Comparing 6 maternity hospitals in Washington, DC using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
(202) 784-3000
Sibley Memorial Hospital
(202) 537-4680
Medstar Washington Hospital Center
(202) 877-7000
United Medical Center
(202) 574-6000
George Washington Univ Hospital
(202) 716-4605
Howard University Hospital Corp
(202) 745-6100
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 Washington, 5 of 6 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: George Washington Univ Hospital, Howard University Hospital Corp, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Medstar Washington Hospital Center.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 6 hospitals in Washington. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medstar Washington Hospital Center | 3/5 | 4/8 above avg | Yes |
| Medstar Georgetown University Hospital | 3/5 | 2/7 above avg | Yes |
| Sibley Memorial Hospital | 3/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| United Medical Center | 2/5 | 0/4 above avg | No |
| George Washington Univ Hospital | 1/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
| Howard University Hospital Corp | 1/5 | 0/6 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Washington
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Washington:
- 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 6 hospitals in District of Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in Washington, DC?
There are 6 CMS-certified hospitals in Washington, DC. Of these, 5 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Washington for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Washington is Medstar Georgetown University 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.
