Comparing 3 maternity hospitals in Duluth, MN using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Essentia Health St Mary’S Medical Center
(218) 786-3574
Essentia Health Duluth
(218) 786-2652
St Lukes Hospital
(218) 249-5555
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 Duluth, 3 of 3 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Essentia Health St Mary’S Medical Center, Essentia Health Duluth, St Lukes Hospital.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 3 hospitals in Duluth. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentia Health St Mary’S Medical Center | 4/5 | 2/7 above avg | Yes |
| Essentia Health Duluth | 4/5 | 0/4 above avg | Yes |
| St Lukes Hospital | 3/5 | 0/7 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Duluth
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Duluth:
- 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 Duluth, MN?
There are 3 CMS-certified hospitals in Duluth, MN. Of these, 3 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Duluth for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Duluth is Essentia Health St Mary’S Medical Center 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.
