TeamBirth, a nationally recognized, evidence-based model designed to enhance the safety and overall experience of childbirth, is rapidly expanding across New Jersey. With six hospitals implementing the program earlier this year and another seven actively preparing to launch this Fall, a total of 14 additional facilities are joining the initiative in 2025, bringing the statewide total to 26 participating hospitals and birthing centers.
The initiative is being led in New Jersey by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, in partnership with Ariadne Labs and with support from the New Jersey Department of Health. The ultimate goal is for every hospital and birthing center in the state to offer the TeamBirth model.
Enhancing communication and shared decision-making
TeamBirth works by integrating the person giving birth, their support people, and clinicians into regular huddles to discuss preferences, review labor progress, adjust care plans, and set the next check-in time. Essential to the model is a shared planning board where notes are recorded, listing all team members and highlighting care plans and patient preferences, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
“We know breakdowns in communication and teamwork often are the cause of patient injuries and harm,” Adelisa Perez-Hudgins, chief of Quality at the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute said. “TeamBirth can help create a safe birth environment where patients become participants in their care — and not merely recipients of care.”
Positive patient outcomes drive expansion
Data collected from nearly 4,000 individuals who gave birth in New Jersey since the program launched shows a marked improvement in the childbirth experience:
| Measure | TeamBirth Patients | Non-TeamBirth Patients |
| Felt involved in decision-making | 91% | 75% |
| Felt informed about care options | 92% | 83% |
| Felt understood the information | 95% | 83% |
| Felt their choice was respected | 95% | 83% |
Hospitals joining this fall
The seven hospitals launching TeamBirth this Fall (2025) are:
- Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center — Summit
- Englewood Hospital — Englewood
- Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center — Red Bank
- Holy Name Medical Center — Teaneck
- RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center — Toms River
- St. Joseph’s University Medical Center — Paterson
- The Valley Hospital — Ridgewood
Hospital leaders emphasize the impact on trust and safety. Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, Chief Medical Officer at Holy Name Medical Center, noted, “By adopting TeamBirth, we are deepening the trust between patients and their care teams, ensuring that every voice is heard during one of life’s most important moments.”
For more information, including a complete list of participating hospitals, the public can visit the Quality Institute’s website.
