Comparing 3 maternity hospitals in Madison, WI using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Ssm Health St Mary’S Hospital – Madison
(608) 251-6100
Unitypoint Health – Meriter
(608) 417-6210
University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority
(608) 263-6400
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 Madison, 2 of 3 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Ssm Health St Mary’S Hospital – Madison, Unitypoint Health – Meriter.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 3 hospitals in Madison. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ssm Health St Mary’S Hospital – Madison | 4/5 | 3/8 above avg | Yes |
| University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority | 4/5 | 3/8 above avg | No |
| Unitypoint Health – Meriter | 4/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Madison
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Madison:
- 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 Madison, WI?
There are 3 CMS-certified hospitals in Madison, WI. Of these, 2 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Madison for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Madison is Ssm Health St Mary’S Hospital – Madison with a CMS rating of 4/5. 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.
