Childbirth Center

Please click HERE for the latest policies on visiting the Childbirth Center and the Ob-Gyn & Midwifery practices.

You can now tour the Childbirth Center virtually. Join us on a tour!

Giving birth to a child is an intensely personal experience. We feel privileged that you have chosen – or that you are considering – the Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson for this important milestone in your life. Whether you’re expecting a child or simply planning ahead for a pregnancy, we look forward to meeting you. Our team of obstetrician-gynecologists, nurses, pediatricians, certified nurse midwives and support staff are compassionate and nurturing. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to care for you at this time.

We understand that every person preparing for childbirth brings with them a unique set of experiences, values and goals. That’s why we strongly encourage you to take an active role in making decisions about your birthing experience. From creating a birth plan to determining the care for your new baby, your voice will be heard.

Our patients appreciate our flexibility and commitment to high-quality care: The Childbirth Center earned first place in the category of Best Birthing Center in Valley Advocate‘s annual readers’ poll from 2016-2021, and again in 2023!

It all starts with your care team

As part of our philosophy of providing options in childbirth, you have a choice of seeing physicians or midwives for your care.

At your first prenatal appointment, you will be asked to select which group you’d like to see throughout your pregnancy. While you may meet only one group during your pregnancy, each member of our team is involved in your care. We work collaboratively to review your options, determine a plan that is best for you and your baby, and ensure your safety and satisfaction.

We’re waiting for you

Upon your arrival at the Childbirth Center to deliver your baby, our team will welcome you and your partner or support person. The maternity nursing staff provides a reassuring presence and helps ensure your needs are met. Throughout your stay, your nurse will connect you with important resources as you go through labor and delivery and learn to care for your infant.

Starting your new life together

We strongly encourage quiet time so your new family can get to know each other, including skin-to-skin cuddling and early breastfeeding. In-house board certified pediatricians are available 24 hours a day if your baby needs extra medical attention. Ask us about options for cord blood banking and/or donation.

After this initial recovery time, your nurse will continue to encourage that your baby stay with you, unless a medical need arises. Nurses who specialize in maternal newborn care and support are a great resource as you and your baby get to know each other. Board certified lactation consultants are available seven days a week for breastfeeding guidance.

During the rest of your stay with us, our nurses will educate you on everything from the safest sleep positions to how to hold, calm, diaper, dress and bathe your baby. Before you go home, your newborn will be given a thorough medical examination, including a hearing screening, jaundice check and newborn metabolic screening.

FAMILY STORIES: Heather, Jason & Chasen

The Goodhinds—Heather and Jason— chose the Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson for the birth of their first child in late 2017. Heather says she has always been a person who wants to give back to her community and trust in the services that are provided locally.

“We live in Hadley. We want to use the resources we have here,” said Heather, whose husband’s family has farmed the fields of Hadley for four generations and counting. “I think it’s important to trust.” Even before getting pregnant, Heather knew she wanted the nurse midwives to deliver their baby. She says she believes in Cooley Dickinson for a few reasons. “I have worked at Cooley Dickinson since 2016. During my time there, I have always been inspired by my co-workers and knew I could entrust them to care for me during one of most important times in my life.” For the Goodhinds, this proved to be true when Heather’s pregnancy and care became challenging.

Heather and Jason went through the requisite prenatal education and felt prepared. At her first appointment, midwife Amy Richane told Heather about group classes for prenatal care. “We attended those classes and got to meet so many people who were due around the same time,” said Heather. “It was neat to talk to other people who were going through the same things we were.”

Heather’s pregnancy progressed; she and Jason had a birth plan and thought they knew what to expect. Yet things changed when Heather went to a routine appointment. An elevated blood pressure reading concerned Annie Heath, Heather’s midwife. When the time came to deliver, continued complications meant Heather’s care team recommended a cesarean section.

While the medical team assembled, Heather stayed focused with support from her nurses. Already exhausted, hungry and “a bit blurry,” Heather relied on her nurse support team. “Elaine held me the entire time. I was not sure what to expect and was so nervous, but I could tell Elaine had done this before and I felt safe.”

“My daytime nurse, Tammie, was more amazing than words can describe. She was with me at my most vulnerable point after the procedure. Later, when we were in the early breastfeeding stages, she helped us. She touched our lives and I will never forget the care she gave my family and me.”

 A Full-Circle Experience

Recently, Heather and Jason returned to the Childbirth Center, with their son Chasen, to meet their new nephew and baby Chasen’s new cousin. “Just to see the nurses again; it was full circle for us,” Heather noted.

“Even though this was a tough situation for us as new parents, everyone always made sure we knew what to expect. From beginning to end, the information and support that were offered were excellent and just amazing.”

In the meantime, if expanding their family is in their future, Heather and Jason stand by their first choice. “We would return to the midwives and the Childbirth Center again and again, without a doubt!