Are You Preparing to Give Birth in the Fresno, CA Area?
Welcoming a new life is an incredible journey, and choosing the right place to give birth is essential for both you and your baby. Here’s a guide to some of the best-rated hospitals in Fresno, CA and throughout the Central Valley.
A Little Background
I am a mother of 6, and over the past 15.5 years I have given birth at 3 different hospitals in the Central Valley and experienced a homebirth. Although things have changed significantly, since I gave birth to my oldest child, I am passionate about helping women learn that not every hospital is the same, and that they should definitely research not only their OB, but also the facility they plan to give birth in.
Did You Know?
A hospital's C-Section rate for low-risk deliveries for first-time moms should be below 23.6%? This is important to note that if your hospital's C-section rate is higher than the recommended, you will have a higher likelihood of having a c-section for your first birth than if you choose a hospital with a lower rate. You should openly discuss this with your doctor if you are hoping for a vaginal delivery.
Hospitals in Fresno, CA & Surrounding Areas C-Section Rates
As you can see from this graphic, as of February 5, 2025, Adventist Health Reedley & Hanford have the best rates for c-sections, followed my Community Regional Medical Center.
Episiotomy Ratings for Fresno Hospitals
What is an Episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making a small incision in the perineum—the area between the vaginal opening and the anus—during childbirth. This procedure is performed to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate delivery, especially when:
- The baby is in distress and needs to be delivered quickly.
- The baby is large or in a difficult position.
- The mother has certain medical conditions that may complicate a natural delivery.
Key Points:
- Purpose: To prevent severe tearing of the perineum and to assist in a smoother delivery.
- Procedure: Typically performed just before the baby's head emerges, using local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
- Recovery: Healing usually takes a few weeks, and proper care is essential to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Leapfrog.org suggests that episiotomies should happen in less than 5% of births.
Considerations:
While episiotomies were once common, many healthcare providers now prefer to allow natural tearing, as it often heals better. Discussing your birth plan with your healthcare provider can help you understand the potential need for an episiotomy and what to expect.
The Top Four Hospitals for Birth in Fresno, California
Below are the Top 4 Hospitals in and around the Fresno, California area. To compile this list, I not only took into account c-section and episiotomy rates, but also if the hospital met the standards for screening newborns for jaundice, preventing blood clots in women that had a cesarean, and protecting women & newborns from early elective deliveries. I also thought it was important that the hospital had breastfeeding/lactation services on-site to help new mothers and were supportive of mothers that were hoping for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).
The Top 3 Hospitals also permit doulas and/or certified nurse midwives to attend your birth.
1. Adventist Health - Hanford
Known for its commitment to maternal health, Adventist Health Hanford offers a supportive environment for childbirth. They maintain favorable C-section (which has improved significantly year after year) and episiotomy rates and provide options for VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).
2. Adventist Health - Reedley
This hospital prioritizes personalized care for mothers and babies. With a focus on natural birth practices and lower intervention rates, Adventist Health Reedley is an excellent choice for those seeking a more holistic birthing experience.
3. Community Regional Medical Center
As one of the leading hospitals in the area, Community Regional is equipped with advanced facilities and a dedicated maternity team. They support various birthing options, including VBACs, while maintaining a focus on minimizing unnecessary interventions. CRMC is the best option for you if you have a high-risk delivery.
Personally, I had my youngest baby here, as he was born at 35.5 weeks gestation and they had a great team for pediatrics ready if we needed them - thankfully all went well and our son didn't need the team.
4. Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Fresno
Kaiser Foundation Hospital is recognized for its comprehensive maternity care. They emphasize patient education and personalized birth plans, along with favorable statistics for C-sections and episiotomies, making it a strong option for expectant parents.
When considering where to give birth, it’s essential to choose a facility that aligns with your values and priorities. Each of these hospitals in Fresno offers a unique approach to maternity care, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for your journey into parenthood.
