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Family Birthing Center

The birth of a baby, a new beginning, is a time full of wonder. At the University of Connecticut Health Center’s John Dempsey Hospital, we’re here to make this special time positive, memorable and above all, wonderful.

Here in the serene hills of the Farmington Valley, the Family Birthing Center at John Dempsey Hospital combines both maternal and newborn care into one state-of-the-art facility.

Our Family Birthing Center helps us focus on what matters most: the well-being of you and your child.

John Dempsey Hospital provides exceptional support before, during, and after the birth of your child. Physicians are available 24-hours-a-day and nursing care meets the high standards set by the Dempsey Model of Nursing.

And, as part of an academic medical center, John Dempsey Hospital offers the latest, most advanced prenatal, labor and delivery, and neonatal care in the country. Mothers-to-be who anticipate a normal delivery, as well as those who are considered high-risk, can rest assured that they are giving birth in a safe, well-equipped medical facility.

As its name implies, the Family Birthing Center focuses on the entire family as it adjusts to accommodate your new addition. We offer classes that include prepared childbirth, infant care, breast-feeding, and sibling classes. Liberal visiting hours and private family lounges provide plenty of time to get acquainted with the newest member of your family.  Whether it’s your first child or your fourth, every birthing experience should be a wonderful new beginning. At John Dempsey Hospital, we make that happen.

The Family-centered Birth Experience

At John Dempsey Hospital, you will receive the benefits of advanced technology combined with warm, personalized care in a safe, supportive environment.

Our modern, private labor and delivery rooms are equipped to accommodate your needs through your entire birthing experience. Labor, delivery, and recovery all take place in one room, eliminating disruptive moves from place to place. Each room is designed to make you feel at home, and includes a private bathroom, sitting area with rocking chair, and a television. All equipment necessary for the actual birth is nearby, yet out of sight until needed.

Your partner or support person can participate in the entire birth from labor right through delivery and recovery. John Dempsey also offers traditional delivery rooms equipped with the latest technology.

Throughout your labor and delivery experienced R.N.s, many of whom are certified in obstetrical care or high-risk maternity care, are by your side.

Once your baby is born, your baby may "room in" with you or be cared for in our nursery while you rest.

The Peace of Mind Knowing Your Baby Is in the Best of Hands

Should a complication ever arise, and your baby requires medical intervention for any reason, it is reassuring to know the most advanced technology and specialists are available in our Newborn Intensive Care Unit, a model of excellence for newborn centers throughout the country. Our state-of-the-art neonatal facility, adjoining the labor and delivery suites, enhances our ability to provide infants and families with the highest quality neonatal services.

We care for up to 48 newborns, who may be premature or full-term infants with medical problems. Daily care is provided by full-time neonatologists who supervise physicians-in-training; experienced neonatal-nurse practitioners; and physician assistants. We have an experienced and dedicated nursing staff, many of whom are specially certified in perinatal and/or newborn care. In addition, pediatric subspecialists with expertise in a variety of areas are available as consultants.

What's Next for You and Your Baby

After your baby is born at John Dempsey Hospital, we offer services that will help you and your family welcome your newest arrival.

We offer private rooms where your baby may stay with you. All rooms have private bathrooms, televisions and quiet, beautiful views of the Farmington Valley hills.

A comfortable family lounge, complete with a bathroom, is just steps away. Here, you, your family, and friends, can relax and celebrate together.

Expert Nursing Care Around the Clock

The nursing staff at John Dempsey Hospital provides unparalleled technical expertise coupled with warm, attentive personalized care. There when you need them, nurses provide you with information, education and support during your stay – and after as well. Once you return home, you can call the Family Birthing Center at 860-679-3310 any time, day or night, with a concern or question. A trained R.N. is always ready to help.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Breast-feeding

Certified Lactation Consultants, experts on breast-feeding, are available to you during your stay, as well as after you go home. Our nurses, as well as our lactation consultants, will discuss the entire breast-feeding process and explain what happens to you and your baby physiologically and emotionally. Breast-feeding techniques, maternal nutrition, and infant weight gain will also be explained.

Infant Care/Parent Care

Before you leave the Family Birthing Center, you’ll get full instruction and demonstrations on how to bathe, feed and diaper your infant. Plus, you’ll learn strategies that will help you cope with the ups and downs of the first weeks of baby care. Practical information regarding safety and child-proofing your home will also be explained.

Video Education

You can watch instructional videos, in either English or Spanish, on infant care and breast feeding in the comfort of your room.

To Learn More About the Family Birthing Center

Call UConnLink at 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 locally.

If you're expecting or just thinking about becoming pregnant, please call for more information about the Health Center's complete prenatal and obstetrical services.

If you need a physician, we'll also be happy to put you in touch with an obstetrician.

Directions

The University of Connecticut Health Center’s John Dempsey Hospital is located off I-84, about 7 miles west of Hartford. From I-84 East or West, take Exit 39. Turn right onto Farmington Avenue (Rt. 4).

To reach the main complex, continue three more lights (1 mile) and turn right into the Health Center entrance at 263 Farmington Avenue. Go past the first stop sign and bear left at the fork. Then proceed up the hill to the parking area in front of the main building.

The Family Birthing Center is located on the Ground Level of the Hospital building. After parking in the Hospital lot, enter the Main Lobby and proceed straight back to the windows to Hallway C. Take a right and proceed to the elevators (you are on the Main Floor), and take the elevator to the Ground Level. Follow the signs to the Family Birthing Center.

If you visit your baby after 9 p.m., the Main Lobby doors are locked. You must use the entrance near the Emergency Department and park in the top right lot. As you enter (door and stairs on right of parking lot) proceed straight to the end of the hall and take a right to the elevators.

Phone Number
Family Birthing Center: 860-679-3310

Parking
Parking is free of charge and easily accessible to all services. Handicapped parking is also available.

Helpful Links

Plan and Prepare for Pregnancy Classes

Pregnant womanWe offer a full range of classes and services to help you and your family get off to the best start possible. Learn more >

Take a Family Birthing Center Tour

Mother with sonA guided tour through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery. Learn more >

Contact Information

For more information or to make an appointment, call 800-535-6232, 860-679-7692.

  
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