Comparing 3 maternity hospitals in Oakland, CA using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
(510) 655-4000
Kaiser Foundation Hospital – Oakland/Richmond
(510) 752-1000
Highland Hospital
(510) 437-4800
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 Oakland, 2 of 3 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Kaiser Foundation Hospital – Oakland/Richmond, Highland Hospital.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 3 hospitals in Oakland. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | 5/5 | 4/7 above avg | No |
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital – Oakland/Richmond | 2/5 | 1/6 above avg | Yes |
| Highland Hospital | 1/5 | 0/6 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Oakland
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Oakland:
- 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 Oakland, CA?
There are 3 CMS-certified hospitals in Oakland, CA. Of these, 2 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Oakland for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Oakland is Alta Bates Summit Medical Center with a CMS rating of 5/5.
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.
