Birth Certificates and Photos

Birth Certificates

Massachusetts law requires that a birth certificate worksheet be completed prior to your going home.  A hospital representative will visit you to obtain information for the worksheet, including the child’s name and parents’ names, their ages, birthplaces, and residence.  Medical information, which is required and confidential, is completed by your physician/midwife.  South Shore Hospital’s birth registrar will send this information electronically to the Department of Vital Records.  The state will report the information to your town of residence and to the town of Weymouth.  Your baby's birth certificate will be available at the town clerk's office of Weymouth in approximately two weeks and at your town of residence's clerk office in approximately six weeks after this information is submitted.

Please complete the Birth Certificate Worksheet provided in the front of the admission package and return it to the hospital as soon as possible.

If you need more assistance, please call our birth registrar at 781-624-8994.

Social Security Card

If you would like us to apply for your baby’s Social Security card, please check the appropriate place on the pre-admitting worksheet, and the request will be automatically submitted with the birth certificate application. Your baby’s Social Security card will be mailed directly to you, from the Federal Government, in approximately three to six weeks.

Photography and Web Photo Services

Capture your once-in-a-lifetime moment with Our 365 Web Nursery®. We have photographers on site that will creatively and professionally capture your babies’ first photos. One-of-a-kind keepsakes are available: official first photo with baby's details imprinted, birth announcements, key chains, or specialty birth certificates. Not only will you have an opportunity to order a photo package, you may also place your baby’s photo in our “web nursery” for family and friends to view online. Photos can be accessed here.

A portion of each purchase is donated to The Friends of South Shore Hospital for patient care initiatives. To schedule an appointment, please leave a message at extension 4040.

Birth Announcements

Some families publicize the birth of their baby in local newspapers. Some families choose not to publicize the birth because they want to protect their privacy, and their infant’s privacy.

South Shore Hospital is not responsible for baby announcements. If you would like to announce the birth of your baby, you must call your local newspaper for information about birth announcements.