Family-Centered Childbirth

When it comes to your child's birth, your satisfaction with the experience matters deeply to us. This is why UMass Memorial Health uses research-based methods and provides special services to support family-centered childbirth. Our offerings make it easier for you and your loved ones to focus on the joy of welcoming a new baby.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, having your baby at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester provides access to additional experts and resources you may need.

Childbirth Services That Put Your Family at the Center

UMass Memorial Medical Center welcomes over five thousand babies into the world each year — more than any other hospital in Central Massachusetts. Other UMass Memorial locations also maintain a high birth volume. This depth of experience enables us to tailor labor and delivery services to your family’s unique needs.

Family Education

You receive helpful information about labor, delivery and the postpartum period through family education classes. We also teach you about TeamBirth, our program for enhancing communication between families and providers. When the big day comes, you’ll know precisely what to expect and how we work with you to ensure a positive experience. Explore TeamBirth and childbirth family education.

Labor and Delivery

Our birthing centers have the staff, expertise and services you need. Compassionate nurses and obstetricians are available around the clock, as are anesthesiologists who provide pain relief. All providers use the latest techniques ensuring you receive high-quality labor and delivery care. You stay in a private birthing suite with your own bathroom.

Our rooms provide ample space and furnishings for your support person and baby to "room-in" during your entire stay. This allows for bonding and continuous support during this vital time.

Breastfeeding (Lactation) Services

Certified lactation consultants help you meet your breastfeeding goals. We provide personalized assistance at your bedside, including help finding comfortable positions for you and your baby. Consultants also assist you in accessing equipment such as the right breast pump for your needs. Get more information about our breastfeeding (lactation) services.

Specialized Childbirth and Postpartum Services

UMass Memorial’s specialized services provide additional options for tailoring your experience and helping you and your newborn achieve excellent outcomes. Offerings include:

Doula Program

We understand that pregnancy and childbirth are important life events that require a lot of care and support. We also know that research shows working with an experienced doula can reduce your risk of complications. That’s why we believe in the role of doulas and why we started the UMass Memorial Medical Center Doula Program. Find out more about our Doula Program.

At-Home Cesarean Delivery Recovery Care

Hospital at Home is an innovative program that provides you with hospital-level care at home. This service helps eligible patients who have had a cesarean birth leave when they feel ready and are medically safe to do so.  We check in regularly with you through in-person visits and telehealth technologies to ensure your continued safety and comfort. Read more about Hospital at Home for Postpartum Care.

Advanced Care for Newborns

If there is a known or suspected issue affecting your newborn, help from UMass Memorial Medical Center — Children's Medical Center is easily accessible. Our program is home to the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Trusted pediatric specialists and skilled nurses provide around-the-clock care to premature infants and sick babies.

Immediate Care for Severe Adult Complications

Severe complications during and after childbirth are rare. When they do happen, UMass Memorial coordinates support from intensive care providers at a moment’s notice. Doctors and nurses from the Critical Care Unit at UMass Memorial Medical Center provide these services.

Umbilical Cord Blood Donation

Our researchers are using umbilical cord blood to learn more about certain diseases. We are also exploring methods that use these cells to help save lives.

Cord blood donation isn’t harmful to the parent or child, and there is no cost to you or your family. Participation is optional. If you wish to donate, after your baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, we take a sample of the discarded blood from the placenta and send it to the research team. Explore women’s health research, innovation and leadership.

Nationally Recognized Labor and Delivery Services

You can breathe a little easier knowing you and your baby are under the care of a nationally recognized pregnancy and childbirth program. Many UMass Memorial locations have earned prestigious designation from organizations like U.S. News & World Report and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

We maintain distinctions for excellence in childbirth services because we:

• Are capable of managing all pregnancies, including those with a high risk of complications
• Have a large and experienced nursing staff providing attentive, evidence-based labor and delivery care
• Maintain excellent outcomes for low-risk and high-risk deliveries
• Offer critical care services for pregnant people and newborns
• Consistently achieve excellent scores on patient experience surveys