TeamBirth and Childbirth Family Education

When you’re having a baby, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. 

We offer a range of classes to help you and your partner learn about this experience. During childbirth, we use a patient-centered model called TeamBirth to ensure effective communication with our team. This format helps us customize your care with your preferences and needs.

TeamBirth started as a partnership between UMass Memorial Health, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Ariadne Labs (a center for health innovation). Our Medical Center adopted this innovative model, and more of our UMass Memorial facilities may use the same model in the future.

How Can Birth Planning with TeamBirth Help Me?

TeamBirth supports an ongoing birth planning process that takes into consideration:

• Your medical needs, which may change as childbirth progresses
• Cultural and personal values
• Language preference 
• Labor support options, like certain positions, breathing techniques, and physical support
• Pain management preferences
• Whether you wish to have a vaginal or cesarean birth

We document the findings from birth planning discussions on a large whiteboard in your room. This method makes it clear to every provider what your preferences are — and if they change — so you can focus on giving birth to your baby.

For more information, view our TeamBirth discussion guides. They are available in multiple languages, including: 

• English
• Albanian
• Arabic
• Portuguese
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

TeamBirth’s Positive Impact

TeamBirth at UMass Memorial has had a positive impact on the many families we serve. Seventy percent of patients who participated in the first year of our program reported that sharing their preferences made a significant difference in the care they received.
Read more about how TeamBirth is enhancing birth experiences.

The model also supports:

• Improved communication between you and your caregivers
• Better coordination of care between your providers
• Customized care based on your preferences 
• Better outcomes for you and your baby
• Improved patient experience

Childbirth Family Education

UMass Memorial is pleased to offer childbirth classes in conjunction with New England Prenatal & Family Education.

Experienced pregnancy and childbirth educators with a passion for helping expectant parents guide you through courses on topics such as: 

• Preparing for childbirth
• Breastfeeding
• Newborn care
• Infant CPR and safety

In-person childbirth classes are available at UMass Memorial Center in Worcester. We also offer virtual classes that enable you to participate from the comfort of home and on your schedule. To get more information or register, visit New England Prenatal & Family Education.