinese, Arabic, and Russian,” says Paulina Koudellou, assistant vice president of hospital operations, women and children's services, at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. Tricia Narcisse, RN, nurse manager of the mother baby unit, is recruiting staff who can lead the virtual tour in these languages.

“NYU Langone Health’s world-class, top-quality services are available across the entire system. By utilizing proven best practices, we provide outstanding obstetrical care and other services to meet the needs of families,” says Dr. Tsai.

Ready, Set, Baby! is one of the many classes offered for new and expecting parents by NYU Langone.

Media Inquiries

Colin DeVries
Phone: 718-630-7414
colin.devries@nyumc.org