Not all Hospitals Are Created Equal
Deciding where to give birth is just as important a decision as who your provider is, and dare I say, more important!
In the Columbus Metro area we have a handful of hospital options for labor and delivery care.; Riverside Methodist, Dublin Methodist, Mount Caramel St Anns, OSU Wexner Center and Memorial Hospital. Each is unique and has it’s own reasons for being special. I am not here to argue which is better but as a doula and birth photography that has worked in each recently, I am here to share my thoughts.
Baby Silvia at Dublin Methodist Hospital
Baby Blake at OSU Wexner Center
Baby Theo and Family at Memorial Hospital in Marysville
Baby boy at OSU Wexner Center
Riverside Methodist Hospital - Located in north Columbus between Upper Arlington and Clintonville. Offering 20 Labor and Delivery rooms. This hospital is connected to Ohiohealth and has a Level III NICU unit. They work with Natiowide Children’s Hospital as well for NICU service which is nearby. If you or baby are high risk, this is the hospital for you!
Dublin Methodist Hospital - An Ohiohealth hospital, similar to Riverside, however, located in Dublin off Perimeter Rd. Dublin, is smaller than Riverside offering only 10 labor and delivery rooms and 27 postpartum rooms. The NICU is level II, so depending on the needs your baby could be transferred to another hospital if necessary. If you are low risk and wanting something local to the East side this is hospital is for you!
Mount Caramel St Anns - Located in Westerville, St Anns has 15 labor and delivery beds, a level III NICU and an onsite hospital doula program. You can book a doula straight through the hospital and often times have it work with your insurance as well. They have the option for a tub in your room as well, but you need to discuss this option with your provider prior to arrival. If you are hoping for a doula in your birth and potentially OR this is the hospital for you!
OSU Wexner Center - Located on OSU’s Campus this Level IV maternity Unit is a teaching hospital with a newly built maternity unit. Equipped with the newest technology available, from birthing bars to tubs, and large windows OSU has 16 spacious labor and delivery rooms. OSU has a level !!! NICU that works with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Depending on the time of year, you could have a handful of students handling your care. This hospital is great for both high and low risk births. If you are wanting an autonomous or water birth this is the hospital for you!
Memorial Hospital - Located in Marysvilles off Mani Street. With 13 labor and Delivery beds. This hospital is known for a great L&D nursing team. Memorial doe snot have a NICU, so this is best for low risk, typical births. If you are local to Marysville or the rural areas near by, this hospital is for you!
Whether you are high or low risk, hoping to go medicated or unmedicated, planning for a vaginal or c-section birth or still deciding and doing research, Columbus, Ohio has a hospital to fit you and your family’s needs. Schedule a tour with any of them today and get a better look inside!
Baby girl at Dublin Methodist Hospital
