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Maryland

Pregnancy, birth and the first year in Maryland, in 14 topics: from who runs maternal and child health to what happens at your newborn's screening.

Birthing Choices: Birth Settings

In Maryland, expectant families have access to a variety of birthing options tailored to their preferences and medical needs. The primary settings include:

Hospitals

Hospitals across Maryland provide family-centered maternity care, featuring private rooms designed for labor, delivery, and recovery. Many hospitals offer amenities such as hydrotherapy tubs, lactation consultants, childbirth classes, and various pain management options to support a comfortable birthing experience.

Birth Centers

Freestanding birth centers are legalized in Maryland and they and offer a comfortable, low-intervention setting for childbirth, typically staffed by experienced and certified nurse-midwives. These centers provide a homelike environment for families seeking a natural birth experience and offer personalized prenatal and postpartum care. To find a birth center in Maryland

Home Births

For families preferring a private and familiar setting, licensed midwives in Maryland offer home birth services, providing personalized care throughout the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods. Home births are supported by certified professionals trained in managing low-risk pregnancies and ensuring safety. To find midwives in Maryland, click here

When considering your childbirth options in Maryland, it's important to consult with healthcare providers to determine the best and safest choice based on your individual health circumstances and preferences. Each setting offers unique benefits, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your birthing goals.

Looking for an organization near you in Maryland?

Hospitals, birth centers, doulas, WIC clinics, milk banks and more are listed by county. Enter a ZIP code or city to see yours.