The Approach

How TeamBirth works

From the time a patient is admitted for labor and delivery until they are discharged after birth, they join their care team in shared huddles. Together, the team discusses progress, makes changes to care plans, and schedules the next check-in. Every person on the team has an opportunity to share their experience.

During each huddle, the team takes notes on a Shared Planning Board displayed on the wall. The board names all team members and provides a visual reminder of care plans and preferences for the mother and the baby.

TeamBirth is currently testing tools for use in prenatal care and during NICU stays to improve teamwork and communication across the continuum of care.

Team

Every member of the care team is named and introduced, beginning with the person giving birth.

Preferences

The patient's birth preferences are asked for and elevated so the whole team can honor them.

Plan

The full care team reviews and aligns on the plan of care together at each assessment.

Next Huddle

The team commits to a clear time for the next check-in, so communication never stalls.

Impact

Better experiences for patients and clinicians.

TeamBirth was acceptable, feasible, and safe to implement at the pilot trial hospitals, for both patients and clinicians.

Patients
99%

Reported clear communication with providers and the ability to share care preferences

99%

Had their desired role in the birthing experience

96%

Felt their preferences made a difference in their care

Clinicians
94%

Felt TeamBirth improved care for their patients through better communication, teamwork, and shared decision-making

90%

Would recommend TeamBirth to another L&D unit

88%

Clarified C-section decision-making in non-urgent clinical situations

Why It Matters

The stakes are high, and the gaps are preventable.

80–90%of patient harm involves failures
in communication and teamwork

People giving birth in the U.S. face more mistreatment, complications, and death than in any other high-income country, and the risks are even greater for Black and Indigenous people.

TeamBirth closes that gap.

Read the Research
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Bring TeamBirth to your team

TeamBirth can be implemented by your team or with our help. Reach out to learn more about training, coaching, and ongoing support.

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