Here’s an overview of the top hospitals for childbirth in Portland, Oregon, considering factors like the quality of maternity care, specialized services, and birthing options:
Ranking of Hospitals for Childbirth in Portland, Oregon
| Rank | Hospital Name | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OHSU Hospital (Oregon Health & Science University) | Marquam Hill, Portland | OHSU is known for its comprehensive maternity services, including a Level IV NICU for the most critically ill newborns, and a maternal-fetal medicine team for high-risk pregnancies. They offer a variety of birthing plans and options, including water birth. As a teaching hospital, it provides cutting-edge treatments and expert care. |
| 2 | Legacy Emanuel Medical Center | Northeast Portland | Offers a Level IV NICU and is renowned for its care of high-risk pregnancies and premature babies. The hospital also offers holistic birth options and emphasizes family-centered care. Legacy Emanuel has a reputation for providing extensive postpartum support, including lactation consultation and classes for new parents. |
| 3 | Providence St. Vincent Medical Center | West Haven-Sylvan, Portland | Providence St. Vincent has a Level III NICU and offers luxurious birthing suites designed for comfort. Known for its compassionate and personalized maternity care, the hospital allows for a variety of birth plans, including natural births and epidurals. They also offer extensive prenatal education and breastfeeding support. |
| 4 | Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center | Northwest Portland | A smaller, community-focused hospital, Legacy Good Samaritan offers personalized maternity care, with private rooms and a focus on natural childbirth. While it doesn't have a Level III or IV NICU, it is ideal for low-risk pregnancies and offers water birth options. They are also known for excellent patient satisfaction and care. |
| 5 | Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center | Clackamas | Known for a family-centered birthing approach, Kaiser Sunnyside offers Level III NICU care and a range of birthing options, including midwifery and water birth. Their integrated care model ensures seamless communication between your care team, and they offer a robust selection of classes and support services for expectant parents. |
Making Your Decision
When deciding on the best hospital for childbirth in Portland, consider these steps:
- Tour the Facilities: Most hospitals offer tours of their maternity wards. This will give you an idea of the environment and allow you to ask questions.
- Consider Your Health Needs: If you have a high-risk pregnancy, prioritize hospitals with advanced NICU care and maternal-fetal medicine services.
- Review Insurance Coverage: Check if the hospital is in-network and what services are covered under your insurance.
- Evaluate Birthing Options: If you have specific preferences such as water birth, natural birth, or epidurals, ensure the hospital can accommodate these choices.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from healthcare providers and friends who’ve recently had babies in Portland.