Stony Brook Midwifery Practice

06/08/2026

What's the difference between a midwife and a doula? Rakiya Watts, CNM, MSN, Heather Findletar Hines, DNP, CNM, and Noelle Beutler explain everything you need to know.

00:00 Opening and Introductions1:57 The journey to becoming a Midw...

06/05/2026

Best of Long Island 2027 Nominations are now open! We would greatly appreciate your nomination of us for Best Midwives. Help us win 5 years in a row! Thank you for your tremendous support! https://bit.ly/4dxnyXL

Make your Best of Long Island Health and Wellness nominations here.

06/01/2026

"Love seeing Kristen Clemens! She is an amazing midwife and I feel I can relate to her on a personal level. Her vibe and her aura are amazing. Thank you!"
-Google Review

Kristen Clemens, CM
Certified Midwife
Stony Brook Medicine
(631) 444-4686

05/27/2026

Pictured here is midwife Chris Kocis 20 years ago, practicing the same quiet art she still practices today.

Midwifery is often about patient, watchful waiting. Trusting birth. Allowing mother and baby the time and space to work together, naturally and instinctively, as they make their way toward one another.

Sometimes the most important thing we do is simply protect the process. Staying present, observant, and calm while birth unfolds exactly as it was designed to. 🤍

05/22/2026

We are proud to now offer free prenatal/childbirth education classes in Spanish! This comprehensive five-class series is designed to empower expecting parents (at least 24 weeks gestation) with knowledge and confidence as they prepare for childbirth. It will be offered on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, in our Commack office (conference room). Registration is required. https://bit.ly/49d6Z25

05/19/2026

"Absolutely one of the best providers I have ever found. Thorough, caring, honest and helpful. Even on the appointments that are unhappy news and I truly thank you for taking a minute to listen."
-Google Review

Kristen Clemens, CM
Certified Midwife
Stony Brook Medicine
(631) 444-4686

05/18/2026

Best of Long Island 2027 Nominations are now open! We would greatly appreciate your nomination of us for Best Midwives! Thank you for your tremendous support!

Make your Best of Long Island Health and Wellness nominations here.

05/14/2026

"My visit to OBGYN today was a very good experience. I was seen by Rakiya Watts and she was amazing. She listened to all my concerns and addressed each one of them with great care, compassion, and understanding. I definitely recommend seeing her if you’re looking for someone who’s willing to listen and care before they treat. I will be scheduling with her again."
-Google Review

Rakiya Watts, CNM
Director of Midwifery
Stony Brook Medicine
(631) 444-4686

05/04/2026

Had a C-section before? You’ve got options 💛

If you’ve had a prior cesarean, you may be a candidate for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Our goal is to help you understand what that actually looks like with real, evidence-based guidance.

We’re offering a free two-part VBAC class for anyone who wants clear information about birth after cesarean.

We’ll cover:
✨VBAC vs repeat C-section — risks, benefits, and candidacy
✨What to expect during a TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean)
✨Practical ways to help improve your chances of a successful VBAC

Open to patients and support people — you don’t have to be pregnant to attend.

🗓️ Starts June 2026

👉To sign up:
Visit stonybrookmedicine.edu → Childbirth Preparation & Education → VBAC course

04/30/2026

Curious about midwifery care? Join us for Meet the Midwives and meet our team in person!
🗓 WHEN
First Thursday of every month (unless it’s a holiday) 7:00–8:00 PM
📅 Next meeting: Thursday, May 7, 2026
📍 WHERE
HSC Lecture Hall 2 (Stony Brook Hospital)
Please park in the Visitor Lot and enter through the Main Entrance. Our security staff can help direct you to the lecture hall.
💬 What to expect:
• A short presentation on our midwifery care model
• Q&A with our midwives
• A tour of Triage, Labor & Delivery, and Postpartum
Whether you’re newly pregnant, planning ahead, or just exploring your options, you’re warmly invited. Bring your questions, bring your partner or a friend. We can’t wait to meet you 🤍
✨ No registration required
At this time, children are not permitted.