Tarab: from the Arabic "to stir up", "ecstasy" or "enchantment", usually during musical performance
Taarab Birth: Birth as a musically-induced journey, which, when left undisturbed, can stir up a trance-like state, full of ecstasy and enchantment and where a deep sense of empowerment can ultimately be experienced.
Taarab Birth & Midwifery is a full-scope midwifery practice led by licensed midwife and lactation consultant, Sorayya Kassamali Rickicki, LM, CM, IBCLC. We offer personalized, holistic care throughout the reproductive journey, specializing in homebirth, lactation support, and gynecology care. We serve families throughout New York City—including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island—as well as select communities in Long Island and Westchester.
LACTATION
Compassionate, personalized lactation support throughout the five boroughs with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to help you feel confident throughout your newborn feeding journey
frequently asked questions
Can my family or friends be at my birth?
Yes! You can have anyone attend your birth at home, including parents, siblings, aunts, friends, children and pets. Everyone who is present should feel comfortable with out-of-hospital birth.
services
CHILDBIRTH
Comprehensive, individualized care in the comfort of your home during pregnancy, home birth, the postpartum and newborn period with a licensed and Certified Midwife specializing in physiologic birth
Can I have a water birth?
Yes! I have 4 tubs circulating in my practice and you are welcome to use one at no extra fee
Do you take insurance?
Although home birth in NYC is considered out of network, I work with an excellent billing company who helps you secure partial or full coverage for your homebirth, even with Medicaid plans.
I live in an apartment, can I still have a home birth?
I have attended births in apartments and homes of all shapes and sizes throughout NYC and have never found space—or overly curious neighbors—to be a significant problem. While some spaces may be too small to accommodate a birth tub, this does not mean that a homebirth is not an option. You may also want to let your neighbors know of your birth plans before the big day but most NYC neighbors tend to mind their own business
Do I need a doula if I have a midwife?
Yes, especially if this is your first birth, a birth or labor doula can be very helpful during the labor process. Sometimes the continuity of care from early labor into the active phase, when the midwife usually joins a client, can greatly improve emotional and physical discomfort.
GYNECOLOGY
Holistic, collaborative gynecologic care for every stage of life, including routine exams, contraception and family planning, menstrual concerns, and sexual and reproductive health, including fertility and IUI.
Taarab Birth & Midwifery believes in honoring the body’s innate wisdom while providing compassionate, individualized care. We believe every person deserves to feel informed, respected and empowered to make decisions about their own body and reproductive health. Our approach is holistic and collaborative, recognizing the physical, emotional, cultural, and personal dimensions of pregnancy, birth, lactation, and gynecologic care. We strive to create a space where clients feel heard, supported, and confident in their choices throughout New York City and beyond: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island and Westchester
