The New Space for Women’s Health is improving the quality of health care for all women in New York City by establishing an independent, freestanding center for birth, breastfeeding, and women’s health care, opening in midtown Manhattan in early 2011. Safe, Healthy, Inclusive, Sustainable. We say it’s time for a change. For more information, contact Rebecca Benghiat at becca [at] newspacenyc.org

Rebecca Hankin Benghiat is the executive director of the New Space for Women’s Health, an organization opening the only comprehensive, independent birth and women’s health center in New York City. At the New Space, midwives, mental health professionals, family educators and a community of other professionals will provide over 20,000 women and families each year with prenatal, birth, and postpartum care; childbirth education; breastfeeding support; gynecological services; and social work and psychiatric care. Through alternative liability insurance structures, transparent pricing and evidence-based protocols, the New Space’s “low tech, high touch” model is fundamentally changing health care delivery, reducing costs, and improving health outcomes for mothers and babies. An attorney by training, and a mom to her 3-year-old daughter, Rebecca gives an inside look at the professional and personal challenges, victories and surprises on the road to a 2011 opening.