Health Care Team

Every mother wants to know she has the best medical care possible when bringing a new baby into the world. The expert physicians, nurses and health care professionals who staff the maternity centers at Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center are available 24/7 to help you.

Obstetrician or Certified Nurse Midwife
Weeks before your due date, you should talk to your obstetrician about whether you would like to use pain relief techniques or medications during childbirth.

Your obstetrician or midwife will monitor you and your baby throughout labor and delivery, and for six weeks after delivery. We also have a board-certified obstetrician on site round the clock to help you in the hospital.

Anesthesiologist
When you are ready to deliver your baby in the hospital, the anesthesiologist administers and monitors pain relief you may need during childbirth. Epidural anesthesia is commonly used to block the pain from contractions.

An anesthesiologist is available on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Like your obstetrician, the anesthesiologist is not employed by the hospital and will send you a separate bill. Please check with the Anesthesia Department about insurance coverage issues.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine
A perinatologist is an obstetrician who has additional advanced training in high-risk pregnancies. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists provide comprehensive care and consultation for women with high-risk pregnancies. They also can provide genetic counseling, ultrasounds and prenatal diagnosis.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
A certified nurse midwife provides full maternity services, including prenatal, birth and postpartum care, to low-risk patients. Your CNM will monitor you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. The CNM works with an obstetrician who is available if needed during your pregnancy or hospital stay.

Labor and Delivery Nurse
Your labor and delivery nurse will support and encourage you throughout the birthing process. Our nurses are highly trained, with more than 50 percent achieving national certification in their specialty. They also hold certification in neonatal resuscitation and basic life support to provide high-risk and emergency care for both you and your baby.

Mother Baby Nurse
Morristown and Overlook medical centers use a family-centered approach to childbirth. You will be assigned a mother baby nurse who will care for both you and your baby and communicate with the rest of the team for specific needs.

Pediatrician
Your baby will be evaluated at birth and seen usually once a day by a pediatrician while you are in the hospital. The pediatrician or nurse practitioner will stop by your room and explain your baby's progress. Be sure to ask any questions you may have at this time.

Neonatologist
A neonatologist is a pediatrician with advanced training in treating premature or sick infants. If your obstetrician feels it is necessary, a neonatologist may be present at your baby's delivery. The neonatologist works mainly in our Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
The perinatal clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse responsible for in-service education, new staff orientation, updating protocols, implementing changes in practice, and translating research into practice. The nurse specialist may also work with high-risk patients or new parents with special needs.

Doula
Doulas are women who have received special training to provide physical and emotional support to women in labor. The doula remains by the woman’s side throughout the birth process. If needed, a postpartum doula can assist the mother during her hospital stay, providing breastfeeding support and guidance on caring for her newborn. Atlantic Health System does not provide a doula but welcomes patients who choose to bring a doula to labor.

Social Worker or Care Manager
The social worker can assist you and your family with pregnancy-related problems, financial resources, WIC referrals and New Jersey FamilyCare, plus home care services, equipment and insurance coverage for special needs.

Patient Liaison or Concierge
Our patient liaison/concierge coordinates services such as massages, guest meals or special requests. Maternity tours are also arranged through the patient liaison/concierge.

Lactation Consultant
While the Maternity Center nurses can get you started breastfeeding and help throughout your hospital stay, a lactation consultant is available for any difficulties you may encounter.

Nutrition Services
Pregnancy is a time in your life when you become more aware of nutrition and the important role it plays in helping your baby grow. Being pregnant often motivates women to improve their diet and lifestyle so that they can be as healthy as possible. Our dietician offers individual counseling sessions to answer questions, offer suggestions and help you manage pregnancy-related dietary issues.

Other members of the patient care team you may see:
Religious ministries staff
Birth certificate clerk