Patients Who Participate in TeamBirth Huddles Report Higher Autonomy

September 15, 2026

TRENTON, New Jersey — TeamBirth, a nationally recognized evidence-based model that enhances the safety and overall experience of childbirth, is continuing to expand across New Jersey. Seven additional hospitals are actively preparing to launch TeamBirth, bringing the total number of participating hospitals and birthing centers in the state to 33. New data continues to show that patients who experience a TeamBirth huddle report significantly higher autonomy and involvement in birth decision-making than those who do not. In New Jersey, the strongest gains have been among non-Hispanic Black patients, patients covered by Medicaid, and patients who report experiencing complications during birth.

In New Jersey, the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, in partnership with Ariadne Labs, is leading statewide implementation. TeamBirth is supported with funds provided by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). The goal is for every birthing family in the state to experience TeamBirth during childbirth. Statewide, 70% of patients giving birth at participating hospitals report experiencing a TeamBirth huddle.

“TeamBirth is a critical part of New Jersey’s work to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce disparities,” said NJDOH Assistant Commissioner of Family Health Services Iris Jones, LPC, LCADC, PMH-C. “The strongest gains from TeamBirth have been among families our system has too often failed: non-Hispanic Black patients, patients covered by Medicaid, and patients who experienced complications during birth. We’ve made meaningful advances in the science and practice of maternal health care across New Jersey, with tools like TeamBirth delivering results.”

With TeamBirth, from the time a patient is admitted for labor and delivery until they are discharged after birth, patients join their care team in regular huddles to discuss preferences and concerns, review labor progress, and check-in. The goal is to strengthen communication between patients and their care teams.

The hospitals launching TeamBirth this September and October are:

• AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus — Pomona
• Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center — Pompton Plains
• Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center — North Bergen
• Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean University Medical Center — Brick
• Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center — Perth Amboy
• RWJBarnabas Health Newark Beth Israel Medical Center — Newark
• University Hospital — Newark

Surveys from 6,556 patients who experienced a TeamBirth huddle found the following:

• 95% felt that their clinical team respected their choices during childbirth;
• 92% felt informed about options for their maternity care;
• 95% felt they understood the information given to them; and
• 94% felt they were able to choose what they felt was the best care option for them.

By comparison, patients who did not experience TeamBirth reported much lower rates, ranging from 76% to 85% across the same measures.

“When we began this work, we knew TeamBirth had the potential to change how birth is experienced across New Jersey. Growing to 33 hospitals and birthing centers statewide, including the seven launching this fall, reflects the commitment of hospitals across the state to bring this model to their patients — a model in which families feel heard and informed about their care,” said Adelisa Perez-Hudgins, Vice President of Quality, Quality Institute.

Leaders at TeamBirth hospitals launching this Fall emphasized the initiative’s role in strengthening communication, trust, and shared decision-making between patients and their care teams.

“We are excited to bring TeamBirth to University Hospital and continue to advance our commitment to putting patients’ preferences at the center of the birthing experience. TeamBirth provides a clear framework for patients, families, and providers to communicate openly and make decisions together. We are proud to partner with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute to bring this important initiative to the families we serve,” said Carole Johnson, President and CEO, University Hospital.

“Bringing TeamBirth to Palisades Medical Center means creating a more connected, collaborative birth experience where patients and families feel heard, informed, and empowered, while every member of the care team works together around what matters most,” said Katie Robinson, Nursing Director, and Jacqueline Guzman, Nurse Manager, Palisades Medical Center.

“Raritan Bay Medical Center strives to provide safe, high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered care to our mothers and babies each and every day. In implementing TeamBirth, we hope to enhance patient satisfaction and improve outcomes within our community,” said Alyssa Rofrano, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, IBCLC, Nurse Manager, Maternal Child Health, Raritan Bay Medical Center.

“At AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, we know that safe, high-quality maternity care depends on strong communication, shared decision-making, and every member of the care team working together with a common purpose,” said Carol Ann Gioia, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. “TeamBirth provides a meaningful framework to bring patients, families, and care teams together as true partners in decision-making.”

“At Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, we are proud to champion a culture where patients, families, nurses, and providers work together as one team to deliver world class care to all of our patients. The launch of TeamBirth represents an important step towards creating safer, more equitable, and more empowering birth experiences for families across the state,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., MHA, MPH, FACHE, FHELA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. 

“Ocean University Medical Center is thrilled to introduce TeamBirth for our families, staff, and providers. This program will elevate collaboration across our entire care team, placing the patient and their family directly at the center of everything we do,” said Susan K. Passarella, DO, FACOOG, OB Hospitalist Group, Site Director at Ocean University Medical Center.

“Building on the positive experience at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center, we are excited to expand our implementation of the TeamBirth initiative for families at Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center,” said Stephanie Schwartz, MHSA, FACHE, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Health and President, Atlantic Health Overlook and Interim President, Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center. “By supporting shared decision-making and clear communication, we can help ensure that expectant parents feel informed, heard, and engaged throughout their birth experience.”

For more information, including the full list of participating TeamBirth hospitals and survey data, please visit https://njhcqi.info/teambirth or contact the Quality Institute at info@njhcqi.org.

About the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, quality, and affordability of health care. Since 1997, we have led statewide efforts to transform health care by bringing together our diverse members — including health systems, insurers, providers, consumer groups, and employers — to find solutions grounded in evidence and collaboration. 

Our work spans policy development, quality improvement, and community health initiatives that advance evidence-based policies and champion best practices. Our Mayors Wellness Campaign drives community health and wellness in partnership with 400 New Jersey mayors.