The Best Maternity Care in Philadelphia
Where you decide to welcome your newborn into the world is one of the first of many important decisions you’ll make as parents. Here’s a guide to help you make the choice that’s best for
Philadelphia offers a diverse range of maternity care options for expecting parents in Philly. Choose among historic hospitals or modern medical centers. As a major medical hub, Philadelphia hospitals often offer the highest levels of care available, including specialized services for high-risk pregnancies and advanced NICU capabilities.
This maternity guide covers major hospitals providing maternity services throughout Philadelphia. Don’t forget to get a plan in place with these Philly maternity and new parent support groups.
What should a pregnant person consider when choosing maternity care in Philadelphia?
1.Location: Philly traffic has a reputation. How long will it take to get from home to hospital? Try timed runs to figure out if a particular location is not worth the hassle.
2. Cost: What insurance does the hospital or birthing center accept? Some hospitals offer payment plans. Compare costs between hospitals to determine who best fits your budget.
3. High-risk birth: What happens if an easy pregnancy becomes not so easy? What facilities does a birthing center or hospital have to offer in case of a premature birth?
4. Visitors: Understand the hospital or birthing center visitor policy as you figure out maternity care in Philadelphia. How many people can be part of the birthing process?
Hospitals typically provide the full range of pain management options and medical interventions, while birth centers often focus on natural birthing practices. Consider the practical aspects, such as room types (private vs. shared), costs, and visitor policies when deciding on the right maternity care in Philadelphia.
In Philadelphia’s urban environment, don’t forget to investigate parking availability and costs, as these can significantly impact your experience, especially when family members plan to visit. Make the most of your visits. Browse Philly’s shopping destinations for affordable baby gear, too.
What Are Hospital Quality Indicators?
- Baby-Friendly Designation (🌟): Recognizes exceptional support for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding
- U.S. News High Performing (⭐): Top-tier rating for uncomplicated pregnancy care, based on factors like breast milk feeding rates and newborn complication rates
Philadelphia Maternity Options
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)
Located in University City, HUP specializes in both routine and complex deliveries.
- 🌟 Baby-Friendly Designated (Re-Designated 2020-2025)
Key Features of HUP include:
- Level IV NICU (highest level available) with dedicated maternal-fetal medicine specialists
- Private labor, delivery, and recovery rooms
- Midwifery services available
- Comprehensive breastfeeding support
Pennsylvania Hospital
- 🌟 Baby-Friendly Designated (Re-Designated 2022-2027)
America’s first hospital, located in historic Society Hill. Pennsylvania Hospital has extensive childbirth and parenting classes, available virtually and in person.
Key Features of Pennsylvania Hospital include:
- Level III NICU
- Strong midwifery program
- Water birth options
- Extensive breastfeeding support
Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital
- ⭐ U.S. News High Performing in Maternity Care (2023-24)
Key Features of Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital include:
- Level III NICU
- Family-centered care approach
- Strong commitment to diverse communities
- Comprehensive maternity services
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
111 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, 215-955-6000
Key features of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital include:
- Level III NICU
- Advanced maternal care
- High-risk pregnancy management
- Urban location with good accessibility
Temple University Hospital
Key features of Temple University Hospital include:
- Level III NICU
- Specialized high-risk pregnancy care
- Strong community connections
- Diverse patient population
Notable Maternity Care Options in Greater Philly
Lifecycle Wellness
918 County Line Road, Bryn Mawr, 610-525-6086
The midwives at the freestanding Lifecycle Wellness and Birth Center offer over 40 years of maternity care on the Main Line in their homelike, out-of-hospital facility. The Birth Center at Lifecycle is the first licensed birth center in Pennsylvania and one of the oldest, continually-operating birth centers in the United States.
Note: Lifecycle Wellness is for low-risk pregnancies only, but a hospital transfer plan is in place.
Key Features of Lifecycle Wellness and Birth Center:
- Midwife-led care model
- Comprehensive women’s health services
- Childbirth and parenting education
- Lactation support services
- Waterbirth option
- Mental health services
Explore More Maternity Care Options with our Sister Brands:
What Are Good Questions to Ask During a Philly Maternity Tour?
- What are current C-section rates?
- What birth positions and pain management options are available?
- What is the visitor or support person policy?
- How do room assignments work?
- What happens in case of complications?
What Are the Different NICU Levels?
- Level I: Basic newborn care
- Level II: Special care nursery for moderately ill infants
- Level III: Complex neonatal care, including most critical cases
- Level IV: Highest level of care for the most complex cases
Additional Resources for Philly’s Expecting Parents
Browse the Philly Family Baby Guide, for parenting resources, advice, and relevant tips,
Note: Statistics and rates should be verified with individual hospitals as they change over time. Remember that raw statistics don’t tell the whole story – factors such as whether a hospital handles more high-risk cases can affect their intervention rates.
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