Maternity Services

You and your new baby deserve the best medical care possible. That’s what moms-to-be and their babies can expect at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Our obstetrics team provides expectant parents with maternity services comparable to those of a major urban medical center in a community setting. More than 4,500 babies are born here each year. Our maternity providers care for each new baby and mother as if they were a member of their own families.

Where to go when you are in labor

Personalized maternity care for expectant mothers and newborns

From the moment you go into labor, our maternity team is in your corner. As part of our comprehensive labor and delivery services, we’ll evaluate your labor, make sure you and your baby are safe, and admit you to one of our spacious labor and delivery suites.

We’re also equipped to provide Cesarean births if you and your doctor have decided that is best for your situation. If your baby is born prematurely or requires more intensive care than what we can provide at your bedside, our Special Care Nursery is equipped to handle their unique needs.

The period after your baby is born and before you both leave the hospital is a critical one for both of you. Our maternity nurses and other team members provide expert, personalized care for mothers and babies during this time.

Patient education, visitors and insurance coverage

All our expectant and new parents receive our two patient education guides, the Maternity Guide and the Postpartum Guide. These educational resources will help you know what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth and afterward.

Loved ones often want to come visit new mothers and welcome their new babies. However, it’s important for them to know ahead of time about the visitation policies we’ve established to protect our patients. Learn about visiting hours and other rules for maternity guests. 

If you have insurance coverage, you’ll want to be sure to contact your carrier ahead of time to confirm that your providers are in-network, as well as your coverages for your hospital stay. You’ll also need to contact your carrier to add your newborn to your coverage. Learn more about insurance considerations. 

Arriving at the hospital in labor: where to go

If you arrive between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, please enter the Hospital using the East or West entrances. Take the West elevators to the 5th floor. There you will find the Reception/Registration area. After registering you will be escorted to the Antenatal Testing and Evaluation Unit (AETU) for evaluation.

If you arrive between 6:00 pm and 7:00 am, please use the Emergency Department entrance where you can register with the Admitting Coordinator. You will then be directed to AETU for evaluation of your labor.

Special Care Nursery

Our Special Care Nursery (SCN) is an integral part of Brigham and Women’s/Newton-Wellesley Obstetrics at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Our SCN contains the most advanced equipment – from state-of-the-art technology to private reclining chairs for skin-to-skin cuddling – to ensure superior medical care and comfort for babies and their families. Each of our 12 baby care areas is spacious, separate and allows privacy for parents and visitors. We can comfortably accommodate twins and triplets or other specific family needs.

Managing your labor

You should discuss your medical options for pain management with your obstetrician or nurse midwife. You and your caregiver will probably not make the final decision concerning the most appropriate pain relief until you are actually in labor, but it is important to understand your choices in advance.