[Dorlyusa]

Hi Guys,

We just settled down in Bridgeport and need some info on hospitals nearby. Do you or people you know gave birth at the following hospitals? Which one is the best? (epidural preferred)

1. St. Vincent Hospital
2. Bridgeport Hospital
3. Milford Hospital
4. Norwalk Hospital

Thanks a lot!

DD

[Stylo]

Yale New Haven?

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Many people seem to rave about the maternity ward at Griffin in Derby. The rest of the facility is not held in high regard though.

[toddb]

We had our 2 kids @ St. Vincent's (2008 and 2010) - both times the experience was great. The nursing staff was always friendly and helpful, doctors were great. All private rooms, they strongly suggest rooming in with the baby instead of using the nursery (unless you need it).

Several friends have been to Bridgeport, around the same time frame. No major complaints from what I remember. Only real bonus of Bridgeport is that they have a top-notch NICU (neo-natal ICU) which is, I believe, where everyone in the region goes if there is a major problem.

For the most part, though, you don't have a lot of choice. It typically depends where your OB is affiliated.

Feel free to DM me if you have any questions about St. V's.

[JayCT]

I know people that just had children at St. Vincents and were very pleased with the service there (eck I was born there but that was a long time ago in what seems to be a galaxy far far away). I do know others who used Bridgeport Hospital and were satisfied as well. I even know people who had babies at Norwalk and Yale and were satisfied. I will say that if you are having a difficult pregnancy then Yale might be best, but if things are normal, there is no need to go that far. JMHO, Jay

[ct1010]

My husband is a Fairfield doctor, whose practice covers St. V's, so he wanted me to deliver there (knowing staff and such), but my OB only delivers at Bridgeport due to the aforementioned NICU. I ended up at Bport and was fine (was not high risk, no NICU needed).

Because you mentioned the epidural, I should add that I couldn't receive one straightaway (after laboring for 14 hours at home) because there was an emergency trauma case that was (obviously) higher priority than my labor. I eventually did get the epi, but I might not have had to wait if I had been at a hospital without a major trauma center! With the good comes the bad I guess.

I have friends who have delivered at Norwalk and one at Yale and everyone was satisfied. Agree that it really comes down to where your doc covers.

[Dorlyusa]

Thanks everyone for your input! I found an OBGYN I like but she's affiliated with St. Raphael Hospital in New Haven. Anyone heard about St. Raphael Hospital?

Thanks,
DD

[JayCT]

St. Raphael's is a good hospital but it is kind of far from Fairfield. When DW had our second child, we barely made to Hartford Hospital and it is only 7 miles from our house, most of which are highway. St. Raphael's is about 25 miles from Fairfield and there is a chance you could be doing that trip in traffic. Jay

[Dorlyusa]

Thanks a lot, JayCT!

[Stylo]

Traffic from Fairfield into Bridgeport can get slow, but not too bad. It's going into New Haven that's a problem. 95 going into New Haven gets backed up starting in Orange very often due to all the construction on the new interchange and bridge.

Maybe this will help: Hospitals near Fairfield, CT - US News Best Hospitals

Yale is undoubtedly the best in the state and one of the best in the nation, but not necessary IMO unless there's very specific needs.