More women choose to have their babies delivered at Yale New Haven Hospital than anywhere else in Connecticut. Why? Because our physicians, nurses and nurse-midwives offer unparalleled excellence and expertise in maternity care, and respect each patient's unique beliefs about childbirth. Our C-section rates are also well below the national average and we support women who want to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean. As a Baby-Friendly designated hospital, we provide breastfeeding mothers the confidence, support and resources they need to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies.
Yale New Haven Hospital's areas of expertise and innovative maternity services include prenatal genetic testing, the world's first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), breastfeeding support, and childbirth and parenting classes-all provided by the top medical and nursing team in the state. Our maternity services unit uses the most advanced technology and facilities for prenatal monitoring, childbirth, neonatal care, and women's health. In fact, many now common ultrasound diagnostic tests, like fetal echocardiography, were developed here. We were also one of the first hospitals in the state to offer Nitrous Oxide for pain management.
Located on the fourth floor of Yale New Haven Hospital, the Labor and Birth Unit encompasses 11 labor & delivery rooms, three operating/delivery suites, a three-bed recovery room and a five-bed triage area that serves women during pregnancy, 16 weeks or greater. Our postpartum units include private rooms and comfortable and tranquil accommodations.
At Yale New Haven Hospital, all physicians, nurses and certified nurse-midwives involved with electronic fetal heart monitoring are nationally certified. In addition, our 24/7 maternal fetal medicine and anesthesiology services adds a layer of patient safety. Our nursing staff are leaders in their field; many of whom are nationally certified in their specialty.
Our medical staff provides the highest level of maternity care by using a collaborative approach -- recognizing the importance and facilitating the involvement of the family in the decision-making process.
We understand that families all have different expectations and beliefs guiding their childbirth and healthcare choices. Our team of dedicated maternity care professionals works directly with each family to make sure their unique preferences are met, whenever possible. We are also strongly committed to supporting women who choose a vaginal childbirth after having had a cesarean for previous pregnancies.
Yale New Haven Hospital's highly skilled team of nationally certified-nurse midwives (CNM) is committed to low intervention and preserving your decisions around your birthing experience. Every attempt is made to abide by those decisions, provided the safety of the mother and child are maintained. CNMs work collaboratively with physicians as needed to bring you a safe and satisfying birth experience. They provide a variety of birthing services as well as comprehensive gynecological care from adolescence through menopause.
With affiliate programs at Yale Fertility Center and Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, we provide quality care for women and children--from conception through adolescence.
Your obstetrician works closely with a variety of medical professionals, labor and delivery nurses, pediatricians, breastfeeding consultants, certified nurse-midwives (CNM), patient care associates, social workers, and other to coordinate and customize your care. Best of all, after childbirth one nurse cares for both mom and baby so you always have a direct connection to your child.
If you are like most women, your pregnancy will be normal. But a small number of women need prenatal care such as extra help getting pregnant, have complicated pregnancies, go into labor early or need other special maternity services only Yale New Haven Hospital offers in the region. Our team of prenatal care professionals are fully equipped and trained to assist families requiring specialized maternity services, including:
Our obstetrical anesthesia services are composed of a highly trained medical staff that includes attending physicians and nurse anesthetists who provide 24-hour coverage to the unit. As a result, we are able to provide unplanned and scheduled C-sections, post-partum tubal ligations and epidural anesthesia.
The expert neonatal care services available in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital can be lifesaving for families facing the unexpected. We care for 1,500 premature infants or babies born with congenital abnormalities or long-term complications a year. With an unrivaled reputation for innovation and excellence, we regularly accept transfers from hospitals in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island.
Yale New Haven Hospital's commitment to families goes above and beyond the sophisticated technology, specialized services, and customized care you expect. We connect moms-to-be to a vast network of support and education services through all stages of pregnancy and development, including:
For specific questions or more information about your care or stay at Yale New Haven Hospital, try the Patients and Visitors sections of our site or contact Patient Relations.
Yale New Haven Hospital has been named as one of the top hospitals in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report's annual "Best Hospitals" rankings. Ranked among the very best in the nation in eight medical specialties, including obstetrics & gynecology, which ranked #4.
