Comparing 3 maternity hospitals in Durham, NC using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Duke University Hospital
(919) 684-8111
Duke Regional Hospital
(919) 470-4000
North Carolina Specialty Hospital
(919) 956-9300
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 Durham, 2 of 3 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 3 hospitals in Durham. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University Hospital | 5/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Duke Regional Hospital | 4/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
| North Carolina Specialty Hospital | Not rated | 0/2 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Durham
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Durham:
- 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 Durham, NC?
There are 3 CMS-certified hospitals in Durham, NC. Of these, 2 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Durham for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Durham is Duke University Hospital with a CMS rating of 5/5. 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.
