In 1964 Roosevelt Hospital became the first voluntary hospital in the United States to employ nurse midwives. At the time, there were less than 500 nurse midwives in the country. The midwives worked along with interns and residents to provide care for women in prenatal clinics and at their deliveries.

In 1974, the midwives at Roosevelt Hospital pioneered the first autonomous private midwifery service in the United States, a radical idea at the time. The private practice grew rapidly and both supported and initiated many trends which were the forerunners of maternity care today such as rooming-in, birthing rooms, full participation of family members at birth, and fathers presence during cesearian births.

In 1984, the private midwifery practice evolved to become Midwifery Services, Inc. which continues to provide sensitive maternity care to women throughout the child bearing year, and well-woman gynecological care to an increasing number of women.

In 1996 with the full support and effort of Midwifery Services, Inc., Roosevelt Hospital became the first hospital in New York City to establish an in-hospital birth center which has again shown that consumers will embrace a service that provides safe, sensitive care.

Over the thirty (30) years midwives at St. Luke's- Roosevelt Hospital have attended more than 12,000 births and are now starting the second generation of care for many families. We welcome you to join us!!