NORTH CONWAY, NH – At MaineHealth Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Center, a new program is strengthening the culture of patient-centered maternity care.
"Birth is one of the biggest events in a family's life," said Leigh Copsey RN, Obstetrics Acute Care Team Lead at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's Family Birthing Center. "With TeamBirth, we're not just taking care of patients. We're helping new parents and families navigate the birthing process safely while making sure their voice is heard every step of the way."
TeamBirth is an evidence-based approach that places patients at the center of every decision during labor and delivery through structured communication, shared decision-making and collaborative care planning.
At the heart of the TeamBirth model is a structured process for communication. During TeamBirth, the patient partners with their physicians, nurses and support team to review a shared planning board outlining care preferences, labor progress, concerns and next steps. The process ensures everyone hears the same information at the same time and provides patients with dedicated opportunities to ask questions and participate in decision-making.
Research has shown that breakdowns in communication are a leading contributor to childbirth complications. A Joint Commission study found that failures in communication between providers and patients account for most preventable injuries during childbirth.
By standardizing how care teams communicate and engage with patients, TeamBirth aims to reduce misunderstandings, improve outcomes and create a more supportive and transparent experience.
Copsey says the approach helps patients feel more confident in their care team by creating a shared understanding among everyone involved. Rather than receiving information from different caregivers at different times, patients see their team working together in a coordinated way.
The approach aligns with what patients increasingly expect from their care.
“We constantly hear from patients that they want to be informed, to be heard, and to be involved,” Copsey explains.
For expectant parents, this means greater clarity during what can be an emotional and fast-moving experience. It also means stronger partnerships with the clinical team guiding their care.
For MaineHealth Memorial Hospital, the transition reflects a continued commitment to patient- and family-centered care. The family birthing center team prepared for the rollout with staff training and workflow adjustments to ensure the model was fully integrated into daily practice.
"The structure is what was missing," Copsey said. "Everybody is hearing the same information at the same time. They're seeing the patient's reactions, hearing their concerns, and working together to make a plan. It keeps the patient at the center of the conversation."
Although TeamBirth was launched at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in April of this year, staff members have already seen signs that patients are embracing the model. Copsey recalled a recent patient who asked when the next huddle would take place because she had questions she wanted to discuss with the care team.
"People often remember whether they felt heard and respected during childbirth," Copsey said. "TeamBirth gives patients a voice and makes them active partners in their care." The opportunity to speak up and advocate for themselves and their baby often extends beyond the delivery room, she adds, helping families stay confident and engaged in postpartum care and as their child grows.
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About MaineHealth Memorial Hospital
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving the Mount Washington Valley of northern New Hampshire and western Maine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital has earned a reputation among local residents and visitors for providing quality, compassionate and personalized care to its patients.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital includes a robust array of health care services including primary and specialty care services and therapies, emergency care, a birthing center and surgical services. Its care team of 525 includes physicians and advance practice providers who are among the more than 2,000 providers who are part of the MaineHealth Medical Group. Memorial patients have access to onsite care in oncology, cardiology, vascular and pulmonary medicine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital also partners with several local organizations to provide outreach and educational services supporting the health of our patients and community.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.” As part of the MaineHealth family, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is able to offer patients a comprehensive network of care that includes world-class specialists, a Level 1 Trauma medical center, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services.