Migrant mothers and mothers-to-be find support in NYC birthing circle

MANHATTAN (PIX11) -- More than a dozen migrant mothers and mothers-to-be spent their Friday afternoon huddled inside the Cuny Graduate Center in Midtown, getting a crash course in navigating motherhood in a new country. 

Jaqueline - a 20-year-old migrant from Guatemala, arrived in the US a year ago while she was pregnant. 

Her daughter is now four months old. 

"Before coming here, it was a little bit harder, and participating in the circle has helped her a lot," said Jaqueline through a translator. 

CUNY PhD candidate, migrant advocate, and mother of two Mariel Acosta started this birthing circle earlier this year.

Over the last eight months, she's formed various community partnerships to offer these struggling women prenatal and doula services, clothing, informational workshops, and even free books and library cards. 

“A lot of the families we're working with it's single mothers or mothers with other younger children. So, they lack support from their families. There's also the language barrier," said Acosta. 

This birthing circle serves as a full service for these migrant mothers and mothers-to-be. It's not just about access to donated clothing, toys, and bottles. Being here also allows them to share information and learn the ins and outs of a healthcare system that so many of us take for granted.

Maya Hernandez, a private practice doula and birthing circle volunteer, says that includes being aware of the law requiring you to have a car seat in order to leave the hospital with your new baby. 

"One area that they really have zero support in is pregnancy and birth. when you're new to this country, you don't even recognize what formula looks like or how you know what size diapers to get," said Hernandez. 

"I feel really well because I got to share with them and learn from other mothers who are more experienced," said Jacqueline. 

More than 100 women have so far taken advantage of this birthing circle, mothers on opposite ends of the spectrum of need and expertise - connecting at the intersection of health - and goodwill.