Labor, Delivery and Beyond

CHA Cambridge Hospital was named one of Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025!

When You and Your Baby are Ready

You're at the center of your birthing experience and we're here to support you. 

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

Giving birth vaginally has benefits for you and your baby – less pain, lower risk of infection, and natural immunities for your child. If you had a previous C-section, you may still be able to deliver vaginally. Your provider will help you understand all of your options.

Pain relief during delivery

There are many ways you can reduce your pain during delivery. The more you know, the more relaxed you will be during labor. Here are some options that are available to you:

Specialty Care

If you need specialty care during your pregnancy, you are in good hands. You always have access to our expert OB/GYN doctors as well as specialists from our partner hospitals: Tufts Medical Center (TMC) and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). You and your baby will always receive the highest quality care.

Maternal Fetal Medicine: This service is for people with a high-risk pregnancy. It lets us look at the health of the pregnant person and child at the same time to reduce risk factors. You can also access on-site genetic counseling and prenatal testing. Speak with your provider for more information.

Neonatologists: These doctors care for high-risk babies who are born early, have low birth weights, are twins or triplets or have other health problems.

Special Training for Emergencies

Most deliveries at CHA are wonderful experiences for new parents and their families. If something changes during or after your delivery, you’ll be with staff who are specially trained to identify any problems and intervene when needed. We take your safety seriously and do drills to prepare for the unexpected.

After Delivery

We want to make sure you have everything you need. 

Breastfeeding support

Breastfeeding is the best choice for both you and your baby. It gives your baby the healthiest food, it's free and it gives your baby antibodies to stay healthy. Breastfeeding also helps you bond with your baby, lose pregnancy weight and can reduce your risk for diabetes and certain cancers.

While breastfeeding is the best option, sometimes it can be hard. That's why we offer you support. 

• Our maternity nurses are trained in providing breastfeeding support and will help you get started.
• For additional support, make an appointment with a lactation specialist. 
  
  • Lauryl Ramakrishnan, IBCLC, CPNP-PC, 617-665-1264
  • Miriam Segura Harrison, MD, IBCLC, at CHA Primary Care, One Cabot , 617-665-3370

Your baby will need to see a doctor many times during their first year and beyond. CHA doctors are on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and the Tufts University School of Medicine. Choose a CHA pediatrician or family medicine provider -- and you'll get a team to help you care for your child for years to come.

Car Seat Safety

As a new parent, you want to make your first trip home with your baby a safe one. When leaving the hospital in a car, according to Massachusetts law, your baby must be put in a rear-facing infant car seat placed in the center of the back seat. You can contact your local police and fire department for help installing your car seat before your due date. Find out more about car seats here.