Comparing 4 maternity hospitals in Buffalo, NY using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Kaleida Health
(716) 859-8620
Sisters Of Charity Hospital
(716) 862-1000
Mercy Hospital Of Buffalo
(716) 826-7000
Erie County Medical Center
(716) 898-3936
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 Buffalo, 3 of 4 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Kaleida Health, Sisters Of Charity Hospital, Mercy Hospital Of Buffalo.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 4 hospitals in Buffalo. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaleida Health | 3/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Sisters Of Charity Hospital | 3/5 | 2/7 above avg | Yes |
| Mercy Hospital Of Buffalo | 2/5 | 3/6 above avg | Yes |
| Erie County Medical Center | 2/5 | 2/7 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Buffalo
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Buffalo:
- 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?
Search all 151 hospitals in New York
Related Resources
View all 151 hospitals in New York
11 hospitals compared
9 hospitals compared
5 hospitals compared
See average daycare prices and affordability data
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in Buffalo, NY?
There are 4 CMS-certified hospitals in Buffalo, NY. Of these, 3 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Buffalo for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Buffalo is Kaleida Health 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.
