Comparing 8 maternity hospitals in Boston, MA using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Massachusetts General Hospital
(617) 726-2000
Brigham And Women’S Hospital
(617) 732-5500
New England Baptist Hospital
(617) 754-5800
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
(617) 667-7000
Boston Medical Center
(617) 638-8000
Tufts Medical Center
(617) 636-5000
Carney Hospital
(617) 506-2000
Massachusetts Eye And Ear Infirmary –
(617) 523-7900
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 Boston, 5 of 8 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham And Women’S Hospital, Tufts Medical Center.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 8 hospitals in Boston. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts General Hospital | 5/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Brigham And Women’S Hospital | 5/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| New England Baptist Hospital | 5/5 | 1/3 above avg | No |
| Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | 4/5 | 3/8 above avg | Yes |
| Boston Medical Center | 3/5 | 2/8 above avg | Yes |
| Tufts Medical Center | 3/5 | 0/7 above avg | Yes |
| Carney Hospital | Not rated | N/A | No |
| Massachusetts Eye And Ear Infirmary – | Not rated | 0/2 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Boston
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Boston:
- 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 59 hospitals in Massachusetts
Related Resources
View all 59 hospitals in Massachusetts
3 hospitals compared
See average daycare prices and affordability data
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in Boston, MA?
There are 8 CMS-certified hospitals in Boston, MA. Of these, 5 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Boston for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Boston is Massachusetts General 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.
