Our experienced physicians, midwives and nurses provide exceptional care and support before, during and after pregnancy.
Comprehensive, Personalized Care
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 goals and preferences.
Our large community of dedicated, experienced health care professionals — including labor and delivery nurses, certified nurse-midwives, obstetricians, family practice physicians, lactation consultants and others — provides expert, compassionate care for birthing parents and their families during labor and childbirth.
Birthing Center Services
We provide a range of services to support you during childbirth and beyond.
Labor & Delivery
We support your labor and delivery choices and preferences. We encourage you to share your birth wishes with your care team so we can support you in creating the birth experience you hope for.
Our providers recommend vaginal birth whenever possible, because it is safest for you and your baby. We support 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 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.
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. 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. Deep, warm water can help soothe and relax a person in labor and facilitate the birthing process.
While most of our birthing suites are equipped with bathtubs, we have one dedicated room with a specially designed tub for water deliveries. If you are interested in a water birth, please discuss your options with your prenatal provider.
Midwifery
Midwives provide comprehensive pregnancy and gynecologic services for low-risk pregnancies. They also 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.
University of Vermont Medical Center is home to the only 24/7 Certified Nurse-Midwifery (CNM) practice in the region, and the second-oldest midwifery program in the United States. If you choose to be cared for by our midwives, they will be by your side throughout prenatal care, labor and birth, with additional support through the first weeks of parenting and feeding your baby.
Doula Program
A doula is a labor support professional who has special training to assist you during labor and delivery. They also provide a range of services to help you and your family during and after pregnancy. Studies show that doula support helps patients have healthier and more satisfying birth experiences.
The Doula Program at UVM Medical Center can connect you with a trained volunteer doula at no charge. Doulas are on call 24 hours a day. If you are interested in working with a doula through UVM Medical Center, please let your prenatal provider know. You can also request a doula through your nurse once you have arrived at the birthing center.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer doula, please contact us at doulainfo@uvmhealth.org.
Learn more about doula services
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
If you have a complex or high-risk pregnancy, your obstetric provider may refer you to our maternal-fetal medicine specialists. They have extensive experience in helping patients navigate both common and rare complications, such as preeclampsia, congenital abnormalities, infections or preterm birth.
Learn more about maternal-fetal medicine
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
At UVM Medical Center, you have instant access to the only Level III NICU in the region. If your baby needs extra attention after birth, they are in capable hands.
Breastfeeding Support
The experienced Mother-Baby Unit staff are trained to support you and your newborn in those important first few days of breastfeeding. If you require more intensive support with breastfeeding, we offer an Inpatient Lactation Program to provide additional support. We can also provide a list of home lactation services available in the community.
Learn more about our breastfeeding support services in the Mother-Baby Unit
What to Expect…When Your Baby is Hungry
Few moments are as joyful — or as nerve-wracking — as holding your newborn baby and realizing you’re expected to know how to feed this tiny human. Our lactation consultants are here to help.
Awards & Certifications
Newsweek: America's Best Maternity Hospitals
Newsweek has included UVM Health's anchor academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center that serves the region on its ranking of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals after assessing the quality of perinatal care, operative obstetrics, patient education and counseling, accommodation and service, and nurse and midwife staffing.