During birth, you are supported by your team of providers, nurses, and support people. You are at the center of this team – it is your body and your birth.

We are a TeamBirth hospital, which means the care you receive matches your preferences. One of the ways we accomplish this is through TeamBirth huddles.

TeamBirth huddles are times when your care team comes together, either in person or over the phone, to give all team members the opportunity to talk at key points in your care.

• Who: you, your provider, your nurse and your support person(s).
• What: You and your care team talk about your preferences, your care plans, and when you will huddle next.
• When: Huddles happen at admission, for decisions or changes in the plan of care, or when any team member asks for one. We encourage you and your support people to ask any of our caregivers for a huddle. If you do not feel like you can speak up for any reason, ask your support person or the team member you trust the most to help speak up for you.

Your care changes as labor goes on. Think about how your team can help you by sharing information or giving you support to feel good about changes and decisions.

• You know your body and your preferences. You have the most important voice in the room. You can choose the role you want in decision-making, but no matter your role, you should always share what you know about your body and how you are feeling with your team.
• Your nurse knows how to support you and your labor. They are by your side through most of your labor; they suggest what could be most helpful for you based on your care so far.
• Your provider knows about the pros and cons of different choices. Most of the time, providers guide the team to make decisions together, but there will be times where providers may need to make quick decisions for you or your baby’s safety.
• Your support person(s) can provide physical, emotional, and mental support, as well as help advocate for you during labor. Discuss with your support person(s) how you want them to help. If you do not know anyone who you want to support you in labor, ask your provider about who else could be there for you for your birth.

How is your labor going? How much energy do you have? What feels good for your body? What doesn’t?

• ASK: If you need your team to hear what you know about your body or share more of what they know with you: I know you see this every day, but this feels different (or frightening) for me. Can you help me understand why I am feeling this way and if there is anything we should worry about?

What matters to you in your labor? Who do you want supporting you? What will make you feel comfortable right now?

• ASK: If your preferences have changed: I feel different now, and have different preferences for my labor. What options do we have to change the care plan to match what I want now?
• ASK: If your care plan does not match with your preferences: This is important to me. Can you help me understand why this may not be possible right now?

You have the right to know all your options for care. How are you and your baby doing? What choices do you have for your care? What are the pros and cons for each one?

• ASK: If you need to be more clear about your care plan or choices: I would like more information about my choices. What are the pros and cons of this plan? What are the other choices we could consider? What would happen if we do nothing instead?
• ASK: If you want to ask for more time to labor: I am still feeling good, and I would like to keep laboring if possible. Can you help me understand the reason why you recommend delivery? Are there any options we could consider to give me more time?
• ASK: If you want to know more about what to expect next in your labor: How are my baby and I doing right now? What can I expect next? When should I be concerned?

Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! The day you take your newborn home is exciting – and probably a little scary. You’ll have lots of questions during the days and months ahead. This page contains a lot of information, but it is not meant as a substitute for professional medical care. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your care provider.

• Circle by Providence App: We encourage you to download our free parenting and pregnancy app ahead of your delivery. Before you go home from the hospital, we review the app together and share helpful and important resources.
• All about your newborn
• Children’s services 
• Parenting classes and new moms groups
• Paternity affidavit information
• Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Learn about becoming a breastmilk donor
• Learn about ordering donor breastmilk
• Birth certificate: You will receive and be asked to complete this form during your hospital stay. If you would like, you can complete this form and bring it with you to your delivery. Here are ways to order your child’s birth certificate after you return home.