which DC hospital is better to deliver at? (home, transfer)

[Deelite178]

WHich DC hospital is better to deliver a premature baby at? We are new to the area and I know some hospitals are better than others, which hospitals offer the best care, if our child is born premature? I have looked at the websites, but there is limited information on them. Anyone have experience with this?

[Moth]

My boy was born at Sibley and I have nothing but great things to say about the maternity department.

[SectumSempra]

GWU is probably the main one most people would recommend. I heard Sibley was good too but I don't know anything about that hospital. There's also Holy Cross in Silver Spring (right outside of DC)

[Kensington]

I've had 2 children at Sibley and had good experiences with both. My OB/GYN practice does high risk deliveries at Georgetown Hospital.

[DC resident]

My wife recently delivered high risk premature twins delivered at G'town. If the babies are premature and will require a stat in the NICU the only two hospitals in DC with level 4 (the highest rated) NICU's are G'town and Children's. I have nothing but great things to say about g'town and our boys were in the NICU there for 2 months. I understand that if you have premature babies delivered at Sibley or GW and the babies need to be admitted to the NICU because of their prematurity they will transport the baby to G'town or Childrens depending on space available and you will have to stay where you are until discharge (something to think about if there is any chance they will require admittance to the NICU). We saw many babies that were transported to G'town while we were there. Mostly coming from Sibley. Sibley is supposedly a good hopital but not for premature babies. From what I hear GW would be at the bottom of the list. Hands down G'town is the best in the area because of its NICU, then Childrens. G'town and Childrens each are known for certain specialties but I still believe G'town wins out.

and again the nurses and docs at the G'town NICU were awesome. I really can't say enough about our stay at G'town. There were many ups and downs and they went above and beyond to help us to where we are now, with two healthy boys at home with us. Best of luck

[Moth]

DCResident is correct about Gtown specializing in high risk. I myself was born there although I was not a risk.

[PenguinSix]

You can have your baby at any of the hospitals, but if there is a complication they will likely transfer you to the NICU at Gtown or Childrens anyway, so you might want to consider going there in the first place. The only rub against Gtown is that is a teaching hospital so you might have a few students tromp through your delivery.

[Deelite178]

Thank you for all your help. I think by the sound of it, I will look to deliver at Georgetown, and look for a OB/GYN that has rights to that hospital.
Thanks again!