The Birth Place at Albany Medical Center
The Birth Place, located at Albany Medical Center, provides a family-centered model of care with a strong emphasis on education and family support.
At the Birth Place, our comfortable and welcoming birthing environment includes access to:
- Private labor and birthing rooms
- Private postpartum rooms and nursery
- Doula support available
- Access to the state designated Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Easy access to the region's only children's hospital.
To learn more about The Birth Place, call 518-262-8300.
For more information on tours of The Birth Place or educational programs, visit the Perinatal Outreach Center page, email [email protected], or call 518-262-5162.
Learn more about your care in the Birth Place at Albany Medical Center.
Patients in Hudson and Surrounding Communities
A special partnership between Columbia Memorial Health and Albany Medical Center provides a comprehensive maternity program offering advanced pre- and post-natal care close to home (including childbirth classes and breastfeeding consultation) and a birthing experience at Albany Medical Center’s Birth Place.
Support & Safety
Board certified physicians in neonatology and other pediatric subspecialties are available around-the-clock. Patient care associates and patient support associates work closely with a registered nurse to meet your personal needs. A registered dietician, social worker, lactation consultant, and clergy are all happy to meet with you and your family.
The Birth Place has an electronic infant security system, and all Birth Place staff wear special hospital identification badges. Security staff make regular rounds on the unit.
Neonatology
Albany Medical Center serves as the Regional Perinatal Center for northeastern New York, and provides the highest level of of obstetrical and neonatal intensive care (NICU).
Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital are both Level 1 Perinatal Centers, which provide care to normal and low-risk mothers and newborns, with the option of sending newborns who need a higher level of care to the NICU at Albany Medical Center.
Albany Medical Center is proud to participate in the New York State Birth Equity Improvement Project, and is taking several steps to improve the experience of care and the obstetric outcomes for Black birthing people at our hospital, and across New York State.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program: provides benefits, breastfeeding support and education to help increase access to healthy foods.
Regional Perinatal Outreach Center: Conducts tours of the The Birth Place and provides transport and consultation services to all birthing hospitals in northeastern New York and western New England.
Over-the-counter medication guidelines for pregnancy
Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights. (Downloads available in several languages)
Perinatal Mental Health & Support
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be overwhelming. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are common and treatable. Many patients experience changes in mood, anxiety, or sleep during pregnancy and after birth. You are not alone! If you are struggling, please reach out to your health care providers. You may be experiencing symptoms of a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.
Common symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, overwhelmed, or hopeless
- Feeling excessively worried or anxious
- Trouble sleeping even when the baby is sleeping
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
When to call a provider:
- Symptoms last longer than 2 weeks
- You feel unable to care for yourself or your baby
- You are having persistent worries or intrusive thoughts
- You feel anxious most of the day
- You are having trouble sleeping, eating, or enjoying daily life
If you experience thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911.
How Albany Medical Center can support you:
- Provide screenings
- Prescribe medications
- Offer referrals and connect you to counseling
- Support your adjustment through pregnancy and postpartum
Your OB/GYN and behavioral health teams will work together to support your emotional and physical well-being.
Below, you'll find a list of resources for information, support, and more.
Education and Information:
- Connect by PSI: Mobile app from Postpartum Support International providing quick access to perinatal mental health support
- MamaZen: Mobile app with guided audio sessions for stress, emotional regulation, and parenting support
- Mamaly Care: Online directory of resources to get postpartum support
- Postpartum Resource Center of New York: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder statewide resource directory
- Office on Women’s Health: A hub of perinatal depression resources, outlining depression symptoms, treatment options, support programs, and more
- Just Birth Space: Free, virtual doula-led support
Support Groups:
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers a wide variety of free, virtual support groups!
- View all PSI groups here, or search within the following categories:
- Albany Medical Center Postpartum Support Group: Weekly, virtual support group. Registration required
- Greenbush La Leche League: Capital Region breastfeeding support group
- EASE (Empty Arms Support Effort) Facebook Group: Local group of families who have experienced pregnancy, infant, or toddler loss
Emotional Support Hotlines:
- Albany County Crisis Hotline: Call 518-549-6500, available 24/7
- Postpartum Resource Center of New York Helpline: Call 855-631-0001, available daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 833-943-5746, available 24/7
- Parents Helping Parents Stress Line: Call 800-632-8188, available 24/7
- Faith Aloud Spiritual Care Line: Call 888-717-5010, available Mon., Wed., and Fri. from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat. and Sun. from Noon-3 p.m.
- All-Options Talkline: Call 888-493-0092 for support related to pregnancy, abortion, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
- Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline: Call or text 833-246-2632, available daily 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Pregnancy Loss and Bereavement Support:
