Our experienced physicians, midwives and nurses provide exceptional care and support before, during and after pregnancy.
Birthing Center Services
Having a baby is a special experience. As a parent-to-be, it’s important to choose a medical team that supports you and respects your birthing goals and preferences.
At Porter Birthing Center, a large community of dedicated, experienced health care professionals — including labor and delivery nurses, certified nurse-midwives, obstetricians, family practice physicians and others — provide expert, compassionate care for birthing parents and their families during labor and childbirth.
Labor & Delivery
Our physicians and nurse-midwives offer a safe, gentle approach to care. We support all labor and delivery choices and encourage you to share your birth plan with your care team so we can help you create the birth experience you hope for, even in the presence of risk factors or complications.
Our providers recommend vaginal birth whenever possible, because it is safest for you and your baby. We support both medicated and unmedicated vaginal births. We also offer:
Cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby. It is typically an option when vaginal birth is not recommended or is associated with higher risks. C-sections may be planned, or they may be needed during labor if complications arise.
Whether you have a scheduled or unscheduled cesarean section, we provide you with expert care and work to create a positive birth experience for you and your family. Our goal is to keep the baby with you in the operating room, and we encourage skin-to-skin contact.
Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) means delivering your baby through the birth canal after you had a cesarean section (C-section) for a previous birth. VBAC is often safe, but it does have some risks. Your provider will help you determine if VBAC is right for you.
A water birth is the delivery of a baby while in a tub or pool of warm water. Deep, warm water can help soothe and relax a person in labor and facilitate the birthing process.
Midwifery
Midwives provide comprehensive pregnancy and gynecologic care for low-risk pregnancies, and partner with physician colleagues to care for high-risk pregnancies. These highly trained professionals offer a holistic approach to care that supports the use of natural treatments whenever possible.
Breastfeeding Support
We offer comprehensive lactation services to help you become the expert on feeding your baby. Several of our nurses are certified lactation counselors.
Learn more about breastfeeding
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
If you have a complex or high-risk pregnancy, your obstetric provider may refer you to University of Vermont Health maternal-fetal medicine specialists. They have extensive experience in helping patients navigate both common and rare complications, such as preeclampsia, congenital abnormalities, infections and preterm birth.
Learn more about maternal-fetal medicine
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Porter Medical Center’s affiliation with UVM Health means you have access to the only Level III NICU in the region. If your baby needs extra attention after birth, our digital health capabilities allow specialists to monitor your baby as they are transported to University of Vermont Medical Center for further care.
Childbirth Education
We offer the following free prenatal classes, each held monthly:
To register, please fill out our online registration form. Please email CBE@portermedical.org with any questions.
Your Personalized Pregnancy Care Plan
Check out MyChart Care Companion — a new tool with helpful reminders, quick check-ins and easy-to-read tips to help you manage your pregnancy and postpartum care. Ask your provider or login to MyChart to get started.
