CHA Launches TeamBirth in Maternity Department
CHA's new model strengthens communication, collaboration, and shared decision-making during birth
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), an academic community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston's metro-north region, recently launched the TeamBirth model in its maternity department. TeamBirth is an innovative approach to childbirth care developed by Ariadne Labs' Delivery Decisions Initiative (DDI) that strengthens communication, collaboration, and shared decision-making among patients, families, and care teams. Hospitals across the country have implemented this care model and have seen proven results.
People giving birth in the U.S. are more likely to face mistreatment, serious complications, or death than people in any other high-income countries. The risks are even greater for Black or Indigenous people. However, many of these cases are preventable. Failures in communication and teamwork among clinical teams play a role in 80-90 percent of cases of patient harm.
The TeamBirth model brings patients, families, and the entire care team together as partners – ensuring every voice is heard, every question is welcomed, and every decision is made with clarity, compassion, and shared understanding.
TeamBirth aligns seamlessly with CHA's mission to advance health equity and deliver exceptional care for all, without exception. Especially in maternity care, this commitment carries profound importance, ensuring that every patient is seen, heard, and supported during one of life's most vulnerable and transformative moments.
This milestone reflects not just the implementation of a model, but the realization of a shared vision – one rooted in trust, collaboration, respect, and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence and equity to everyone, every time.