Comparing 5 maternity hospitals in Bakersfield, CA using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Mercy Hospital
(661) 632-5000
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
(661) 327-1792
Kern Medical Center
(661) 326-2000
Adventist Health Bakersfield
(661) 395-3000
Good Samaritan Hospital
(661) 215-7500
What Is a Birthing-Friendly Hospital?
The CMS Birthing-Friendly designation recognizes hospitals that have implemented best practices for maternity care, including reducing C-section rates for low-risk births and promoting evidence-based care during labor and delivery.
In Bakersfield, 4 of 5 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Kern Medical Center, Adventist Health Bakersfield.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 5 hospitals in Bakersfield. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy Hospital | 3/5 | 2/7 above avg | Yes |
| Bakersfield Memorial Hospital | 2/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| Kern Medical Center | 2/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| Adventist Health Bakersfield | 1/5 | 1/6 above avg | Yes |
| Good Samaritan Hospital | Not rated | 0/2 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Bakersfield
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Bakersfield:
- What is the hospital’s C-section rate for low-risk births?
- Does the hospital have a NICU, and what level of neonatal care is available?
- What are the hospital’s policies on birth plans, doulas, and support persons?
- Is the hospital designated as CMS Birthing-Friendly?
- What pain management options are available (epidurals, nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy)?
- What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in labor and delivery?
- Does the hospital offer lactation support and skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in Bakersfield, CA?
There are 5 CMS-certified hospitals in Bakersfield, CA. Of these, 4 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Bakersfield for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Bakersfield is Mercy Hospital with a CMS rating of 3/5. It also holds the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What does Birthing-Friendly mean?
The Birthing-Friendly designation is awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hospitals that meet quality benchmarks for maternity care, including lower C-section rates and better birth outcomes.
