Comparing 5 maternity hospitals in New Orleans, LA using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Ochsner Medical Center Acute
(504) 842-3000
Touro Infirmary
(504) 897-8247
University Medical Center New Orleans
(504) 702-3000
St Charles Surgical Hospital
(504) 529-6600
New Orleans East Hospital
(504) 592-6600
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 New Orleans, 2 of 5 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Ochsner Medical Center Acute, Touro Infirmary.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 5 hospitals in New Orleans. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ochsner Medical Center Acute | 4/5 | 3/8 above avg | Yes |
| Touro Infirmary | 3/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| University Medical Center New Orleans | 2/5 | 2/6 above avg | No |
| St Charles Surgical Hospital | Not rated | N/A | No |
| New Orleans East Hospital | Not rated | 0/2 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in New Orleans
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in New Orleans:
- 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 New Orleans, LA?
There are 5 CMS-certified hospitals in New Orleans, LA. Of these, 2 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in New Orleans for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in New Orleans is Ochsner Medical Center Acute 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.
